This particular tract of land was cut 10-15 years ago by a very reputable Consulting
Forester.  We were able to generate another harvest and still leave a residual stand
containing several 16 inch diameter trees per acre.   The remainder of the stand was cleared of undesirable species and many small Sugar Maples and other shade tolerant species were left as a good residual pole stand.  Clearing
undesirables for pulp leads to great
regeneration due to less competition for light, water and other nutrients.

  In this photo Chris Shields, a  Forest
Resource Management student at West Virginia University, measures the DBH
or diameter at breast height. 
Measurements are taken at 3.5 feet so
that the flare of the stump doesn't
affect the measurement. The DBH and number of merchantable logs allows us to determine the number of board feet of lumber in a particular tree.

     This photo was taken looking directly
down a skid road after it had been reclaimed.  Roads must be built on the appropriate grade and constructed to allow for proper Drainage..  Places where the grade exceeds a certain
percent or long lengths of road water bars or broad based dips must be installed.  Many streams may need culverts.  Fish structures may be desired for native streams when
culverts are removed.

     Residual Trees are selected based on
Specie, DBH, and Form.  From this photo one can see that the trees left were straight, tall, and had good full crowns.  Trees without good form can be susceptible to wind damage after the protection of other trees has been removed.  Trees with good crowns  after thinned properly have exceptional growth rings when cored for growth management. 

  Forester often hear the question……
Why Don't you replant trees you cut?
This Photo is of a Red Oak stump, which has Red Oak sprouts growing from it.  (red arrow)
The only trees that can reproduce via stump sprouts are Hardwoods.  Chris is acquiring data  that will enable us to estimate the number of Board Feet removed from this tree when it was harvested.  This service is required when there has been a trespass cut.