The endangered Kirtland's Warbler is a songbird that nests only in this area of Michigan and migrates to wintering grounds in the Bahamas. It nests only in young jack pine forests on sandy soils, with adequate nesting areas consisting of approximately 320 acres or larger. To create and maintain this habitat, management areas are usually burned to reduce residues left from logging and then densely planted with jack pine seedlings, at about 1250 seedlings per acre. Kirtland's Warblers begin nesting when the trees reach about 5 feet high, or about seven years old, nesting on the ground along the edges of small openings. They continue to use the area until needles on the lower branches begin dropping off, usually when the trees reach 16 to 20 feet in height, or about 20 years old. After the trees reach about 50 years old and the warblers have stopped nesting there, the area is harvested again, and repeating this cycle provides a continuous supply of nesting habitat. These areas also provide important habitat for species including Upland Sandpipers, Bluebirds, Kestrels, Snowshoe Hares, and Whitetail Deer. Managing this habitat is a combined effort of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Michigan Audubon Society.