Page 25 - Georgia Forestry - Winter 2020

N ot all timber harvesting is done through clear cuts, and it’s a very
infrequent disturbance to the
ecosystem. Harvesting of trees takes place two to three times over the 40-50- year life cycle of the forest. Throughout those
years, smaller, low-value trees are thinned
out to restore the health of the forest and help the remaining trees grow. Once the stand is fully mature, the trees are harvested, sorted and transported to the mills. As shown in this photo, a clear cut doesn’t necessarily mean that the whole property is harvested — stands are harvested on a rotating basis to maintain the ecosystem’s health and sustainability.
Mike and Justin Justice of Justice Enterprises in Coffee County.
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