Protecting Large Trees
Large trees are important to the forest. Beyond their beauty, they provide important habitat for many species, are more resistant to fire and sequester large quantities of carbon. Unfortunately, the Preservation Ranch property has very few large trees due to past clear-cut logging.
To help restore a legacy of large trees and to protect and nurture the continued growth of the larger trees that do exist, Preservation Ranch will create two Large Tree Management Areas (LTMAs) covering over 1,800 acres. These areas will retain larger redwood, Douglas fir and sugar pine trees and "old forest" characteristics while allowing highly selective, sustainable harvesting of timber.
The Large Tree Management Areas will provide many benefits:
- Higher quality habitat for birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians
- More wildfire-resistant forests
- Increased carbon storage over the long term
- Expanded areas of habitat when combined with the adjacent Soda Springs Reserve county park
- An improved aesthetic experience for the public
