By Ryan Trapani, Catskill Forest Association. (Pictured above in orange out in the field.)
During this time of year some of us are preoccupied in the pursuit of the white-tailed deer. Whether it is waiting patiently thirty feet in a tree or slowly stalking on the forest floor – one has ample time to observe his surroundings. Typically I elect the former – waiting patiently 30 feet in a tree. Up there one gains a vantage point offering a comprehensive view of the forest and its peculiarities. Where will the deer come from? Where will they go? Where is a good place for them to seek cover in, or simply commute through? What will they feed upon? These questions flow into each other like tributaries into a stream – ultimately creating a reservoir of potentialities, strategies and… what could be.
What could be is what makes the human species unique. Although my present hunting spot seems like it might bear fruit in the shape of deer – what could be seems to always seep in. I often think about how this forest might produce literally more fruit; more cover – ultimately better wildlife habitat. What could I do to improve what is already working and present? What could be brought to light via chainsaw that is not present? How could this little piece of forest come more to life?
Knowing which trees to cut, and which to leave are essential to managing a forest – whether it be for wildlife; maple sugaring; timber; or firewood. One must be able to identify tree species pertinent to their goals. Trees offering the most potential benefits should be selected as keepers. Competing trees offering fewer benefits should be cut. In this way, the keepers will receive more sunlight – resulting in more carbohydrates and a healthier residual forest. In example: An oak or apple tree receiving more sunlight should produce more acorns or apples for deer and others to feed upon. What if trees are not the limiting factor and cover is? Then a clump of trees might be selected for removal in order to release the understory for shrubs, grasses, forbs and herbs – creating cover for a variety of plants and wildlife.
In a forest, space is never wasted. Some believe that by cutting trees, a void is created. This could not be farther from the truth. Wherever light is casted something green will fill the space. Depending upon what the green plant is that follows will be a critter that benefits too. When a black cherry tree is released from competition, more cherries are available to the forest floor for various critters – such as turkey, grouse, woodcock, songbirds, bear, and deer. If a number of deer come, then the hunter will cast a role in the forest play too – and so it goes.
Catskill Forest Association can help you too – whether you’re a hunter or not. Perhaps you would like to see more grouse, rabbits, or songbirds? Maybe you’re happy with the trees that are already there, but would like to ensure their presence and health into the future? What if you’re heating your home with trees from the backyard and are unsure about which trees should be utilized for fuel-wood? Or you notice that a few maples in the backyard produce the most brilliant foliage year after year and you’d like to keep it that way. A visit from one of CFA’s Foresters can help you decide which trees (if any) should be cut and which should not. We can help you shed some light on aspects of your forest that before seemed dark and stagnant. Give us a call, that’s what we do. www.catskillforest.org
