Forest Management
CNC harbors a rich diversity of forest communities including an old growth forest remnant that stands as an increasingly unique and rare natural feature in southwest Ohio. In total, six different forest types are present on CNC lands; Mesic Hardwood Forests, Oak Forests, Bottomland Forests, Succession Forests, Forested Wetlands, and Cedar Woodlands. These forested areas provide important habitat for plants and animals including neo-tropical migratory birds, rare amphibians such as the spotted salamander and wood frog, and rare plants such as Midwestern white lettuce and walking fern.
Despite the high quality of CNC forests, these areas continue to be threatened by invasive species. Invasive species are defined as a non-native or alien species whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. Without active management, invasive species will continue to spread into high quality forested areas and potentially alter their composition and reduce their ecological and educational value.
To combat this threat, CNC has taken aggressive action to manage invasive species on its lands. Beginning in 2002, CNC contracted Northern Kentucky University to conduct an Ecological Assessment (PDF - 8 MB) of CNC lands. This assessment revealed the extent of the invasive species threat at CNC and provided vital information about the number of invasive species located at CNC, their location, and recommended treatment actions.
CNC began the Land Stewardship Volunteer Program in 2008 to implement the recommended actions. Since that time, CNC Land Stewards have treated more than 150 acres of forest for invasive species such as Amur (bush) honeysuckle, multiflora rose, garlic mustard, and lesser celandine.
