Pre and Post Harvest Considerations

Look at the following pictures and think about things that must be considered Pre

Harvesting of Trees and Post Harvesting of Trees.

Areas that are ecologically sensitive and could not recover from harvesting (unsustainable) should not be logged.

OneType and age of the tree (is the sustainability

of the species threatened?)

2Slope of land (will the removal of trees cause

the soil to erode and pollute waterways?)

3Type of soil (will the soil have enough

nutrients to support re-growth?) not possible in rain forests

4Climate (is there appropriate amounts of rain

and temperatures ranges for the forest to re-grow) (is there a change in the amount of light)

5Wildlife (are there any

endangered or threatened species? Is the wildlife sustainable?)

6Surroundings (Location) (will it affect nearby

ecosystems such as streams and ponds? Does it fragment a larger ecosystem?

Post Harvest…

1, 2Mechanical Preparation – clear away the

logging debris (duff and slash) with equipment

Slash burning – Removes debris by burning. This is low in cost and good for steep slopes.

3, 4Herbicides – Controls weeds with chemicals

so trees don’t compete for resource. May harm wildlife and remove cover.

Planting – Replant with genetically improved seedlings. (most Pa forests will re-seed themselves)

5,6,7Thinning – remove overcrowded and poorly

growing treesFertilize – Adds nutrients to the soil (usually

not necessary)Protection – Protect from fire, disease, and

insect pests. This is continuous.