Most of Michigan's forests regenerate naturally after cutting takes place. Foresters know how to encourage different species to regenerate by using different cutting methods. Northern hardwoods (like maple and beech) can be regenerated using partial cutting methods. Some species, like aspen, don't regenerate well unless the old forest is clearcut. Other species, like jack pine, require fire to burn the old forest before they will regenerate naturally. You may have seen the large area of young jack pine on Whitefish Hill east of Rapid River that has regenerated since the fire in 1988.  Foresters plant trees in areas where the desired species is not already present OR when that species is particularly hard to regenerate using natural means. These species include oaks, pines, larches, and spruces. Planting trees is expensive and so it must be done carefully to ensure success.