Published
2019-12-02
Section
Conservation Strategies
License
Copyright (c) 2019 Bill O’Neill, David Neumann, Jagdish Poudel
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Wooden Spoons for Woodcock
Bill O'Neill
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
David Neumann
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Jagdish Poudel
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/AWS.0104
Abstract
The American woodcock (Scolopax minor; hereafter, woodcock) is an important game species in central and eastern North America. In this paper, we argue that the wildlife community should consider several novel ideas. At the landscape level, one of the most effective ways to perpetuate aspen (Populus spp.) forests is through commercial forest management. Aspen underpins the major forest products industries: its fiber is highly sought after for pulp, paper, oriented strand board and other engineered lumber products, and lumber. The most cost-effective and reliable way to maintain woodcock habitat is through commercial forest management and through periodic timber harvests. Non-commercial habitat management is possible but expensive and time consuming. Support for forest products industry business attraction and development is good for woodcock habitat, good for local communities, and good for local economies. We recommend that the wildlife community consider greater involvement in the broader social discussion over the use of wood products, and be actively engaged in discussions involving economic development and energy use by the forest products industry at the state and local level.
