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Privately owned forests contribute many benefits to our society. Two of the most important benefits are the jobs and income they provide for
numerous members of our society, and also the habitat they provide for numerous species of fish and wildlife. Since many of the private
forestlands in the west are at lower elevations, they are also very important as winter range habitat for big game. The availability of
quality forage in the winter months is one of the greatest limiting factors of wildlife populations. By providing more winter forage we can
increase carrying capacity for wildlife, livestock, or both.
Private forests are owned by a wide variety of individuals and corporations with many different management interests. However, many landowners today
share the common goal of deriving income from their timber, as well as providing quality habitat for wildlife. Some desire quality habitat
simply for the wildlife’s sake, others know that improved habitat means more game animals and bigger antlers, which means better hunting. Better hunting
usually equals higher income for outfitters and guides.
This article describes some techniques, which can be used by private landowners interested in managingtheir property for better timber production, and better wildlife habitat.
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When landowners are interested in managing their property for timber and wildlife on a long-term basis, one of the greatest tools they can have is a
Forest Management Plan. First of all, a Forest Management Plan will identify the goals of the landowner, and will describe the resources available on the
property. Then the plan will discuss how the resources such as timber, elk, deer, fish, water, etc. will be managed through time to meet the landowners
goals. The beauty of these plans is that they frequently identify problems and opportunities, which can be managed to produce more income and improved
habitat. With an approved Forest Management Plan in place, and sometimes without, a landowner has the ability to apply for cost share money to pay for activities which enhance forests and wildlife habitat, such as tree planting, grass seeding, control of undesireable vegetation, prescribed burning, stream enhancement, etc. These funds are available through various private, state and federal programs. Public agencies such as the Farm Service Agency, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service and state Fish & Wildlife departments administer the various public programs. A small sample of private conservation organizations which have cost share programs are the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation and Trout Unlimited. It is important to note that these cost share programs come and go according to the funding a particular organization has, so it is important to check with as many sources as possible when seeking cost share money. Wildlife has four basic requirements, which need to be addressed when managing forests: food, water, cover, and space. The following management techniques can be used by landowners to improve wildlife habitat on their property regardless of the size of their land. |
Leaving scattered large trees in a clearcut area provides a source of future snags, downed logs, nesting sites, and a small amount of cover. The
aesthetics of this is appealing to many people as well. Leaving widely scattered, very small brush clumps in clearcut areas is beneficial to many species
also. For example, in western Oregon and Washington, Roosevelt elk and ruffed grouse utilize vine maple clumps extensively in the winter months. The
clumps provide forage and hiding cover. Creating ponds where roads cross very small streams creates more riparian habitat, and increases water availability for wildlife. The ponds also provide a source of water for water trucks in the event of a wildfire. Maintaining riparian zones along streams is extremely important for wildlife. Riparian areas support a variety of plant life that is critical to many species, and does not grow on upland areas. Most states allow limited timber harvesting in riparian zones. When trees are harvested it is important to fell the trees away from the stream and out of the riparian zone. This technique minimizes disturbance to plant life in the area. |
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Author:
Tony Pranger
Professional Forester