Wildlife Resources Commission Endorses Forest Management Plan

wood thrush

Young wood thrushes commonly feed and seek cover in shrubby areas adjacent to woodlands. The wood thrush is a priority species in the Southern Blue Ridge as populations are declining.

hooded warbler

Hooded warblers usually nest very low to the ground and require a dense understory of shrubs. 

Media: Hi-res versions of these images may be downloaded here. Please credit the US Fish & Wildlife Service.

RALEIGH, N.C. (Sept. 8, 2006) – A N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission evaluation supports a forest management plan for 231 acres near Blowing Rock currently under review by the U.S. Forest Service.

An assessment by Wildlife Resources Commission biologists shows the plan would help restore valuable wildlife habitat.

The 231-acre parcel is located within the Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest in Avery, Caldwell and Watauga counties. Known as the Globe Project, the plan includes creating clearings and planting native grasses and clovers, while eradicating invasive, non-native plants. A timber harvest would take place on a portion of the acreage.

With construction and development displacing or disrupting habitats throughout the region, forest management on public lands has become increasingly important. The biologists noted that the habitat created would be vital for several declining songbird species, as well as wild turkey, bear and deer.

“The Wildlife Resources Commission supports this proposal because of its anticipated benefits to fish and wildlife,” said Gordon Warburton, a supervisory wildlife biologist with the agency. “A young forest – what we call an early successional forest – is just as important as a mature forest for creating diverse habitat that is part of a balanced ecosystem.”

“In an overall forested environment like we see along the Blue Ridge, managed forests provide a diversity of habitats that allow for very high bird abundance and diversity,” commented Mark Johns, the Partners in Flight coordinator for the Commission.  “This has been proven many times in the scientific literature.”

Some examples of the benefits of a young forest:

  • In the mountains, start small and you’ll find big importance. Commission biologists said that clearings will foster insects, which become food for birds and small mammals, which, in turn, become food for larger predator species like snakes, bobcats and birds of prey.
  • Openings allow vegetation growth, like grasses, various tree seedlings and shrubs, to emerge, which is normally hampered in the shade of mature forests. This new vegetation is an ideal food source for many birds, rabbits and deer. Ruffed grouse and many warbler species require such habitats at various life stages.

“Years down the road, these areas will be reforested and blend in with the landscape,” said Dean Simon, a wildlife forester with the Commission. “The overall benefits to wildlife from this proposed management far exceed what will happen as the result of inaction.                                          

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