Habitat Conservation

The Need for Active Forest Management

Almost every woodland in the Midwest has been significantly influenced and altered by various forms of human activity over the years. The extensive logging of hardwoods that took place during the late 19th and 20th centuries was particularly impactful, as it resulted in the almost complete elimination of most of the original, undisturbed virgin timber stands that once thrived in the region. This large-scale deforestation, often carried out without regard for sustainability or future consequences, was just the beginning.

Alongside this, unmanaged logging practices continued to degrade the forest environment, which was further compounded by cattle grazing, which disrupted natural growth patterns and soil stability. Additionally, forest fragmentation, caused by the breaking up of large, contiguous forest areas into smaller, isolated patches, has severely affected wildlife habitats and ecological balance. Fire suppression policies, intended to protect human settlements, have inadvertently altered natural fire cycles, leading to an accumulation of combustible materials and increasing the risk of severe wildfires.

Furthermore, the introduction and spread of non-native, invasive trees and shrubs have outcompeted native species, leading to reduced biodiversity and altering ecosystem dynamics. All these factors combined have created a critical and urgent need for active and strategic forest management to restore balance, promote biodiversity, and ensure the health and resilience of these vital ecosystems for future generations.