Forest management is the practice of planning, overseeing and caring for forest ecosystems to meet environmental, social and educational goals. It applies ecological principles and established forestry practices to help keep forests healthy, productive, diverse and resilient over time.

Forest management can help create a variety of forest conditions, including mature trees, young forest, open areas and different levels of canopy cover. This diversity can support a wider range of plants and wildlife.

Management can also help reduce competition among trees, encourage regeneration, control invasive species, reduce accumulated fuels to prevent wildfires and maintain forest ecosystems that depend on periodic disturbance.

Depending on the needs and goals of a particular area, management may include prescribed fire, invasive species removal, harvesting or thinning, tree planting, encouraging natural regeneration and wildlife habitat management.

These practices help maintain the health and diversity of the forest while providing valuable opportunities for NC State students and researchers to learn about and study forest ecosystems.

The College of Natural Resources’ Forest Assets Team — a dedicated group of forestry professionals that manages approximately 93,000 acres of university-owned forestland across North Carolina — manages Schenck Forest.

Forest management activities occur periodically and vary depending on the needs of individual areas, weather and environmental conditions, research and educational needs, and available resources. Different parts of the forest may be managed in different ways and at different times.

Timber harvests may be conducted to maintain forest health, encourage tree regeneration, manage forest density and species composition, demonstrate silvicultural techniques to forestry students and support research projects.

In some forest stands, removing selected trees can reduce competition for sunlight, water and nutrients and create conditions that encourage regeneration and understory growth. Harvesting can also be used to create a variety of forest ages and structures, which can support greater habitat diversity.

Fire is a natural and important part of many forest ecosystems in North Carolina. Prescribed fire can reduce accumulated vegetation and fuels, support native plant communities, maintain wildlife habitat and help restore ecosystems that depend on periodic fire. It also provides valuable opportunities for NC State students and researchers to learn about the role of fire in forest management. 

Active management can cause short-term disturbance and displacement for some wildlife. However, management can also create a greater variety of habitat conditions over time, including young growth, edge habitat and areas with different canopy densities. Management decisions consider wildlife habitat and the ecological goals of individual forest areas.

Forest management activities follow applicable North Carolina Forest Service Best Management Practices for protecting water quality. Streamside Management Zones are maintained along streams and other water bodies to help protect water quality, reduce erosion and limit impacts from forest operations.

Operations are planned with consideration for soil conditions and weather. When conditions are too wet, activities may be delayed to reduce the potential for soil compaction, rutting and erosion.

Immediately following a harvest, an area may appear more open and receive more sunlight. Depending on the type of management, there may be more space between remaining mature trees or significant canopy removal in areas being regenerated.

While a recently managed site can look stark compared with the surrounding forest, opening the canopy allows sunlight to reach the forest floor and creates conditions for new vegetation and tree growth.

Once active operations are complete, the forest management team will address the site according to its long-term management goals. This may include managing remaining logging debris, preparing the site for planting, planting tree seedlings or allowing the area to regenerate naturally. The site will be continually monitored as the next generation of forest becomes established.

Vegetation can begin returning during the first growing season. Grasses, wildflowers, ferns and shrubs may appear within months. Over the following one to three years, planted or naturally regenerated tree seedlings can become increasingly visible as a new layer of young forest develops. The pace of recovery varies depending on the site, weather, management approach and other environmental conditions.

Immediately following the application of prescribed fire, the area may look darker or more open, with blackened leaves, grasses and other vegetation on the forest floor. Some small plants and shrubs may be temporarily affected, while larger trees typically remain standing.

The appearance of the forest changes quickly as new vegetation emerges. Fire removes accumulated leaf litter and competing vegetation, allowing sunlight to reach the forest floor and creating conditions that support native plants and fire-adapted ecosystems.

Once a prescribed fire operation is complete and the area has been determined to be safe, the forest begins its natural recovery. Remaining ash and organic material return nutrients to the soil, while many plants respond quickly to the increased sunlight and nutrients.

Forest managers monitor the area following the operation to evaluate vegetation response and determine whether additional management is needed. 

New growth can appear surprisingly quickly after the application of prescribed fire. 

Over the following weeks and months, the burned area will become increasingly green as plants recover and new growth develops. The timing and appearance of recovery vary depending on the season, weather, intensity of the burn and characteristics of the individual site.

Visitors may see forestry equipment, trucks or crews working in portions of the forest. Some activities may also create temporary noise from chainsaws or heavy equipment.

Management activities can temporarily change the appearance of an area. Recently managed areas may look more open or different from surrounding forest, but vegetation and new growth will develop over time.

Active work areas and adjacent trails may be temporarily closed for visitor safety. Clear signs will identify restricted areas. Visitors should follow all posted signs and stay on open trails.

Forest management activities are expected to be limited to the areas being managed. There may be temporary equipment or truck traffic and noise associated with active operations, but significant impacts to surrounding neighborhoods are not expected.

When appropriate, information about activities that could affect visitors or nearby neighbors will be shared in advance.

Schenck Forest provides a real-world setting where students can see and practice forest management techniques that they learn about in the classroom. This hands-on experience is an important part of preparing students for careers in forestry, natural resources and related fields. Faculty also use the forest for field laboratories, demonstrations and research projects.

NC State welcomes community members who want to learn more about how Schenck Forest is managed. Tours can be arranged for individuals or groups to see forest management practices firsthand and ask questions of forestry professionals. Complete this form to request a tour. 

For questions about Schenck Forest or forest management activities, contact:

Garrett Sumner, Forest Manager
[email protected]

Information about significant management activities and visitor impacts will be shared on the Schenck Forest website. Visitors should also check posted signs and follow directions when they are in the forest.