NOTICE... Woodlot Re-opened To Visitors
The woodlot is again open to visitors. The main trail in the higher area is available but the lower and lesser trails are still being retrieved from the brush residue of the logging process. Please avoid those areas that are wet or obstructed. Trail maintenance and firewood recovery will be ongoing for some time.
The log harvest conducted during the month of February was completed in good time. The final numbers are not yet available, but 210 trees were marked — the majority being ash. The unusually fickle weather did interfere with the cutting as some areas had to be avoided due to wet conditions and lack of snow cover.
The objective of the harvest was multi-fold. The existing state of the woodlot involved significant crowding particularly with medium sized trees. The dense canopy restricted light from entering and hampered growth at lower levels. This situation also provided opportunity for disease and deformities to develop. The harvest targeted trees of less than ideal quality — leaning, damaged, non-thriving and crowded. The high quality trees were allowed to remain to continue their growth.
Another consideration for the harvest is the likelihood that a major loss of ash trees is likely within 5 years. By harvesting at this time, the commercial value of the timber can be realized and hopefully reducing the impact of the anticipated ash kill.
Everyone needs to understand that the Sawyer Preservation Woodlot's objectives are to "preserve" the woods for future generations. For that to occur, we need strong trees in a healthy and thriving environment. For strong and healthy plants, thinning and pruning is needed. There will be cosmetic issues during the adjustment period of the next couple of years. Please keep in mind that this is not a park, it is a managed woodlot. We are looking long term. The woods will be healthier down the road.
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as to maintain
the richness and diversity of the species within its boundaries and to encourage and promote stewardship of the declining
wooded areas of this country. In so doing, the property is maintained as a demonstration woodlot and conservation area
where the public is welcome.
