SELT will be doing a forest harvest (also known as a selective tree cutting) for ecological management objectives on 140 acres in Stonehouse Forest (SHF over 1760 acres). There are always variables for start and finish dates (equipment needs, adverse weather, etc.). The preparation for the harvest will begin in December which includes marking the trees to remove with blue paint. The active harvesting is expected to begin in January with completion slated for March.
What do you mean by ecological management objectives?
When we refer to “ecological management objectives,” we mean that the primary purpose of the cut is not to generate revenue but to improve the overall health and diversity in the forest, enhance wildlife habitat, and promote certain types of regeneration.
What do you mean by regeneration?
Promoting regeneration means encouraging the growth of the seedlings and saplings that are currently living close to the forest floor (also called the forest’s “understory”) and give them the opportunity to become the next level in the forest canopy (the “overstory”). Basically, this selective cut is all about providing ideal conditions for this to happen by allowing more light to pass through and making growing space more available for the next generation of trees.
Will you be making money from this cut?
Yes. The revenue from the cut will compensate the loggers and our consulting foresters. SELT will receive revenue as well, which will be used to further our mission of saving, sharing, and stewarding the critical lands in our region. This wood will be of good value for the regional economy and as we know, there is an ongoing need for building supplies and mill-work. Finally, there is no economic quota for the cut; the ecological motivations are first and foremost and will guide the decisions on what to harvest or not.
Do other land trusts harvest timber on their conserved properties?
Yes. We are not the only ones and, in fact, selective forest harvests like this are a common way for conservation organizations to meet their land management objectives and keep their lands healthy and thriving.
How will this impact the recreational use of Stonehouse Forest?
As it stands now, we would be temporarily closing the trails on the north end of Marsh Road, which include the Marison Trail, the Marison Trail West, and the Bog Trail for the duration of the harvest. (See map). We will have plenty of signs indicating the trail closures. Please note, these trails are closed for the safety of the workers and the users.
How will the harvest impact users and neighbors?
You will probably hear the equipment if you’re in the general northern part of the property. The work hours would likely be varied, especially if weather becomes a variable. For example, weekends may be in play if a couple of work weekdays were lost to a blizzard or other adverse weather event. We will certainly work within the hours that the town allows.
How will the harvest affect local wildlife?
Some wildlife may be temporarily impacted, yes, but overall, this cut is designed to create a richer, more diverse, healthier wildlife and plant habitat. Land management is always a balancing act and not every species may benefit, but the guiding principle of SELT’s ecological activities is to help as many native plants and wildlife flourish as possible. We do that by keeping the forest healthy and promoting regeneration so this beloved property can continue on as a thriving forest for generations to come.
What will this part of Stonehouse Forest look like after the harvest?
You’ll see stumps and some woody debris (which is good for the health of the understory and, generally speaking, is left there purposefully), but overall it will still look like the forest you love, just thinned out in places, with noticeable gaps in the canopy, and more light coming through from overhead.You may also see small openings from 1/20th to ½ acre in size which help promote the regeneration of desire tree species (such as oak and pine) in areas that were dominated by less desirable species and lower quality trees (such as beech or declining hemlock).