A growing body of scientific research supports the importance of retaining some natural structures for wildlife during timber harvest. This could include trees intentionally left uncut in certain areas, as well as standing dead trees, stumps, logs and other downed wood. This informational pamphlet helps forest landowners and managers understand how many trees they should leave standing on the landscape, and in which locations, to maximize the benefit they provide to wildlife once logging is completed.
The practice of retaining wildlife leave trees, downed wood and other natural structures is often critical for wildlife living in forests managed for timber production. Oregon and Washington both legally require the practice, and it’s an important component of forest sustainability certifications, such as those from the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, the Forest Stewardship Council and the American Tree Farm System.