Wisconsin's Forestland Woody Biomass Harvesting Guidelines

Large trees provide habitat
used by many animals and
some plants. They provide
nesting sites and high
exposed perches for birds,
such as hawks, bald eagle,
osprey, herons, fl ycatchers,
ravens, and turkey
vultures (Figure 2-12).
Figure 2-12. Large trees provide nesting sites
for many species of birds, especially raptors.
Trees and shrubs also
provide food and shelter
for many animal species. Retaining a variety of trees
and shrubs that produce mast (nuts and berries) can
provide an abundant and diverse source of food. Mast
producing species include oak, dogwoods, and juneberries.
Conifers are especially important in providing thermal
cover and roosting areas during harsh Wisconsin
winters. Ruffed grouse, turkey, and many resident
birds and mammals utilize conifers for shelter.
Cavity trees are partially hollow living trees used by
many wildlife species
(Figure 2-13). Cavity trees
provide wildlife with sites
to den, nest, rear young,
feed, store food, and
escape from predators
and inclement weather.
Although both large
and small cavity trees
provide useful habitat,
large diameter cavity
trees are particularly
important. In general,
the larger the cavity tree,
the better for wildlife
habitat. A large cavity
tree can host Pileated
Woodpecker, American
marten, fi sher, raccoon,
porcupine, and even bear.
Figure 2-13. Cavity trees are partially hollow
living trees. Wildlife species such as the Pileated
Woodpecker use these trees for food, shelter,
and nesting
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Steve Meyer Steve Meyer