Forestry's waste wood offers habitat for small forest-floor animals
Wednesday, October 24, 2012 - 14:30
in Earth & Climate
The wood that remains after a tree harvesting operation is often burned to reduce the hazard of fire or is removed for bioenergy production. But another option should be considered—leaving the wood for forest wildlife whose habitat has been disturbed during clear-cut forestry operations. Woody debris on the floor of the forest is essential for maintaining biodiversity and long-term ecosystem productivity.