I’m heading off to the UP later today to visit our study area for the first time. I’m looking forward to actually seeing place we’re going to be modelling and to get a better intuitive understanding about how the system works and what the issues are. Whilst I’m up there I plan on helping out with some ongoing MSU Northern Hardwood seedling experiments and meeting with people involved in the use and management of the region at organisations such as Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources, the Hiawatha National Forest, The Nature Conservancy, and the Hannahville Indian Community. I’ll be offline whilst I’m away – I’ll let you know how it went when I’m back.