Optimizing Growth in Red Maple Stands Through Targeted Thinning

A recent growth and yield analysis conducted by Stevens Forestry, LLC, on a forest in Presque Isle County, Michigan, revealed that red maple stands respond most effectively to targeted thinning, which retains approximately 70-75% of the original basal area during each cutting cycle. Utilizing Forest Vegetation Simulator modeling, this study demonstrates that optimizing both harvest intensity and cutting cycle length can significantly enhance productivity while preserving a healthy, uneven-aged forest structure. Discover how data-driven silviculture can strengthen long-term forest resilience and promote sustained growth.