4) Road Construction and Stream Crossings on Eberly Woods

Roads are not used in this forestry.  Paths that a tractor can follow are planned and constructed with intent of minimizing loss of productive land.  The paths are on the perimeter of the forest areas and through the middle of each tract to gain maximum access.  These paths cannot be used in all weather conditions, so harvesting and log carrying is more dependent on the weather.  To prevent degradation of the swamp if tractor access were needed, slabs of species other than Walnut are positioned to allow a greater surface area to volume ratio and lift the tractor across the swamp.

We are familiar with and implements Best Management Practices (BMPs) where applicable.

At the property entrance where roads and landings are used, drainage and seeding is implemented. 

Properly sized culverts are used to collect water from the local neighborhood into our retention pond and at our entrance crossing.  Otherwise, since roads are not used, culverts are not necessary.

Our stream bank grades are rocked where logging access is considered.  Areas where access is unfeasible are avoided and left natural. 

Wetlands are utilized for forestry and protected from run-off and erosion.  Key habitats are maintained naturally in the riparian regions.  These habitats support a variety of fish and bird species.  Rare plants including violets, Jack in the Pulpit, Giant Red Robin Trillium, Mayapple, and Paw paw are identified and protected.  Morel Mushroom patches are also protected.  Spore-mass inoculation is conducted annually and a variety of mushroom species that should be in this region have been introduced.  These include Lion’s Mane, Grey Morels, Yellow Morels, Hen of the woods, and Chicken of the woods.

As for protection of special sites, the old mill and waterwheel site is maintained through mowing and use of gravel to prevent erosion.  No other special sites are known.