The stand that will remain after intermediate treatments is subject to damage or degradation during forest management operations. Careless operation of equipment results in damaged trees.
Proper planning can minimize the chances of damaging or degrading the residual stand.
Best Management Practices Focus on protection of the residual stand rather than on the trees being removed. During intermediate operations, retain seed source of species needed to achieve long-term management objectives. Avoid intermediate cuttings that may increase interfering plant communities, such as grasses and ferns, or be prepared to treat interfering vegetation before the regeneration cut. Design and lay out skid trails and skid roads to minimize damage by avoiding residual trees and using bumper trees to protect them from skidding damage. Identify and mark unique vegetation to be protected.