Hardwood control is primarily implemented on Fort Bragg in order to provide quality habitat for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW). RCW's prefer pure pine stands to live and forage in and will abandon their core cluster area if hardwoods significantly encroach on their habitat resulting often in mortality of the entire clan of birds (a breeding male, breeding female, and several juveniles). Hardwoods are controlled by several means including mechanical, chemical, and fire control.
Hardwood Control Methods
Mechanical control includes equipment such as chainsaws, brushcutters, heavy equipment mulching units, and drum chopper.
Chemical control includes backpack, aerial, and machine application to target broadleaf competition species.
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Controlled fire is intentionally propagated in order to keep hardwood regeneration to a minimum.
