Moose Habitat Management and Timber Management Planning: Three Case Studies

Abstract

Three case studies are presented in this paper that illustrate how timber harvesting practices were modified to address wildlife and silvicultural concerns. The planning process (i.e., negotiations between the Ministry of Natural Resources and the logging companies), problems encountered, and lessons learned are emphasized. Modifications to clearcutting most commonly used were block cuts (i.e., cut and leave) and linear reserves. Timing and communication are cited as serious problems in two cases and solutions are offered. Also, the logging companies in all three cases were concerned about the added expense of modified harvesting (e.g., higher road and layout costs, some loss of timber volume, and higher operating costs). Throughout, the need for more high quality moose inventory data and long-term follow-up study is made clear. Key words: case histories, modified harvest, forest management planning, moose habitat management.