Summer forest management case study

An area just west of "Pine Cut Curve" received some forest management attention the last three days.  Brush cutting, lopping and bow sawing contributed to the improved situation in this neighborhood of some delightful young trees.

Pine Cut Curve won its name about four years ago after multiple pines fell across the eastern side of the Loop Trail.  With some big saw work, the walking trail was cleared once again, with the namesake trail curve up and to the left of the walking area pictured.  The current forest management case study focused on the area to the left of this picture.

By whacking weeds and some saplings, lopping branches, and bow sawing stump sprouts, a significant increase in sunlight is hitting the remaining trees in the area.  This little sugar maple basks in today's sun after the full shade was banished by the management work.

Red maple stump sprouts are a primary culprit putting shade on preferred species.  Our fans will recall previous work to cut out these pesky parts of the forest.  The small chainsaw will go to work later this summer to cut down the numerous sprouted trunks below.  Note the lovely yellow birch on the right that will gain sun after the trunks are cut down. 

Other trees will also gain sun when this stump sprout goes away.  Looking toward the south, here's a pic of the same stump sprout above from farther away.  More birches are waiting for their time in the sun.

Whatever their age, a group of paper birches looks marvelous.  At this spot on the northern end of the recent work area, you can note the small amount of transition in the bark.  There are a few places where shiny white has begun to emerge.