Hunter Welcome & Introduction

Thank you for your interest and participation in the Quality Deer Management Program at West Branch Forest. The 2010-2011 Deer Season is upon us and DMAP coupons are still available. Similar to years past, DMAP coupons are allocated to interested hunters on a first come, first served basis. If you're interested in obtaining an antlerless coupon(s) or would like general hunting information for The Nature Conservancy's West Branch property please email meckley@tnc.org or call 570-220-6097.

HARVEST GOAL: 25 Deer (20 Does : 5 Bucks)

Similar to last year, our objective for 2010 is to harvest 25 deer across the entire property (4.75 square miles), with hopes of removing 20 antlerless deer and 5 bucks. We realize that this harvest rate will not adequately reduce the overwintering deer densities to a scientifically desirable level, however we believe it is a step in the right direction, especially if we can maintain or even slowly increase this harvest rate over the next decade. As a result, it is anticipated that habitat conditions will greatly improve. If we can consistently harvest an adequate number of deer each year to reduce deer browse impacts, TNC will continue to implement a wide array of planned forestry operations and activities to stimulate the development and advancement of a new forest. Similar to the Quality Deer Management Association, our values are to bring existing white-tailed deer populations into balance with their habitat and promote quality over quantity until the habitat can support higher deer densities.

2009 Harvest Summary: 16 Deer (8 Does : 8 Bucks)

2008 Harvest Summary: 18 Deer (12 Does : 6 Bucks)

The Nature Conservancy would like to thank all participating DMAP hunters who spend time afield at West Branch in pursuit of white-tailed deer. Local hunters play a key role in helping us to balance our forest and wildlife management objectives.

Good luck this 2010 hunting season - hunt hard and hunt safe!


Thursday, August 21, 2008

West Branch Wilderness Preserve to be renamed West Branch Research and Demonstration Forest


History & Primary Goal

In 1999 The Nature Conservancy purchased this 3,034 acre forested property from American Wilderness Resources to prevent the tract from being subdivided into a recreational retreat; eliminating the potential for the construction of numerous cabins and outbuildings. Once the property was deeded over, TNC named it West Branch Wilderness Preserve. However, with the development of the Forest Conservation Program and the Conservancy’s desire to promote “Working Forests” that are managed to balance ecological and economic values through Sustainable Forest Management, West Branch Wilderness Preserve is being transitioned to West Branch Research and Demonstration Forest. In simple terms, the Conservancy, similar to most private forest landowners, is working to manage and conserve its forest resources, yet derive income from it to help pay for the costs associated with stewardship and general ownership. The long-term vision for West Branch is to restore and sustain a healthy forest that produces all the tangible and intangible products that society demands, such as Wood, Water, and Wildlife, along with beautiful scenery, recreational opportunities, and much more.


What is the game plan?

During the fall and winter of 2007, an extensive ecological inventory was conducted across the entire property to assess forest conditions, such as timber, tree regeneration, deer densities and deer browse impacts, presence of invasive species, wildlife habitat (snags and downed wood debris), along with existing road infrastructure and general terrain characteristics. The results of this inventory were used to create a Forest Management Plan. As the plan is nearly complete, it has been determined that due to consistently poor harvesting and property management practices prior to TNC ownership, forest management activities scheduled during the next ten years will be largely restorative. Strategic use of herbicide, prescribed fire, targeted recreational hunting, mowing treatments, fencing, and timber harvesting has and will continue to be utilized throughout the property to create conditions conducive to establishing a more healthy and diverse forest. As a Research and Demonstration Forest, West Branch will be used as a platform to showcase forest restoration practices applicable to private forest landowners and the diverse forested landscapes across the Commonwealth. In addition, West Branch will be utilized as a small-scale research station to conditions amenable to studies involving wildlife, rare plant communities, prescribed fire, herbicide applications, and of course, a case study for managing white-tailed deer. The Nature Conservancy has partnered with a variety of state agencies and land management organizations to work collaboratively to address some of the most pressing and challenging issues that our forests face.

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