Dick Hall, from Oshkosh, WI., is a woodlot owner who writes a regular column for several papers and magazines.  This photo is from The Country Today, a weekly farm publication from Eau Claire. 
I have only talked with Dick a few times, but have grown to know and  respect him greatly reading his columns.  His writing is practical, common sense information that he has learned  working in his own forest.  I cheered inside while he spoke openly to the first meeting of the Wisconsin Family Forest  Alliance in Waushara Co.  In summary he told the group - your oak timber should be the best crop on your property - if you manage it for the future!

With permission from the author, here is one of my favorites that has been published in The Country Today, Woodland Management Magazine, and others.....

Sustainable Forestry by Dick Hall

Sustainable forestry is now the operative term.  It's not just about boards and cords.  It's about all the interrelated forest parts--wood, water, wildlife, soil and the natural scene.    It recognizes that it's not possible to get long-term wood  production and other values without considering all the parts.

Instead of managing oak by discriminating against other species, under sustainable forestry, we manage a community in which oak thrives.  We don't eliminate every tree of lesser value, because it competes with oak.  Its presence creates    diversity, lessens the danger of loss from insect and disease outbreaks,            and  enhances other values.

Over the long haul the stand may contain less oak but higher quality logs will go to the mill.  More important, all the small parts of the community remain , even those of little or no commercial value.  Their presence indicates a dynamic woodlot in harmony with climate and soil, able to sustain its productivity.

As owners it allows us to tweak the parts to enhance the community aspects we desire.  For many of us that includes wildlife and recreational opportunity.

We've learned that woodlot productivity is not sustainable for long if managed intensively for a single tree species or limited combination.  We cannot eliminate or unduly discriminate against any community member and still get the highest-value return either for ourselves or our descendants. 

Spending time in the woodlot with a good forestry consultant is the best way to learn about sustainable forestry.


I encourage you to get to know Dick at bucridge@vbe.com      home