Moosehead Region Hunting Report: December 27, 2006
Beech Management
As the days begin to shorten and the greens of summer transform into the brilliant shades of autumn, many of our species of wildlife are busy locating, consuming, or stashing ample food in preparation for another Maine winter. One such food which is tiny in stature but certainly not in importance, is the small nut produced by the American Beech tree (Fagus grandifolia). Every other autumn just like clockwork, many of the mature beech trees in the Moosehead Lake Region release thousands of these small food packets from their spiny armor to fall to the ground. Although the bulk of these nuts are expelled from the canopy in October, insect damage or extremes in weather can start this process early in September and continue as late as November.
During that special time of year when the nuts hit the ground, northern hardwood stands containing beech become magnets to a variety of wildlife including white-tailed deer, black bear, ruffed grouse, blue jay, red squirrel, chipmunk and other small mammals. In addition, mammalian predators such as pine marten and fisher frequent these areas to capitalize on the concentrated prey as well as the nuts themselves. But, among all the “critters” that seek out this important food source in the north, none appear to be so closely linked to the frequency of beechnut production as our black bears. Thirty plus years of research conducted by our Department on transmitter-equipped bears have clearly shown that nearly all of the reproductive-aged female black bears produce cubs during the winter following an abundant autumn nut crop. Conversely, almost no female bears produce cubs during the off year.
The future of the American Beech, however, may be less certain these days, especially in the Moosehead Lake Region. Beech bark disease has caused significant mortality in some stands. In addition, the development in the pulp market for hardwood during the last ten or so years has allowed forest managers to sell a greater percentage of the beech stems than ever before. Strictly from a silvicultural standpoint, it appears to make sense to cut the beech to favor the more highly valued maples and birches. Unfortunately, in some cases nearly all of the merchantable beech trees are removed.
Region E’s wildlife staff continue to work with forest managers in an attempt to ensure that some mature beech trees will always be available to produce mast for our wildlife. Although some beech tress infected with beech bark disease will succumb, many will survive for years. In addition, diseased trees are stressed, so they frequently produce large nut crops.
Our recommendation to land managers is to always keep some mature (i.e. at least 8 inches dbh, or about 10-12 inches butt diameter) beech stems in the northern hardwood stands. If possible shoot for about one third of each of the sapling, pole and saw log — sized classes comprised of beech. This would apply equally on industrial lands as well as small woodlots. As mentioned above, the presence of beech bark disease should not be the only guideline to dictate harvest. Instead, look at crown characteristics. A large, live crown is a good indication pf overall tree health as well as a measure of the tree’s ability to produce nuts. In most cases, a light thinning that allows sunlight to get to the tree’s crown is a good way to promote tree health and nut production.
