As a forest matures, it goes from many small trees to fewer large trees. Most animals utilize all age classes of forest throughout their lives; for example, many animals cannot survive without young forests and old forests within their range. Turkeys thrive in open clearcuts eating insects and berries, but also need mature oak and beech forest for acorns and beechnuts. Owls utilize clearcuts to hunt rodents, but need old trees in which to nest.

Dead Trees Are Important for Wildlife

Dead trees (snags) and dying trees (den trees) provide critically important breeding and feeding places for many types of animals. These trees become infested with ants, termites, beetle larvae and other insects and provide food for woodpeckers excavate cavities which can be used as shelter by many other animals.

Additionally, woodpeckers, chickadees, titmice and nuthatches excavate nesting holes in these trees, which can later be used by screech and saw-whet owls, tree swallows, house wrens, bluebirds, squirrels and mice.

Forest Management for Wildlife

The MDC, through its forest management program, attempts to maintain its trees in many age, size and species classes. This is what nature accomplishes through natural calamity such as wind, fire, insects and disease.

Some animals, such as the turkey and deer, prefer to feed in clearcuts, eating buds on fallen tree tops and other tender young vegetation. They loaf near the edge and seek shelter and nuts in the mature forest.

Many predators, such as owls and hawks, come to the young stands to feed on the birds and animals that feed and nest there, after which they return to the mature forest.

Although evergreen trees consume more water than deciduous trees, the MDC leaves many evergreen trees uncut to provide food and shelter for wildlife, and a natural biodiversity in the forest.

MDC Logging Crew

The MDC has its own expert logging crew. The crew cuts about 300,000 board feet of logs and 60 cords of firewood per year. This specially trained crew is utilized to harvest trees in areas that are environmentally sensitive.

The MDC also sells standing timber to contractors on a bid basis. About 2 million board feet are marketed this way every year.

Every tree to be harvested is marked by state-certified professional foresters. All MDC logging operations are supervised to assure strict adherence to contractual stipulations and sensitivity to the environment of the forest.