SD, your answer was printed out and I'll study on it. Seems pretty easy, especially with the way you simplified the math....did we share a math class in the past because that's exactly what I needed.
The age of the forest is still undetermined, mostly because I have no idea of how to use an increment borer and I'm not certain what to do once I know the relative age. My goals for the forest are still changing as I slowly become more knowledgable about forestry and what I can effectively change or enhance. My early goals were totally unrealistic and now I'm looking more to help the forest rather than trying to change it very much. I'd like to plant more white oak but that might not be an effective method either. Your suggestion of going for good quality makes the most sense. How to do that is best is the next part of the plan.
Let me ask these questions again:
What is the best way to handle stump sprouts for oaks, hickory and ash? I know to leave the poplar alone and trim the maple.
What should be done with root sprouts?
How can I tell if a sapling is a root sprout and not growing from an acorn? or does it even matter?
The layers of complexity in forestry continues to amaze and intimidate me.
tonich, your encouragement about the photos motivated me to figure it out, thanks. Your generous interpretation of "Swampdonkey" clearly identifies you as an optimist cuz I got a whole different take on it!
