Forest Management

 

A Monoculture of Trees

In the past, when many islands were vacant or sparsely-inhabited, fire, wind, storms and other natural events – as well as population fluctuations – continued a forestation cycle that had existed for thousands of years.  Today, however, the influx of people to several year-round islands has inhibited these natural processes. On many islands, the monoculture of dense, evenly aged stands of trees nearing the end of their lifecycle presents a tremendous safety hazard for residents and their property.

Since its inception in 1983, the Island Institute has been dedicated to studying the effective management of forests.  One of co-founder and president Phillip Conkling’s first jobs in Maine was that of surveying the forestry habitat of the Maine islands.  Through GIS mapping, fire-protection advocacy and other resources, the Island Institute continues to be available to assist islanders with successful forest management.