All forms of forest management affect wildlife habitat. Forest/Wildlife regulations list the minimum standards that must be followed if you harvest. It is a good idea to plan for a range of wildlife habitat requirements by:

To create your own woodlot you need to know what kinds of plants and trees grow there, how old they are and how they are arranged. Before you begin you inventory of trees it’s a good idea to make a rough sketch of your woodlot. Walk through your woodlot with an aerial photograph(s). Identify similar groups of trees. Note their stages of growth.

A wide variety of animals use old apple trees. In the fall, wild apples are a special treat for many animals. Areas around apple trees are a great place to locate a grouse, see a deer or even signs of a black bear.

Many kinds of animals favour oak and beech trees because they are an excellent food source.

Although not popular in the forest industry, large tooth aspen are important for many animals. Their buds are important for many animals. Their buds are favourite winter food source for grouse and beavers that prefer the bark.

Red maple, black spruce and tamarack as well as some shrubs like alder, willow and wild raisons (witherod) can grow in wet areas and are sometimes found in clumps on high ground in a swamp. Songbirds visit each spring and deer and rabbits feed here.

Considered a weed by many, alder thickets are habitat for many animals. Alder strands are favourite areas for grouse, woodcock, and songbirds. Alders also improve soil by adding nitrogen. They often in areas too wet for trees.

Rows of shrubs and trees between farm fields or neighbouring lands often provide an important place for animals. Grouse, pheasant, woodcock, songbirds and small mammals will use them for sheltering and feeding. Hedgerows cool the summer air and reduce winds and soil erosion.

Cavity trees are living trees with natural or excavated holes or cavities. Snags are standing dead trees. Fallen dead trees are important habitats for many animals. Some people think a park-like forest is best for your wildlife. Helping wildlife can mean your forest will not be as park-like as you might like. Approximately one-quarter of all wildlife species use dead and old trees for shelter, roosting, feeding, hibernating or nesting, these include owls, chickadees, woodpeckers, kestrels, squirrels, racoons and porcupines. Woodlots with snags have more wildlife species. Besides identifying existing snags, look for large live trees that will eventually die and become future snags.

Water has a special importance to wildlife. The areas along waterways provide habitat for many animals. Forested land along water should be considered a Special Management Zone, a greenbelt or buffer strip for forestry and wildlife.

Often considered a wasteland, wetland areas add tremendous variety to a woodlot. They provide habitat for beaver, mink, muskrat, otter, and waterfowl. Deer and moose use wetlands in the summer to cool off, moose often feed in ponds and slow moving streams.

Bald eagles, hawks, owls, ospreys and great blue herons all nest in big trees. Hawks and owls eat mice and other rodents. The presence of these large birds indicates a healthy food chain able to support many animals.

Special Considerations:

Strands of big tooth aspen can be managed for a variety of animals by select and patch cuts.

Manage alders for wildlife, particularly where soils are too wet for other trees to grow. To improve alder strands, make patch cuts throughout the stand to promote new growth.

Wildlife Habitat

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