Trees for Wildlife

By Steve Huffaker, Director, IDFG As we celebrate Arbor Day, I want to ask the 750,000 hunters and anglers in Idaho to support the conservation and wise use of forest products. The fish and wildlife resources we care about so deeply are dependent on their habitat. Trees, shrubs and healthy forests are the habitats that many species depend on for food, shelter and escape cover. Healthy forests clean and filter the water and slow its journey from the mountains to the ocean to benefit the fish. Simply put, a healthy landscape gives rise to abundant populations of fish and wildlife. Arbor Day should be a reminder to us all that healthy forests do not just happen, they require thoughtful management. Please note I said management, not protection. Protecting forests from timber harvest and fire doesn't necessarily make them more productive. In fact, in some cases protection can be detrimental to some species of wildlife. The lack of disturbance and the resulting early, open habitat has contributed to the decline of elk in the upper reaches of the Clearwater. That habitat change, coupled with predation by wolves, bears and mountain lions, is making it difficult for that elk population to recover. Healthy forests have a variety of habitats - some old growth and some new. Opening the canopy and letting the sunlight to the forest floor is an essential process, and one that can be managed to provide multiple benefits to wildlife and people. In some cases, fire may be the best method of opening the canopy. In other cases, carefully planned logging projects may be appropriate. The best alternative will have to be determined based on a variety of factors including terrain, habitat, the needs of fish and wildlife, and other concerns. There are many principles shared between the wildlife and forestry disciplines. Wildlife and plant populations both produce a surplus, and that surplus can be actively managed for use by people without harm. In both, total protection can lead to overpopulation. In turn, overpopulation is subject to devastation brought on by natural processes - drought, disease, fire - which can consume extensive areas. Managed removal of the harvestable surplus of trees and animals can be done on a smaller scale and result in sustainable productivity. Fish and Game is celebrating Arbor Day all over Idaho. In the eastern and southeastern parts of the state, we are helping restore aspen stands because too much of it has been lost, contributing to the decline in mule deer. In the southern and central Idaho, volunteers are planting thousands of native shrubs to restore winter range decimated by fire and invasive plants. In the timber country of northern Idaho, we are working to let the sunshine into extensive over-mature landscapes to create grasses, forbs and shrubs used by so many species. While these particular activities are timed to help celebrate Arbor Day, Fish and Game is working year round with private and public landowners to thoughtfully manage our forests, shrubs, grasses and wetlands to provide the food, shelter and cover needed to sustain healthy fish and wildlife populations. Please join us - if not in the ongoing effort, then at least on Arbor Day. Working together, we can create a better place for fish and wildlife.