Integrating Wildlife Management Considerations into Early Successional Forest Habitat Design

Peter Dieser will explore key wildlife management considerations for both commercial and noncommercial early successional forest habitats, emphasizing strategies that balance silvicultural objectives with ecological and wildlife outcomes. His presentation will examine how management decisions, such as tree retention and the incorporation and retention of additional structural features can enhance habitat heterogeneity and support a diverse cohort of wildlife species associated with young forest habitat conditions. Participants will gain insight into practical approaches for increasing structural diversity, including the use of residual trees, snags, coarse woody debris, and shrub layers to promote nesting, foraging, and cover opportunities for birds, mammals, and other taxa.