2) Eberly Woods Forest Health, Inventory and Natural Diversity

Currently we do not have an official, complete and current forest inventory on record.  As instructed by Keith Argos, we have contacted David Neumann to be put on the waiting list for an inventory cruise of the woods.  Hopefully this will also give a reference to the health and condition of forest and significant flora and fauna.

To make uneducated estimates of the 24-acre property we have the following estimations on tree species and numbers greater than 4” diameter at chest high. 
6000 Trees on the North 14-acres.  This includes the following:

70 % Red Maple
8% Ash
7% Cherry
5% Tulip Poplar
3% Sugar Maple
2% Oak
1% Aspen
1% Sassafras
1% Elm
2% Other Species

These trees are both crowded and overpopulated.  They have competed to the point that most of them are over 85 feet tall yielding good lumber potential.
900 Trees on the South 10-acres.  This includes the following:

45% Box elder
25% Cherry
20% Ash
3% Colorado Spruce
1% Mixed Maples
1% Walnut
5% Other Species

These trees are under populated.  Most of the 10-acres is scrub brush and box elder.   Stands of Red Pine, Colorado Spruce, Bitternut Hickory, and The lumber potential is currently very low due to a lack of competition.  

Attached is a map of the property.  We also have some past terramaps. 

Based on Michigan’s Right to Forestry Act, to the best of our knowledge, we are in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local regulations and zoning laws.  To assure compliance, we recently had a meeting with the Buchanan City Manager, Mike Hughes, to discuss city plans for a trail along McCoy Creek and to inform him of our continued forestry practices and intentions.

Location on the property determines the soils.  Soils range from sandy on the South end to Clay and Gravel on the North and West ends.  This greatly affects the forest productivity and species survival in different parts of the woods.  Slope and water retention have been considered.  A 6000 square foot pond was added on the Northern end of the South 10-acres to collect runoff from the neighboring neighborhood and to provide a year round water source for trees.  Two creeks and the St. Joseph River provide water sources on the North, East, and South ends of the property.  Erosion control measures including use of brush, grand fathering of key trees, and erosion controlling planting are used.  Some Riparian maintenance has been done through the placement of gravel or riprap.  

Special attention has been given to important, rare, and endangered species.  The presence of Pileated Woodpeckers, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Red headed woodpeckers, Gold Finches, Great Horned Owls, Flying Squirrels, Turkey, Fox, Mink, Coyote, and possibly Badger have led to careful habitat consideration when conducting forestry practices.  Specific sections of habitat have been left undisturbed to provide habitat.  Specific dead trees were also left standing to provide housing for woodpeckers and flying squirrels.

Based on the tree estimates, clearly silvicultural practices are being used to discourage forest insects and disease.  This year we have been removing Ash more aggressively to prevent an overabundance of food for the approaching Emerald Green Ash Borer.  We also regularly check for Oak Wilt, Gypsy Moth, and other diseases. 

The pruning, harvesting, and planting schedule is designed to provide continuous stand improvement.  If better methods are developed and recommended, they would be seriously considered for implementation.