With a lifetime in the forestry profession, we are committed to the wisest possible stewardship of your timberland. Our recommendations and practice are based on an extremely conservative harvesting and management philosophy that follows long-term economic priorities. This results in healthier woodlots and maximum profits.

SILVICULTURE

The word silviculture simply means "the art and science of cultivating trees." Our silvicultural process is based on the belief that the economic and ecological success of a woodlot depends primarily on the biological health of its individual trees.

Our method of growing trees is to keep the healthiest trees in the woods, and do everything possible to maximize their physical and economic potential. For this reason we focus on removing the poorest trees first and harvest the best trees only as they near biological maturity.

It is also necessary to harvest trees that have suffered terminal damage, or have a high chance of mortality (i.e. damage caused by lightning, wind, insect infestation, disease, etc.). Prompt removal of damaged timber can prevent further loss of value.

This method of cultivating trees is very similar to what would happen in a natural, undisturbed setting. When the healthiest trees are kept in the woods, it also naturally increases the longevity of the wood lot. Because this silviculture focuses on the long-term cultivation of the trees with highest potential, it requires a more intensive level of care and is appropriately called "tending."

HARVESTING MECHANICS

The term "harvesting mechanics" simply refers to the method of removing harvested trees. Our harvesting mechanics are based on the belief that timber harvesting operations should be done with minimal disturbance to the forest soils and residual trees. This is accomplished two ways:

First, whenever possible, timber harvesting operations are done utilizing horse logging. While the initial cost of horses is slightly more, their long term use more than pays for itself. The light weight of horses is very effective in preventing soil compaction and erosion. The combination of shorter logs and a narrow horse logging apparatus virtually eliminates the damage to the remaining trees which is often associated with conventional logging equipment.

Secondly, and equally important, is the employment of skilled log cutters. Well-trained log cutters also reduce damage to the remaining stand by felling trees accurately, and planning for their removal.

Because of the minimum disturbance to the environment, this type of tree removal is called “low impact harvesting.”

CONCLUSION

This type of timberland management is not a recipe for maximum short term economic gain.  In the words of our founder, Troy Firth: "When short-term economics is given top priority, forest management always fails. When forest management is given top priority, long-term economics always succeed."