The state forester may have some reasons for wanting to clearcut the stand
that are not apparent, but it sounds like he or she is interested in
regenerating oaks, which is a big concern in much of the northeast. In
general, clearcutting and planting acorns is a risky strategy. The acorns
could experience poor germination or subsequent survival (even with a
fence) and the young oaks will face competition with other vegetation that
thrives in clearcuts. A better strategy might be to remove part of the
canopy, leaving oaks in particular if they're present in the overstory, and
sow acorns or plant oak seedlings. Clearly the first step is to reconcile
the camp's objectives with the forester's and then figure out a way to meet
those objectives.
