On the Ground: Storm Damage Relief in Oscoda County

Olivia Triltsch • August 14, 2025

On Saturday, August 9, 2025, MUCC's On the Ground program partnered with the Michigan DNR Wildlife Division and the Ruffed Grouse Society for a trail clearing project at the Grayling Forest Management Unit in Oscoda County. Since the ice storm in March of this year, hundreds of homeowners, state employees, and volunteers have contributed to clearing debris across several counties. Due to the damage from the ice, several areas of state land have had either restricted access or remained inaccessible due to the lack of time among other duties of the Michigan DNR. Based on the extent of the damage, volunteers willing to provide aid play a key role in creating the opportunity for land managers to optimize land use in creating wildlife habitat. 

Clearing a Path to Success

After checking in and debriefing with details of the site, 30 volunteers coming from as far as Ohio, got to work alongside DNR staff to remove downed woody debris from the trail. This area had been previously inaccessible due to the ice storm damage earlier this year. As the DNR team worked their way down the trail to cut the debris into more manageable and safe pieces, volunteers followed in their wake to remove the brush off the trail and create brush piles, which can be used to create habitat for small mammals like rabbits. This project will enhance accessibility for land managers to adequately manage the land for wildlife in the area, including species like grouse. In total, volunteers directly improved 3.1 acres of wildlife habitat through this project. 

Why is it Important?

Although the late-March 2025 ice storm was an unexpected and severe blow to northern Michigan, its effects were deeply felt, not just by people, but by wildlife, too. In the wake of widespread power outages and downed trees, Michiganders across the state sprang into action to help communities recover. From restoring electricity to clearing residential areas and state parks ahead of the camping season, teamwork and local resolve helped drive economic resilience and support for recreational infrastructure. 


Yet despite that progress, many wildlife-access trails remain dangerous or blocked by lingering debris, with branches at risk of falling and invasive hazards still present. Fortunately, volunteer-driven efforts, like those organized by MUCC’s On the Ground program, play a critical role in filling this gap. This past weekend, 30 dedicated volunteers cleared debris from access trails and wildlife openings that would have taken months for the few local DNR staff to accomplish alone. This kind of volunteer engagement not only expedites habitat recovery, but it also empowers land managers to focus on future habitat projects and ensures that conservation funding, including hunter dollars, is put to the best use. 

Learn More

Want to help improve fish and wildlife habitat in your area? Visit our website at mucc.org/on-the-ground for a list of upcoming projects. Our mission is to conserve and enhance Michigan’s public lands and wildlife through volunteer stewardship. We invite both consumptive and non-consumptive users to band together and improve fish and wildlife habitat across the state. Common habitat projects we complete include native plantings, invasive species removal, brush pile building, river cleanups, and more. Our projects are built for all ages, so bring your friends and family and come join us! Registered volunteers receive lunch and a free appreciation gift for their efforts. Registration links with more event details can be found on our website. 

 

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