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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
S.D. WARREN & MANOMET OBSERVATORY TEST NEW MANAGEMENT MODEL AIMED TO
SUSTAIN BOTH TIMBER HARVESTS AND WILDLIFE
science-based "shifting mosaic" will balance economic and ecological
benefits
(MANOMET, MA) November 29, 1995---Can a system be designed to
maintain both profitable timber production and healthy populations
of all plant and animal species indefinitely and in the same area?
S.D. Warren, Inc., (SDW) a leading paper manufacturer, and Manomet
Observatory for Conservation Studies, an independent non-profit
research organization, will test the "Shifting Mosaic" forest
management model, which researchers believe might meet both economic
and ecological demands that society places on the Northern Forests.
The model will be tested on a 50,000-acre (72 square mile) tract of
S.D. Warren owns in northwestern Maine.
The "Shifting Mosaic" project will also be an important test of
society's ability to address environmental and economic concerns
through cooperation. If the project is successful, it could be a
model for other timberlands in Maine and elsewhere.
The model has two equally important and specific goals:to maintain
profitable timber production indefinitely and to maintain healthy
populations of all plant and animal species present in the model
area.
Forests are mosaics of differing habitats, and each habitat
supports flora and fauna that have adapted to it. Since logging
alters these habitats, an independent team of conservation
biologists, forest economists and other specialists and the
landowners' foresters will apply the "Shifting Mosaic," directing
logging patterns methodically over several decades to preserve the
full range of existing habitats and to allow plants and animals
enough time to establish themselves in similar, adjacent ones before
their current habitats are altered. The research team believes this
gradual, intentional habitat shift will both preserve the existing
organisms and allow profitable logging.
An advisory council will be established, including representatives
of community stake-
holder groups and other technical experts, to help communicate
scientific information about forestry and ecology directly to the
public.
Dr. John Hagan, who heads Manomet's Forest Ecology Program,
developed the Shifting Mosaic Model. Hagan has spent the last 4
years studying the effects of forestry on birds and foreststructure,
and found that forestry results in both ecological costs and
benefits. The Shifting Mosaic is a framework for maximizing those
benefits in the context of meeting society's forest products needs.
Jim Pinkerton, S.D.Warren's manager of woodlands, said, "We believe
our forest management practices must protect both Maine's economic
and ecological interests. The Shifting
Mosaic will provide independent evaluation of our forest practices,
and give S.D. Warren a framework for making any changes, if needed."
Dr. Hagan said, "This is an on-the-ground project, operating with
real economic parameters, to measure the model's success or failure
to meet dual economic and ecological goals. To preserve the study's
integrity, we'll keep the public informed of our progress throughout
the process."
Great Northern Paper (GNP) of Millinocket, Maine, previously
committed to test the model on a 40,000 acre tract it owns near
Baxter State Park.
Hagan explained that part of the study's importance is that, while
setting specific goals, it does not dictate the method an individual
landowner might use to achieve them. However, both independent
economic and ecological monitoring will be required to verify
success or failure in meeting the goals.
S.D. Warren Co. owns and manages more than 900,000 acres in Maine,
maintaining a balance of softwood, mixedwood and hardwood forest
types and a variety of ages of each type. The company says that it
manages its forests for watershed protection, recreation, wildlife
habitat and aesthetics as well as for timber production.
Grants from the John Merck Fund, Jessie B. Cox Charitable Trust and
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation will fund the study.
Manomet Observatory for Conservation Studies, based in Manomet, MA,
works to conserve natural resources for the benefit of wildlife and
human populations. Through research and collaboration, Manomet
builds science-based, cooperative solutions to environmental issues.
Contacts: Dr. John M. Hagan, Manomet Observatory for Conservation
Sciences, 508 224-6521, e-mail:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Carl Haag, S.D.
Warren Co., 207 453-2527.
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W. David Stephenson [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Stephenson Strategies 508-359-0155 (voice)
335 Main Street 508-359-6310 (fax)
(Charles River BioRegion)
Medfield, MA 02050-2045
helping companies profit by finding inspiration in nature
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