Forest Stand Improvement
Many landowners in Anoka County own a portion of oak forest or maybe a forested swamp that is part of a larger wetland or forest mix. Many of these forests have been degraded over the years due to fragmentation, invasive species or often times from past livestock grazing. Improving these forests and woodlands can vary in terms of the work needed. For example, many forest understories are being overtaken by invasive buckthorn. Removing buckthorn and reestablishing understory shrubs and herbaceous vegetation can be time consuming depending on the degree of infestation. Oak wilt is also a common disturbance in Anoka County. Many oak forests are opened up and filled with raspberry bushes. While raspberry is a native bush and provides great wildlife habitat it can be very difficult for you to walk through your woods and enjoy it. Oak forests can be replanted with oaks, black cherry, chokecherry, juneberry, hazelnut and others. Don't forget the understory, you can also plant wild geranium, blood root, wild columbine, Pennsylvania sedge and many others.
