Andrews Community Forest Timber Stand Improvement

This stand in the Andrews Community Forest (Richmond, VT) is dominated by Red and White oak and was commercially harvested by a local logger.  The Chittenden County Forester had us come in post harvest in the spring of 2023 to perform a variety of Timber Stand Improvement tasks, such as beech control, crop tree release, and browse mitigation.  We used a mechanical form of beech control where the stem is severed above knee height to prevent prolific root sprouting.  Crop tree release was used to thin around the crowns of the most desirable and well formed individuals, increasing their vigor and, in the case of the oaks, mast production.  Browse mitigation is, in a way, a result of the non-commercial activities we performed, whereby the crowns and trunks of severed trees are left on site and intact, creating a barrier and deterrent for deer searching for acorns and saplings to eat.  Another benefit from this project would be an increase of both large and small coarse woody debris, which will recycle nutrients into the soil and create habitat for amphibians and small mammals.  When possible, trees were felled across slopes to maximize the potential for slowing water flow in rain events, and creating catchments for leaves and other organic material.