Pam C asked about second growth forests, here's the definition from Wikipedia, "A secondary forest (or second-growth forest) is a forest or woodland area which has re-grown after a timber harvest, until a long enough period has passed so that the effects of the disturbance are no longer evident. It is distinguished from an old-growth forest (primary or primeval forest), which has not recently undergone such disruption, and complex early seral forest, as well as third-growth forests that result from harvest in second growth forests. Secondary forest regrowing after timber harvest differs from forest regrowing after natural disturbances such as fire, insect infestation, or windthrow because the dead trees remain to provide nutrients, structure, and water retention after natural disturbances. However, often after natural disturbance the timber is harvested and removed from the system, in which case the system more closely resembles secondary forest rather than seral forest."
I generally refer to the forest around my home as second growth as it was logged in the 1940's and again around the year 2000. There are 3 or 4 true old growth trees that were not logged in the 1940's or more recently. And now there are a number of mature 2nd growth trees that seeded in the 1940's and were not logged in 2000. And there are a number of very young trees that make up a third growth forest, ie post year 2000 trees that are about 20 years old. Hope that helps.
Today's critter is Barry the Buck
Barry Buck is a handsome gentleman. Have a wonderful weekend, Beth!
ReplyDeleteSilly me, I didn't know that Deer like peanuts, nor that they would shake rain off of them like a dog shakes. Barry is so lucky to have you. Great photos!
ReplyDeleteGreat information about the forests. I know that old growth forests are highly prized here in WA. Barry the buck is quite the animal! Our neighbor sees one like him in our neighborhood but I have not personally seen him.
ReplyDeleteThank you for that information on forests. It’s very interesting, and I probably should have known that. My Grandfather and great Uncles were in the lumber business in both OR and Arkansas. They were one of the first timber companies to practice selective harvesting, and so didn’t clear cut forests. What a handsome buck!
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