They allow natural regeneration and offer important wildlife habitats. Overgrown fields may be cut to restore field habitats and appearances. Wildlife managers like to talk about releasing oaks and other mast-producing trees to provide more food for deer, turkey and bear. Mast also benefits squirrels, chipmunks and large birds. The seedlings and sprouts that result from thinnings and harvests provide winter food for deer.
Thinnings enhance blueberry and huckleberry production on dry sites.
Heavy thinnings often encourage blackberry on moist sites. Many species of birds require young sapling growth for feeding and nesting during the summer. Clearcuts and heavy thinnings produce this kind of growth. Dense softwood stands offer winter protection for deer and other animals. Mixed stands may be converted to softwoods by removing the hardwoods.