Caring for a forest?

John_KAYS · Apr 20, 2016

Hi all, Do you have any recommendations on good books about caring for forests. We have a client that has a large property, most of which is a forest, and he was wondering about books he could read to better understand caring for his forest.

Anyone know of something like that?

I feel like this would be a good question for @KTSmith...maybe?

Thanks!

JontreeHI · Apr 21, 2016

"A hidden forest" or maybe a secret Forrest? Something like thst, it rules

JeffGu · Apr 21, 2016

I think you are referring to THIS book?

evo · Apr 21, 2016

It all depends on the GOALS... However it can pretty simple on the surface, cull and remove no native.. Thin as needed, as most forested lands are second (or third growth). Identify climax species, prevalent pathogens, micro climate to determine what "should" be there as a goal, plant and cull as needed. Leave woody material on the ground to rot. leave habitat intact/create habitat by creating large wood debris and snags... I know our forest but I don't have a clue on yours... USDA website is a good start, and lots of reading...

JontreeHI · Apr 21, 2016

JeffGu said:
I think you are referring to THIS book?

Zing! Thanks for doing the legwork

John_KAYS · Apr 21, 2016

JontreeHI said:
"A hidden forest" or maybe a secret Forrest? Something like thst, it rules

JeffGu said:
I think you are referring to THIS book?

That looks great! Sounds like I should pick up a copy too.

evo said:
It all depends on the GOALS... However it can pretty simple on the surface, cull and remove no native.. Thin as needed, as most forested lands are second (or third growth). Identify climax species, prevalent pathogens, micro climate to determine what "should" be there as a goal, plant and cull as needed. Leave woody material on the ground to rot. leave habitat intact/create habitat by creating large wood debris and snags... I know our forest but I don't have a clue on yours... USDA website is a good start, and lots of reading...

Without going into it too much...I will say that he wasn't even sure he was allowed to leave branches on the forest floor. I guess he thought they would interfere or somehow create a problem. Anyway, after explaining the basic ecosystem concept to him he was interested in a good book to read on the subject, and I didn't have any good suggestions. He is very interested in controlling the invasive species and so on.