Changes at Coburn Woods
Somerset Woods Trustees (SWT) is preparing to begin a selective timber harvest in Coburn Woods as part of a long-planned forest stewardship effort. The harvest will focus on removing ash and beech trees that are dying due to pests and diseases like the Emerald Ash Borer, Beech Leaf Disease, and Beech Bark Disease.
While this may be hard news to hear for some of you, we want to reassure you that we have the forest’s best interest in mind.
Active forest management, such as conducting a selective timber harvest like this one, plays a critical role in maintaining long-term forest health. This harvest will go beyond best practices to protect wildlife habitat, including vernal pool species, while supporting regeneration that would not occur under passive management. Regeneration will diversify tree age classes and species composition, which will ultimately make for a more resilient and biodiverse forest.
Visitors may see some trail adjustments or updated markings during logging operations. We know how much the community values Coburn Woods, and we’re working to maintain the forested landscape and trails to the greatest extent possible.
For full details, please see our press release or subscribe to our E-Newsletter.
Map: Coburn Woods Map
