VALUE OF CLEAR-CUT AREAS 



177 



where existing woodlands need to be broken uj) or where adequate summer feeding grounds 

 are lacking. To study their role in creating and maintaining cover favorable to grouse, a 

 number were cut on the Connecticut Hill area although nowhere was this area seriously in- 

 adequate in this respect. 



During the winter of 1932-33 a series of 2-acre blocks were clear-cut in the woodlands 





0i 



4i ; 





SMALL SLASHINGS ARE ATTRACTIVE; TO BROODS AND ADL LTS ALIKE 



on a group of conqjartments adjoining the area. Most of these slashings were located al 

 points over 300 feet from recognized existing openings. The following winter a number 

 of slash lanes, from 30 to 50 feet wide and of varying lengths, were created. All were then 

 left to follow the natural course of forest succession. 



The climax flora of the Connecticut Hill area is northern hardwood with beech, maple and 

 hemlock predominant. After clear-cutting on such a site the duff of the forest floor dries out. 

 killing most of the shade-tolerant herbs and shallow-rooted seedlings. At the same time the 

 increased amount of sunshine reaching the ground stimulates the stored seed of many species, 

 such as raspberries and cherries. The conditions thus created, especially when the brush has 

 been burned, also enable the wind-borne seeds of such pioneers as aspen and birch to be- 

 come established. Beyond this an abundance of sprouts from the newly-cut stumps soon 

 springs up. As time goes on the tem])orary growth is gradually replaced by the more per- 



