Station 3: Forest Management
Forest management is a part of maintaining a healthy ecosystem. An obvious use of a forest is
timber production and harvest to supply wood products. Although Mineral Ridge is managed for recreational and educational use, the stand of trees in the area above the trail was cut in 1975 to demonstrate the forest management practice of “thinning.” Thinning takes out some trees while allowing others to grow. As a result, the remaining trees will get bigger and grow faster. Think for a minute. Can you guess why this is true? If you guessed that the remaining trees had more light, water and nutrients available to them, you’re right. They didn’t have to compete with other trees for the important things that make them grow. Take a second and look at the tree stand. The tops or “crowns” of the trees are beginning to touch and crowd one another. Once again, they are starting to compete. You’ll also notice that some of the trees are dead. They were killed by insects. This is one way nature thins trees. At another station, you will learn more about forest insects and the importance of dead trees.
Six Requirements for Plant Growth