What Is Forest Stand Improvement?
Forest Stand Improvement (FSI) is a management technique used to enhance the health, productivity, and biodiversity of a forest. This practice involves carefully selecting and removing certain trees or vegetation to encourage the growth of desirable species. By managing competition among trees, FSI helps forests grow stronger and more resilient.
In practice, FSI can include:
- Removing invasive species that compete with native plants
- Thinning overcrowded areas, allowing sunlight and nutrients to reach the forest floor
- Pruning or removing damaged, diseased, or low-value trees to improve the health of high-value species
- Creating gaps to encourage new growth and biodiversity
Overall, FSI helps to maintain a balanced forest structure, promote natural regeneration, and ensure that our forest ecosystems remain healthy and resilient for generations to come.
Why Does Forest Stand Improvement Matter?
Healthy forests are essential to a healthy watershed because they absorb rainfall, reduce runoff, and filter pollutants. Their roots stabilize soil to prevent erosion, while fallen organic matter enriches the soil, helping it absorb more water. Forests also support biodiversity, contributing to a balanced and resilient ecosystem. Here’s why FSI is so important:
Water Quality: Trees play a critical role in maintaining water quality by reducing runoff, filtering pollutants, and preventing soil erosion. Healthier forests mean cleaner water flowing into our streams, lakes, and reservoirs.
Biodiversity: Forests with diverse tree species and ages provide better habitats for wildlife. A well-managed forest is home to more species of birds, mammals, and insects, contributing to a vibrant ecosystem.
Climate Resilience: By encouraging strong, healthy trees, FSI makes forests more resilient to climate stressors like drought, disease, and invasive species. Resilient forests can better withstand and recover from these challenges.
Community Benefits: Healthy forests provide shade, recreational spaces, and scenic beauty, creating a peaceful place for people to explore and enjoy nature. They also serve as educational resources, teaching visitors about ecology, conservation, and sustainable land management.
How We’re Practicing Forest Stand Improvement at the Watershed Center
At the Watershed Center, we’re actively practicing FSI as part of our conservation efforts. Here’s a look at our approach:
Watershed Conservation Corps Removes Cedar Selective Thinning: We identify and remove overcrowded, low-quality, or invasive species, creating space for healthy native trees to thrive. This process allows more sunlight to reach the forest floor, encouraging the growth of native understory plants.
Invasive Species Control: We focus on removing invasive species, such as bush honeysuckle, which crowds out native plants and alters soil composition. By managing invasives, we give our native plants a better chance to flourish, supporting local wildlife.
Creating Canopy Gaps: To promote biodiversity, we create intentional gaps in the forest canopy. These openings allow sunlight to reach lower levels of the forest, encouraging growth in native wildflowers, shrubs, and young trees. This process is especially beneficial for early-successional species and the wildlife that depend on them.
Monitoring and Maintenance: FSI is an ongoing process. Our team regularly monitors forest health, assessing factors like tree density, species composition, and signs of disease or pests. We also engage in regular maintenance to keep invasive species in check and make adjustments as needed.
Through these practices, we’re building a more resilient forest that can better support clean water, wildlife, and recreation for the entire community.
How You Can Get Involved: Resources for Forest Stand Improvement in Springfield, Missouri
If you’re interested in improving the health of a forested area on your own land, there are plenty of resources available in Springfield and Greene County to help you get started.
Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC): MDC offers technical assistance, cost-sharing programs, and advice on FSI practices. Their team can help you assess your land and recommend the best practices for your property. Check out their website or contact the local MDC office for guidance.
Greene County MU Extension: The University of Missouri Extension office in Greene County provides educational resources on land and forest management. They also host workshops and events where you can learn about sustainable forest practices, tree selection, and more.
Watershed Center Volunteerism: Join us at the Watershed Center! We have volunteering opportunities where community members can help with invasive species removal and other FSI activities. It’s a hands-on way to learn about forest management while making a difference. To sign-up, fill out our volunteer form here.
By practicing FSI on your land or supporting local conservation efforts, you can help protect our forests and waterways. Together, we can create a legacy of clean water, healthy forests, and abundant wildlife for future generations.
Thank you for joining us on this journey! For more updates on our forest conservation work and opportunities to get involved, follow us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter.