In the following series of four photographs, a nearly four-acre wildlife opening was created using a “Brontosaurus” in the Randolph Community Forest.  A brontosaurus is a specialized tree and brush clearing machine that is used to help restore permanent openings. After the area was cleared of trees and shrubs using the brontosaurus, it was stumped and seeded with a conservation mix. It can now be mowed regularly.

Beavers are considered a keystone species. They create beaver ponds with associated wetlands that are critical habitat for a wide diversity of wildlife species.

This area was identified in 2003/4 as an excellent potential for a wildlife opening. Recommendations to open this area were included in the Randolph Community Forest Stewardship Plan.

In 2005 a brontosaurus owned and operated by John Perault cleared the area. The head on this machine rotates allowing the teeth to chip small trees and shrubs. All materials chipped remain on the site to help restore nutrients to the soil. This work was partially funded by the US Natural Resource Conservation Service Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP).

Here is the site soon after the work by the brontosaurus was completed. The area was left to sit for nearly 2 years to allow nutrient replenishment.

In 2007 the opening was stumped, graded and seeded with a conservation seed mix. By 2008, when this photo was taken, the grasses and forbes were very well established. Deer beds were found throughout the opening. This work was also partially funded by the WHIP program.

Bobcat photo taken with a wildlife trail camera to assist with population monitoring.

Wildlife Inventory and Habitat

Services include:

· Inventory of wildlife throughout properties - before and/or after forest treatments

· Provide recommendations for wildlife habitat improvement

· Recommendations can be for specific species

· Recommendations for increasing biodiversity to maximize the number of wildlife species throughout

· Wildlife habitat recommendations can be included in forest management plans