Courtesy Photo On Wednesday, Alpena County crews are seen running brush and tree debris through a woodchipper. According to Alpena County, community members may take brush and tree debris to the county collection site, which is located off Airport Road. This service will be available today from noon till 6 p.m.

ALPENA — It has been nearly two and a half weeks since northern Michigan experienced an unprecedented ice storm that left thousands without power. With broken trees and downed power lines still scattered around the counties, cleanup is underway.

According to Kathleen Lavey, communications specialist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) forestry division, teams of DNR personnel are currently assessing forest damage by foot and by air.

Currently, Lavey said the total area affected by the ice storm is approximately 920,000 acres and 3,260 miles of state roads. Lavey explained that because trees are under a lot of stress from ice storm damage, these trees can easily become sick and die.

To clean up the damage, Lavey said that the DNR is still strategizing as to how they should approach the issue.

“Plans are in the very early stages,” Lavey said.

Though still in early planning stages, Lavey said that mitigating tree mortality is one of the DNR’s priorities. To do this, the DNR is planning recovery efforts for state-managed sites.

“Salvage is something the teams are looking at,” Lavey said. “Salvage has to happen quickly.”

Lavey explained that the DNR will sell the salvaged timber, and the proceeds will help fund the forestry division. Lavey said that selling timber is a common funding source for the DNR.

As spring approaches, Lavey said the DNR understands some residents want to begin turkey or mushroom hunting. However, she explained that people must be aware while venturing into wooded areas.

According to a recent DNR press release, public lands are still open for turkey hunting in Michigan, but some state parks remain temporarily closed. All DNR trails in affected counties will remain closed until debris is cleared.

For private landowners, there may be a Farm Service Agency (FSA) restoration program available soon to help with cleanup.

According to the FSA, a division of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Emergency Forest Restoration Program provides payments to eligible landowners to restore land damaged by a natural disaster. However, eligible landowners won’t be able to apply for this program until it is made available to affected areas in the state.

Christina Salenbien, FSA acting state executive director, and Kelly Losey, FSA agricultural program specialist, both said that the FSA is working on getting the program available to private landowners.

“We are in the process of requesting implementation, and a press release will be forthcoming when we have been approved for signup,” Losey said.

Salenbien explained that the program is dedicated to emergency situations and requires thorough damage assessments and compliance with environmental regulations.

“Emergency action is what this program is set up for,” Salenbien said.

Land must be considered a nonindustrial private forest to meet eligibility requirements, according to the FSA.

Losey explained that a nonindustrial private forest is considered a rural forest with existing tree cover or is suitable for growing trees. It should be at least 120 feet wide, one acre in size, and 10% covered by living trees.

Individuals can receive up to 75% of the cost to restore their land, but payments are limited to 500,000 per person, per disaster, according to the FSA.

Salenbien noted that landowners should not prematurely begin restoration projects until the FSA has completed all its required assessments.

According to Losey, once landowners are cleared to begin restoration on their land, the FSA will cover the following types of cleanup:

— Debris removal

— Replanting preparation, materials, and labor

— Restoration of forestland roads, fire lanes, fuel breaks, or erosion control structures

— Fencing, tree shelters, and tree tubes to protect trees from wildlife damage

— Wildlife habitat enhancement

Landowners interested in the program should contact the local FSA office located on M-32. Application sign-up dates will be announced by the FSA when and if affected counties get approval for the program.

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.