3) Logging, Post-Harvest Evaluation and Reforestation of Eberly Woods

Our harvesting system begins after trees have been selected for removal.  Donald Eberly and Richard Eberly conduct all the tree removal and have been removing and pruning trees for the past two decades.  We feel we are experienced loggers.  We mark the trees for removal in bi-annual cruises, fell trees thoughtfully with chainsaws and Swedish felling tools, and completely remove all of the tree in the form of logs for lumber, mushroom logs, firewood, and brush for burning or erosion control.  Ash from burning is used to fertilize the sapling garden for future trees.

Donald Eberly or Richard Eberly oversees the harvest and final inspection.  Since we live in this forest, evaluation of harvest is continuous.  We are in the forest at least every other day. 

To prevent soil disturbance and residual stand damage, felling tools are used to aim the trees during the felling process.  Logs are carried by lifting implement on a wide wheeled Ford 2000 tractor out of the forest.  This approach is less damaging than most skidding approaches due to the lower weight to tire surface area ratio of the tractor.  If skidding is necessary, it is conducted during the winter over frozen ground to further prevent soil and fungal ground disturbance.

Sites on the North 14-acres are easily regenerated in two years or less of the harvest due to the overpopulated conditions.  Sites on the South 10-acres require replanting to force regeneration in two years or less.