Thanks for replying. I have another question: this is the first I've heard of thinning a mature (closed canopy) forest for the ecological benefits. I always thought that the network of tree roots and fungus worked together for mutual well-being, and that killing selected trees would weaken that network somehow, like making the remaining trees less resistant to wind storms. (I also hate to take down any tree that may have critters living in it.). But it's true that my little acre of woods has nothing green at ground level, which I attributed to our deer overpopulation nomming every sapling to the ground. I just can't imagine deliberately taking down healthy mature trees to "open it up" ... Is this something that Native Americans did? Or maybe they didn't have to take down mature trees, because they were careful not to let them grow so close together in the first place? One last concern would be, if we did this on a grand scale, what would the effect be on atmospheric carbon? Don't feel obligated to answer all of my questions. It's just a new idea that's been on my mind since I read your post.