Focus Species Forestry

forest-management strategy concentrates on specific species to develop habitat

Useful for small woodlands as well as large tracts of timberland, focus species forestry is based on the fact that many species inhabit similar forest types and have overlapping habitat requirements. “On a typical woodlot, by focusing on the habitat requirements of a small number of species, landowners can provide habitat for a wide range of species with similar needs,” Bryan said.

For example, the American marten, red-breasted nuthatch, spruce grouse and black-backed woodpecker require different food and cover, but are all found in medium-age and mature spruce-fir and mixed spruce-fir-hardwood forests. The marten, because it has the largest home range of this group, is the focus species. By managing habitat for the marten, landowners and foresters will also create benefits for species with similar habitat needs and smaller territories.

“We hope to make forest management that promotes biodiversity interesting, educational and routine,” said Rob Bryan, Maine Audubon forest ecologist. “Whether or not the goal is timber production, the focus species strategy can help anyone who manages the forest maintain wildlife and other components of biodiversity.”

Workshops

Maine Audubon with partners has been sponsoring forestry workshops at several locations across the state, designed to introduce landowners, foresters and loggers to “focus species forestry,” a new approach to integrating timber management and biodiversity in Maine. Information covered at the workshop is included in a new management guide that workshop participants will receive. It reviews the forestry and ecology of Maine’s major forest ecosystems and special habitats, including management information and biology for some 25 focus wildlife species. For more information about the workshops, e-mail conserve@maineaudubon.org or call (207) 781-2330 ext. 235.