Our Services

Panther Mtn is dedicated to the restoration and enhancement of forests in the southern Appalachians and their foothills. Our team is committed to improving ecological resilience and diversity through a range of specialized services.

Forest Mulching

Forestry mulching of dense understory, like mountain laurel here in the southern Appalachians, creates opportunities for new growth by allowing sunlight to reach the forest floor, which is essential for the germination of new plants. Additionally, the mulch left behind enriches the soil as it decomposes, providing nutrients that support emerging species. Ultimately, this technique promotes a healthier and more diverse ecosystem by encouraging the growth of various plants and enhancing overall biodiversity.

Wildland Fire Mitigation and Fuels management

Wildland fire mitigation and fuels management are vital for protecting communities and natural resources from the threat of wildfires. These practices involve reducing flammable vegetation and creating defensible spaces around properties to minimize fire risk. By implementing practices, we can enhance safety and resilience in fire-prone areas, ensuring that both people and ecosystems are better prepared for potential fires.

Timber Harvesting

Sustainable timber harvesting is a practice that ensures forests remain healthy and productive while meeting human needs. Harvests don't have to be ecologically damaging; we prefer to use uneven stand management techniques, such as variable retention, group selection, and patch cuts to promote biodiversity and forest resilience. Additionally, using specialized equipment, such as horse logging, cable logging, and log forwarders, minimizes soil disturbance and protects the surrounding ecosystem. By adopting these methods, we can use timber extraction as a fundamental element to achieving ecological resiliency. .

Invasive Species Management

Effective invasive species management is crucial for forest restoration as it helps to preserve native biodiversity and promote healthy ecosystems. By controlling invasive species, we can reduce competition for resources among native plants, allowing them to thrive and regenerate. This management also enhances habitat for wildlife, ensuring that native species can flourish in their natural environments. Ultimately, a well-executed invasive species management plan contributes to the resilience of forest ecosystems, supporting their long-term health and productivity.

Prescribed Fire

Prescribed fire plays a significant role in maintaining the health of our native forests. It helps reduce the accumulation of leaf litter and underbrush, which increases the risk of larger wildfires, by reducing the available fuel. Controlled burning also encourages the regeneration of oak and hickory trees, as well as certain pine species, by suppressing less fire adapted species, like tulip poplar and red maple, from outcompeting them. This promotes a diverse age and compositional structure within the forest. Overall, this practice enhances habitat quality for wildlife and fosters a more resilient ecosystem.

Timber Stand Improvement

Timber Stand Improvement (TSI) is a forest management practice focused on enhancing the health, composition, and productivity of a woodland. It typically involves selectively removing less desirable, poorly formed, or overcrowded trees to reduce competition and promote the growth of more valuable or ecologically important species. In oak-hickory ecosystems, TSI plays a critical role in restoring natural forest structure and composition. Decades of fire suppression and land-use changes have allowed shade-tolerant and invasive species to dominate many woodlands, reducing regeneration opportunities for oaks and hickories. These native species are adapted to more open, fire-influenced conditions and require adequate sunlight and space to grow successfully. TSI treatments may include thinning, removal of competing species, invasive plant control, and creating small canopy gaps to encourage natural regeneration. The result is a healthier, more resilient forest that supports greater biodiversity, improved wildlife habitat, and long-term timber value. Oak-hickory restoration through TSI contributes to both ecological integrity and sustainable land management.

Grants and Cost share Programs

We here at Panther Mountain understand that the cost of managing your forest for the future can be daunting. That is why we will make every effort to work with you to obtain and qualify for both state and federal grants and cost share programs as well as assisting you in including your property in present use value tax savings programs. We are also happy to meet you where you are and can exchange work for small timber sales that can also double as timber stand improvement treatments.