It's a school forest among a bunch planted in the 1960's. Thinning is a yearly occurrence, and larger wood harvests also done in a similar way but a longer time frame. Yes the branches and small saplings are cut and dropped in the access rows to decompose. It does not take many years. I have made regular visits since the late 70's and it always is interesting. Especially the changes in machinery used.
5 years ago some major harvesting was done with
Ponsse equipment.
butthead