Scenic Rivers Farm & Forest Consulting LLC

03/25/2026

We burned a woodland of almost 40 acres that took us nearly 8 hours to complete from ignition to the beginning of mop-up. Topography was steep with variable aspects, and conditions were real dry and a little breezy. We needed to be patient and careful with firing technique to do a good job achieving objectives which included protecting larger trees from fire damage.

We burned a woodland of almost 40 acres that took us nearly 8 hours to complete from ignition to the beginning of mop-up. Topography was steep, with variabl...

03/19/2026

When doing prescribed fire, we do our best to take into account public safety. We do our best to make sure we have proper wind direction to prevent smoke from inundating roadways. Especially paved roadways.
Another consideration is our police and fire departments. We put up signs to encourage caution while driving, and to limit the number of calls local dispatch receives. They are always thankful when I let them know we put up signage.
On this burn

03/19/2026

In pine management, crown ratio is important for optimal growth rate and health. If managing well, some of the sunlight bleeds through the canopy of the trees and grows forbs and grasses (herbaceous vegetation). This (thinning + burning) provides excellent food for wildlife such as deer and turkey, among many other important wildlife.

In pine management, crown ratio is important for optimal growth rate and health. If managing well, some of the sunlight bleeds through the canopy of the tree...

03/06/2026

TSI (timber stand improvement) in the bottomlands of New Madrid County (southeast Missouri). We don't get a lot of opportunity to do this work in these unique forest ecosystems. It always amazes me that (unlike the uplands) only a foot or two of elevation change in the bottomlands can affect a completely different collection of tree species, or how species interact with each other. Water saturation in some parts, and highly productive soils in others affect levels of competition for a position in the sun. Not tolerating much shade, the trees most beneficial for wildlife can have a tough go of it, or not make it at all.
We can and do help.

02/11/2026

Was discussing some things with a client and I was asked my opinion. My answer reminded me of a video from a few years back that I never uploaded.
Mid to late February is about my least favorite part of the seasons. If that's also you, maybe this video will transport you to a better place.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1a6TPEXGgN/

For the most part, the best thing you can do in the summer for your food plots is put your mower away. I still believe this.

12/25/2025

Good forest and wildlife management does not always result in a stand easy to work or play in. But, that is sometimes by design. If you are a mature buck, this is what you want to be in.
Part 1

12/23/2025

Part 2:
Don't under estimate the value of professional forest management.
You may want optimal wildlife habitat, but it doesn't have to come at the expense of quality forest management.

Look at the ammount of bedding cover and food availability on this site that still has quality timber.

10/08/2025

Whole heartedly agree. For years, the habitat management crowd has been downplaying the idea of predator control (ie. trapping, etc) and I think it has hurt our cause.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BrbSLApDA/

09/08/2025

35+ acres of food plots went in this year. We just need some rain!

We planted several food plots using a few techniques we have found to work over the years.

08/27/2025

Excellent habitat in the making.

06/24/2025

This forester is not just a forester in the academic sense, but trying to understand the whole picture.
Don't be a wildlife habitat guy that dismisses or neglects the importance of forestry and silvicultural principles, and don't be a forester that misses the forest for the trees.

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