The Clear Cut

Uniform in size, standing at attention like a 4^th grade class, except with 10,000 students.  Thick enough to preclude the possible growth of invasive under story like the all too common buckthorn and blackberry which had occupied this clear cut field 30 years before.  This was my initial impression as we entered the pine stand we refer to as the Clear Cut.

Much in tidy hand-planted rows, but not all.  Spontaneous self-seeded growth from the old forest created a restless, meandering trail through the plot, which will not make it any easier for eventual harvest crews.  But, alas, a small sacrifice that only enhances the pleasure of our walk through the pine garden. 

For this is truly a garden which we have watched develop from a stump ridden, rock strewn clearcut to what I consider a sublime, or more appropriately, serene pathway to repose.  How is it possible that a few shovels of dirt and placement of tiny seedlings could develop into such a garden of peace and tranquility?

That question you will have to answer yourself, but walk through the garden before you arrive at your conclusion.  And, we must remember it has been through twenty-five years of evolution.

While you wrestle with that one, we will proceed to the next parcel—next time.  But “BEWARE”--  for some of these strolls were in warmer temperatures and we must be careful about where we step, musn’t we?  Of course we must!

A Stroll Through Past and Future

The sun was filtering through the needled branches of the 24 year old pines.  We were strolling down a very familiar trail which we had, over time, hewed out of a newly planted nursery of tiny pine stock.  It wasn't a typical work day tour through the woods, but instead was a mandatory property evaluation required by the Wisconsin Managed Forest Land program.  This was a survey by a certified forester which would result in a management plan which will be followed for the next twenty five or fifty years under the MFL program.

Could it be possible that we have been working-or perhaps more appropriately said- “enjoying” ourselves on this property for twenty five years?  Indeed we had, and indeed the contract is due for renewal.  Thinking back, the memories are vivid, the exploits many, the experiences rewarding and the thought of our ongoing challenges and undertakings exhilarating.

One would think that after twenty five years of raising our little forest there would be little left to discover.  But, to the contrary, a stroll with a qualified forester can be very much a post-graduate experience.  We were accompanied by Buzz Vahradian, a Wautoma area forester, active in woodland programs and also with a Wisconsin DNR background. 

In future reflections, I will attempt to convey the many interesting perceptions unleashed as we wandered the trails of our treasured woodlot. A Stroll Through Past and Future.