Coarse Woody What? The benefits of dead trees in our forests.

Ottawa County Parks and Recreation (OCPR) prides itself in having high quality park properties. Through the financial support of voters, OCPR can hire maintenance staff (or recruit volunteers!) to maintain these high standards. Why then, does OCPR not “clean up” our forest floors? Because logs and tree branches are a critical part of a healthy forest.

Coarse woody debris (CWD) is a term given to the dead trees within a natural area, including branches, logs, and roots. CWD benefits wildlife, ecosystem function and even prevents erosion. Listed below are just a few of the innumerable reasons why OCPR does not “clean up” our forests:

Wildlife habitat

Death is an important part of any ecosystem. Trees must die to make space for the next generation. Within a forest, dead trees have always been a component of the system. Animals are adapted to utilize this important resource. Insects feed upon the dead wood, helping to decompose the tree and recycle the nutrients trapped inside. Many insect-eating birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians are adapted to live off of the insects of dead wood, such as woodpeckers.

Additionally, rotting logs and branches provide shelter for wildlife. Logs provides protection from predators and a unique microclimate to help animals like salamanders stay moist. Birds and other wildlife often perch on downed branches as they scout for their next meal.

Nutrient recycling

As stated earlier, the nutrients that helped sustain the tree when it was alive, are trapped within a dead tree. Through decomposition or burning (through prescribed fire), these nutrients are released. Nitrogen, an essential nutrient within forests, mostly comes from microbes decomposing dead woody material. Without CWD, the forest health would be negatively effected by a shortage of nitrogen and other minerals and nutrients.

Erosion

Many OCPR properties, especially with dunes, are vulnerable to erosion. Logs and branches, including those on steep slopes, help to slow surface water runoff. Branches and logs also help prevent erosion within forests’ creeks and streams, as they help slow down water.

Plant Nursery

Downed logs are a great spot for seedlings to grow. Decomposing wood offers increase moisture, shade, nutrients, mycorrhizal fungus and much more, which help give young plants extra TLC when they are most vulnerable.