SELT believes active land management is an important stewardship tool that promotes forest regeneration, enhances wildlife habitat, encourages structural diversity, and strengthens overall forest health.

Frequently Asked Questions SELT's Timber Harvests

Promoting regeneration means encouraging the growth of seedlings and saplings that are currently living close to the forest floor (also called the forest’s “understory”) and giving them the opportunity to become the next level in the forest canopy (the “overstory”). This careful, selective cut will provide ideal conditions for this to happen by allowing more light to pass through and by making growing space more available for the next generation of trees. A healthy, resilient forest is one that is diversified in many ways, including trees of a variety of ages, ranging from brand-new seedlings to centuries-old overstory trees. 

Promoting regeneration means encouraging the growth of seedlings and saplings that are currently living close to the forest floor (also called the forest’s “understory”) and giving them the opportunity to become the next level in the forest canopy (the “overstory”). This careful, selective cut will provide ideal conditions for this to happen by allowing more light to pass through and by making growing space more available for the next generation of trees. A healthy, resilient forest is one that is diversified in many ways, including trees of a variety of ages, ranging from brand-new seedlings to centuries-old overstory trees. 

Yes –  timber harvests produce revenue. The revenue from cuts will compensate the loggers, our consulting foresters, and pay appropriate town fees and taxes. 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, providing material for building supplies, firewood, and millwork. Finally, there is no financial quota for the cut; the ecological motivations are first and foremost and will guide the decisions on what to harvest or not. 

The reality of any entry into the forest is that some wildlife may be temporarily impacted, but overall, harvests are designed to create a richer, more varied and healthier habitat for wildlife and plants. SELT consults with wildlife experts to ensure that operations are conducted in such a way that they have minimal negative impacts on wildlife and provides significant wildlife benefits. 

 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, including any focal species known to be on a property. We do that by keeping the forest healthy and diverse so this beloved property can continue as a thriving forest for generations to come. 

The Ecological Benefits of a Timber Harvest

Creating Structural Diversity

From the ground level to the very top of the canopy - a forest that boasts a diverse geometry allows for a greater variety of spaces for different plant and animals species to thrive.

Promoting Forest Regeneration

With a thinned canopy, more sunlight can pass through to the forest floor, making growing space more available for seedling, saplings, and young trees - the next generation of forest growth.

Enhancing Wildlife Habitat

Opening up space and ushering in diverse areas welcomes familiar forest friends and new neighbors to nest, burrow, feed, and dodge predators.

Fostering Forest Health

Stewarding for the long-term! A harvest contributes to many aspects of forest health: mitigating invasive pests, encouraging tree diversity, and creating resiliency to our changing climate.