Dozer TSI

[dogghr]

Have you ever done this and what were the results? Several years ago I read in Dougherty's book "Grow Em Right", where he speaks of using a dozer with the blade set about 3 feet off the ground and then just plow over any lodge pole trees. He did say to have a good cage since it was a very messy process. I've not tried this, and on a lot of my hillsides it would be impractical, but it does seem to be a good idea without having to run a chainsaw to do same for an acre or two. It definitely would clear the overstory and the mess would prevent initial browsing of a variety of plants that would start to grow. Kinda a small size clear cut. I'm giving some thought to trying it this year.

Anyone had the experience or thoughts on the subject? Thanks.

 

[West Branch]

My dad used to have a dozer that he messed around with in the woods. He liked to doze some areas for sharptail grouse habitat when brush would get too tall. The areas would grow back thick and also be good deer habitat. I wish he still had it so I could use it during the winter in my alders and willows.

The ruffed grouse socity mentions shearing of brush:
http://www.ruffedgrousesociety.org/Your-Woodlot#.VM4tG2jF9oA

In MN they usually talk about doing it as brushland management:
http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/assistance/backyard/privatelandsprogram/brushlandmgmt.pdf


I also wish I could manage for sharptails. But they say that big conifers and sharptails do not mix, and we need the thermal cover. I did see some in 2010 and 2012 while deer hunting. If I get another letter from the NRCS this year about brushland management I will try to make it to the meeting, they had two meetings about it last year for our area.