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County forester recommends selective harvest, public access plan for Johns Way Town Forest
Summary
Orange County Forester A.J. Follensbee proposed limited active management for the Johns Way Town Forest to open white‑pine stands for hardwood growth, suggested student fieldwork opportunities, and warned that road and landing repairs may offset harvest proceeds.
Orange County Forester A.J. Follensbee presented a management plan for the Johns Way Town Forest on Jefferson Hill, urging targeted timber harvest to favor native hardwood regeneration. He identified stands of white pine that he said are suited for harvest "to open up more space and light for hardwood growth, which the soil would support," and recommended some active "nudging" of the forest toward a more natural mix.
Follensbee told the Selectboard the town should weigh timber revenue against significant infrastructure costs: road repairs and creation of a landing to support logging. He suggested Riverbend students might gain practical experience through guided field work and recommended eventual public access after management, while promising to contact local loggers to estimate interest and likely timber proceeds to inform a cost/benefit analysis.
