The following description is from RGS’ project partner Rick Latshaw at the MD DNR:
Project Description:
Project Justification. This project is designed to improve alder habitat conditions for American woodcock on Mt. Nebo WMA through implementation of the WMA Vision Plan and Al Geis Memorial Woodcock Habitat Plan completed in 2009. In cooperation with the Appalachian Mountain Woodcock Initiative the project will be completed using Best Management Practices and guidelines established for managing alder in the Central Appalachian Mountain Region. Alder is an important forest shrub type for woodcock. When over-mature, stem densities and structure become unfavorable for woodcock and regeneration of the stand restores optimal diurnal habitat conditions.
Within the area(s) outlined on the attached map, all woody stems greater than 0.5 inch in diameter must be cut. All stumps or cut stems must be less than 6 inches from the ground surface. All stems over 6 inches in diameter must be removed or girdled with 2 complete rings and left standing. Tops, branches and debris must be cut to a height no greater than 2 feet from the ground surface. Cutting must be completed during the dormant season after the alder has dropped leaves and before bud swelling in the spring. Acceptable cutting dates are from Dec. 15. – March 15. Cutting must be completed with hand operated saws, or with approved equipment and conditions. The area(s) to be cut are estimated to total 10.0 +/- acres located in 6 blocks. Cutting will be completed by a licensed Forest Product Operator.
General Site Conditions:
Mt. Nebo WMA is a popular wildlife recreation area that is heavily visited by hunters and birders both local and from outside the area. This proposal is for managing shrub and wetland edge habitat in HMU 3 which is characterized as Forested Seepage Wetland, Bog and Fen Wetland Complex, Nontidal Shrub Wetland, Nontidal Emergent Wetland (natural and impounded).
HMU 3 comprises approximately 133 acres of wetland habitat and associated edge ecotone on Mt. Nebo WMA. This wetland complex has large areas of shrub/scrub habitat that is dominated by speckled alder and other shrubs including: ninebark (Physocarpus maxim), high-bush blueberry (Vaccinium spp.), elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), and willow (Salix spp.). This area is designated a Wetland of Special State Concern and does contain state listed plant species and is habitat for state listed wildlife species.
The first stage of the AMWI habitat demonstration project was completed by cutting approximately 15 acres in 2010. To date, these sites are regenerating well. No erosion or adverse effects to species of concern were demonstrated from the project.
Project Considerations:
The considerations below are from the 2010 AMWI plan developed for Mt. Nebo WMA.
Based on slope, soil, and other considerations (e.g., rare plants or sensitive habitats) we estimate that about 380 acres of HMUs 4-8 could potentially be managed for woodcock habitat. HMU 3 (133 acres) is essentially all woodcock habitat, although the quality varies with beaver activity, tree encroachment, and aging of the alder stands. We consider habitat < 20 years old to be favorable for woodcock in forested units. Currently, about 5% of HMUs 4-8 is comprised of habitat < 20 years-old.
Management Goal: Our goal is to manage and maintain about 25% of the potential woodcock habitat in HMUs 4-8, or about 100 acres, in habitat < 20 years-old over the long-term. In addition, we would like to maintain and improve the alder community in HMU 3. The alder community can be improved for woodcock by eliminating encroaching hardwoods and rejuvenating aging alder stands by cutting.
Note: The plan to achieve 25% of HMU 4-8 in < 20 year age class forest has mostly been achieved. However only a small portion of HMU 3 has been managed to improve American Woodcock habitat as outlined in the plan.
Long-term Funding: Much of the management identified in this plan involves forest with no or little commercial value. Clearly, meeting the management goals over the long-term will require funding to get work completed. We plan to seek funding for this effort through the Wildlife Management Institute’s Woodcock Recovery Grant Program using the Geis Estate Funds as well as in kind work by MD DNR and the Ruffed Grouse Society as matching contributions.
The first stage of the project completed in 2010 was funded by the Al Geis Estate in conjunction with the Wildlife Management Institute. Funding from the Al Geis Estate is still available and earmarked for this project. The Ruffed Grouse Society has the funds and has expressed interest in providing additional funds to support the project.
