silviculture: how do i get my woods to do what i want?
Post on 02-Jan-2016
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Silviculture:How do I get my woods to do
what I want?
Peter J. SmallidgeNYS Extension Forester & Director, Arnot
Teaching and Research Forest
www.ForestConnect.info
Outline
• What is silviculture?
• Applying silviculture on your property– The landowner’s objective– The landowner’s responsibility
• Examples of silvicultural practices
• What silviculture is not
What is Silviculture
• Silvi = Culture =• The (art and) science of controlling the
Establishment, Composition, Growth, and Quality of forest stands to achieve the objectives of ownership.
• Ownership objectives are within a context of sustainability…..otherwise it’s exploitation
Your Responsibilities
• Know and discuss your objectives
• Develop and follow your plan
• Educate yourself• Work with competent
foresters and loggers
Getting from Point A to Point B
Current Stand
Condition
Desired Stand
Condition
•Planting
•Pruning
•Herbicides
•Prescribed fire
•Thinning
•Forest stand improvement
•Road work
•Regeneration Harvests
BA
Even- vs. Uneven-agedEven-aged Systems
(stand level)
Uneven-aged Systems
(stand level)
Scale of Activity Stand wide Patchy, within stand
Frequency of Activity
Variable, 30 – 60 years
Regular, 12 – 15 years
Age and size class diversity
Low at a given point in time at stand level
High at all times
Species Diversity High, and changes depending on time
since harvest
Low, constant
The non-negative consequences
• Increased “wildlife” trees • Site productivity (soils) not
necessarily affected• Still “green”
What are the Ecosystem Consequences of High-Grading?
Negative Consequences to the Ecosystem
• Reduced diversity• Reduced food sources• Reduced $ value per acre• Increased disease & insect,
risk to storm damage• Reduced volume, stocking,
and quality• Slower growth• Extended time to next harvest
of equal volume• Future options constrained
Your Next Steps
• Review your objectives• Join forest land owner association• Continue to educate yourself• Review work schedule in your plan• Attend woodswalks• Walk and talk with your forester• Take safety precautions• www.ForestConnect.info
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