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Horses Help Loggers Go Easy on the Land

February 16, 2010 - THORNDIKE -- The workhorse dug its hooves into the ground and pulled a 12-foot ash log up a hill and through the woods, leaving barely a trace that more than a ton of animal and wood had passed.

Pete Stratton of the Hideaway Farm in Sidney coaxed his horse Princess steadily through a maple woodlot at the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association in Thorndike last week.

Stratton and other loggers working the parcel are part of a forestry group that uses horses in an effort to reduce damage to desirable trees and prevent the erosion that heavy equipment often causes.

This is the 10th year the loggers have cut wood on the property, Stratton said.

They remove undesirable or broken trees, which helps strengthen the maples for future sugaring operations. Tall, healthy trees are left standing.

The trails leading out of the woods last week were smooth and there was little evidence that any work had taken place.

Ash logs, firewood and pulpwood lay in separate piles in a field. Stratton said the logs will be milled for flooring in an association building to be built later, and pulp will be sold as firewood.

Stratton said he enjoys working with Princess.

"Using horses is easier on the ground," he said. "It's quiet and peaceful."

By DAVID LEAMING, Morning Sentinel February 16, 2010


Lakes:
Regions: Belgrade, Mid Coast


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