University of Massachusetts Extension
The Coverts Project
in Massachusetts
COVERT, a thicket that provides sheltering habitat for wildlife,
appropriately names a special project sponsored by University of
Massachusetts Extension and the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management. The
purpose of the COVERTS project is to improve wildlife habitat through
sound forest management practices. COVERTS is based on successful
projects by the same name organized in Connecticut and Vermont by Cooperative
Extension and the Ruffed Grouse Society.
United States Department of Agriculture
Cooperating Education Through Communication
A group of
woodland owners, local officials, and people interested in conservation
are annually selected to participate in the Project. Through an intensive
three-day educational seminar, they learn about forest management
practices that protect woodlands, preserve and improve wildlife habitat,
enhance timber production, and maintain other values. Participants will be
exposed to specific techniques that can be applied in the forest.The
cost of the seminar-travel, meals, lodging, and materials-will be
covered. Participants will be given numerous reference materials and
information to take home for future use. In exchange, participants will agree
to return to their communities, share the information with others, and
in general advocate forest stewardship. Through this network, we are
hoping to teach hundreds of other woodland owners about good forest
stewardship. As Aldo Leopold, the famous ecologist, wildlife biologist, and
forester once said: "The practice of conservation must spring from a
conviction of what is ethically and esthetically right, as well as what
is economically expedient. A thing is right only when it tends to
preserve integrity, stability, and beauty of the community, and the community
includes the soil, waters, fauna, flora, as well as people." Is
Timber Management Compatible With Wildlife?
In the past, the
term forest management has been used as a synonym for timber management.
Even though periodic income from the sale of timber is an economic
reality of woodland ownership, with a little extra planning and effort
timber management activities can have substantially positive effects on
wildlife as well. Similarly, recreational benefits can be enhanced by
improving access to a forest tract. Improved access means more opportunity
to enjoy a forest. Philosophically, the COVERTS project is intended
to show that forest management decisions should be based on two things:
the owner's goals and objectives for the land, and the ability of the
forest to provide a mix of benefits in proportion to the owner's
objectives and interests. Also, forest management is not necessarily
synonymous with timber management. It is possible to manage forestland to
achieve other benefits like improved wildlife habitat or recreational
opportunities. This stewardship can leave the land in an improved state for
future generations. Quite often, timber management is completely
compatible with wildlife habitat improvement and outdoor recreational
opportunities. The key is to recognize the potential for habitat improvement
and to make timber management decisions while considering their effects
on wildlife and esthetics. The Elements of Good
Habitat
Food, water, and cover are essential elements of good wildlife habitat.
Of course, the kind of food and cover determine the species that use an
area; good habitat for one species may be poor habitat for another.
Also, species vary in the extent of their habitat needs. Some depend on
hundreds of acres, and others rely on one or less for their annual
requirements. COVERTS participants learn how land in their community plays a
role in the greater diversity of life in Massachusetts, and how this
land in their community plays a role in the greater diversity of life in
Massachusetts, and how this land can be protected and
enhanced.Are You Interested?
This fall, woodland owners or other citizens
involved with the future of forestland in their community will be
encouraged to apply to become Cooperators in the project. Successful
applicants will begin their participation in the COVERTS Program by attending
the training seminar in the fall.
We are looking for people who are,
or have the potential to be, opinion leaders in their communities.
Successful candidates must have time for course and related
community-sharing activities, and be willing to implement forest management practices
on their own lands or those that they are involved with.To learn
more about the COVERTS project in Massachusetts, please contact:
David
B. Kittredge
Extension Forester/Associate Professor
Department of
Forestry and Wildlife Management
Holdsworth Hall, University of
Massachusetts
Amherst, MA 01003
413-545-2943 The Massachusetts
COVERTS Project is sponsored and funded by:
- The
Ruffed Grouse Society
- UMass Extension, and the Renewable Resource
Extension Act
- Massachusetts Forest Stewardship Program
- Massachusetts
Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
- University of Massachusetts
Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management
Issued in
furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30,
1914, in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture.
UMass Extension provides equal opportunity in programs and
employment.
|
