Wildlife to benefit from thinning pine trees

Historic City News was informed that, last week, logging crews began thinning pine trees planted in the Guana River Wildlife Management Area in an effort to improve the habitat for wildlife and to help restore the natural plant community across the management area.

In July 2012, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologists began educating those who use the management area of the upcoming thinning process so that when it began they would understand why it’s necessary for a healthy wildlife population.

“We wanted to be sure folks would understand that what we are doing is improving the habitat for wildlife by thinning planted pine trees and restoring the natural, native plant communities that were here originally,” said Justin Ellenberger, FWC managing wildlife biologist at the Guana River management area.

Right now loggers will be accessing the management area mostly through the gate on County Road 210, and in coming months will use the gate on Roscoe Boulevard as they move to other areas scheduled for thinning.

The management area will remain open to public use during the timber operations. Those recreating on the area will be sharing the main road and trails with logging trucks and should take proper precautions.

“We have posted signs alerting users about the thinning process and directing them to the established entrances to avoid logging activity,” said Ellenberger. “I expect the logging to take anywhere from three to six months, barring any weather delays. However, the loggers will not be cutting during the two weekends of turkey hunts.”