District begins timber-thinning projects

The District’s Division of Land Management will conduct timber thinning beginning in January 2009 on the following conservation areas: Lochloosa Wildlife Conservation Area, Lake George Conservation Area and Heart Island Conservation Area.

Timber thinning operations will also be underway at Ocklawaha Prairie and Sunnyhill Restoration Areas beginning in April 2009 and possibly continuing through April 2010.

These thinning projects consist of thinning pine trees to promote forest health, improve species diversity and improve wildlife habitat. Harvesting activities are expected to take place between January 2009 and January 2010, with the exception of the Lake George project, which is expected to continue until June 2010.

This work may create a temporary inconvenience for some recreational users. Thank you for your patience and understanding. If you have any questions, please contact Paul Hudson at (386) 329-4464.

Maps of timber thinning projects on District lands

• Lake George Conservation Area 1
• Lake George Conservation Area 2
• Lochloosa Wildlife Conservation Area
• Ocklawaha Prairie Restoration Area 1
• Ocklawaha Prairie Restoration Area 2
• Sunnyhill Restoration Area

The District’s Division of Land Management is conducting timber thinning at Lake George Conservation Area.

This project will consist of thinning slash pine plantations and restoring sand pine sites to longleaf pine. The District will systematically thin pine trees on conservation lands when the tree density becomes too great for good forest health. This thinning project will consist of harvesting pine trees which are diseased, deformed or suppressed. Approximately 30 percent of the pines will be removed to achieve a desirable tree density within the forest. This thinning will promote forest health, improve species diversity and provide a better habitat for wildlife.

Approximately 119 acres of off-site sand pine will be harvested, and replanted with longleaf pine, which is a more suitable tree species for the given area.

This project will take place between June 2008 and December 2009 and may create a temporary inconvenience for some recreational users. Thank you for your patience and understanding. If you have any questions please contact Paul Hudson at (386) 329-4464.

• 2008 sand pine sale
• Map of northern thinning areas
• Map of southern thinning areas
• Recreation Guide details about this property

 

Closures

South Region

• Tom Lawton Recreation Pad in Palm Bay remains closed due to high water and ongoing construction.