Learn about how different methods of timber management (i.e., logging) change wildlife habitats, and how wildlife communities change (and how they may be similar) across different forest conditions. Timber harvesting directly and predictably affects forest conditions and the quality of an area as habitat for certain wildlife. Therefore this manual can be used to predict how a chosen logging practice is likely to affect various kinds of wildlife, or it can be used to select logging practices that are likely to benefit specific types of wildlife.

Part 1. How are animal communities related to forest conditions? This section describes how the abundance (number of individuals) and richness (number of species) of certain animal groups change across different forest conditions. This information is based mostly on Audubon New York's original field research.

Part 2. How can I be a better steward of my forestland? Part 2 discusses the concept of sustainable forest management, looking at how and why forests are commonly mismanaged, and provides landowners with strategies for success. The manual also explains how and why to work with a professional forester when planning to harvest timber on your land.

Part 3. How can I enhance wildlife habitat in my forest? This part describes the features you can add to or encourage in your forest, many of them on a very small scale and regardless of the forest condition, that can enhance wildlife habitat.

Part 4. How does my property fit into the bigger landscape? This part examines how and why to think about how your property fits into the larger landscape surrounding it, and argues for why you should think about wildlife not just on your property but also in terms of the "big picture."

Part 5. How have New York forests changed over
time? Part 5 provides information about the nature and state of forest resources and land-use patterns in New York, from before European settlement, through recent decades up to today.

Part 6. Where can I go for further assistance? This part provides contact information for agencies and organizations that private landowners may use for technical assistance, program information and sources of funding for conservation related management.