Easter Lake Timber Stand Improvement

This area on the south side of Easter Lake has been overrun with multiple species of invasive plants for many years and may begin losing biodiversity if left unattended. The restoration project involves mowing the invasive brush layer, spraying re-sprouts of invasive species, and thinning the canopy to remove undesirable species and create a more healthy woodland dominated by oaks, hickories, and walnuts in the canopy with a healthy herbaceous layer below.  Polk County Conservation hopes to improve wildlife habitat as well as improved water quality of Easter Lake through this process as the understory layer re-establishes itself and can capture water runoff and excess nutrients during rain events.