Correllus State Forest Pre-Harvest Tour

The Department of Conservation & Recreation will hold a Correllus State Forest Pre-Harvest Tour in Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard on Thursday, November 7^th from 2:30 to 4:30 pm.

DCR Management Forester Paul Gregory will lead a tour of the Plantation Removal & Restoration Project at Correllus State Forest in Edgartown.

This project encompasses approximately 175 acres.  The primary objective is to removal non-native conifer plantations to facilitate establishment of high-quality native sandplain heathlands and pitch pine – scrub oak barrens habitats.

Secondary objectives will be to maintain desired fuel loads and thereby lessen potential wildfire risk to surrounding residential communities; increase public safety; and provide safe access for firefighters and fire apparatus.

Restoring these fire dependent natural communities will provide habitat for a diversity of rare species.   This will be accomplished through the overstory removal of non-native conifer plantations to facilitate the establishment of native species and to allow for future prescribed burning and/or mechanical mowing.

Tour participants should meet at the parking lot adjacent to gate #2, located at the intersection of West Tisbury Road and Fire Road 12.  Attendees will then walk within the project area to view the planned operation.  This tour will involve approximately 1-2 miles of walking off road.  Attendees should be prepared to be away from their vehicles for an extended amount of time and distance for this tour.

This tour will be conducted rain or shine as indicated below.  Attendees are encouraged to dress for the weather and to wear sturdy shoes.  Walking within the project area may be difficult due to fallen trees, rocks, and other obstacles.

For additional information about the tour and DCR forest management on State Forests, Parks, and Reservations, please contact Tom Brulé, Management Forestry Program Supervisor, at 413-545-3891 or thomas.brule@mass.gov.