Wisconsin Forestry Center

Social Science Mini-Series: Part I

The Albany Pine Bush Preserve protects one of the largest remaining inland pitch pine–scrub oak barrens and provides habitat for 114 rare wildlife species, including the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly. By combining habitat restoration with long-term monitoring of rare wildlife populations, the Preserve has improved ecosystem health, increased the abundance and distribution of rare species, supported the recovery of the local Karner blue population and the return of the eastern whip-poor-will, while also reducing wildfire risk and improving resilience within a complex wildland–urban interface.

Beavers are often seen as a nuisance, but what if they’re actually some of nature’s most effective forest managers? In this episode of SilviCast, we welcome renowned ecohydrologist Dr. Emily Fairfax to explore the surprising role of beavers as ecosystem engineers. Learn how beaver-created wetlands improve water storage, reduce wildfire risk enhance biodiversity, store carbon, and influence forest management. Dr. Fairfax highlights practical strategies for addressing challenging beaver activity that impact roads, infrastructure, and timber production. This episode offers a fresh perspective on how one species can reshape landscapes and strengthen forests in a changing climate.

Explore how to maintain and restore the physical and biological processes that keep forest ecosystems functioning. By protecting foundational ecosystem components—such as healthy soils, natural water cycles, and natural disturbance processes—land managers can strengthen forests’ ability to withstand the impacts of a changing climate. Think of it as making sure “the foundation can support the house.” Noal Kriegel, WDNR Forest Hydrologist, will discuss Best Management Practices, roads, and infrastructure planning and maintenance in the face of climate change. Cur Meine, Ph.D., will conclude the webinar series with a revisit of Aldo Leopold’s land ethic, exploring how a broad ecological perspective can inform and strengthen practical forest management decisions. 

Ken Swanstrom of Skookum Logging joins the June podcast to talk about nearly 50 years in Montana’s logging industry. From getting his start on the landing in the 1970s to running his own operation, Ken shares stories from a lifetime in the woods and offers his perspective on how Montana forestry has changed over the decades. The conversation covers shrinking timber harvests, mill closures, forest health, wildfire risk, and the ongoing challenge of keeping logging infrastructure alive while managing forests for future generations.