Forest Health
Forest health is the overall condition of any forested area. This condition, on a gradient of healthy to unhealthy, includes some level of resiliency to outside influences. However, it also accounts for how well the habitat functions, and that function is dependent on management goals. This is usually a subjective determination, and the health condition is affected by factors such as soil health, invasive plant competition, invasive insect and disease impacts, light levels, and weather conditions. Assessment, planning, and long-term management of these factors are some of the most important experiences one can develop regardless of the type of forested system or goals for a forested land.
We help others to become more capable of determining forest health conditions and implementing forest management practices. This includes answering some of the most common questions asked by landowners.
- What’s the health condition of our trees or forest stands?
- How do we efficiently deal with different invasive plants scenarios?
- How do we plan for invasive insect and disease impacts?
- What are the best methods to improve understory conditions for native plants or wildlife?
- Should I plant more trees in the woods?
- Is it a good or bad idea to cut down trees in the woods?
What are we working on right now?
- Creating downloadable resources such as:
- How to diagnose sick and healthy trees
- How to assess canopy health conditions
- Regional invasive plant lists and management decision guides
- Tree installation guidelines
- Planning instructional videos about management practices
- Planning demonstration areas for future training events and public accessibility