Bottomland hardwood forest (BLH, Rarity Rank: S4/G4G5) ecosystems in the southeastern US have been called an “ecosystem in crisis” (Creasman et al. 1992). The Louisiana State Wildlife Action Plan (Lester et al. 2005) identifies BLH forests as home to 34 species of concern, including birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and butterflies. Over 70% of BLH in Louisiana has been lost due to land conversion, urbanization, and other land use changes (Haynes et al. 1988).

Recognizing the importance of BLH systems, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries began conservation efforts in 1961, acquiring over 222,000 acres of BLH. Additional reforestation through the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) has restored over 270,000 acres in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley. However, many of these maturing forests lack structural complexity, which reduces wildlife habitat value. Proper management strategies, such as canopy gap creation, are essential to restoring wildlife habitat diversity.

Habitat Management for Wildlife

The majority of BLH reforestation sites are even-aged and relatively homogeneous in both species composition and habitat quality. Active forest management can help accelerate succession to resemble mature forests, ensuring critical wildlife habitat. Creating forest canopy gaps promotes a diverse shrub layer, benefiting **Neotropical migrant songbirds** and **species of concern** identified in the Louisiana Wildlife Action Plan.

Increased midstory and understory layers provide essential food sources for wildlife species, including the **Louisiana Black Bear**. Additionally, deadwood material benefits amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals by improving habitat complexity and increasing invertebrate availability.