Objectives

Project Objectives

Within the context of forestry stewardship, I developed several objectives to complete using ArcView v3.2. One of the broad objectives for forestry stewardship is to improve wildlife habitat. To address this goal on the study property, I decided to find the best place to build feeding plots for deer and small, permanent water holes in which birds can bathe. Both the feed plots and bird baths are known to be effective tools to bring more wildlife into an area (NCSU Forestry Extension Publications, 1995).

While targeting mainly deer and songbirds, managing for a habitat that will benefit these animals will also favorably effect the habitat quality of several other animals including grouse, quail, and other small mammals (NCSU Forestry Extension Publications, 1995). One of the basic principles behind forestry stewardship is that through managing a favorable habitat for an "umbrella species," the overall health of the forest community improves (Pacific Forest Trust, 2001).

Photo courtesy of usgs.gov

Another task with which ArcView can help is establishing points on the property from which people can easily view the wildlife without disturbing them. These can serve as educational observation points, hunting stands, or simply points of interest along a hike.