The Juniper and Curry Ranch's commitment
to the environment: Why we thin

Environmental Advantages of Selective Juniper Thinning

Overgrazing of rangeland has diminished the ability of native grasses to compete with junipers for already scarce water resources. Large juniper trees are reported to consume 60 gallons or more per tree each day. As the density of trees increase they also block sunlight and prevent growth of ground vegetation. As the tree matures, the lower limbs die, but don't fall off. In dense stands, this produces an interwoven grid that makes it almost impossible for passage of man or large game. 

There has been little harvesting of western juniper because they are difficult to process. They are rough, limby, have rapid taper and limited commercial value. However, it is excellent for firewood and kindling. Juniper chips and shavings are also excellent for animal bedding and landscape use. 

The following photographs illustrate examples of the types of trees we do NOT cut:

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BEFORE SELECTIVE THINNING

Dense overgrowth of juniper, forming an impenetrable thicket

AFTER SELECTIVE THINNING

Benefits of Selective Juniper Thinning:

	Improves watershed by allowing more moisture to remain in the ground and replenish aquifers.
	Allows native grasses and other vegetation to restore the more natural kind of ecological balance that existed prior to heavy livestock grazing.
	Improves habitat for wildlife, especially deer and elk.
	Greatly reduces forest fire hazard by removing dead trees, non-thriving trees and reducing density of dead limbs and dry fuel.
	Improves the aesthetics of the landscape by changing almost impenetrable thickets into tree dotted meadows.
	Enhances the health of remaining trees due to less competition for water, sun and nutrients.

For more information about the ecological benefits of selective thinning, please contact us!

Curry Ranch
(541) 545-6488 Office
(541) 545-6489 Fax

E-mail: curryranch@centurytel.net

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