- This is Mark Isselhardt,
maple specialist with the University of Vermont Extension,
and this is another Vermont Maple Minute.
A recent survey by UVM Extension
of licensed foresters working with Vermont landowners
asked about approaches to sugarbush management.
Foresters were asked what they see as the positive aspects
of forests managed for maple production,
as well as their primary concerns.
The two most common responses involve
the economic aspects of maple production,
with 45% of foresters listing it as the primary benefit,
and forest retention, or keeping forests as forests,
43% as being a positive outcome.
Primary concerns listed by foresters
were decreased species diversity
in a trend towards monoculture, 35%,
lack of adequate regeneration, 22%,
forest pests, 17%,
and climate change, 15%.
Good forestry practices can help mitigate
many of the concerns
while ensuring a good economic return to the landowner.
This is Mark Isselhardt, maple specialist
with the University of Vermont Extension,
and this has been another Vermont Maple Minute.