Flagler County performs ‘ecological timber thinning’ on county-owned land

The thinning is expected to improve the rest of the site's pine stand while promoting herbaceous plant growth.

By Observer Staff
| 5:00 a.m. June 5, 2023

Slash pine, Pinus elliottii. Photo by Larry Allain, U.S. Geological Survey

Palm Coast Observer
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The Flagler County government is performing "ecological timber thinning" on a 497-acre county-owned property south and west of Old Kings Road and east of Interstate 95.

The thinning will affect 313 acres of the site and is expected to be completed by the end of June, weather permitting, according to a news release from the county government.

The thinning is designed to improve the rest of the site's pine tree stand while promoting herbaceous plant growth for wildlife and avoiding impacts to 181 acres of cypress dome and other wetlands.

It is also expected to mitigate the intensity of any potential wildfires.

“We want to let people know that this project is not clear cutting for development,” Public Lands and Natural Resources Manager Michael Lagasse said, according to the news release. “This project is performed as part of responsible management practices and is being overseen by Ralph Risch, the designated ‘forester-in-charge,’ to ensure the thinning is done in a way that will enhance the health and vigor of remaining trees and to create healthier conditions for wildlife.”

Revenues from the thinning will be used for further land management work at the property and at Princess Place Preserve.