Winter Habitat Projects...

[G-man]

Have you thought about habitat projects you could do now  in the slow tile of winter?? 

• Cover creation:

  • Brush piles: Create brush piles by stacking cut branches to provide shelter and nesting sites for small animals. 
     
  • Hinge cutting: Partially cut trees and lean them over to create horizontal cover without fully removing them. This alos creates browse now for deer and  depending on species, grouse and other birds can get buds that were out of reach..
     
  • Timber stand improvement: Thin dense forest stands to create more open areas with better visibility and access to food sources. 
     
• Plant release:

  • Tree and shrub release: Remove competing vegetation around desirable native plants to encourage their growth and provide more food for wildlife. Great to do  around those apple trees that are close to your stands
     

 

Benefits of winter habitat improvement:

• Minimal disruption to wildlife:

  Winter is a time when many animals are less active, minimizing disturbance during habitat manipulation. 

   
• Better access to work areas:

  With less foliage, it's easier to access and manage areas needing improvement. 

   
• Preparation for spring growth:

  By planting trees and managing existing vegetation in winter, you can ensure a healthy food source for wildlife come spring. 

[Robhuntandfish]

I am dying to start projects but not in this weather.  It's either snowing sideways or in the teens for temps. Prior two years I worked all winter long. It was great. It got me outside in the winter and a huge jump start on projects. Pics were on Feb 3rd last year