Wildlife Management
Although the Dixon Center does not manage for any particular wildlife species, a diversity of game and non-game habitat exists across the property as a byproduct of decisions made related to active forest management.
Diversity
Diversities of timber age classes promote both early and late successional wildlife habitat. Thinning, prescribed fire, and the selective use of herbicides work alone and in conjunction to add light to the forest floor and stimulate the growth of early successional plant communities preferred by wildlife.
Retention of Hardwoods
The retention of hardwoods in streamside areas provides hard and soft mast crops. The further protection of river and stream borders, depressional wetlands, and sinkholes provide for additional aquatic and surrounding riparian habitats. Supplemental plantings for wildlife are also part of the Dixon Center’s management, as is the selective harvest of white-tailed deer.
A sequence of management techniques.
Wildlife Management Techniques
Before Forest Management
The habitat potential of the timber stand below is far greater as compared to the stand shown to the left.
More open canopy reaching the forest floor, grasses, and other preferred vegetation has replaced the thick, dark mass of waxy-leaved plants and vines.
After Forest Management
A sequencing of management techniques was used to convert the above understory to that on the right in 18 months.
The right picture was taken in March ahead of burn #1, commercial thinning following the burn, Triclopyr herbicide applied in October, and burn #2 again in March. Picture to the right taken in October following burn #2.