Beyond the Harvest

Today’s harvesting works intelligently with nature to improve wildlife habitat. In fact, scientists and industry professionals place prescriptive clearcutting as an alternative method of harvesting to clearcutting among the most important components of improving wildlife habitat. At the same time, they recognize that a clearcut should not be a last step, but a new beginning for forest landowners.

Six months to a year after harvest, landowners who apply a site preparation treatment of a selective herbicide -- such as OneStep® herbicide -- to their clearcut stand can successfully control unwanted and undesirable hardwood brush species that rapidly invade. By acting on enzymes found only in plants — and not wildlife, humans, insects or even fish — selective herbicides like OneStep can effectively target and eliminate invasive vegetation. This creates an environment in which a new stand of desirable trees can thrive. Beneficial shade intolerant vegetation such as grasses, legumes and forbs can also flourish, promoting wildlife diversity and a healthy ecosystem.

Clearcutting Works Wonders

Forestry as a scientific, sustainable practice, dispels the myth that clearcutting damages a forest. Forests are a renewable resource to be planted and harvested, always keeping reforestation and habitat maintenance in mind.

Modern forestry practices ensure that trees remain an abundant resource and, in turn, create an ever-changing sanctuary for all kinds of wildlife for decades to come.

My guest writer is Bobby Watkins who is a technical specialist with BASF. As a technical specialist for the BASF's Field Development & Technical Services Group, Bobby conducts research on the use of herbicides to improve wildlife habitat and silvicultural practices.

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