208 FOREST OUTINGS 



Timber harvesting, on the other hand, if carried on without regard to 

 the needs of wildlife, may be detrimental to the habitat. On the other 

 hand, cut-over areas, if properly handled, provide a more favorable food 

 supply for wildlife than many virgin areas. To assure this, timber-cutting 

 operations have been modified where necessary to increase the forage sup- 

 ply. In the eastern national forests, cutting methods have been changed 

 to favor certain kinds of trees and shrubs that provide food for different 

 species of wildlife, with good results. Also by leaving a number of hollow 

 or defective trees, nesting places for birds and homes for squirrels, raccoons, 

 and so on, have been increased. In artificial-reforestation plans for large 

 areas, a portion of the area is left unplanted in order to improve the future 

 habitat for game. Tree and shrub species valuable for game food and cover 

 are being grown in some forest nurseries for transplanting to favorable 

 sites to improve the habitat. 



Similarly, the needs of wildlife must be considered in any plan to 

 manipulate water levels or change the use of water on the national forests. 

 Illustrative of this is the adverse effect on fish population when a sawmill 

 discharges sawdust into a stream. The raising of water levels by water 

 storage, as has been stated, may destroy feeding and nesting grounds for 

 migratory waterfowl. The straightening of a stream channel through a 

 wet meadow may reduce the cost of construction or maintenance of a road, 

 but at the same time by more effective drainage it may destroy the habitat 

 for beaver. 



On the other hand, a small dam to raise water levels or create a new 

 lake may provide just the conditions needed for migratory waterfowl or 

 form a new habitat for fish. Springs developed primarily for domestic 

 livestock may at the same time open up new range for big game or upland 

 birds. 



A Migrant Yield, the wildlife crop must be managed as a cooperative 

 undertaking. Although it is true that wildlife is one product of the forest, it 

 is not a stationary product. It moves from place to place according to habits 

 of the individual species. It is on public land today and on private land 

 tomorrow. Some species summer on the national forests and move to the 



