Marion Forest Health

This 52 acre private property was thinned by our forestry crew over a 5-year period to reduce the over-stocked stands of Lodgepole Pine. This pine forest was suppressing the growth and reproduction of deciduous vegetation along the Little Bitterroot River, as well as Ponderosa Pine trees which require full sunlight to grow. As a result, biodiversity was lost and the dense forest posed a risk for a high-intensity forest fire. Through selective thinning, we reduced the density of Lodgepole Pine, opening up the forest over-story and reducing the competition amongst trees and shrubs for sunlight, water, and soil nutrients. All of the material removed was chipped.  In addition to thinning, we planted several hundred Ponderosa Pine and Western Larch seedlings in forest openings around the property.