Forest Structure

Achievement of the forest structure goal will be measured by the time it takes to achieve the structural and connectivity goals. To meet these goals we should:

1. Develop a mosaic of stands with at least 20% of the forest at any time having at least 20 trees per acre with an average DBH of at least 30 inches. Once achieving this size criterion, maintain stands in this size class for a minimum of 20 years. One contiguous block at least 200 acres in size will be in this mature forest condition at any point of time.

2. Develop some level of species and structural diversity. One approach to achieving these goals is to conduct commercial thinnings in a way that allows for the survival and improved growth of some under and mid-story trees. Generally, these are shade tolerant species that have regenerated naturally as older plantations become more open through density dependent mortality or commercial thinning.

Operationally, assisting these younger trees requires 1) controlled felling to protect some patches of regeneration, 2) heavier thinning above retained patches of younger trees, and 3) precommercial thinning of the younger trees if their density is high.

Gains from this management are retention of more shade tolerant species, development of a vigorous mid-story, and creation of a more structurally diverse overstory through variable levels of thinning.

3. Maintain hardwood patches within 1000 feet of any point in the forest. Hardwoods will propagate themselves following harvest operations at the Blodgett Tract. Most will resprout after cutting, and alder readily seeds in on sites with soil disturbance. Thus, it is reasonable to expect that there will be enough hardwood natural regeneration to meet stocking goals. The location of the natural regeneration will be identified and protected to maintain these species in the forest.

4. Ensure that snags in a range of decay states are present throughout the forest land base. In the 20% of the forest having at least 20 trees per acre with an average DBH of at least 30 inches, at least 250 snags per 100 acres exceeding 15 inches DBH in a range of decay states should be present, of which at least 75 snags will exceed 17 inches DBH, of which at least 20 snags will exceed 30 inches DBH. The remaining 80% of the forest should have at least 200 snags per 100 acres exceeding 15 inches DBH.

5. Move towards maintaining approximately 50% of the large and medium perennial stream length in stands dominated by hardwoods and 50% in stands dominated by conifers. No stand should occupy more than about 1000 feet of stream length. Stands on opposite sides of a stream do not need to be the same type. The type of a stand may change between rotations provided that the general balance between hardwoods and conifers is maintained. These stands should be operationally defined management units and may extend beyond the riparian area into the upland.

6. Management of dead wood will lead to variable levels on the forest floor, with averages determined in an adaptive management strategy. Recruitment will be done as needed during harvest where deficiencies occur.

7. Representative legacy structures will be maintained across the forest. (A subcommittee of the McDonald-Dunn Forest Advisory committee is currently developing a definition for legacy structures which should be inserted here after it has gone through the appropriate review process.)

Before Thinning

10 years after thinning

Net Revenue

Achievement of the net revenue goal will be measured by the size, timing and fluctuation of harvest revenues.

Research, Demonstration and Extension

Research and demonstration work that is conducted on the Blodgett Tract should be compatible with the forest plan. Proposals for new projects must be submitted to the Research Coordinator and be accompanied by a plan that includes an explanation of the project’s compatibility with the forest plan and harvest schedule. Research plans will not be accepted without sunset clauses and approval from the forest director.

Good Neighbor

We will consult periodically with the neighbors who surround our property to understand whether they have special concerns about our use of their roads or needs that we can accommodate. We have agreed with our neighbors to:
1. Maintain locked gates with signs posted that outline the rules for day use entry by recreational users.
2. Coordinate hunting access, fire prevention, haul routes and associated road maintenance.