Trout Mountain Forestry
Silvicultural Approaches
Thinning
Many second-growth forests in our region typically grow as single-aged stands. Thinning is a proven way to extend the life of even-aged stands, increase timber values, and speed development of desired stand conditions. Selecting which trees to thin has a huge bearing on future stand conditions, and is the essence of the “art” of forestry. Natural stand dynamics form the basis of our approach to thinning. We use a variety of thinning techniques (high, low, balanced, variable-density) as stand conditions and owner objectives dictate.
Mixed species management
Forests of multiple species offer many benefits. They provide a greater variety of forest products, which can allow for more effective marketing. They provide a hedge against risk – both biological and economic – by diversifying the timber portfolio. And they provide a greater variety of ecological niches in the forest, thereby increasing biological diversity. We have extensive expertise in managing and perpetuating mixed species stands.
Uneven-aged management
Many people are concerned about the visual and wildlife impacts of large clearcuts. We specialize in silvicultural methods that promote continuous forest cover and lead to multi-aged forests. To establish young trees we tailor our methods to the site; for example, we might make small patch cuts (1-5 acres) for sun-loving species such as Douglas-fir or alder, or underplant shade tolerant western redcedar or hemlock. While perhaps not appropriate for all forest types or conditions, these forest management tools are effective where forest structure, habitat improvement, or aesthetic concerns are paramount.
Retention guidelines
The trees left after a harvest are as important as the trees removed. Prior to harvest, we mark reserve areas, riparian buffers, active and potential wildlife trees, and old-forest legacies for retention so that they will be protected during logging. We also set snag, green tree, and stream buffer targets to meet ecological objectives, typically far in excess of regulatory minimums.