Aerial view of forest opening maintenance project on the Huron-Manistee National Forest, Michigan, USA

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A forest opening is a grassy field dominated by herbaceous plants. Openings are important because they provide edge, produce important foods during critical times of the year, and are used for nesting and bedding areas. Openings provide a nutritious, high protein source of food, especially in the early spring and late fall when other foods are limited. Openings are typically constructed or maintained where white-tailed deer management is a goal. However, over 150 wildlife species use openings at some point during their lives, including black bear, moose, ruffed grouse, woodcock and wild turkey. Photography by Jeffrey Wickett, NorthLight Photography llc, http://www. northlightlc. com/

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Size: 4256px × 2831px
Location: Wexford county, Michigan, USA
Photo credit: © Jeffrey Wickett / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: aerial, america, birds, cadillac, county, district, eye, forest, habitat, huron-manistee, improvement, michigan, midwest, national, north, opening, people, ranger, service, states, trees, united, usa, usda, view, wexford, wildlife