The Forestry Forum

I need some help. I have 80 acres in Westbranch MI that needs some help. Mainly an oak stand but has maple and popel on it also. 4 years ago was hit by gypsy moths and has some dead standing timber but would like to clear and thin some areas for wildlife management. So I assume there is a pulp wood availability along with timber. Is there anyone in the area that you can reccommend that may be interested in this situation

You might want to contact your local Conservation District Forester or a professional consulting forester for a recomendation to meet your management objectives.

I wouldt write off the oaks.....though ya might want to get em milled asap........at this point if they are standing dead, the outter 2 inches are rotten, you would need to hre a sawyer with a mill on something like that, but I have gotten high grade outta such wood...its good inside for a good while....... ;)

As buzz says, you could probably salvage alot of good timber if you get to the oak ASAP. Hopefully, the round or flat headed borers haven't invaded them because they bore deep.

Also be sure that your oak is dead from the gypsy moth and that you don't have oak wilt in your stand. If so, the harvest timing and management may be a different sittuation.