Don t Degrade Your Woodlot: Know and Avoid High-Grading

1. Don�t Degrade Your Woodlot:Know and Avoid High-Grading Peter Smallidge www.ForestConnect.info High-grading occurs when you cut the best trees and leave the rest. It is destructive to the forest and unsustainable, but a much too common occurrence in the Northeast. Other names for high-grading include �diameter-limit cutting� and �selective cutting�. Regardless the name, Just Say No.High-grading occurs when you cut the best trees and leave the rest. It is destructive to the forest and unsustainable, but a much too common occurrence in the Northeast. Other names for high-grading include �diameter-limit cutting� and �selective cutting�. Regardless the name, Just Say No.

2. Today�s Objectives Appreciate the significance of high-grading Understand how the problem develops and who�s involved Know the changes in the forest that will follow high-grading Be able to describe strategies to restore high graded stands By the end of this presentation, I hope you will be able to appreciate the problem, how to avoid it, and some general guides for recovery of high-graded forests.By the end of this presentation, I hope you will be able to appreciate the problem, how to avoid it, and some general guides for recovery of high-graded forests.

3. A Few Definitions De-grade: reduce the benefits available from your forest High-grade: removing the most valuable trees, leaving the defective trees (AKA selective cutting, diameter limit) Stocking: the number of trees per acre Cull tree: tree of low economic value, perhaps though of wildlife value (AKA low grade) Improvement cutting: remove trees that don�t contribute, or that compete with trees that do contribute, to your ownership goals.

4. Setting the Stage for High-Grading in New York Let�s start by thinking about why high-grading can happen.Let�s start by thinking about why high-grading can happen.

5. Land Ownership in New York As of 1993, families (non-industrial private ownerships more specifically) owned the majority of forest land in New York. Forest owners are generally interested in �doing the right thing�, but may not know what that is. Forest owners and the forest resource are best served when the owner works with a competent forester to develop a stewardship plan. That plan includes the owners objectives for the property. Then the plan can be used as a guide to judge opportunities and actions and make decisions that move the forest towards the desired end point. Unfortunately, only about 6% of owners controlling 20% of the land have a stewardship plan. This pattern is similar to other northeastern states.As of 1993, families (non-industrial private ownerships more specifically) owned the majority of forest land in New York. Forest owners are generally interested in �doing the right thing�, but may not know what that is. Forest owners and the forest resource are best served when the owner works with a competent forester to develop a stewardship plan. That plan includes the owners objectives for the property. Then the plan can be used as a guide to judge opportunities and actions and make decisions that move the forest towards the desired end point. Unfortunately, only about 6% of owners controlling 20% of the land have a stewardship plan. This pattern is similar to other northeastern states.

6. Percent of Basal Area Removed 1981 - 1994 Looking at data that describes the intensity of cutting, you see that there is no cutting on 68% of the forest land, and that half the cutting that occurs (15% of 32%) removes only a small amount of basal area (think of basal area as volume). Thus, cutting is light and dispersed. Looking at data that describes the intensity of cutting, you see that there is no cutting on 68% of the forest land, and that half the cutting that occurs (15% of 32%) removes only a small amount of basal area (think of basal area as volume). Thus, cutting is light and dispersed.

7. The yellow �X� marks the trees that are likely to be cut if decisions are opportunistic or based on only short-term economic criteria. This simulated cutting would remove the red oak (big tree on right) and the smaller white ash and cherry to the left. What does this leave behind in the forest? It leaves behind beech and red maple, and the majority of the trees. How then do we know when the forest has been high-graded?The yellow �X� marks the trees that are likely to be cut if decisions are opportunistic or based on only short-term economic criteria. This simulated cutting would remove the red oak (big tree on right) and the smaller white ash and cherry to the left. What does this leave behind in the forest? It leaves behind beech and red maple, and the majority of the trees. How then do we know when the forest has been high-graded?

8. Indicators of Unsustainable Practices Look for undesirable changes in Appropriate residual stocking Patchiness of residual stocking Retention of desired species Average diameter Sawtimber potential Area in skid trails Skid trail design & condition (from Nyland, 2001, THAP) A high-graded forest would be expected to show a measurable reduction in: (1 and 2) the fullness of the forest (stocking), (3) the abundance of desired species (shift to undesired species), (4) the size of trees, and (5) the ability of the forest to produce the same volume and quality of trees that were harvested. Further there may be (6) increases in the amount of land allocated to skid trails, which don�t grow trees and (7) skid trail designs that are inefficient, increase sedimentation, and which are left in a condition that limits future use.A high-graded forest would be expected to show a measurable reduction in: (1 and 2) the fullness of the forest (stocking), (3) the abundance of desired species (shift to undesired species), (4) the size of trees, and (5) the ability of the forest to produce the same volume and quality of trees that were harvested. Further there may be (6) increases in the amount of land allocated to skid trails, which don�t grow trees and (7) skid trail designs that are inefficient, increase sedimentation, and which are left in a condition that limits future use.

14. The non-negative consequences Increased �wildlife� trees Site productivity (soils) not necessarily affected Still �green� What are the Ecosystem Consequences of High-Grading? High-grading is destructive to the forest ecosystem. While there are still green trees and often defective trees good for wildlife, other qualities of the forest are degraded. Species diversity is reduced, as is the value per acre, the growth rate, tree quality, and the number of options for the future. What�s increased is the amount of time it takes for the forest to grow to the same volume and value as was harvested.High-grading is destructive to the forest ecosystem. While there are still green trees and often defective trees good for wildlife, other qualities of the forest are degraded. Species diversity is reduced, as is the value per acre, the growth rate, tree quality, and the number of options for the future. What�s increased is the amount of time it takes for the forest to grow to the same volume and value as was harvested.

15. Negative Consequences to the Ecosystem Reduced diversity Reduced food sources Reduced $ value per acre Increased disease & insect, risk to storm damage Reduced volume, stocking, and quality Slower growth Extended time to next harvest of equal volume Future options constrained

16. Depends on the definition - half empty glass�filled with what? 80% have adequate residual stocking 66% have adequate species mix 30% have uniform spacing 50% were heavy diameter limit cuts (80% in WV) 40% had reduced sawtimber quality (Nyland, 2001, unpubl.) Is there Really a Problem? These measurements (previous slide) were made by foresters on recent harvests throughout New York. The results were mixed but indicate that harvesting is shifting our forests towards an unsustainable end point. High-grading may happen incrementally, just like drinking half the milk that is in a glass. The first time you are left with half a glass, then a quarter glass, then an eighth of a glass, and so on. The owner and operator may feel OK because they didn�t push the forest all the way to the edge, but any degree of high-grading is destructive.These measurements (previous slide) were made by foresters on recent harvests throughout New York. The results were mixed but indicate that harvesting is shifting our forests towards an unsustainable end point. High-grading may happen incrementally, just like drinking half the milk that is in a glass. The first time you are left with half a glass, then a quarter glass, then an eighth of a glass, and so on. The owner and operator may feel OK because they didn�t push the forest all the way to the edge, but any degree of high-grading is destructive.

17. Who Has the Problem? As you might expect, the problem is greater on private lands, especially family owned, where the use of foresters is uncommon.As you might expect, the problem is greater on private lands, especially family owned, where the use of foresters is uncommon.

18. Who Should Care? Family ownerships Industry / corporate Loggers Foresters Environmental groups Society Local government (increased infrastructure costs) The problem should be of great concern to everyone, because we all depend on forests for a multitude of values.The problem should be of great concern to everyone, because we all depend on forests for a multitude of values.

19. What Triggers a High-Grade? Poor markets for low grade Land owner unawareness of consequences Immediate needs for $ Lack of disclosure of consequences by foresters and loggers Confusion of terms Greed (by all) Land owner tenure and expectations Landowner infrequency of cutting Societal demand for high quality wood products Before we point fingers at the source of the problem, know that this is a complicated issue. All involved � landowner, forester, logger, industry, consumer and society � share the potential to reduce or increase the occurrence of high-grading.Before we point fingers at the source of the problem, know that this is a complicated issue. All involved � landowner, forester, logger, industry, consumer and society � share the potential to reduce or increase the occurrence of high-grading.

20. How Does High-Grading Happen? �Cut the big trees to release the little trees� �Some of your trees need to be cut� Landowner doesn�t communicate an expectation for sustainable practices Landowner, forester, or logger has a conflict of interest�profit versus silviculture High-grading happens in a number of ways. Usually, some combination of ignorance and greed sets the stage for high-grading.High-grading happens in a number of ways. Usually, some combination of ignorance and greed sets the stage for high-grading.

21. What Should Landowners Do? Hire a competent forester to: Develop a management plan Provide a silviculturally sound marking from prescription Require good skidding Contract language Mark trails Regular inspections during harvest Inspect not expect Shut down as needed (Nyland, 2001, NYFOA presentation) Find a forester who understands high-grading and how to avoid it. There are several steps the landowner and the forest can and should take.Find a forester who understands high-grading and how to avoid it. There are several steps the landowner and the forest can and should take.

22. Strategies to restore the productive potential of the forest? Needs Increase growing stock Improve genetic potential Reduced competition Encourage appropriate spacing Tools Depends on frequency and extent of high grading Intermediate treatments Regeneration treatments Deer & Weed control Improvement or Replacement But what do you do if your forest has been high-graded. First, a forester can describe the degree of high-grading that has occurred and the types of tools and methods available to move the forest towards your ownership objective. The two basic solutions are improve the current forest or establish a new forest. Improvement, of course, is relative to your ownership objectives.But what do you do if your forest has been high-graded. First, a forester can describe the degree of high-grading that has occurred and the types of tools and methods available to move the forest towards your ownership objective. The two basic solutions are improve the current forest or establish a new forest. Improvement, of course, is relative to your ownership objectives.

23. Assess the Problem High grading often happens as a series of repeated harvests that each just reduce the glass of milk by half�until there is little to work with. This chart gives some different options depending on how severely the forest has been degraded. The starting point will be to contact your state forestry agency for assistance.High grading often happens as a series of repeated harvests that each just reduce the glass of milk by half�until there is little to work with. This chart gives some different options depending on how severely the forest has been degraded. The starting point will be to contact your state forestry agency for assistance.

24. 50+ Desired Stems Per Acre Improvement cut, concentrate growth on the best & desired trees Cut the correct trees Retain seed source Balance spacing Market�maybe Low value product Importance of healthy residual If high-grading has been light, you might be able to have an improvement cut to create more favorable growing conditions for the best remaining trees while removing the diseased or defective trees. These �best of the worst� can be cultured until they are able to reproduce another healthy forest. Work with a skilled forester though because you may not want to reduce the fullness of the forest (the stocking) to the point where the forest (per acre) isn�t growing well. The option to market may exist for some owners. With hardwoods, firewood can be sold. However, be aware that you�re selling a low value product and at the same time trying to protect a high value residual crop. If you remove the firewood, or have someone do it, allow NO damage or your revenue will be less than the cost of the damages inflicted.If high-grading has been light, you might be able to have an improvement cut to create more favorable growing conditions for the best remaining trees while removing the diseased or defective trees. These �best of the worst� can be cultured until they are able to reproduce another healthy forest. Work with a skilled forester though because you may not want to reduce the fullness of the forest (the stocking) to the point where the forest (per acre) isn�t growing well. The option to market may exist for some owners. With hardwoods, firewood can be sold. However, be aware that you�re selling a low value product and at the same time trying to protect a high value residual crop. If you remove the firewood, or have someone do it, allow NO damage or your revenue will be less than the cost of the damages inflicted.

25. 20 to 50 Desired Stems / Acre The stocking of 20 to 50 trees per acre is about the density of stems in a regeneration harvest using the shelterwood method. At this level of stocking, the forest is not fully occupying the site. Depending on the owner�s objectives, this may or may not be troublesome. Importantly, the next cutting needs to improve the balance to favor desired species. The picture in the upper left shows a forest following a shelter wood cut and the removal of all undesired beech and striped maple down to two inches. The high graded forest will not have had the interfering vegetation removed. Thus, as shown in the upper right, some method of controlling the undesirables is needed. The picture shows the treatment of a beech stump to prevent sprouting and to kill the connected beech suckers. Another issue is the impact that deer have on forest regeneration, as represented by the picture of the browsed seedlings.The stocking of 20 to 50 trees per acre is about the density of stems in a regeneration harvest using the shelterwood method. At this level of stocking, the forest is not fully occupying the site. Depending on the owner�s objectives, this may or may not be troublesome. Importantly, the next cutting needs to improve the balance to favor desired species. The picture in the upper left shows a forest following a shelter wood cut and the removal of all undesired beech and striped maple down to two inches. The high graded forest will not have had the interfering vegetation removed. Thus, as shown in the upper right, some method of controlling the undesirables is needed. The picture shows the treatment of a beech stump to prevent sprouting and to kill the connected beech suckers. Another issue is the impact that deer have on forest regeneration, as represented by the picture of the browsed seedlings.

26. Fewer than 20 Desired Stems/Acre After repeated high-grading, or one really good high-grade, the residual stocking may drop near zero. At this point, the objectives of the owner may be inadequately met and the owner needs to decide the values and benefits they can get from the options available within their time horizon. Objectives may shift from timber production to recreation or wildlife. Revenue may shift from forest products to agroforestry or hunting leases. The owner may want to commit to improving their forest by localized regeneration through natural or artificial means. The upper left picture illustrates a seed tree cut and the stocking of desired stems of about 15 per acre. Note that all the interfering vegetation has been removed. The picture in the upper right illustrates the application of a ground-based herbicide treatment that kills all vegetation less than about 20� tall. This is appropriate if you the ration of bad to good is very high. The seedling picture again illustrates the need to address the impacts that deer can have on vegetation.After repeated high-grading, or one really good high-grade, the residual stocking may drop near zero. At this point, the objectives of the owner may be inadequately met and the owner needs to decide the values and benefits they can get from the options available within their time horizon. Objectives may shift from timber production to recreation or wildlife. Revenue may shift from forest products to agroforestry or hunting leases. The owner may want to commit to improving their forest by localized regeneration through natural or artificial means. The upper left picture illustrates a seed tree cut and the stocking of desired stems of about 15 per acre. Note that all the interfering vegetation has been removed. The picture in the upper right illustrates the application of a ground-based herbicide treatment that kills all vegetation less than about 20� tall. This is appropriate if you the ration of bad to good is very high. The seedling picture again illustrates the need to address the impacts that deer can have on vegetation.

27. Clearcut and start over, but remember�. Some may argue to clear cut and start over. Clearcutting creates a dramatic change in the forest. Although clearcutting is a sustainable silvicultural practice when properly applied, it depends on some assumptions. Prior to clearcutting, the forest must contain either a source of seeds, seedlings/saplings as the next forest, or the trees must have the ability to root or stump sprout �shoots� as the next forest. Clearcutting without thought to the source of the next forest is fool-hardy.Some may argue to clear cut and start over. Clearcutting creates a dramatic change in the forest. Although clearcutting is a sustainable silvicultural practice when properly applied, it depends on some assumptions. Prior to clearcutting, the forest must contain either a source of seeds, seedlings/saplings as the next forest, or the trees must have the ability to root or stump sprout �shoots� as the next forest. Clearcutting without thought to the source of the next forest is fool-hardy.

28. Your Next Steps Not High-Graded Get a management plan Communicate your expectations to foresters and loggers. Pay attention to what happens in your forest Be realistic about what you can obtain from your forest Give and you shall receive (Lk 6:38) Cut low grade Invest time in hiring Clearly articulate your expectations. Previously High-Graded Contact state forestry agency for technical assistance Assess the extent of damage Prioritize steps for improvement Align ownership objectives with what the forest can provide