Why young forest?

Working with Nature

Natural forces once caused a continuing ebb and flow of thousands of acres of regrowing forest and shrubland across the landscape. But we no longer let fires burn unchecked or beavers build dam complexes that flood vast areas of woodland and kill trees. Our own dams limit floods that once leveled forests growing along rivers and creeks, giving rise to new young trees.

Science-Based Habitat Management

Now it's our responsibility to recreate some natural disturbance processes by carefully carrying out science-based habitat management projects in a few select places. We owe it to the more than 60 species of wildlife whose populations are dwindling because they're not finding the young forest and shrubland they need to survive. The effort must be ongoing because young forest and shrubland are ephemeral habitats, lasting for only around 20 years before they become forestland attracting and supporting a different suite of wildlife.

That's what the Young Forest Initiative is all about.