Sustainable forestry isn’t just about harvesting trees for lumber. It’s about building a healthier forest overall. Sustainable forest management includes harvesting healthy, mature trees along with removing poor-quality, diseased, or pest-infected trees. Those trees may not bring a profit, but removing them will help build a stronger, more resilient forest. One tool used in sustainable forestry is single tree or small group selection. This method involves removing individual trees or small groups of trees (from 2-3 trees to a little over an acre). Over time, this can increase the diversity of ages, species, and complexity in the forest. It was a strategy employed by three of the landowners featured in a series of Vermont’s Women and Our Woods case studies: 🌲 Esther Lichti of Montgomery chose to do a group selection of red pines in one area of the forest. She worked with Cold Hollow to Canada to plant nut-producing trees in the openings created by the harvest. 🪵 Doreen Jones of Rochester used the single tree selection method to remove poor-quality trees and harvest mature trees for lumber and firewood across about 80 acres of her property. Doreen also partnered with the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps to complete a demonstration project. The crew thinned a small section of the woods to give crowded trees more space to grow. 👷🏻 Diana Todd of Halifax used both the single tree and small group selection methods on her 100+ acre property. She appreciates that harvesting wood supports the local forest economy. She likes to get personally involved in her land management (pictured participating in the Game of Logging course). These stories are part of a series of case studies on women landowners and managers. You can find the full series at: www.vermontwoodlands.org/wow-case-studies WOW-VT is a collective of partners, including VLT, that is committed to connecting women with information, resources, and support needed to make informed decisions regarding their land. The WOW-VT steering committee also includes: Vermont Coverts: Woodlands for Wildlife, Vermont Woodlands Association, Audubon Vermont, Vermont Fish & Wildlife, Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation, Forest Stewards Guild, and Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program. (fb)

Labor Day weekend is officially here! Have you been to the island at the heart of Island Pond? This gem at the heart of the Northeast Kingdom is now part of Brighton State Park and is permanently protected for the public to enjoy. In 2024, VLT and the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation raised $1.1 million to buy and conserve the property. An easement co-held by VLT and the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board will safeguard its wild beauty and guarantee public access. 🎥 WCAX recently took a tour – get a taste and start planning your own island adventure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fa4W3xuWoRs (fb)