The manipulation of the forest’s structure can often maximize basic needs for key wildlife. Our forest planning techniques at SBF will always take wildlife into consideration. We will help you create a plan that will strategically attract and hold more wildlife for longer periods. SBF offers a wide range of technical services that support wildlife habitat project planning including mapping, field project layout,  Statement of Work drafting and solicitation to local forestry contractors, native grass seeding and noxious weed control. Additionally, SBF offers comprehensive project administration services as well as post project monitoring.

At SBF, we will take a scaled approach and look at specific wildlife habitat requirements across the landscape and ask the question for our client- what requirements can improve upon or maximize through active forest management? SBF is happy to partner with other local wildlife biology consulting firms to bring added knowledge and expertise to our clients.

Knowing when and where wildlife utilize certain areas is valuable information for managers as well as the client who values wildlife viewing or hunting. As managers, we are ever curious in knowing how wildlife respond to our treatments as well as other biotic or abiotic changes in the forest. Pre and post project monitoring utilizing game cameras can provide insight into forest planning for wildlife.

At SBF, we are first and foremost professional natural resource managers. We are also hunters that have a keen interest in the intersection of resource management and game habitat usage. Let us consult with you about how to maximize hunting opportunity through strategic planning. We can help with considerations like game movement among bedding, feeding, mating and watering areas. We will also consult on factors such as low impact hunter access, stand or blind placement, seasonal game usage and arrangement of wildlife habitat treatments for maximum viewing opportunities with the sportsman in mind.

Broadcast seeding after a forest treatment or habitat project can be especially beneficial for key wildlife. It also provides other benefits such as preventing soil erosion and actively competing with invasive plants. Consider improving your forest roads and log landings while maximizing wildlife potential by broadcast seeding. SBF can also help our clients maximize flower production through custom seed mixes for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

SBF will develop custom seed mixes for our clients. Oftentimes our staff may need to visit the site to examine specific site characteristics like soils, native and non-native species currently on site, elevation, aspect, water and shade regime, wildlife graze and browse usage, etc. We will work collectively with other experts in this field such as wildlife biologists and local seed vendors to further custom fit a mix specific to our client’s objectives.