Michigan DNR Offers Fast Sale Opportunity for Duck Lake Fire Area Timber
OutdoorHub 06.14.12
Due to the recent Duck Lake wildfire north of Newberry in Luce County, the Department of Natural Resources plans to conduct large-scale salvage operations to harvest portions of the state-managed forest damaged by the fire. Because of the special circumstances (the potential for bug infestation in the trees that are left) that require a fast sale, potential bidders will have just one week in which to visit the sale sites and submit their bids.
Salvage sales will generally fall into two different categories: 1) Red pine salvage between County Road 500 and the Little Two-Hearted River, and 2) Jack pine salvage west of the Little Two-Hearted River. These options may be updated as preparation crews begin a more in-depth assessment of the fire.
Current plans include sale preparations (during the week of June 11), with the intent of mailing out timber sale prospectuses by Friday, June 15. The DNR’s regular timber sale notification system will be used, so potential bidders will be notified either by e-mail or regular mail (depending on their selected form of notification).
On Thursday, June 21, the DNR will offer a tour of the sale areas. Interested parties may meet at 9 a.m. at the DNR’s Newberry field office, 5666 State Highway M-123. The tour will help regulate traffic in the area, since fire suppression efforts are ongoing. However, participation in the tour is not required in order to bid on any of the salvage sales.
The timber sale bid opening is set for Friday, June 22, at 10 a.m., at the Newberry field office.
Successful bidders who currently own another state timber sale they had planned to harvest this summer may apply for a free, one-year extension on that sale.
As assessment of the fire area continues, the DNR will prepare additional sales. It is also expected that the DNR will be able to offer a short time for prospective bidders to review the sale area and submit their bids. DNR staff is working to quickly prepare and sell the timber before its condition further deteriorates.
Questions about the timber sales should be directed to Keith Magnusson, manager of the Newberry Forest Management Unit, at 906-293-3293, ext. 4740.
