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Timber harvest planned at Holmes Educational State Forest
Story Date: 12/18/2014
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Source: NCDA&CS, 12/18/14
The N.C. Forest Service is planning to harvest timber at Holmes Educational State Forest in January.
The harvest, which could take several weeks to complete, will take place on roughly 8 acres just north of Crab Creek Road. The tract is currently over-crowded with poor-quality trees because of disease, fire suppression and storm damage.
The timber harvest has two main objectives: To create an ideal area for the natural regeneration of healthy white pine and yellow poplar, and to enhance songbird and non-game animal habitat by increasing plant diversity.
“The harvesting of trees is one way we can provide educational and demonstration opportunities to local landowners and visitors to show that actively managing a forest has great benefits not only for people, but wildlife as well,” said Susan Fay, forest supervisor.
The harvest will have minimal impact on visitors because there is limited public access to that part of the forest, Fay said.
All proceeds from the timber sale will be used for improvements at Holmes ESF, such as refurbishing part of the main office into an indoor classroom.
Rangers at the forest host a variety of programs to teach children and adults about the environment, including the advantages of maintaining a diverse and sustainable woodland and the benefits of a changing forest landscape.
For more information about Holmes ESF, visit www.ncesf.org.
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