The Ottawa National Forest in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan covers nearly one million acres, with more than 500 lakes and nearly 2,000 miles of rivers and streams flowing into Lake Superior.
As stewardship coordinator with the U.S. Forest Service, Craig Carlson, headquartered in Ironwood, ensures conservation of and sustainable practices within the forest.
“The conservation of wild places is essential. The uninhibited vegetative growth patterns of these locations can be studied and provide wildlife refuge. A well-thought-out forestry management plan will provide wild places and suitable habitat for species, along with providing the resources our communities need,” said Carlson, a 2018 P.S.M. conservation biology alum.
Interacting with partner organizations and coworkers enlightens Carlson to the vast scope of work that is needed – from programs that provide temporary habitat for various species to dam removal and stream restoration, pollinator plant germination, planting and more.
Carlson reviews project specifications and ensures they align with the stewardship authority and works with external partners to achieve landscape restoration. He ensures programs run smoothly and within the limitations of the authority for contracts, following individual timelines for simultaneous projects, each needing a detailed review while meeting the scope and scale requirements.
“Lumber is necessary to sustain our way of living and is a large economic driver of this area. I hope I make a difference through providing restoration to the forest and wildlife after timber harvests. Stewardship helps to remove nonnative invasive plants and replant species or prepare the area for natural regeneration after a timber harvest,” he added.
Carlson hopes to add to his positive impact on future generations with the uplifting message in his book “Look Ahead Moon,” a story about appreciating the gifts we each have.
“The P.S.M. conservation biology program allowed schedule flexibility and a diverse catalog of courses, from aquatic sustainability to wildlife management. If you have an interest in natural resources, there is a path through this program to meet your future professional goals,” said Carlson, who completed his internship as a biological science technician with the Bureau of Land Management, in Vernal, Utah.
He performed survey work there and collected data for his thesis, which focused on lead uptake in scavenging raptors, including the golden eagle, said biology Professor and P.S.M. Program Director Mike Bessert.
“Craig had a military background in the Air Force. He is one of many military students that we have served. He was an excellent student with a diverse skill set, and he’s passionate about his position with the U.S. Forest Service,” Bessert added.
