Book Description
A management techniques report on half-cuts is provided as Section 5.3.2 of the US Army Corps of Engineers Wildlife Resources Management Manual. The report was prepared as a guide to assist Corps biologists and resource managers in developing habitat management programs for project lands. Topics covered for half -cuts include wildlife value, plant selection, methods, location, personnel and costs, and cautions and limitations. Supplemental cover can often be provided for small game by half-cutting the trees and shrubs so that their tops or branches touch the ground. The technique is also referred to as top-cutting, top-pruning, or cut-and-bend. Procedures are given for making half-cuts on the main trunk or lower branches of suitable trees or shrubs, and the application of the technique for edge improvement in a variety of settings is discussed. Half-cutting is recommended for use in conjunction with other suitable habitat management practices.