Painted trilliums (Trillium undulatum) and similar species are sensitive forest wildflowers that are not frequently found in forests that are managed for timber. Photo by Jonathan Townsend

We all use wood products — every single one of us in one way or another. Those products must come from somewhere. Fortunately, they literally do “grown on trees.” It may seem antithetical coming from CWC, but we DO support appropriately conducted timber harvests. The issue is not with the cutting of trees, but how it is done. The habitat or ecosystem that the tree is removed from, and the time of year that it is cut, among other criteria, matter quite a bit.

There is a substantial difference between a forester’s perspective of a “healthy” forest and an ecologist’s perspective. Neither is right or wrong — they are just different points of view. Generally, forests don’t need human intervention to be considered a healthy ecosystem. A forest may be afflicted with invasive species or issues with erosion, etc., and that may need to be addressed. However, forests have been managing themselves for millions of years, and they don’t really need us. If one’s intention is to produce marketable lumber, what an ecologist may deem healthy may appear to be a stunted woodlot to a forester, requiring intervention. For example, many foresters would dub an older black cherry (Prunus serotina) as “overmature” since this species tends to get filled with holes and cavities as they age. While this is bad for timber value, it is highly valuable for wildlife since many species of bat, bird and other wildlife depend on those cavities to roost and nest in.

For the vast majority of CWC’s landholdings, timber harvests are off the table. Many of our preserves are ecologically unique or were donated to us with the intention and understanding by the donor that timbering would not occur there. It would therefore be unethical to conduct harvests at these sites. There is also the cost of restoring a preserve after a harvest has been conducted. As a land trust, CWC would be obligated to ensure that there was no erosion, introduction of invasive species or other such damage stemming from a harvest. That is not to say that our properties are unmanaged but that they are managed with ecosystem health in mind rather than timber value. Currently, CWC is pursuing federal and state programs to fund habitat improvement projects, as well as private carbon sequestration programs, that would provide us with revenue based on carbon storage in the forests we protect.

Recognizing that timber is an essential commodity, and that improper harvests can result in long-lasting damage to forests, CWC has been working with landowners to ensure they select responsible foresters so that their harvests are conducted with the best available science and land management practices in order to minimize potential damage. CWC also works with various federal, state and non-governmental agencies to promote appropriate harvests. CWC strongly encourages forest owners to permanently conserve their valuable forests to help protect the many benefits they provide. CWC is eager to develop permanent conservation agreements (easements) with private landowners on forest lands, allowing for responsible, sustainable timber harvests while at the same time protecting sensitive wildlife and water resources.

A second way to do this is through creating a “community forest.” Community forests are locally owned and controlled, and they provide recreational, environmental and economic benefits to the communities they are located in. For example, a local municipality could partner with a land trust (like CWC) to obtain a tract of land. This land would be open to the public for recreation, and if a timber harvest was conducted, the revenue gained from the harvest would be invested back into the community. This provides local revenue while also allowing for demonstration of best management practices and more environmentally friendly forestry. A community forest doesn’t necessarily have to be used for timber revenue, but is an excellent model for innovative public-private partnerships.

Should CWC become involved in a community forest, there are a few criteria that we would follow. In addition to protecting the lot from erosion, invasive species and “high-grading,” (where the best trees are removed to maximize profits), there are three key guidelines that CWC would need to abide by. First, old growth or mature forests would not be harvested. Old growth trees store more carbon than younger trees, and old growth forest communities are particularly rare and sensitive habitats. Second, other unique and ecologically complex habitats would be protected as well. Wetlands, gorges and vernal pools are examples of important and sensitive habitats that aren’t appropriate to use for a timber harvest. Third, timber harvests would not be permitted from April to November to protect roosting bats and nesting birds during the biologically sensitive breeding and rearing months of the spring and summer.

Landowners who would like to ensure their forests remain as forests to benefit future generations are encouraged to contact the CWC for more information.

The Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy is a local not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the water quality, scenic beauty and ecological health of the lakes, streams, wetlands and watersheds of the Chautauqua region. For more information, call 664-2166 or visit chautauquawatershed.orgor facebook.com/chautauquawatershed.