How to run a healthy woodlot

Timber harvesting is one of the oldest industries, and around the world there are many different methods for growing and utilizing valuable trees.

Many rural property owners may opt to grow a woodlot, dedicating a portion or the majority of their property to raising trees to harvest for construction materials, firewood, maple sugar, Christmas Trees or many other purposes.

But how are you supposed to run a woodlot, and how do you know if your forest's resources are healthy? The Ontario Woodlot Association has written about growing a healthy woodlot, and we wanted to accumulate some of that advice so property owners have the best start at growing and profiting off their woodlot.

Whether you're planting native high quality trees to turn into materials for woodworking projects, or you plan on timber harvesting for construction materials, here are a few tips you can implement into your forest management plan.

Most woodlots are ecosystems and wildlife habitats filled with birds, insects, rodents and plenty of species which rest in tree branches, cavities and underfoot. According to the Ontario Woodlot Association, urbanization has had a deep impact on the viability for many species, and many woodlots represent a safe haven for these fauna.

"In many areas of southern Ontario, private woodlots are the only forested areas that remain to support forest species," it says. "Like all forests, woodlots clean the air and water of pollution, prevent flooding and erosion, maintain a sense of nature, stand out in contrast to developed surroundings and provide green places for rest, relaxation and recreation."

To support forest specie and create a healthier woodlot environment, consider seeing "if your woodlot is connected to other natural areas by lushly-vegetated fence rows, corridors of trees or other protected travel routes. Wildlife need safe travel corridors to find food, shelter, nesting sites and mates."

"Size is an important factor when it comes to supporting forest species," says the Ontario Woodlot Association. "Bigger is better for most species and especially for neotropical long-distance migrant birds, such as the scarlet tanager and the cerulean warbler. These birds are threatened by the loss of forests that are large enough to provide secluded breeding areas."

"Consider how your woodlot fits into the landscape. Is it part of a larger forest? Are there other woodlots or natural areas nearby? If your woodlot is part of a larger forest, it might already play an important role in maintaining wildlife populations in your area. If you can expand it by nurturing natural regeneration or by planting, all the better."

If your woodlot borders on a pond or river, put protections in place to maintain the wellbeing of that body of water.

Ponds, creeks and rivers provide drinking places for deer and other animals, and if that water quality is affected by pollution or disruption, that could have a negative impact on your woodlot's ecosystem.

"Does your woodlot touch or include lake shoreline, streams, ponds, wetlands or other sources of water, food and aquatic habitat? If so, is the land-water interface shaded and protected by natural vegetation?" asks the Ontario Woodlot Association. "The interface is one of the most important areas for deer, foxes and other large mammals that need protected access to water."

"These areas are also important sources of food for birds and mammals that feed on insects and amphibians. Protect the water’s edge from disturbances and, if necessary, plant native species to provide protective ground cover and food for wildlife. Red-osier dogwood, American highbush cranberry and other native shrubs are excellent sources of food and cover. They also prevent erosion by stabilizing the soil."

Growing a healthy woodlot means supporting the forest species that call it home, and in turn the natural lifecycles of these forest species will support your young trees, turning them into mature timbers which can be harvested for your needs.

Just keep an eye on what species you're planting, making sure wildlife is accommodated in your forest management plan and that you maintain solid water quality and shade for forest species.

And then soon you'll be harvesting your timbers and doing great things with them.

The Ontario Woodlot Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting owners of privately owned forests and is committed to sustainability. Its members promote, through education and mentorship, the benefits of a healthy ecosystem thereby increasing the enjoyment of our forests. For more information visit their website. You can also read more on this topic here.