Quick Answer
To start a timber management plan for wildlife, assess your property's forest structure and wildlife needs, set specific management goals, and consider working with a forester or wildlife biologist to develop a comprehensive plan that balances timber production with wildlife habitat creation.
Assessing Forest Structure
Start by walking your property and taking note of the forest’s overall condition, including tree species, ages, sizes, and densities. Measure and record the diameter at breast height (DBH) of 20-30 trees to get a sense of the forest’s growth patterns. Identify areas with high-quality mast trees (e.g., oak, beech, or pine) that produce abundant acorns, beechnuts, or pine seeds, which are critical for wildlife nutrition.
Setting Management Goals
Determine your management goals based on your property’s wildlife needs and desired outcomes. For example, if you want to create a better habitat for white-tailed deer, aim to maintain 30-50% of your forest in edge habitat (where forest meets open areas or woodland edges) and leave 20-30% of your forest as open areas or clearings. Consider setting specific targets for the number of mast trees to retain or plant, and the percentage of your forest to harvest in any given year.
Selective Harvest and Wildlife Habitat Creation
Develop a plan for selective harvest, focusing on smaller trees (less than 10 inches DBH) and trees that are not critical to the forest’s overall structure or wildlife habitat. Leave a mix of tree species and sizes to create a diverse forest that provides food, shelter, and escape cover for wildlife. Consider creating small openings (about 1/4 acre) by harvesting trees and then planting a mix of mast tree species and other wildlife-friendly trees. Regularly monitor your forest’s condition and adjust your management plan as needed to ensure it remains a thriving wildlife habitat.
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