Tree size is often mistakenly equated with age, and some people think removing those larger trees will release the young trees to grow.

But in Ozark forests, according to Missouri Department of Conservation resource forester Jason Jensen, pole-sized oaks typically are just as old as the largest trees. Removing those trees leaves smaller, inferior trees for the next crop. Harvesting under this type of system is referred to as high grading. Many forestry professionals believe this is an unsustainable system.

"How many ranchers sell off their most productive animals and rebuild their herd from the leftovers?" asks Gerald Bryan, agronomist with the Cape County Extension. "It doesn't make any better sense to do this with trees."

Jensen said smaller trees are often the same age as the larger trees but are smaller in diameter due to the position of their crown. Harvesting these small trees makes use of timber that would either die or never grow into a valuable crop tree.

"Removing crowded trees frees those left to expand their crowns and increase both wood and acorn production. Deer, turkey and other wildlife like those acorns," says Jensen.

Jensen believes that this type of thinning will improve forest health and productivity and create new employment and marketing opportunities.

"A more mechanized approach should also increase operator safety," added Jensen.

"It's time to stop neglecting our forest resources if we want to protect the environment and leave a legacy for the next generation," said Pete Becker of the Eastern Ozarks Forestry Council.