Why Private Lands Matter

Sustainable forest management is critical for the health of private forests.

Though significant areas of the Appalachians remain forested, forests today are very different from those that existed prior to the 19th century. Present-day forests are often very uniform in age and structure. Forests with densely packed trees and closed canopies lack the variety of overstory and understory habitat structure required by many songbirds, such as the Cerulean Warbler, and other wildlife. Disrupted or absent natural disturbances, such as forest fires, has led to a lack of young forest habitat on the landscape, which is vital for the survival of imperiled species like golden-winged warbler. Together, these threats have dramatically impacted forest health and reduced the quality of these forests for timber value and as wildlife habitat.

Sustainable forest management is a tool landowners can use to combat these threats. Active management such as controlling competing and invasive plants, thinning undesirable tree species, and forest stand improvement can promote the mix of cover and tree species needed for wildlife to thrive. Removing undesirable plants improves forest health by providing more sunlight, water, and nutrients to more desirable species. The increased food and cover means better wildlife habitat.