Document: GAR-3-28-17
Public education and forestry practices in the Northern Hardwood Forest.
WADE, G.L.* 1, M.J.TWERY 1, M.RECHLIN 2 and M.J.STORY 3
USDA Forest Service, Burlington, VT USA 1
Paul Smith's College, Paul Smiths, NY 12970 USA 2
Adirondack Park Agency, Paul Smiths, NY 12970 USA 3
Abstract:
State and Federal forest land managers make decisions in a matrix of ecological, economic and social needs and constraints. Among the social constraints is public opinion of forestry practices, which rightfully carries great weight in a democracy. But public opinion regarding forest management practices is frequently based upon neither real knowledge and experience of forest management techniques nor their consequences. In this presentation we demonstrate how we are addressing this public need for forest ecology education. The New York Adirondack Park Agency Visitor Information Center (VIC), Paul Smith's College, and the USDA Forest Service are cooperating in a public education project to demonstrate six forest management silvicultural systems: (1) single tree selection; (2) group selection; (3) shelterwood; (4) two-age management; (5) clearcut; and (6) no cutting. These practices are demonstrated in 2-hectare blocks within a secondary northern hardwoods forest near the VIC at Paul Smith's, NY. Presentations at the VIC and easy access to the managed stands on an all season public recreation trail allow the public to see first-hand the varying effects of silvicultural practices on forest succession and structure, composition of the forest flora and spring ephemerals, wildlife habitat and food supply, and plant species used for human needs. Our presentation shows the demonstration area, describes the scientific studies, and shows how student studies and public input can be used to augment professional data-gathering in research. We include examples of the informational material being distributed to school groups and other visitors to the site.
Keywords: Education, Silviculture, Research, Public Involvement
This abstract is being presented at: 3:30 PM in session:
Poster Session #3: Education.