Forests filter pollutants from ambient air. A growing forest typically uses almost 1.5 pounds of carbon dioxide for every pound of wood it produces. At the same time it also produces a pound of oxygen. Forests protect watersheds from erosion and degradation, filter runoff and ground water recharge, and shade streams and lakes. They enhance the quality of Michigan's 36,350 miles of rivers and streams, its 1,194 square miles of inland lakes and its drinking water.
Forests help conserve many natural resources.
Threatened, endangered, or animals of special concern like the bald eagle, Kirtland's warbler, moose, pine marten, and fisher, along with many rare plants, are found within Michigan forests, especially in wetlands. Some of our forests also serve as biological reserves to protect diverse habitats and genetic material. Michigan forests provide habitat for wildlife, including the state's estimated 1.5 million deer and watershed protection for its inland fishery. In 1991, 1.7 million Michigan residents fished or hunted and 3.2 million residents participated in other wildlife related recreation. Michigan has 6.3 million acres of state and federal recreation lands.