Forest Planning
Most problem solving is enhanced through planning. Finding solutions requires an understanding of where we are, how we got here, and where we would like to be. These are all elements of the forest stewardship planning process, and necessary to fully realize the values related to your forest. This project seeks to make planning easier and more inclusive for all landowners, enabling them to find the resources and knowledge necessary to be good stewards of their forest. This is achieved by better understanding the diverse landowner objectives in Sandy Mush and making it easier to get them the needed information.
Our coalition has identified several topics of interest to landowners through our coalition planning process: ecological timber management, invasive species control, funding forest management, fire adapted communities, non-timber forest products, and wildlife habitat.
Resources
The following resources are intended to help both landowners and professionals tackle questions such as: what are other resources a landowner can manage for besides timber? How does one combat non-native species common to this region? and more. Each section includes tools for outreach and communication, field tools for site assessments, information about different management opportunities, contact information for local partners, and further resources for cost share opportunities and additional ways to fund stewardship activities.
Ecological Timber Management
Sustainable forestry via timber harvesting is a way for family forest landowners in Sandy Mush to generate revenue and ensure healthy forest structure. Some forests in the region have been harvested using unsustainable practices and require some degree of forest restoration to promote their development into high value timber stands.
Invasive Species Control
There are several non-native invasive plants, pests, and pathogens that can be found in abundance throughout the forests of Western North Carolina. Determining how to manage your forest in a way that mitigates the threats from these species is crucial in ensuring the longevity and resiliency of your woods.
Funding Forest Management
Proper forest stewardship is important to many groups and organizations, and because of that, opportunities to share the cost of forest management activities exist. Utilizing programs such as NRCS funding can be a great next step in forest restoration.
Fire Adapted Communities
Ecologically appropriate fire is important to forest health as it can promote native fire dependent species such as shortleaf pine, and limit the number of catastrophic wildfire events by reducing fuel loading. Additionally, ensuring preparedness for wildfire events is important for community resilience.
Non-Timber Forest Products
Interest in the cultivation and management of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) is increasing throughout the Southeast. The rich, fertile soils of Appalachian coves common in Sandy Mush allow many understory medicinal plants to flourish. Species such as American ginseng, black cohosh, ramps, and goldenseal are found in Sandy Mush cove forests, and can be model species when considering NTFP management.
Wildlife Habitat
As a part of one of the most diverse ecoregions in North America, the forests in the greater Sandy Mush watershed are home to various wildlife groups such as neotropical migrant birds, large mammals, and the largest number of terrestrial snail species in the United States.
Want more?
What else do you value about your forest? Contact us if you would like more information about how to be a good steward to your forest.