Project Overview

Part I: Mark Boundary Lines

The first step in the management process was to identify and mark the property boundary lines.  Having a clearly marked boundary line is critical for many forest management activities.  Several of the property boundary line segments are evidenced by either stonewalls or town roads, making identification simple.  The southeastern boundary line, however, was obscure.  This line was previously surveyed and marked in 1988 and no maintenance had been done on the boundary line since.  Using the 1988 boundary survey and the remaining on-the-ground evidence, Richard was able to locate the lines and re-mark them.

Part II: Invasive Plant Control

Invasive plant control was the next priority.  Glossy buckthorn, a non-native shrub, had become established in a small alder wetland in the northern portion of the property.  The plants had reached maturity and had been producing seeds now for several years.  These seeds were being spread into the adjacent forest and an infestation of buckthorn had taken hold in the forest’s understory.  

Reducing the population of glossy buckthorn on the property required a multi-year approach.  Understanding plant biology and treatment options is critical for creating durable invasive plant control results.  The first invasive plant control treatment was completed in September 2020.  Treatment methods included foliar, stump, and basal herbicide treatments as well as mechanical removal.  This treatment covered 55 acres, including both wetland and upland sites.  A follow-up treatment, using the same methods, was completed in the fall of 2022.  Having two full growing seasons in between the treatments was by design and improves long-term success.

Part III: Improve Timber Quality

The timber harvest was completed in December 2022.  This was a shelterwood treatment that covered 50 acres of the property.  A logging contractor with a whole-tree harvest system was chosen because of the ability to merchandise a large volume of pulpwood and to satisfy the landowner’s priority of minimizing logging debris.

In the fall of 2023, the third invasive plant control treatment was conducted.  This treatment captured the low numbers of buckthorn seedlings that had sprouted in the harvested area.  The wetland and stream buffers were also treated again. 

Results of the management work look very good, with native vegetation thriving and timber crop trees with room to grow.