Agenda - 05-26-2015 - C-2 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

accepted and valuable management tool to restore ecosystem processes. 161 Prescribed fire has the potential to provide many benefits on the upland portions of the property. Burning these mixed stands after the first commercial thinning would help to control undesirable native and non - native species, allow for development of grasses and herbaceous plants in the understory, promote development of oak and hickory regeneration, and improve wildlife habitat by providing sources of browse, soft mast, and cover on the forest floor. Carbon Cycle All forest plants and soils "store" carbon, so your management influences the natural cycles of that storage in both living and dead plant material. The removal of carbon from the atmosphere is the process of carbon sequestration. Trees are roughly 50% carbon, based on dry weight. Certain forest management practices can promote more plant growth per acre. Timber harvests can lead to durable wood products that store carbon for long periods of time. Carbon sequestration rates can be increased by maintaining forest health, replanting areas that have been harvested and actively managing a dynamic growing forest. In recent years, programs dealing with "carbon sequestration ", "carbon credits" and "biomass" have been in the news. While the resulting financial benefit to forest landowners is still in question, this may still be a topic to watch. The amount of carbon credits on a property can be computed based on a forest inventory. Age, stocking levels, species and site index are factors that can affect this inventory. Many consulting foresters can complete the base -line inventory for an associated fee. Prior to engaging in carbon markets, landowners need to consider the commitment period, contracts, associated fees, market access, inventory methods, aggregators, certification programs, afforestation and required silvicultural treatments. More information on this topic can be found at: ham:/ /www.ces.ncsu.edu /forestry /programs /woody biomass /hubs and research.ph Carbon Cycle on This Property: At this time, opportunities to participate in carbon markets are limited for this property. As the climate change issue evolves in the future, opportunities may become more certain. Until then, sustainable forest management should be practiced for the multitude of other benefits it provides. Range /Silvop asture /Agroforestry Silvopasture dates back to when humans first started burning and thinning forests to promote forage for the animals they relied on for food. The practice is increasingly popular in the South as a way to supplement timber income on small pine plantations and some hardwood stands. Trees can provide longer -term returns from saw logs for lumber, while livestock in a rotational grazing system provides steady annual income. There can be, however, problems with combining the two management schemes if it is not done correctly. Before any new silvopasture 14