Forest Thinning & Spacing

Forest Thinning & Spacing Project, Fall 2007

As part of the Federal Government's commitment to the renewal of Point Pleasant Park, in October/November 2007 HRM will be working with Coastal Trilling Reforestation to perform forest thinning and tree spacing work in the vicinity of Cable Road in Point Pleasant Park.

The thinning and spacing work is an active management intervention to help foster a healthier forest stand.  The park will remain open with some temporary trail closures as workers complete the fall forest maintenance work.

Background

Forest thinning and tree spacing are standard forestry techniques used to accelerate tree growth, ensure long term forest health, and promote strong, well-structured trees.

Normally these forestry techniques are used to grow a forest that produces wood for sale.  For Point Pleasant Park, we are directing forestry work to create a healthy, sustainable, and beautiful forest for appreciation and enjoyment.

The tightly packed trees in the Cable Road sector of the park are all competing with each other for light, water, and nutrients.  Trees grown in these types of conditions tend to grow lanky and spindly when left unthinned, and are susceptible to wind damage.

The ground underneath these types of forest stands is usually bare because very little light penetrates the tree canopy to the forest floor.   

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