view logging photos here

Before Harvest

mixed hardwoods and pine (see "after" below for same viewpoint)

pure poplar stand

mature poplar and white pine (and Yellow Dog)

old field with Virginia pine

After Harvest

same viewpoint as first "before" photo above

new access is created by constructing logging trails

Follow-up visit five months after harvest completion (October 2009)

view logging photos here

This harvest began in February 2009 and was completed in June 2009.  This was an exciting project because it involved a variety of timber types (pure poplar stands, planted white pine, and mixed hardwoods) on a beautiful property in Franklin County, Virginia, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway.  The landowners have held this land for over two decades, and felt it was time to implement some sound forest management.  They were thinking along the right lines- after seeing some of the cut stumps it was clear that much of this timber was in decline. 

The majority of this tract was selectively harvested, but certain areas were cut more aggressively than the rest.  About 15 acres of over-mature yellow poplar, in a remote section of the property, were essentially clearcut as that was the best method to regenerate a new, well-stocked stand of high-quality poplar trees.  A smaller section of “old field” area that was dominated by Virginia pine (aka “bull pine”) was cleared in order to make way for an abundance of poplar saplings that were being suppressed by the pine overstory.  However, most of the acreage was cut in a manner that will allow another harvest to occur in approximately twenty years; but in the meantime leaving a healthier, more vigorous timber stand and greatly improving the wildlife habitat.  Be sure to check out some additional photos here.