Pine Flats thinning demonstrates potential of community forest model

Earlier this month MARS finished up thinning work on over 150 acres of the new Pine Flats tract of the Mt. Adams Community Forest. The job stretched across the southern half of the property and generated six jobs for the five week duration of the project. The prescription, developed by MARS Director Jay McLaughlin and Board Chair Jim White, used thin-from-below and variable density retention strategies to promote diameter growth in remaining trees, retain snags and other complex habitat structures for wildlife, and create a diverse stand structure. Because the parcel is adjacent to the Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge, management will focus on development of high quality habitat as well as long-term, sustainable timber yield. Over the next several months, close-out work will continue in an effort to repair roads, prevent insect infestations, and reduce fuel for a potential broadcast burn in the years ahead.

If you want to see or learn more, give us a call or stop by our office for a map and walk the site yourself. Organized tours will be planned for later this spring. We welcome your thoughts and hope you will enjoy watching the community forest grow with us.

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