Timber Harvesting
Building on a 63 year family tradition...
Since that time we have expanded our wood-lot ownership to 650 acres and participate in the management of several hundred more for family and clients.
Specializing in hardwood management and harvesting with the goal of promoting the long-term health and growth of the stand and a continuous canopy we use a low impact hand felling and wheeled equipment system in the Scandic cut-to-length tradition. We also continue an equally long-standing tradition in the northern white cedar market, with many years of harvest management, milling, and grading on our own operations we have also supplied many of the mills in our region.
Our equipment and extraction system involves minimal skidding, rutting and stem damage to the residual stand with wood grappled and carried out clean on a forwarder to roadside. The harvest is set-up carefully with the property boundaries well marked. Truck roads, landings and “tote” trails for the hauling of wood are planned to be efficient, trouble free, and aesthetically pleasing.
They are also designed to ensure continual and easy access for storm clean- up, recreational vehicle use and successive harvests. Some of our extraction systems incorporate original pioneer and logging roads in use for over 150 years. If formal documentation is desired we can also arrange certified “woodlot management plans” at the clients request.
Timber stands are marked prior to harvest with care to select not only trees that are prime for harvest but with attention to remove those that are less commercially valuable due to poor form, storm damage or rot. Key trees with the best potential for future growth and quality will be reserved and allowed space to flourish insuring profitable and sustained successive harvests. Trees with mast or features important for wildlife are also reserved space often on slopes, near wet-lands or opening edges important for controlling light.
Employees are carefully selected, mentored and indoctrinated in our system - with a priority to work safely, cause minimal damage, and to have an eye for promoting growth and quality, and optimum use of the resource. Working alongside others in forestry creates strong family orientated bonds and deep friendships lasting generations among fellow workers, associates and clients alike.
Stevens Sustainable Forestry is pleased to offer it’s services to the St.Joseph Island community and area. Please contact me about your project.