BLACK HAWK COUNTY – This winter, Black Hawk County Conservation will begin important forest management work in the Black Hawk Creek Greenbelt north of Hudson. The project will take place on approximately 37 acres of county-owned land as part of a long-term Timber Stand Improvement Plan. (see included map)
During the winter of 2025-2026, a selective tree harvest will be carried out, removing approximately 283 mature walnut, locust, silver maple, hackberry, basswood, and elm trees. Dead or declining oak and ash will also be removed.
“This work is part of an ongoing plan to improve the overall structure and long-term health of the timber stand,” said Jim Weimer, Wild Conservationist II. “This area has never been thinned, so it’s important for the health of the forest.”
Thinning the canopy allows more sunlight to reach the forest floor, which helps the next generation of trees and native plants grow. After the harvest, staff will continue additional Timber Stand Improvement work, including releasing young hardwoods and removing invasive or undesirable trees.
Forest management along this section of the Greenbelt, as well as the rest of the county-owned green spaces, will continue over several years to maintain a healthy, diverse, and resilient woodland for future generations.
Black Hawk County Conservation collaborated with the company Flight Spool to create a video that describes the thoughtful planning and hands-on management involved that ensures our county greenspaces remain resilient and full of life for future generations. Watch the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wMARGgf673o?si=E6l3Qu0w6trPeTKq
For more information, contact Black Hawk County Conservation at 319-433-7275 or conservation@blackhawkcounty.iowa.gov.
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