Thinning Forests and Adding Livestock
Forested land can be strategically thinned to allow forage growth in the understory that can be grazed by cattle, goats, sheep, poultry, or pigs. This approach allows for dual-income sources from managed grazing and eventual timber harvests. But it’s a process to be undertaken very thoughtfully, as the risk of damaging the existing forest ecosystem is great. Below are some resources to help you get started.
Evaluating the Potential of a Site for Silvopasture Development (Click to download PDF)
Site evaluation tool developed by CCE Forest Connect to determine a location’s viability for silvopasture
Framework for Successful Planning and Implementation of Silvopasture Projects (Click to download PDF)
Resource from CCE ForestConnect which outlines key steps in planning and implementation of silvopasture projects.
Goats in the Woods Workbook (Click to download PDF)
Cornell manual published in 2002 on safely and productively using meat goats in woodlands. Includes paddock set up, health concerns, and chore lists.
An online community with hundreds of members from around the NE sharing info and events about silvopasture, started and managed by Peter Smallidge and Brett Chedzoy
