Lesson 9: The Final Project

Now that we have covered all of this information, lets put the knowledge to work. You may refer back to the previous pages for helpful hints or to refresh your memory. Ready?

You have been hired to manage an area of forest to produce a sustainable timber harvest. The timber stand is around 500 acres in size, is comprised of mixed hardwood and pine forest, and is located along the coastal plain of North Carolina. The property is on sandy wet soil, and is home to a great diversity of animals and plants, including the venus flytrap, pitcher plants, and a wide variety of wildflowers. Additionally, a local hunting club leases the hunting rights to the property and hunts deer, turkeys, quail, and squirrels during the hunting season. When hunting season ends the property is open to hikers and birdwatchers. The forest is home to red-cockaded woodpeckers, and a great variety of songbirds, including indigo buntings and ovenbirds. The landowner wants to harvest the timber and replant the forest to make certain that he will get another harvest in the future. Your task is to use the information you have been given in this lesson to make a comprehensive plan that will meet the needs of all stakeholders in the forest stand using the 4-step method on page 3. Use the NC-GAP website in determining wildlife habitat needs to help you manage for the species of concern. Make certain to include how it will be timbered, how it will be replanted, and how it will be managed for the long-term. Be careful to detail as many of the stakeholders in the forest as possible and explain how your plan will meet their needs.