Forest Management

Station 3

Forest management is a part of maintaining a healthy ecosystem. An obvious use of a forest is timber production and harvest to supply wood products. Although Mineral Ridge is managed for recreational and educational use, the stand of trees in the area above the trail was cut in 1975 to demonstrate the forest management practice of “thinning.” Thinning takes out some trees while allowing others to grow. As a result, the remaining trees will get bigger and grow faster. Think for a minute. Can you guess why this is true? If you guessed that the remaining trees had more light, water and nutrients available to them, you’re right. They didn’t have to compete with other trees for the important things that make them grow. Take a second and look at the tree stand. The tops or “crowns” of the trees are beginning to touch and crowd one another. Once again, they are starting to compete. You’ll also notice that some of the trees are dead. They were killed by insects. This is one way nature thins trees. At another station, you will learn more about forest insects and the importance of dead trees.

Six Requirements for Plant Growth

Mineral	Water	Soil
Nutrients	Sunlight	Tolerable Temperature

Litter Hurts 

Station 4

Below the trail, in the draw, you can see a rusted metal cylinder. Mineral prospectors probably used it, but its exact purpose is not known. Farther along the trail, you can see some actual mineral prospecting sites. The metal cylinder has been rusting for many years. It will probably take 150 to 200 years for complete decomposition. In this area, a piece of paper can take up to 3 years to break down into soil elements used by plants. A small, thin piece of plastic can take up to 10 years to decompose. An aluminum can will remain virtually forever since there is little in the soil to break it down. Because the decomposition process works slowly, you can see why we ask all trail users to pack out their own litter and trash. Bureau of Land Management maintenance crews periodically pick up litter along the trail, but we need your help. Please pack out your own trash, and the litter of others.

Rotten Log 

Station 5

Remember the decaying layer of organic material on the soil’s surface called humus? The tree that once stood above the trail at this location and then fell across it is a good example of matter decomposing to become humus, and eventually, soil. Bacteria, fungus, molds, yeast, worms and insects break down the woody material. These small organisms are important because the wood they decay is the only natural source of soil nutrients. Plants require three primary minerals for growth — nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Other elements such as calcium, magnesium and sulfur are also needed in smaller quantities. However, all of these minerals are of no use to the plant unless water is present. Plant roots absorb water containing the minerals so the plant can photosynthesize its food or store it for later use. Most of these minerals will be returned to the soil when the trees die and decompose. Thus, the forest cycle is continuous.