National Wild Turkey Federation will cut timber commercially in Utah's Dixie National Forest, use proceeds for forest projects improving habitat, reducing fire risk

Audrey Dixon

LOS ANGELES , September 20, 2011 (Forestweb) – The National Wild Turkey Federation will cut timber commercially from about 2,000 acres in Utah’s Dixie National Forest and use the proceeds to fund forest preservation projects, The Salt Lake Tribune reported Sept. 18.

The U.S. Forest Service and the turkey federation will contribute US$190,000 and $90,000, respectively, to the forest projects, while about $83,000 is expected to come in from the timber sales.

The program will be the largest undertaken by either agency, according to Kenton Call, a spokesman for the forest.

Wildlife biologist for the turkey federation Stan Baker said the projects, which include thinning and improving aspen stands, will improve wildlife habitat by opening up areas for grasses and flower-bearing plants to grow, and reducing the risk of wildfires, reported The Salt Lake Tribune.

Spruce killed by insects will also be removed under the project, Baker said.

Rob MacWhorter, the superintendent of the Dixie National Forest Service said the partnership would improve the wildlife habitat and the forest’s health while creating jobs for the nearby community.

The primary source of this article is The Salt Lake Tribune, Salt Lake City, Utah, on Sept. 18, 2011.

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