Sketch the outline of proposed harvest operations on photocopies during the planning process. Your aerial photograph can also be used to create a diversity map, which can help identify areas where more than three vegetational or successional types converge. These areas are associated with high wildlife activity and can be easily managed or reworked to improve diversity. The map can also help you identify and maintain corridors, important travel routes for large game animals and songbirds. Methods of Protecting and Enhancing Forest Beauty Protecting, Shaping, and Creating Open Spaces Forest openings, pastures, cropland, clearings, and young stands have important ecological and visual value.
Planned spaces can enhance views, improve wildlife habitat, and increase plant variety.
Large tracts of similar age or species composition can be made more diverse with the use of well-planned clearings. Note, however, that establishing new forest clearings can be costly. Therefore, try to avoid creating new clearings by protecting existing open areas and farmland. However, restrict mowing in the spring to allow ground- nesting wildlife to rear young without disturbance. Herbicide control - Use selective herbicides to control woody vegetation and maintain clearings and fields.