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Forest Stewardship Plan for Andalusia
In 2007, the Flannery O'Connor-Andalusia Foundation Board of Directors adopted a Forest Stewardship Plan for Andalusia prepared by William R. "Bob" Lazenby, CF, RF, owner of Arbor Creek Forestry, LLC. This plan recognizes the Foundation's desire to manage the Andalusia property with equal emphasis on five aspects of stewardship management:
- Conservation of soil and water resources
- Recreation
- Aesthetics
- Wildlife preservation
- Timber management
The forest resources at Andalusia are managed through selective timber thinning with special emphasis placed on protecting soil and water quality while preserving and improving aesthetics and recreational opportunities for visitors. All streams are protected during forestry activities by following Best Management Practices (BMP) issued by the Georgia Forestry Commission. The Dr. Bernard Cline Outdoor Learning Center is designed to provide access for visitors to some of the more scenic areas of the property, including hardwood tracts along Tobler Creek. Deer, turkey, and many non-game species benefit from management of the pine and hardwood stands. Maintaining forested buffers along streams provides cover and travel corridors for many species. Timber thinning is necessary to maintain the health and quality of the forest. The timber on the property is divided between pine and hardwood. These are naturally established stands. The pine species include both loblolly and short-leaf. The hardwoods are concentrated along branches, creeks, and intermediate slopes and include white and red oak, gum, yellow poplar, hickory, sycamore, and maple trees.
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