bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling Stand Density Effects on Taper for Jack Pine and Black Spruce Plantations Using Dimensional Analysis
Authors: Sharma Mahadev , Parton John
Published: April 2024

A taper equation was developed for jack pine and black spruce trees growing at varying density using a dimensional analysis approach. Data used in this study came from stem analysis on 1,135 jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) and 1,189 black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] B.S.P.) trees sampled from 25 even-aged monospecific plantations in the Canadian boreal forest region of Northern Ontario. About half of the trees were randomly selected for model development, with the remainder used for model evaluation. A nonlinear mixed-effects approach was applied in fitting the taper equation. The predictive accuracy of the model was improved by including random-effects parameters for a new tree based on upper stem diameter measurements. Three scenarios of using upper stem diameter measurements to predict random effects were examined for predictive accuracy: one diameter at any height along the bole; two diameters, one each from below and above breast height; and three diameters, one from below and the other two from above breast height. The upper height at which the diameter was measured was limited to 65% of total tree height for practical reasons. For the first scenario, the model calibrated using a diameter measurement from between 34 and 38% of total height provided the best predictions of inside-bark diameters. For the second scenario, the model calibrated using one diameter from near the stump and the other from close to 65% of total height produced the least bias in predicting inside-bark diameters. For the third scenario, the model calibrated using the diameters from near the stump and at approximately 35 and 65% of total height provided the highest prediction accuracy.
A Multivariate Linear Mixed-Effects Model for the Generalization of Sample Tree Heights and Crown Ratios in the Finnish National Forest Inventory
Authors: Eerikäinen Kalle
Published: April 2024

The aim of this article was to develop a prediction model that could use the geographically representative but locally sparse sample tree data of the Finnish National Forest Inventory (FNFI) efficiently and account for the correlation structures in these data when generalizing sample tree characteristics over tally trees by species. The sample tree characteristics modeled were tree height and the ratio of live crown length to tree height. These are needed for all FNFI tally trees to obtain their stem volumes and biomasses. As a result, a multivariate linear mixed-effects model with species-specific parameters designed for the multiresponse FNFI data was developed. The fixed parts of the two linear models of the simultaneous system consist of both tree and stand-level independent variables such as dbh, mensurable stand characteristics, and site quality indicators. Because of the hierarchically correlated data, the intercepts and the slopes (i.e., the coefficients associated with tree characteristics) in the two models were assumed to vary randomly over clusters and forest stands within them. The random coefficients were also associated with components for random species effects. The selected formulation of the random parts of the models makes it possible to obtain localized species-specific curves for clusters and forest stands even with one measured sample tree. The results show that the multivariate mixed-effects model with species-specific components is a stable, efficient predictor and well applicable to locally sparse but geographically representative data of the FNFI type.
Variability in Nest Density, Occupancy, and Home Range Size of Western Bluebirds after Forest Treatments
Authors: Hurteau Sarah , Sisk Thomas , Dickson Brett , Block William
Published: April 2024

Complex land use and fuels management histories have resulted in significant changes in composition, structure, and function of southwestern forests and subsequent changes in the extent and quality of wildlife habitats. We evaluated how several currently used fuel reduction treatments (e.g., mechanical thinning and prescribed fire alone and in combination) affect nest attributes, nest density, nest tree occupancy, and home range size of Western Bluebirds (Sialia mexicana) in ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa)-dominated forests of northern Arizona. Nest attributes, such as number of eggs or nestlings, varied among treatments, but did not differ statistically. Western Bluebird nest density was significantly influenced by treatment, with densities higher in treated areas, even though snag density was lower in treated areas than in control areas. The average (± SE) area of the 50% contour, across all treatment units, was 0.42 ± 0.07 ha, and the average area of the 90% contour was 2.36 ± 0.30 ha. Home range sizes for both probability contours evaluated were 1.5 times larger in the thin-only treatments than in the control units. Conversely, home range area in thin-and-burn treatments was approximately 30% smaller than in control units. The largest home ranges occurred in the burn-only treatments. Our results suggest that forest treatments, such as thinning and prescribed fire are, in general, beneficial to Western Bluebirds, but that low snag retention may be problematic in areas receiving prescribed fire as part of their treatment action.
Thinning and Prescribed Fire Effects on Snag Abundance and Spatial Pattern in an Eastern Cascade Range Dry Forest, Washington, USA
Authors: Hessburg Paul F. , Povak Nicholas A. , Salter R. Brion
Published: April 2024

Mechanical thinning and prescribed burning practices are commonly used to address tree stocking, spacing, composition, and canopy and surface fuel conditions in western US mixed conifer forests. We examined the effects of these fuel treatments alone and combined on snag abundance and spatial pattern across 12 10-ha treatment units in central Washington State. A snag census was conducted before and immediately after treatments on each unit where all snags were measured and classified as either “new” (<1 year as a snag) or “old” (>1 year as a snag) mortality, and bark beetle species were censused on the bottom 3-m of the bole. Before treatment, snags were found in all units and more than two-thirds of the snags were ponderosa pine. Burning (burn-only and thin + burn combined) treatments led to increases in total snag abundance in all but the largest diameter class. Snag abundance in the large snag class (>60 cm dbh) decreased in most treatment units indicating that units with high abundance before treatment had the potential to lose more snags with treatment or time. Treatments also affected the spatial distribution of snags. The thin-only treatment reduced clumpiness, leading to a more random snag distribution, whereas the burn-only and thin + burn treatments generally retained or enhanced a clumped snag distribution. Bark beetles attacked >75% of snags across all units before and after treatments, and red turpentine beetle (Dendroctonus valens LeConte) occurrence tended to increase after prescribed burning. Managers can use this information to tune silvicultural prescriptions to meet stocking, spacing, and fuel reduction objectives while retaining or recruiting snags, thereby increasing the utility of conditions for certain wildlife species.
Forest Harvesting and Environmental Protection Based on the Goal Programming Approach
Authors: Silva Matias , Weintraub Andres , Romero Carlos , Maza Carmen De la
Published: April 2024

This study focuses on a medium-term forest harvesting problem considering the protection of environmental components such as soil, water resources, and landscape. A mathematical model that elaborates different environmental protection alternatives for each environmental component and the net present value of the forest company was developed. This is a mixed-integer linear programming model based on the lexicographic goal programming approach. The results obtained using this model show clearly the conflict that exists between the environmental protection and the net present value of the forest company, but, more important, this model allows one to obtain equilibrated solutions in terms of both the environmental components and the economic criterion.
Taper Models for Commercial Tree Species in the Northeastern United States
Authors: Westfall James A. , Scott Charles T.
Published: April 2024

A new taper model was developed based on the switching taper model of Valentine and Gregoire; the most substantial changes were reformulation to incorporate estimated join points and modification of a switching function. Random-effects parameters were included that account for within-tree correlations and allow for customized calibration to each individual tree. The new model was applied to 19 species groups from data collected on 2,448 trees across the northeastern United States. A comparison of fit statistics showed considerable improvement for the new model. The residuals occurred near the tree base, whereas the residuals standardized in relation to tree diameter were generally constant along the length of the stem. There was substantial variability in the rate of taper at the base of the tree, particularly for trees with relatively Similar trends were found in independent validation data. The use of random effects allows uncertainty in computed tree volumes to compare favorably with another regional taper equation that uses upper-stem diameter information for local calibration. However, comparisons with a locally developed model showed that the local model provided more precise estimates of volume.
Compatibility of Stand Basal Area Predictions Based on Forecast Combination
Authors: Zhang Xiongqing , Lei Yuancai , Cao Quang V.
Published: April 2024

Stand growth and yield models include whole-stand models, individual-tree models, and diameter-distribution models. Based on the growth data of Chinese pine (Pinus tabulaeformis Carr.) in Beijing, forecast combination was used to adjust predicted stand basal areas from these three types of models. The forecast combination method combines information and disperses errors from different models to improve forecast performance. In this study, weights of the three model estimates used in the forecast combination estimator were determined by the optimal weight method. Results showed that the forecast combination method provided overall better predictions of stand basal area than the three types of models. It also improved the compatibility of stand basal area growth predicted from models of different resolutions and provided a method for integration of stand basal area.
Diversity of Shrub-Dwelling Arthropods to Thinning of Young Douglas-Fir Forests in the Pacific Northwest, USA
Authors: Yi Hoonbok , Moldenke Andrew Ralph
Published: April 2024

We examined an unthinned control stand and three different thinning intensities in 40- to 60-year-old Douglas-fir forests in western Oregon to assess the effects of thinning on the abundance, species richness, and diversity of shrub-dwelling arthropods. Shrub-dwelling arthropods, collected with a bagging technique, decreased significantly as thinning intensity increased in deciduous foliage (vine maple, Acer circinatum Pursh), but arthropods showed no response to thinning on the two types of conifer foliage (Douglas-fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco and western hemlock, Tsuga heterophylla [Raf.] Sarg.). The species richness and diversity of shrub-dwelling arthropods showed significantly higher values on the coniferous branches than on the deciduous foliage. Functional group composition for the two foliage types revealed consistently different proportions. Deciduous branch supported a higher proportion of sapsuckers and leaf chewers, and conifer branch hosted a higher proportion of predators and detritivores. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling ordination showed a distinct difference between the species assemblages inhabiting the deciduous and conifer branches. The effects of thinning on the arthropods were complex. Seasonal effects on arthropods exceed treatment effects because the species composition in the dry season was very different from that in the wet season. The shrub-dwelling arthropod community reveals little seasonal difference on coniferous branch, but significant differences occur on deciduous branch. In this study, treatment effects were very limited, but our results indicate that as thinning increased, the response of arthropod community on deciduous branch increased more. This large-scale experiment provided an opportunity to assess responses of shrub-dwelling arthropods to levels and patterns of forest management.
Do Taste and Quality Perception Influence Consumer Preferences for Wood? An Econometric Model with Latent Variables
Authors: Costa Sandrine , Garcia Serge , Ibanez Lisette
Published: April 2024

The aim of our article was to understand consumer preferences for wood and competitive materials. Assuming that a wood product is composed of various attributes, we consider that consumers' choices are not guided by observed characteristics but, instead, by the quality perception consumers have of these attributes. An econometric model integrating this factor by means of latent variables allows us to analyze the influence of individual characteristics and information (external sources and/or experience) on product quality perception. We also include consumers' attitudes in the model by supposing that the importance consumers place on attributes accurately describes their tastes. Data on material choices (wood versus vinyl) for window frames validate our assumptions.
Study of Shrub Cover and Height Using LIDAR Data in a Mediterranean Area
Authors: Estornell Javier , Ruiz Luis Angel , Velázquez-Marti Borja
Published: April 2024

In this work we studied the height and coverage of shrub vegetation using light detection and ranging (LIDAR) data. The maximum dominant heights of vegetation were measured in the field in 83 stands of a 0.5-m radius, and the data were compared with figures for heights obtained from LIDAR data in concentric areas with different radii. The minimum root mean square error (RMSE) between the field measurements and LIDAR data was found for radii between 1.5 and 2.25 m, RMSE being 0.26 m. When the slopes are low and an accurate digital terrain model is obtained, it was shown that the radius can be reduced. Shrub heights were also studied in plots of 100 m2. In this case, the 95th percentile of the LIDAR data included in each plot was the best predictor of height with R2 of 0.71 and a RMSE of 0.13 m. For detecting the presence of shrub vegetation, the highest accuracy was obtained when the canopy height model and a spectral image were combined (overall accuracy of 90%).
Examining the Gain in Model Prediction Accuracy Using Serial Autocorrelation for Dominant Height Prediction
Authors: Wang Mingliang , Bhatti Jagtar , Wang Yonghe , Varem-Sanders Thierry
Published: April 2024

Within-subject serial correlation (autocorrelation) has long been a concern in forest growth and yield modeling but has been ignored for predictive purposes in most studies. In this study, we used linear prediction theory combined with linearized (with respect to random effects) nonlinear mixed models to investigate the improvement in model prediction achieved with autocorrelation. In this setting, predictions rely on estimates of common parameters obtained from a set of previous growth series and prior observations of new growth series, allowing the response variable for the new series to be projected either backward or forward in time. The prediction gains associated with using autocorrelation were evaluated using stem analysis data sets for black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] BSP) and red alder (Alnus rubra Bong.). The evaluations involved splitting the data and comparing models with one or more random parameters, with and without use of autocorrelation. Autocorrelation improved the projection of dominant height (site index) over short ranges (10–20 years), but the gain was trivial for the long range (>20 years). Consequently, in cases of dominant height projection based on one single observation, for practical purposes, autocorrelation can be ignored in both model-fitting and prediction stages. Cross-comparison between models with different random effects indicated that simple models with one random effect had the best predictive performance. Rather than excluding such models solely on the basis of certain fit statistics, it is recommended that the predictive abilities of models with a single random effect be evaluated, with and without correlated errors, relative to their counterparts with more random effects.
The Effect of Timber Harvesting Guidelines on Felling and Skidding Productivity in Northern Minnesota
Authors: Goychuk Denys , Kilgore Michael A. , Blinn Charles R. , Coggins Jay , Kolka Randall K.
Published: April 2024

Substantial investment has been made in the development and application of scientifically based best management practices (i.e., guidelines) intended to protect and enhance the ecological, environmental, and aesthetic attributes of forest resources. When correctly applied, guidelines can increase environmental benefits on site and to adjacent resources, as well as improve forest health and productivity. We empirically evaluated how varying degrees of application of Minnesota's Timber Harvesting and Forest Management guidelines, along with operator and tract-specific variables, affect felling and skidding productivity of mixed aspen/hardwood/conifer stands in northern Minnesota. To do so, felling and skidding productivity data from five mechanized logging businesses were collected on 52 clearcut harvest blocks in northern Minnesota from August 2006 to May 2007 using time-motion and geospatial sensors. Additional postharvest data were collected for each block using high-resolution aerial photography and detailed on-site inventories. With use of these data, separate regression models were developed to estimate the impact that timber harvesting guidelines and tract and operator variables have on felling and skidding productivity. Results of regression analyses and diagnostic tests showed that felling productivity is influenced not only by guideline variables but also by tract and operator variables. Skidding productivity is influenced by both guideline and tract variables. The error terms of the separate felling and skidding models are statistically correlated, calling for their simultaneous estimation using a method known as seemingly unrelated regression. Specific explanatory variables that are statistically significant in explaining felling productivity include the logger's use of a preharvest site map and/or preharvest meeting with the forester, harvesting in winter, merchantable timber volume per unit area, and the operator. Variables that are statistically significant in explaining skidding productivity are the area of landings and skid trails as a percentage of the harvest area, ratio of the harvest block perimeter to the block area, slope, and merchantable timber volume per unit area. The findings suggest that implementing the guidelines we studied has minimal effect on felling productivity, although several adversely affect skidding productivity. By considering how to lay out the harvest block to facilitate skidding efficiency, a feller operator may be able to reduce the impact of some guidelines on skidding productivity.
High-throughput Selection of Human de novo-emerged sORFs with High Folding Potential
Authors: Aubel Margaux , Buchel Filip , Heames Brennen , Jones Alun , Honc Ondrej , Bornberg-Bauer Erich , Hlouchova Klara
Published: April 2024

De novo genes emerge from previously noncoding stretches of the genome. Their encoded de novo proteins are generally expected to be similar to random sequences and, accordingly, with no stable tertiary fold and high predicted disorder. However, structural properties of de novo proteins and whether they differ during the stages of emergence and fixation have not been studied in depth and rely heavily on predictions. Here we generated a library of short human putative de novo proteins of varying lengths and ages and sorted the candidates according to their structural compactness and disorder propensity. Using Förster resonance energy transfer combined with Fluorescence-activated cell sorting, we were able to screen the library for most compact protein structures, as well as most elongated and flexible structures. We find that compact de novo proteins are on average slightly shorter and contain lower predicted disorder than less compact ones. The predicted structures for most and least compact de novo proteins correspond to expectations in that they contain more secondary structure content or higher disorder content, respectively. Our experiments indicate that older de novo proteins have higher compactness and structural propensity compared with young ones. We discuss possible evolutionary scenarios and their implications underlying the age-dependencies of compactness and structural content of putative de novo proteins.
Changes Over Time in the Lémann Index and the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Disability Index in a Prospective Cohort of Patients With Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Cartier Laurine , Loiez Apolline , Nachury Maria , Azahaf Mustapha , Hambli Sofia , Blondeaux Aurélie , Gérard Romain , Desreumaux Pierre , Louvet Alexandre , Wils Pauline
Published: April 2024

Background

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a progressive, destructive, and disabling disorder. Our study aimed to assess changes over time in the Lémann index (LI) and the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Disability Index (IBD-DI) in a cohort of CD patients.

Methods

This was a single-center prospective cohort study of 130 consecutive CD patients with a follow-up of at least 4 years. The LI 1 and the IBD-DI 1 questionnaires were assessed in 2016 and again between September 2020 and October 2021 (LI 2 and IBD-DI 2).

Results

Of the 130 patients with assessment of both LI 1 and IBD-DI 1, 61 had calculation of the LI 2 and 98 patients answered the IBD-DI 2 questionnaire, with a median time between the 2 evaluations of 4.2 years. The LI increased for 16 (26%), decreased for 26 (43%), and remained unchanged for 19 (31%) patients. The median LI did not change over time (9.6 vs 9.3; P = .14). Clinical disease activity was significantly associated with bowel damage progression. A high initial LI (>7.9) was not associated with CD progression (surgery, drug dose escalation, or change of biologic). The IBD-DI decreased for 59 (60.2%), increased for 37 (37.8%), and remained unchanged for 2 (2%) patients. The median IBD-DI decreased significantly over time (23.2 vs 21.4; P = .006). There was no correlation between the 2 indexes.

Conclusions

This is the first prospective cohort study assessing changes over time in both the LI and the IBD-DI in CD patients. After 4 years, the LI appeared to be stable and the IBD-DI decreased, with no correlation between the 2 indexes.
Extrapolation of lung pharmacokinetics of antitubercular drugs from preclinical species to humans using PBPK modelling
Authors: Karakitsios Evangelos , Dokoumetzidis Aristides
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To develop physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models for widely used anti-TB drugs, namely rifampicin, pyrazinamide, isoniazid, ethambutol and moxifloxacin lung pharmacokinetics (PK)—regarding both healthy and TB-infected tissue (cellular lesion and caseum)—in preclinical species and to extrapolate to humans.

Methods

Empirical models were used for the plasma PK of each species, which were connected to multicompartment permeability-limited lung models within a middle-out PBPK approach with an appropriate physiological parameterization that was scalable across species. Lung’s extracellular water (EW) was assumed to be the linking component between healthy and infected tissue, while passive diffusion was assumed for the drug transferring between cellular lesion and caseum.

Results

In rabbits, optimized unbound fractions in intracellular water of rifampicin, moxifloxacin and ethambutol were 0.015, 0.056 and 0.08, respectively, while the optimized unbound fractions in EW of pyrazinamide and isoniazid in mice were 0.25 and 0.17, respectively. In humans, all mean extrapolated daily AUC and Cmax values of various lung regions were within 2-fold of the observed ones. Unbound concentrations in the caseum were lower than unbound plasma concentrations for both rifampicin and moxifloxacin. For rifampicin, unbound concentrations in cellular rim are slightly lower, while for moxifloxacin they are significantly higher than unbound plasma concentrations.

Conclusions

The developed PBPK approach was able to extrapolate lung PK from preclinical species to humans and to predict unbound concentrations in the various TB-infected regions, unlike empirical lung models. We found that plasma free drug PK is not always a good surrogate for TB-infected tissue unbound PK.
Synergetic Effects of Sericin and Turmeric on Burn Wound Healing in Mice
Authors: Hassan Ali , Ali Shaukat , Farooq Muhammad Adeel , Sulayman Rida , Liaqat Irfana , Shahzad Hafsa , Mumtaz Samaira , Summer Muhmmad , Mughal Tafail Akbar
Published: April 2024

Burn wounds are one of the most hazardous issues, globally. Silkworm produces a protein called sericin. Sericin assists in wound healing by facilitating the proliferation of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, while turmeric is potentially helpful in wound healing because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-infectious activities. The current study aimed to investigate the synergetic and individual effects of turmeric, sericin, and their nanoparticles on burn wounds in mice. The female mice having age of 2 months (each weighing 29-30 g) were arbitrarily distributed in 7 groups. Five mice were added to each group. Burn wounds were induced in mice by using a hot metal rod. Burn wounds were evaluated histologically and morphologically. Turmeric nanoparticles substantially improved the wound contraction area as compared to the negative control group and other treatment groups. The serum level of glutathione (4.9 ± 0.1 µmol/L), catalase (6.0 ± 0.2 mmol/mL), glutathione peroxidase (183.4 ± 5.1 U/L), and superoxide dismutase (194.6 ± 5.1 U/mL) was significantly increased in the turmeric nanoparticles (TNPs) group as compared to the negative control (2.8 ± 0.1 µmol/L, 3.5 ± 0.1 mmol/mL, 87.8 ± 3.0 U/L, and 92.0 ± 4.8 U/mL respectively). The minimum levels of malondialdehyde (3.8 ± 0.2 mmol/L) were noticed in the TNPs group contrary to the negative control (7.4 ± 0.2 mmol/L). The restoration of the epidermis was also observed to be faster in the TNPs group as compared to all other treatment groups. The histopathological analysis also demonstrated the effectiveness of turmeric, sericin, and their nanoparticles. In conclusion, turmeric, sericin, and their nanoparticles are effective in improving the healing process of burn wounds, but TNPs showed the most effective results as compared to all other treatment groups.
Conspiracy Beliefs and Consumption: The Role of Scientific Literacy
Authors: Allred Nathan , Bolton Lisa E
Published: April 2024

Conspiracy theories pose risks to consumers, businesses, and society. The present research investigates the role of scientific literacy in a variety of conspiracy beliefs with implications for consumer well-being and sustainability (e.g., regarding coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19], genetically modified organisms, and climate change). In contrast to the mixed effects of education in prior work, we find that scientific literacy undermines conspiracy beliefs and, in turn, conspiracy-related behaviors. This finding is explained by people’s ability to use two dimensions of scientific literacy—scientific knowledge and reasoning—to accurately assess conspiracy evidence. For robustness, we assess scientific literacy through both measurement and manipulation (i.e., interventions), identify two moderators (evidence strength and narration) that attenuate the effect, and further validate our theorizing using national and international datasets (regarding COVID-19 vaccination and Google search, respectively). We discuss the implications of our findings for consumers, companies, nonprofit organizations, and governments.
Small-bodied males invest in larger testes when highly ornamented
Authors: de Souza André Rodrigues , Polo João Lucas Lapria , Santos Eduardo Fernando , Nascimento Fábio Santos do , Rantala Markus J
Published: April 2024

Sperm competition and male mating rate are two non-mutually exclusive key evolutionary pressures selecting for larger testes within and across animal taxa. A few studies have tried to test the role of mating rate in the absence of sperm competition. Under the mating rate hypothesis, particular phenotypes of a given population that are expected to gain more mates (e.g., more ornamented males) are expected to make higher investments in testes size (a proxy for sperm production). We test this prediction in Polistes simillimus, a neotropical paper wasp in which females are single mated (no sperm competition) and males can mate with multiple partners. Testes size was predicted by body size (positive association), sexual ornamentation (negative association), and their interaction (among small males, testes size was positively related to ornamentation, but the opposite pattern was observed among large males). We propose that small-bodied well-ornamented males may face the highest risk of sperm depletion. Small-bodied males make relatively higher investment in testes size when highly ornamented. This strategy might be less profitable to large males, as they have overall larger testes. Our results provide strong evidence for the mating rate hypothesis.
Fuel Treatments at the Wildland-Urban Interface: Common Concerns in Diverse Regions
Authors: Winter G.J. , Vogt C. , Fried J.S.
Published: April 2024

Forest fuels reduction has the best chance of success if managers understand the factors that influence public acceptance of fuel management. This article reports an analysis of focus group interviews with wildland-urban interface residents at sites selected to provide variation in fire regime, fire history, land-use and ownership patterns, and socioeconomic profile. Analyzed within a framework developed from the human dimensions and social psychology literature, the focus group data reveal four common factors that affect the acceptance of three fuel management strategies (prescribed fire, mechanical treatment, and defensible space requirements): beliefs about the outcomes of fuel management, personal importance of fuel management, situational specificity, and agency trust.
Spatial Information Technologies: Integrating the Tools with the Curricula
Authors: Hess G.R. , Cheshire H.M.
Published: April 2024

Spatial information technologies are being used more and more in forestry and natural resources management and research. Our long-term goal is to expose students to these technologies from the moment they enter school until they graduate. We present a sample class and laboratory sequence in which students used geographic information systems, global positioning systems, and statistical sampling techniques to estimate forest basal area. Our plans include integrating spatial information technology into other courses in the curricula, and using more rigorous assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of the approach.
Focus on…Private Forest Landowners: Knowing the Rules Pays Off at Tax Time
Authors: Hoover W.L.
Published: April 2024

Some common situations have tax consequences that require action.
America's Private Forests: Challenges for Conservation
Authors: Best C.
Published: April 2024

A survey of the literature and experts, including recently released government data, indicates that the long-term viability of privately owned forests in the United States is increasingly threatened by conversion, fragmentation, parcelization, and diminished ecological function. In the face of these threats, those concerned about the future of private forests need to join in a new initiative to more effectively conserve and steward America's private forests. A framework for this initiative is described, as well as key tools to expand forest conservation.
Book Review: Gifford Pinchot and the Making of Modern Environmentalism
Authors: Carroll M.S.
Published: April 2024

In Gifford Pinchot and the Making of Modern Environmentalism, Char Miller has undertaken to rescue Gifford Pinchot's reputation among the readership of environmental historians.
Experiencing Nature in Special Places: Surveys in the North-Central Region
Authors: Schroeder H.
Published: April 2024

The experiences people have in natural environments can be very important to them, even though these experiences are sometimes hard to categorize and measure. In a series of qualitative surveys, I asked people to describe special outdoor places and explain in their own words what these places meant to them. Their responses revealed many similarities in the highly valued experiences that occurred across diverse respondents and places. By treating special places with care, managers and planners can help ensure that opportunities for such experiences will continue to be available to people.
Commentary: A Forester, Plain and Simple
Authors: Banzhaf W.H.
Published: April 2024

Among some foresters, conservatives are charged with making a mantra out of property rights and landowner objectives. Liberals are accused of bowing to a land ethic at the price of human well-being. How in the world have we arrived at a place where we use the words “conservative” and “liberal” to help define a science-based profession?
Perspective: Reviving Smokey, and Other Thoughts About Fire
Authors: Nelson R.E.
Published: April 2024

Competent forest managers should have the authority to carry out professionally planned and required work for any purpose of forest management, including hazard fuel mitigation. If “analysis paralysis” prevents such management, then federal policies and regulations are more than amiss—they are criminally tragic.
Southern Forest Resource Assessment: Summary of Findings
Authors: Wear D.N. , Greis J.G.
Published: April 2024

The Southern Forest Resource Assessment (SFRA) was initiated in spring 1999 to address broad questions concerning the status, trends, and likely future of southern forests. A descriptive assessment such as SFRA can be used to highlight the major dynamics and uncertainties at play within a region's forested ecosystems, thereby focusing public discourse. Because SFRA has only recently been completed, however, it is too early to examine its effectiveness as a basis for debate and policy. This summary describes five major forces of change affecting southern forests and then characterizes the trends in various forest conditions and their implications.
Forest, Forestry, Forester: What Do These Terms Mean?
Authors: Helms J.A.
Published: April 2024

The terms forest, forestry, and forester are fundamentally linked. Definitions have evolved over time in response to changes in knowledge, use, and increased needs for clarity and precision in communication. Thus the terms have had different meanings depending on location, time, and societal use. They should be viewed as a trilogy to ensure that mutually compatible definitions are used–ones coined at the same time that meet comparable scientific, technical, and professional needs. As we communicate across agencies, regions, and nations and share information about the world's forests, the lack of standard definitions means that we should use forest, forestry, and forester with care and use definitions that reflect current knowledge and context.
Ecorisk Assessment Using Indicators of Sustainability: Invasive Species in the Caribbean National Forest of Puerto Rico
Authors: Blundell A.G. , Scatena F.N. , Wentsel R. , Sommers W.
Published: April 2024

Ecological risk assessment using indicators of sustainability offers a framework for the objective analysis of management decisions in complex landscapes. To demonstrate this approach, we examined risks to the Caribbean National Forest. Among the many stressors, invasive species (especially bamboo and Africanized bees) pose the largest potential risk to management goals. Although bamboo is spreading slowly, the risk of colonization is sufficient to require monitoring and research. Africanized bees, on the other hand, should be removed immediately from sensitive areas to increase the nesting success of the endemic but endangered Puerto Rican parrot.
“New Forestry” in Scotland
Authors: Heitzman E.
Published: April 2024

In 1919, the Forestry Commission of Great Britain embarked on a successful program of increasing Scotland's domestic wood supply by establishing plantations of nonnative conifers. Softwood plantation silviculture remains the cornerstone of Scottish forestry, but Scots are increasingly seeking a variety of nontimber benefits. Nonindustrial private landowners are planting native hardwoods for diversity, landscape, and heritage values, and the Forestry Commission is supporting their efforts through government policy, research, and cost-share programs. “Continuous cover forestry” is becoming a popular alternative to clearcutting; this silvicultural concept uses partial harvests and natural regeneration to transform even-aged, simply structured forests to multiaged, more structurally complex forests.
Private Forestland Owners in Sweden: Large-Scale Cooperation in Action
Authors: Kittredge D.B.
Published: April 2024

Swedish nonindustrial private forestland (NIPF) owners have historically cooperated in associations to obtain market influence and negotiate improved prices with industrial purchasers of wood. This model of cooperation has succeeded for decades and provides insight to the newly emerging cadre of American NIPF owner cooperative groups. Although the Swedish model of cooperation focuses primarily on timber transactions and may not currently be applicable to an American NIPF owner audience with other interests, it is possible to speculate about potential ways this approach may be applied in the United States to achieve broader owner objectives, both through new organizations as well as existing conservation-based groups.
Focus on ... Wildfire: Fuel-Reduction Treatment: A West-wide Assessment of Opportunities
Authors: Vissage J.S. , Miles P.D.
Published: April 2024

A study analyzed the entire West-wide FIA database to identify areas where fuel-reduction treatments may be most effective.
GPS after Selective Availability: How Accurate Is Accurate Enough?
Authors: Oderwald R.G. , Boucher B.A.
Published: April 2024

Global positioning systems (GPS) without differential correction may now be accurate enough for many forestry applications. We present accuracy estimates for point locations and a method of stating area accuracy so that potential GPS users can decide whether the accuracy is sufficient. The results show that GPS without differential correction is more accurate than traditional methods of location and area calculation, short of actual surveying. Compass-and-pace is less accurate than GPS, and lines and points at customary map scales are as wide as typical GPS errors. If differential correction is not necessary, practitioners can use the inexpensive, light, and easily operated consumer-grade receivers and simple software.
A Per-Segment Approach to Improving Aspen Mapping from High-Resolution Remote Sensing Imagery
Authors: Heyman O. , Gaston G.G. , Kimerling A.J. , Campbell J.T.
Published: April 2024

Aspen (Populus tremuloides) stands on Winter Ridge in central Oregon were mapped from remote sensing imagery utilizing a per-segment approach. A 1-meter color infrared (CIR) image was segmented based on its hue and saturation values to generate aspen “candidates,” which were then classified to show aspen coverage according to the mean values of multiresolution texture and spectral reflectance within the segments. With three broad categories for aspen distribution, overall accuracy was 88 percent, with K-hat statistics of 82 percent. The classification method holds promise for more detailed mapping of aspen from fine-resolution satellite imagery.
Commentary: Summer and Smoke
Authors: Kutack J.N.
Published: April 2024

The National Fire Plan, if properly funded, could help avoid a great deal of anticipated destruction by fire.
A Strategy for Economic Development of the Forestry Sector in Tomsk, Russia
Authors: Williams R.A. , Kinard J.C.
Published: April 2024

Political and economic changes since 1991, when the Soviet Union dissolved, have combined with old technology, inoperable equipment, and inadequate transportation infrastructure to hinder development of the forestry sector in western Siberia. Harvest volumes are well below allowable annual cuts, creating overmature forests with anticipated future volume losses. Better local management, foreign investment, and new technology are needed for the transition to a market economy in the forestry sector to succeed. Kedar (Pinus sibirica) could help revitalize the forestry sector in the Tomsk Oblast. Although harvesting restrictions have reduced the availability of kedar for traditional wood products industries, potential exists in the use of its seeds for food and medicinal purposes–value-added products worth enough to be competitive despite the high cost of transporting them to markets.
Nontimber Forest Values: The “Understory” of the International Tropical Timber Organization
Authors: Auer M.R. , Farley C.
Published: April 2024

The International Tropical Timber Organization is an intergovernmental organization that promotes policy coordination and information exchange on tropical timber production and trade. One of its primary functions is to sponsor forestry-related research, development, and market-oriented projects in the field. Most of the organization's projects deal with timber production and trade. But in recent years, nontimber forest projects have been well funded and even received funding before many traditional timber production and trade projects. These trends could prove instructive to member countries as they renegotiate a new International Tropical Timber Agreement in 2003 and 2004.
Book Review: From Conquest to Conservation: Our Public Lands Legacy
Authors: Wolf R.E.
Published: April 2024

From Conquest to Conservation: Our Public Lands Legacy by Michael P. Dombeck, Christopher A. Wood, and Jack E. Williams is an excellent overview of how the administration of public-domain lands has evolved over time.
Perspective: Plunder and Wonder
Authors: Laband D.N.
Published: April 2024

Recognition that economic growth may be compatible with, if not promote, environmental quality reflects a major shift in thinking.
Certification: The View from FSC-Certified Land Managers
Authors: Hartsfield A. , Ostermeier D.
Published: April 2024

Forest Stewardship Council certification emerged nearly a decade ago, and its growth has been both applauded and criticized. To learn more about the impacts of certification, in 2002 we conducted a survey of FSC-certified forest management organizations in North America, focusing on forest managers' goals for seeking certification, the land management impacts of certification, and the overall benefits and costs of certification. Results indicate FSC certification seems to be representing the interests of those who call for greater forest management accountability, but it addresses the interests of the forest managers themselves less well.
Commentary: Forestry, Foresters, and SAF
Authors: Beuter John H.
Published: April 2024

Whatever else SAF may have accomplished over the years, its core achievement has been to establish and sustain the profession of forestry in America.
Local Stakeholders' Participation in Developing Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management
Authors: Pokorny Benno , Prabhu Ravi , McDougall Cynthia , Bauch Roberto
Published: April 2024

Criteria and indicators (C&I) for sustainable forest management are important tools to improve the quality of forest management. In most cases they have been developed by experts, but the participation of stakeholders is essential if the C&I are to be locally relevant and practicable. We asked four stakeholder groups to apply a set of C&I to a forest management unit in the eastern Amazon basin. The study confirmed the importance of involving stakeholders and demonstrated that effective efforts begin with well-defined and clearly understandable C&I. Stakeholders were better able to apply and adapt measurable verifiers than the more abstract indicators and criteria. Intensive communication about personal experiences and subjective interpretations is necessary to prevent misunderstandings and misinterpretations. Our study also confirmed the general practical applicability of C&I and revealed their potential as instruments of communication and learning.
Listening to Neglected Voices: American Indian Perspectives on Natural Resource Management
Authors: Bengston David N.
Published: April 2024

Forestry agencies must ensure that the views of all citizens in our increasingly diverse society are included in decisionmaking. But gaining clear insights into the perspectives of ethnic and minority communities is often difficult. This article summarizes an analysis of news articles about resource management issues written by American Indians and published in Indian newspapers and finds ways in which their attitudes differ from those of many other Americans–particularly in the importance of spiritual values and the validity of traditional knowledge. The news stories also indicate a deep lack of trust in land management agencies. This approach–analyzing perspectives on natural resource management as expressed in a community's own words–can be used to learn about the attitudes of other minority populations. Managers who know how all their constituents think about natural resources will better understand the social context in which decisions need to be made.
Focus on ... Professional Development: Public Speaking for Forestry Professionals
Authors: Clinton Keith
Published: April 2024

No one is born with high-quality oral communication skills but anyone can development them.
Commentary: Reflections at the New Year
Authors: Camp Ann E.
Published: April 2024

Reflections on the many mentors that have enhanced my forestry career.
Policy Analysis Framework for Sustainable Forestry: National Forest Case Study
Authors: O'Laughlin Jay
Published: April 2024

Policy analysis contributes to sustainable forestry by defining forestry problems in social and decision contexts to generate sustainable management options through synthesis of multiple perspectives. Scale issues are accommodated by limiting analysis to a location appropriate to the problem and context, including institutional arrangements and spatial and temporal concepts of fairness perceived by stakeholders. Management policies for National Forest System lands produce some sustainability problems. Statutory changes offering improvement include legitimizing the modern integrated sustainable forest management concept and requiring inclusive, consensus-building processes for generating durable forestry project decisions.
Biodiversity Metrics in Sustainable Forestry Certification Programs
Authors: Guynn Jr. David C. , Guynn Susan T. , Layton Patricia A. , Wigley T. Bently
Published: April 2024

We reviewed sustainable forestry certification programs and the literature to identify metrics relevant to biodiversity considerations. Two certification approaches emerged, one based on an organization's management processes and one based on measurements of forest components against desired outcomes. However, there was little documentation of why certain metrics were chosen for either approach. A common theme in the literature was concern with the criteria for selecting metrics rather than recommendations of specific metrics. Biodiversity conservation plans and metrics should reflect landowner goals and address societal concerns as well as ecological considerations.
New Releases: Republic of Shade: New England and the American Elm
Authors: Miller Char
Published: April 2024

Republic of Shade: New England and the American Elm by Thomas J. Campanella is eloquent in its articulation of the central place Ulmus americana has occupied in American culture.