FSPA has hired a forester and logger to address overcrowding in the walnut plantation on FSPA Land - St. Joseph Ridge. During the week of Feb. 9, crews harvested trees that were not growing well to give the healthiest trees more space to mature. This thinning harvest is intended to improve the plantation's long-term health and help FSPA realize the best possible return on its 1971 walnut plantation investment.
What will happen to the cut trees?
The trees were harvested as carefully and respectfully as possible and will be used to create furniture and other timber products. Portions that cannot be used for timber will be used for firewood or woodworking, or returned to the forest soil as a nutrient source. Some firewood will be used to boil maple syrup in partnership with Ho-Chunk Nation youth.
What will happen to the rest of the forest?
The area will remain forested and will be healthier than if the harvest had not taken place. Increased sunlight reaching the forest floor will support more understory plants that feed and shelter wildlife, benefit pollinators and reduce erosion. Healthier trees will also produce more nuts for wildlife as they gain greater access to sunlight and resources with reduced competition. FSPA will use the walnut thinning harvest as an opportunity to educate the community about sustainable forest stewardship and ecological economics.
Free Wood Available for Pickup
Following the thinning harvest on FSPA Land - St. Joseph Ridge, black walnut cull logs (freshly cut, not dried) and wood from slash piles (cut your own) are now available for pickup at no cost.
Location: W2658 WI-33, La Crosse, WI 54601
Cull logs and slash (mostly treetops and limbs) are parts of trees that cannot be sold in a timber sale. This wood can be used for firewood and small woodworking projects. The FSPA land team does not have a use for all of it and is seeking community members who can put it to good use. Wood length, diameter and quality will vary. Take as much as you like.
Note: Anyone interested must cut the wood and haul it out themselves.
Pickup Appointments Required
For questions or to schedule a pickup appointment, email land@fspa.org.