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VAN BUREN, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has partnered with the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) to host a Timber Stand Improvement (TSI) Landowner Workshop in Van Buren May 10, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Located at the Ozark National Scenic Riverways (ONSR) Visitor Center, the free workshop will be packed full of practical information landowners can use.
TSI is the removal of selected trees from a timber stand to improve the health and growth of the remaining trees that may or may not be harvested in the future. As the name implies, this practice is conducted on forested sites where improving timber production is a priority. However, it is also used to promote forest health and increase wildlife habitat.
“TSI is a great tool for managing property because it can increase the quality and production of forest products, improve wildlife habitat or restore woodlands to historic conditions,” said Devin Wood, a MDC Private Land Conservationist.
Topics at the workshop will include how to identify timber and wildlife management goals, how to meet cost-share and contract specifications, and how to develop expectations and work with contractors. There will also be a field trip to view TSI on private property.
Wood said forest management objectives should be defined within the limits of what an area of land is capable of sustaining. For example, don't try to create an open woodland from a high-quality forest or manage high-quality timber on woodland sites with low growth potential. Most unmanaged timber stands become overcrowded, causing a shortage of water, nutrients, and sunlight for all trees. TSI reduces competition in a stand and allows decisions on which trees to keep based on a landowner’s management goals.
“This workshop will be a great start in the process of learning about your forest and wooded areas and their potential to meet your goals,” Wood said.
The workshop is limited to 30 participants and lunch will be provided. Registration is required in advance by contacting NWTF Forester Chad Doolen at cdoolen@nwtf.net or (573) 260-0316. The OSNR Visitor Center is located at 404 Watercress Road in Van Buren. Learn more managing your property for wildlife at www.mdc.mo.gov/property.
