The Department of Agriculture and Forestry has released Harvest Choices for Island Forests, the second publication in the popular Woodland Notes series. This issue explores the three most common harvest methods, clearcutting, selection cutting, and strip/patch cutting, and where each one can be applied in a typical Island woodlot.
"Harvesting a section of forest can be profitable for the owner and good for the woodlot, but any harvest system should be compatible with forest conditions and the objectives of the land owner," said Brian Brown, Private Land Program Manager. "This publication explores the rationale and methodology for each system, and reviews some of the key elements land owners should understand before they choose the right harvest systems for their forest."
In many cases, Island forests are harvested using the clearcut system because it is simple and provides the greatest immediate economic return. However, all too often this type of harvest is done without any real thought for the long-term health, diversity, or productivity of the forest. "While clearcutting is a good choice for some forest types, particularly if it is designed to mimic natural disturbances such as fire or insect outbreaks, there are other options which land owners should consider before the harvest," stated Brown. "This brochure identifies, in general terms, which stands and tree species are suited to which method, what benefits and challenges each choice affords, and what short and long-term benefits each system provides to the owner and the forest land."
For instance, the Selection Cut system is best suited to mixed or hardwood forests which contain shade tolerant and windfirm species such as sugar maple, yellow birch, hemlock, white pine, and quality (disease free) beech. These forest types rely on small-scale disturbances such as wind, insects, and disease to remove groups of old trees and create growing space for young seedlings. On the other hand, the Patch or Strip Cut system is better suited to Island forest types with a high percentage of black spruce, red spruce, balsam fir, white pine and yellow birch or mixed hardwoods.
Brown said that, before woodlot owners undertake any harvest or management operation, they should begin by first taking stock of their forest land and then developing a forestry plan. This plan should identify the different stands found on the woodlot, suggest appropriate treatments, plan for wildlife habitat and biodiversity, and provide a schedule of treatments over a period of several years.
Harvest Choices for Island Forests is the second publication in the Woodland Notes series and builds on the success of volume #1, Selling Wood From Your Land: What you Should Know - What you Should Consider. These publications have been developed to provide Island land owners with basic information on their forest management and harvest options to help them make informed choices. They are available free of charge at any forestry office.
In addition to the Woodland Notes series, the Department of Agriculture and Forestry has a number of forest management assistance programs for Island land owners. As well, staff from the Private Land program are planning spring workshops to demonstrate the three basic harvest systems and where they can best be applied.
For information on land owner assistance programs, spring tours, or a copy of the Woodland Notes publications, contact your local forestry district office.