Brooks Management

A selective cut can greatly increase the biodiversity of the land. After a selective cut, this process can be advanced more quickly by applying a seed mix containing legumes and other nitrogen-fixing plants. This will improve the quality of the soil as well as attract additional species of wildlife. The result? Birds, mammals and other wildlife provide opportunity for a broader variety of trees and shrubs to successfully become established. Those native berry and nut-producing plants provide an excellent source of food for deer, birds, squirrels and many other animals.

There are other factors that contribute to the level of biodiversity such as proximity to water bodies and other undeveloped areas that can act as a matrix of habitats in conjunction with the managed forest. Ideally, the managed area is not isolated, rather it acts as a wildlife corridor with adjacent habitats so that additional sources of food, shelter and opportunities for mating are available.

A selective cut is not always an appropriate management tool for some areas, especially those with sensitive natural resources, such as vernal pools and other wetlands. The benefits of a sustainable harvest must be carefully weighed and the harvest must be carried out by a qualified forestry professional with extreme sensitivity using Best Management Practices.