Resources for Forest Managers
The Old-Growth Forest Network is a network of advocates, decision makers, managers, scientists, educators, and more, and forests bring all of us together. We’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions from forest managers about the Network to give you, our valued partner, more information about OGFN and our processes.
You’ll find these questions and answers below, but if you can’t find the piece of information you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to email us at info@oldgrowthforest.net. We would love to start a conversation with you.
Feel free to scroll through the entire list of questions and answers, or skip to the question(s) that interest you the most:
What benefits does joining the Network provide to forest managers?
How does the Old-Growth Forest Network define old-growth?
Which forest types can be recognized in the Network?
Is the Network limited to Primary or “Never Logged” Forests?
Is there a minimum or maximum acreage to be considered for the Network?
Are there resources to help me manage my forest?
What types of forest management are compatible with OGFN recognition?
Are ecological restoration projects compatible with OGFN recognition?
What is the process for being nominated and recognized in the Network?
How can I get additional signs for my forest?
What benefits does joining the Network provide to forest managers?
Forest recognition through the Network provides opportunities to interpret and showcase your forest stewardship, increases engagement with forest stakeholders, and provides assurances to the public that treasured forests are being well stewarded.
Each time we step into the forest with our peers we create the space for dialogue, shared appreciation of biodiversity and our natural heritage, and deepen our collective understanding of issues impacting forests.
OGFN hikes can help build local support for the forest by recognizing it as a treasured place to experience nature, celebrating the work of local volunteers, instilling knowledge of local native species and leave no trace principals, and sharing the challenges our current and future forests face.
OGFN also supports forest managers by providing access to a network of people with expertise and connections for collaboration as well as continuing education opportunities for forest managers through programming like webinars, talks, gatherings and the Northeast Old-Growth Conference. The benefits of being a part of the Old-Growth Forest Network continue on long after we celebrate a forest’s inclusion.
How does the Old-Growth Forest Network define old-growth?
The Network does not rely on any specific definition to define old-growth and no widely accepted definition exists. Old-growth is a human construct that seeks to describe a stage along a continuum in the cyclical development of forest ecosystems where age-related attributes and processes evolve and converge within a discrete area of natural land.
The diverse characteristics of old-growth are expressed based on a variety of interrelated factors not limited to tree species morphology, longevity, shade tolerance, site conditions, disturbance regimes, human influences and uses, species interactions and ecological processes.
(See illustrated examples of Moist and Dry old-growth features in our Resources)