MILWAUKEE – Visitors to Havenwoods State Forest in Milwaukee County, the state’s only urban state forest, will see forestry activities to remove invasive brush and other undesirable vegetation in 47 areas of the property.
Mowing starts Monday and is being done to create conditions ideal for the next crop of tree seedlings to grow.
“We are managing these lands with the long-term objectives of improving the existing forest stands that house hiking trails and provide an outdoor classroom for nature-based education and outdoor skill programming,” said Samantha Kueffler, Havenwoods State Forest Superintendent, in a news release. “Our forests are tremendous natural assets within the city, and management plans help balance current environmental, social and economic benefits while ensuring both recreational and educational opportunities for future generations.”
The plan is to reduce the invasive brush and other undesirable species of the understory to mulch. Follow-up management will be performed to control any re-sprouts of the unwanted vegetation. When the exotic, invasive vegetation is sufficiently controlled, native hardwood trees and wildlife-promoting native brush will be planted. Ongoing maintenance will also be performed to assure the healthy growth and development of these trees.
Access restrictions will apply to areas where equipment is working; hiking trails may be closed for stretches of time.
