bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production of Containerized Jeffrey Pine Planting Stock for Harsh Sites: Growth and Nutrition as Influenced by Controlled-Release Fertilization
Authors: Walker R. F. , Huntt C. D.
Published: August 2019

Low, medium, and high rates of four controlled-release nutrient amendments, Sierra 17-6-10, Sierrablen 18-7-10, High N 24-4-8, and Osmocote 18-6-12, were evaluated for their effect on production of containerized Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi) planting stock. Peters 20-10-20 water soluble fertilizer treatments and nonfertilized seedlings provided for comparisons of amendment formulation effects on growth and nutrition. In general, growth increased with increasing amendment application rates regardless offormulation. Seedlings fertilized with Peters 20-10-20 had the greatest shoot growth, although those that received Sierra 17-6-10 or High N 24-4-8 were only marginally smaller. The Sierra formulation proved most effective in the stimulation of root growth. Shoot/root ratios rose with amendment application rates, although all treatments produced proportional shoot and root mass. Fertilized seedlings had higher foliar N, P, and S concentrations, while K, Ca, Mg, Mn, and B concentrations were higher in nonfertilized seedlings. It is likely that N, P, and S nutrition contributed heavily to the variation in shoot and root growth among treatments. The aridity of the western Great Basin and eastern Sierra Nevada renders the regeneration of forests and woodlands difficult, but with careful selection of formulation and application rate, controlled-release fertilization may facilitate the production of container stock with the large caliper and balanced shoot and root growth necessary for successful field establishment on the harsh sites of this region. West. J. Appl. For. 15(2):86-91.
Spruce Beetle Population Suppression in Northern Utah
Authors: Bentz B. J. , Munson A. S.
Published: August 2019

The spruce beetle is a widely dispersed, native bark beetle that attacks and kills North American spruces. We describe a project that was initiated to suppress an endemic spruce beetle population in an isolated 1000 ac area of spruce in northeastern Utah. Techniques used included baited pheromone traps, selective harvesting and burning of infested trees, and trap trees. Over the 3 yr period of monitoring, the number of standing, currently infested spruce trees was reduced 91%. Field surveys and data trends, in comparison with a nearby spruce beetle population that continued to increase, indicate that the treatments played a major role in decreasing the trend of spruce beetle-infested trees during the study period. This combination of suppression techniques was successful due to the isolated nature of the spruce stands, early detection of the beetle population, accessibility of the stands, and coordinated efforts of local, state, and federal agencies. West. J. Appl. For. 15(3):122-128.
Regeneration of White Spruce Under Aspen Canopies: Seeding, Planting, and Site Preparation
Authors: Stewart James D. , Landhäusser Simon M. , Stadt Kenneth J. , Lieffers Victor J.
Published: August 2019

This study investigated the establishment and survival of naturally and artificially seeded white spruce (Picea glauca), as well as three sizes of planted white spruce stock, on different types of scarification beneath mature aspen (Populus tremuloides) in northern Alberta. White spruce seed rain, natural and hand-seeded regeneration establishment and survival, and understory vegetation response were monitored for 4 yr on scarified strips (light blading, heavy blading, and ridged) and on undisturbed controls. Despite a heavy seed rain in 1993, seedling establishment on control plots was almost nil. On scarified plots, the number of seeds required to produce a live seedling after 3 growing seasons ranged from 15 to 37 and up to 68 in one site. Most mortality occurred during the summer. Germination rate on the hand-seeded plots ranged from 19 to 28% on the scarified strips. There was no significant difference in survival from seed (15%) after three growing seasons among the three scarification treatments. Survival of planted stock was 98% on scarified strips and 96% on control strips. Diameter growth was least on control plots but was not significantly different among the scarified treatments. In contrast, height increment was greatest on the light blading treatment and differed little among the other two treatments and control. These results suggest that spruce regeneration in aspen forests can be promoted by scarification or underplanting. West. J. Appl. For. 15(4):177–182.
Evaluating FIA Forest Inventory Data for Monitoring Mexican Spotted Owl Habitat: Gila National Forest Example
Authors: Chojnacky David C. , Dick James L.
Published: August 2019

The habitat of the Mexican spotted owl must be monitored because of the owl's “threatened” status under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. A possible data source for habitat monitoring is the network of permanent plots maintained by Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA), USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. This article demonstrates how FIA data might be used to calculate stand density measures for monitoring owl habitat. Test results for New Mexico's Gila National Forest showed 26% of the mixed conifer and 35% of the pine-oak as suitable owl habitat for a forest structure scenario. Ninety-five percent confidence intervals for these estimates were from ±20 to ±35% for the mixed-conifer habitat area; for pine-oak they were ±50 to ±73%. Although results are encouraging for using FIA data to monitor owl habitat, critical linkage needs to be established between the owl's home-range requirements and the stand-density metrics tested. West. J. Appl. For. 15(4):195-199.
Distribution of the Balsam Woolly Adelgid in Idaho
Authors: Livingston R.L. , Dewey J.E. , Beckman D.P. , Stipe L.E.
Published: August 2019

The balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges piceae) was introduced from Europe to northeastern North America in about 1900. In 1983, it was discovered infesting fir trees in Idaho. Since then, aerial and ground surveys have documented its spread in Idaho over an area of approximately 14,000 mi2 (8,960,000 ac). It now covers most of the central one-third of the state. Aerial surveys in 1997 and 1998 identified about 125,000 ac of host type with dead or damaged trees. Subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) is a critical species in many high elevation areas. The effects of the balsam wooly adelgid on aesthetics, hydrology, and other ecological values can be very important. The adelgid is likely to continue its spread throughout subalpine fir forests of Idaho and neighboring states. West. J. Appl. For. 15(4):227-231,
Tree Shelters Improve the Survival and Growth of Planted Engelmann Spruce Seedlings in Southwestern Colorado
Authors: Jacobs Douglass F. , Steinbeck Klaus
Published: August 2019

Shade-tolerant Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) is a difficult species to reforest successfully in the high-elevation spruce-fir forests of the Rocky Mountains. This study investigated the use of plastic tree shelters as a form of shade protection and a means to improve the growth and survival of planted Engelmann spruce seedlings in southwest Colorado. A total of 1500 seedlings were planted into a 48 ha clearcut site at an average elevation of 3273 m. Treatments included four different colors of tree shelters and a control where seedlings were planted using the traditional shading method. This consisted of shading the seedlings using logging slash, stumps, and vegetation within the site. After two growing seasons, survival was 58% for the control treatment and ranged from 95 to 99% in the lighter three shelter color treatments. The darkest shelter color resulted in 95% mortality after the first growing season. Both height and diameter growth of surviving seedlings were significantly greater in the lightest two shelter color treatments as compared to the control treatment. These results indicate that tree shelters may provide an effective method of improving high-elevation Engelmann spruce reforestation programs. West. J. Appl. For. 16(3):114–120.
The Effects of Different Sizes of Tree Shelters on Blue Oak (Quercus douglasii) Growth
Authors: McCreary Douglas D. , Tecklin Jerry
Published: August 2019

Tree shelters have been used effectively in many locations to establish a wide range of tree species including oaks. However, their efficacy in Mediterranean climates like the hardwood rangelands of California has not been thoroughly tested. This study evaluated the field performance of blue oak (Quercus douglasii)—a species that is reported to be regenerating poorly in many locations in the state—protected by several sizes of tree shelters and compared response of directly sown acorns to that of 4-month-old transplants. After five growing seasons, seedlings in all sizes of tree shelters are larger than their unprotected counterparts. Tree shelters have been especially effective in promoting rapid height growth. However, regardless of tree shelter size, when seedlings grew above the tops of the shelters, average height growth diminished and diameter growth increased. Differences among stock types were relatively small, although transplants tended to perform better than directly sown acorns. These results suggest that tree shelters can greatly reduce the time required by seedlings to grow to a size where they are less vulnerable to browsing. As such, they appear to be a promising tool in efforts to regenerate blue oak in California. West. J. Appl. For. 16(4):153-158.
Initial Growth of Irrigated Hybrid Poplar Decreased by Ground Covers
Authors: Shock Clinton C. , Feibert Erik B.G. , Saunders Lamont D. , Seddigh Majid
Published: August 2019

Four ground covers were compared with bare soil for their effects on the growth of irrigated poplar trees from 1997 through 1999 at the Malheur Experiment Station near Ontario, OR. Stem cuttings of hybrid poplar (Populus deltoides × P.nigra , clone ‘OP-367’) were planted in April 1997 at a 14 × 14-ft spacing. Ground cover treatments consisted of (1) bare soil maintained with a preplant herbicide and cultivations, (2) mowed weeds, (3) wheat (Triticum aestivum) between tree rows, (4) alfalfa (Medicago sativa) between tree rows, and (5) squash (Cucurbita maxima) between tree rows. The field was irrigated uniformly using micro sprinklers along the tree rows. Wood volume at the end of September in 1997 and 1998 was significantly greater for the bare soil than any ground cover. By the end of September 1998, wood volume in bare soil plots was more than 100% greater than in mowed weed plots, and almost 50% greater than in squash plots. During the third growing season, the incremental growth of wood volume was similar among the bare soil treatment, mowed weeds, and the plots that had previously been planted to squash but remained bare in the third year due to closure of the tree canopy. Without consideration of the economic value of cover crops, results suggest that, in eastern Oregon, poplar wood volume during the first three years is the greatest when the ground is kept bare.West.J. Appl. For. 17(2):61–65.
Three-Year Response of Ponderosa Pine Seedlings to Controlled-Release Fertilizer Applied at Planting
Authors: Fan Zhaofei , Moore James A. , Shafii Bahman , Osborne Harold L.
Published: August 2019

Four controlled-release fertilizers (fast release [FR], moderate release [MR], slow release [SR] and slow release with micronutrients extended [ME]) were applied, at rates of 0, 5, 15 and 30 g/seedling, to ponderosa pine seedlings (Pinus ponderosa Doug. ex Laws) immediately after planting. Compared to the controls, the 5 and15 g/seedling of FR or ME fertilizer produced significantly greater caliper growth and the 5 and 15 g/seedling of ME fertilizer and 15 and 30 g of FR fertilizer produced significantly greater height growth after 3 yr. Mortality occurred mainly during the first growing season and varied substantially with fertilizer types and dosage. High dosage (30 g/seedling) generally caused more mortality than other dosage levels. Seventy-eight, 54, 51, and 36% of total nutrients had been released from the FR, MR, SR and ME products, respectively, by late August of the first growing season. Early in the second growing season, the FR product had released 98% of its total nutrients, and the MR, SR, and ME products had released over 90% of their nutrients. The best fertilizer treatment, 15 g of the ME product, produced a 21% diameter increase and a 30% height increase 3 yr after treatment. The relative magnitude of the growth responses is similar to those observed from other adjacent placement, controlled-release, seedling fertilization studies in the Northwest. West. J. Appl. For. 17(3):154–164.
Early Detection of Douglas-Fir Beetle Infestation with Subcanopy Resolution Hyperspectral Imagery
Authors: Lawrence Rick , Labus Mari
Published: August 2019

Early detection of insect or pathogen infestations in forests would be useful to forest managers who want to make decisions that minimize timber losses. Typical methods of forest reconnaissance to detect infestations have included analysis of multispectral imagery. Multispectral imagery, however, often lacks the sensitivity to detect subtle changes in tree canopy reflectance because of physiologic stress from insects or pathogens. Most hyperspectral imaging has the sensitivity to detect subtle changes in canopy reflectance but lacks high spatial resolution to identify affected trees. Our study examined the use of subcanopy spatial resolution hyperspectral imagery for differentiating Douglas-fir trees attacked by the Douglas-fir beetle. Comparison of the accuracies of step-wise discriminant analysis and classification and regression tree analysis (CART) revealed that CART provided the best separability among tree health classes (93% overall) because of CART's ability to use different band combinations for each class. Predictive accuracy of the CART method was estimated through cross-validation of the dataset using a jackknife resampling technique. Overall classification accuracy was promising (69%), as was classification among healthy and attacked, but still living, trees (50–70%). The results of our study provide support that hyperspectral imagery might be used for detecting and mapping tree stress in Douglas-fir stands. Although the rapid progress of beetle infestation somewhat limited the ability to differentiate among tree stress classes, which might limit the utility of this approach for fast moving infestations, the results were well beyond what might be expected from alternative detection methods. Slower moving infestations would benefit from the use of hyperspectral imagery because a lower percentage of infested trees would be asymtomatic. West. J. Appl. For. 18(3):202–206.
Development of Height-Age Models for Estimating Juvenile Height of Coastal Douglas-Fir in British Columbia
Authors: Nigh Gordon D. , Mitchell Matthew G.E.
Published: August 2019

Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menzeisii) is an important and abundant tree species in coastal British Columbia. Juvenile height estimates are important for management prescriptions and decisions involving regenerating stands. We used 100 plots to investigate the juvenile height growth of coastal Douglas-fir. The growth patterns of the sample trees were observed by felling and splitting them longitudinally and measuring the height of the annual nodes from the point of germination. Sixty-four plots were used to develop a height model as a function of total age and site index. The Chapman-Richards, Gompertz, and modified exponential and power models were fit using nonlinear least squares regression. The models were tested with the remaining 36 plots. The modified exponential and power equation was the best fitting of the three models. None of the models met the regression assumption of independently normally distributed residuals with a mean of zero and a constant variance. The modified exponential and power model was further analyzed using the complete data set by fitting height growth and incorporating a model for serial correlation in the error term to improve the statistical properties of the model. West. J. Appl. For. 18(3):207–212.
A Sensitivity Analysis of the National Fire Management Analysis System
Authors: Schuster Ervin G. , Krebs Michael A.
Published: August 2019

A sensitivity analysis was conducted of the National Fire Management Analysis System (NFMAS) to better understand the relationship between data input and model outcomes, as reflected by changes in C+NVC and MEL program options. Five input variables were selected for sensitization: Unit Mission Costs, Average Acre Costs, Net Value Change, Production Rates, and Escaped Fire Limits. A stratified random sample of 32 national forests was selected, according to the distribution of national forests within Forest Service regions and fire frequency classes, on the basis of historical fire data. NFMAS database tables were obtained and manipulated, with each variable increased and decreased at six levels (±25, ±50, and ±100%). Results indicated that Production Rates was always the most influential variable, Unit Mission Costs was always least influential, and the influence of the other variables depends on the choice of model outcome. In general, greater sensitivity changes resulted in greater changes in model outcome, but no consistent pattern of influence could be found regarding program option.West. J. Appl. For. 19(1):5–12.
Habitat Restoration Across Large Areas: Assessing Wildlife Responses in the Clearwater Basin, Idaho
Authors: Svancara L. K. , Servheen G. , Melquist W. , Davis D. , Scott J. M.
Published: August 2019

Over the past century, fire suppression and prevention have altered disturbance regimes across the Pacific Northwest, resulting in a significant divergence of historical and current conditions in forested habitats. To address this continuing trend in habitat changes and begin restoring historical patterns of disturbance, the Clearwater Basin Elk Habitat Initiative (CEI) proposes relatively extensive management actions in the Clearwater basin of north-central Idaho. We attempted to evaluate potential effects of such management actions on selected wildlife species using extant data sets and suggest ways to improve such projects with respect to a multispecies and adaptive management approach. Although there is increased interest in ecosystem management over large areas, the increased scale of analysis and implementation require a substantial increase in the level of species information beyond what currently exists. We conclude that baseline information required for an effective multispecies land-management policy in the Clearwater basin does not exist for many terrestrial wildlife species. To implement a true multispecies or ecosystem approach, wildlife and land managers should cooperate to increase existing population data and modeling efforts for wildlife species in the basin and develop a sustainable monitoring program to evaluate habitat management changes and their influence on wildlife populations within the context of adaptive management theory. Management actions to restore disturbance patterns should attempt spatial and temporal scales that are biologically relevant to the population ecology of species being affected. West. J. Appl. For. 19(2): 123–132.
Height Growth Pattern of Lodgepole Pine in Relation to Natural Subregions in Alberta
Authors: Wang G. Geoff , Huang Shongming , Morgan David J.
Published: August 2019

Based on the provincial stem analysis and permanent sample plot (PSP) data of 1,580 felled dominant and codominant trees, height growth patterns of lodgepole pine were compared among the three major natural subregions [Sub-Alpine (SAL), Upper Foothills (UFH), and Lower Foothills (LFH)] in Alberta. The comparison used the ratio of heights at 70 and 30 years of breast height age (Z ratio) as a quantitative measure of height growth pattern (i.e., the response variable), site index (height at breast height age of 50 years) as the covariate, and natural subregion as the factor. Results indicated that: (1) the height growth pattern in the SAL natural subregion was significantly different from other natural subregions; and (2) no significant differences in height growth pattern were found between other natural subregions. Two polymorphic height and site index curves were developed: one for the SAL natural subregion and the other for the UFH and LFH natural subregions. Comparisons between the two curves and the previously developed provincial curve indicated that, for the same site index, trees in the SAL subregion grow consistently slower after 50 years. When the provincial height and site index curve was applied to the SAL natural subregion, large differences (≤14%) in gross volume estimation were found. However, volume estimation differences were very small (<2%) when the provincial curve was applied to the other two natural subregions. It is recommended that the natural subregion-based curves should be used for predicting lodgepole pine site index or height at any age in the SAL natural subregion. West. J. Appl. For. 19(3):154–159.
Five-Year Thinning Response of an Overgrown Douglas-Fir Christmas Tree Plantation
Authors: Hummel S. , Hummel R.
Published: August 2019

A 15-year-old Douglas-fir Christmas tree plantation in western Oregon was thinned in 1996 according to regional sawtimber conversion guidelines. The plantation comprised two strata, distinguished by initial planting density (Area 1 = 5 × 5 ft and Area 2 = 10 × 10 ft). Unthinned control plots were established in both Area 1 and Area 2 at the time of the thinning treatment. Five years later, the quadratic mean diameter (QMD) in Area 1 (thinned) was 6.4 in. versus 5.2 in. in Area 1 (unthinned), while in Area 2 (thinned) the QMD was 11.4 in. compared to 9.3 in. in Area 2 (unthinned). Over the same period, the volume/ac in Area 1 (thinned) (1,080 ft3/ac) was nearly twice that of Area 1 (unthinned) (576 ft3/ac). In contrast, the volume/ac in Area 2 (thinned) (2,318 ft3/acre) was almost half that of Area 2 (unthinned) (4,264 ft3/ac). These results suggest that while thinning was timely for Area 1, the thinning treatment could have been delayed for Area 2. By plantation age 30, the treated units in Area 1 and Area 2 have estimated yields of 9.6 and 11.6 thousand bd ft (mbf), respectively, with no additional thinning. Given 2002 average prices for #3 sawmill grade logs, gross return at age 30 would range between $5,000 and $6,000/ac. West. J. Appl. For. 19(3):171–174.
A Profile of the Korean Market for Softwood Logs and Lumber
Authors: Blatner Keith A. , Govett Robert L. , Kim Wae-Jung
Published: August 2019

Korea is now the fourth largest export market for U.S. wood products, ranking behind Japan, Canada and China. Unfortunately, the general lack of information on the Korean wood products market has hindered the ability of western producers to take full advantage of that market. Data are presented summarizing trends in Korea's domestic softwood production and imports, product distribution, and softwood use in construction and industrial market applications. Specific market opportunities, including the promotion of western style construction techniques, and the potential for substituting western softwood species for tropical hardwoods and other softwood species within the Korean wood products industry are discussed. West J. App. For. 2:17-20, Jan. 1987.
Stem Treatments to Control Tanoak Sprouting
Authors: Tapppeiner II John C. , Pabst Robert J. , Cloughesy Michael
Published: August 2019

Applying 2,4-D, triclopyr, and picloram + 2,4-D to cut surfaces of tanoak (Lithocarpus densiflorus) on southwest Oregon sites in November or February increased mortality and reduced total sprout length and clump area relative to May or August applications. Injecting the same herbicides into stem frills caused 80 to 99% mean crown dieback for November, February, and May applications, but only 47% for August applications. Spraying triclopyr diluted with diesel oil to 1 5 or 3.0% on stem bases caused 64% mean crown dieback for August applications but only 28% averaged over the other three dates. Both frill and spray treatments reduced by about 1.5 to 3.0 times the sprout length and clump area of trees felled within 3 months of treatments, compared to untreated trees. Tanoak can be effectively controlled by treating cut surfaces when felling, and by stem injection or basal spray 3 months before harvesting or slashing for site preparation. Cut-surface application or injection from fall through early spring is likely to be most effective. West. J. Appl. For. 2(2):41-45, April 1987.
A New Basis for Understory Stocking Standards for Partially Harvested Stands in the British Columbia Interior
Authors: Martin Patrick J. , Bancroft Bryce , Day Ken , Peel Kim
Published: August 2019

For partially harvested stands in the British Columbia interior, we present a new method for specifying regeneration stocking standards and a procedure for comparing achieved regeneration to the standard. Understory stocking is assessed in terms of the deviation from potential yield that the observed understory tree density represents. For a harvested area, the minimum stocking standard is stated as the maximum allowable mean deviation from potential. Deviation from potential is expressed on a relative (0–1) scale and predicted from overstory basal area and understory tree density. Because of a scarcity of calibration data, we undertook a crude, preliminary calibration of this relationship. As overstory basal area increases, the understory density required to achieve a given degree of understory stocking decreases. Issues pertaining to the stand management context and other approaches to regulating regeneration also are discussed. West. J. Appl. For. 20(1):5–12.
A Density Management Diagram for Even-aged Ponderosa Pine Stands
Authors: Long James N. , Shaw John D.
Published: August 2019

We developed a density management diagram (DMD) for ponderosa pine using Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data. Analysis plots were drawn from all FIA plots in the western United States on which ponderosa pine occurred. A total of 766 plots met the criteria for analysis. Selection criteria were for purity, defined as ponderosa pine basal area ≥80% of plot basal area, and even-agedness, as defined by a ratio between two calculations of stand density index. The DMD is relatively unbiased by geographic area and therefore should be applicable throughout the range of ponderosa pine. The DMD is intended for use in even-aged stands, but may be used for uneven-aged management where a large-group selection system is used. Examples of density management regimes are illustrated, and guidelines for use are provided. West. J. Appl. For. 20(4):205–215.
Thinning Alternatives for Ponderosa Pine: Tools and Strategies for Family Forest Owners
Authors: Oester Paul T. , Emmingham William H. , Larson Pat
Published: August 2019

Density management of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forests is critical for control of beetles, reducing risk of wildfire and capturing monetary, aesthetic, and ecological values. This case study examined periodic growth response of ponderosa pine 5 and 13 years after installation of a trial including three thinning regimes and an unthinned option in the Wallowa Mountains of northeast Oregon. Family forest owners and their advisors whose management goals include reducing fire and beetle risk and producing timber value can use the results of this case study with the stand density index (SDI) to evaluate thinning options. We analyzed mean tree diameter growth and periodic board foot volume growth of 8-in. diameter and larger trees for the four treatments applied to 85–100-year-old stands. Our treatments were used as a local test for SDI management guidelines and forest vegetation simulator (FVS). As expected, significant increases (α=0.05) were found after 13 years in mean diameter growth of trees and periodic board foot volume growth per tree in the wide and free treatments compared to narrow and control. Thinning to 80 ft2 of basal area or the lower management zone SDI in previously unmanaged, 85-year-old ponderosa pine stands provided for faster tree growth, lower risk of mortality from mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae), and no appreciable sacrifice in value of stand growth. Total wood fiber production was better for narrow and control, but with greatly increased fire and beetle risk. This work substantiates research results that thinning to carefully prescribed stocking levels can increase volume growth per tree (even free selection) and maintain reasonable stand value growth even though cubic volume growth is diminished. The resulting changes in stand structure and reduced beetle and fire threats improve the odds that family forestland will generate their full potential of monetary and ecological benefits. West. J. Appl. For. 20(4):216–223.
Estimation of Crown Cover in Interior Ponderosa Pine Stands: Effects of Thinning and Prescribed Fire
Authors: Vaughn Nicholas , Ritchie Martin W.
Published: August 2019

We evaluated the relationship between crown cover measured with a vertical sight tube and stand basal area per acre in treated (thinned, burned, and thinned and burned) and untreated interior ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa P. & C. Lawson) stands in northeastern California. Crown cover was significantly related to basal area at the plot level and stand level. In addition, the relationship was not affected by two extremely different thinning regimes. However, the predicted crown cover was generally lower, for a given level of basal area, in a recently thinned stand than in a stand that had not been recently thinned. Prescribed fire had no detectable effect on the relationship. The maximum measured value of stand level crown cover in untreated stands in this study was about 60 percent. West. J. Appl. For. 20(4): 240–246.
Prescribed Burning Costs and the WUI: Economic Effects in the Pacific Northwest
Authors: Berry Alison H. , Donovan Geoffrey , Hesseln Hayley
Published: August 2019

Federal fuels managers are increasingly using prescribed fire to decrease hazardous fuels and risks to resources in wildland and urban settings. Two factors have become apparent throughout the last several years: prescribed burning costs are rising, and costs exhibit substantial variability (NIFC 2003). Federal fire managers are bound by federal policy to allocate resources efficiently, yet this is difficult without a full understanding of the cost structure of fuels management. Previous studies have examined factors influencing costs but have also grappled with a lack of consistent or reliable data. This study uses FASTRACS (Fuel Analysis, Smoke Tracking, Report Access Computer System), a database maintained by the Pacific Northwest region of the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. The database provides information for Washington and Oregon on costs, physical site characteristics, and managerial concerns for fuels management activities. Using multiple regression analysis, we show that the cost of fuels management is influenced by the wildland-urban interface, number of acres treated, designated protection areas, slope, elevation, treatment type, fire regime, agency, and season. Prescribed burning in the wildland-urban interface increased costs, ceteris paribus, 139%. Findings with respect to physical site characteristics were similar to those found in previous research.
The Focus of Intensive Silvicultural Research on Coastal Douglas-Fir Over the Last 20 Years
Authors: Moores Andrew , Puettmann Klaus , Maguire Doug
Published: August 2019

Silvicultural regimes are becoming more intensive in the US Pacific Northwest, incorporating a multitude of treatments over the length of the rotation. Therefore, there is a need to understand not only how individual treatments affect forest productivity, but also how these treatments interact to determine productivity. To help launch the Planted Forest Productivity and Value Enhancement Program at Oregon State University, an extensive literature search was conducted over 9 different classes of silvicultural treatments and 10 different categories of measured responses. The objective was to examine the scope of our current knowledge base about intensive silvicultural practices in the Pacific Northwest, particularly the mechanisms by which various treatment combinations or regimes control the productivity of coastal Douglas-fir stands. The literature, 1984 through 2004, shows that studies were more likely to focus on a combination of silvicultural treatments or practices if they were applied during similar times of stand development. Very little documented research addressed the interactive effects of treatments applied sequentially over the rotation. Although most studies monitored growth, yield, and tree mortality, fewer studies investigated environmental, physiological, and morphological responses that are key to understanding and predicting how both tested and untested silvicultural regimes will affect forest productivity.
Public and Professional Responses to the Visual Effects of Timber Harvesting: Different Ways of Seeing
Authors: Bradley Gordon A. , Kearney Anne R.
Published: August 2019

This study examines preferences and differences in preference among forest professionals and other forest stakeholders. Specifically, the study explores the underlying dimensions of preference and the stated rationale behind those preferences. Preferences were assessed for six different silvicultural treatments, including clearcutting, two-age cut, patch cut, group selection, commercial thin, and an unmodified control stand. Study participants were selected from six stakeholder groups: forest professionals, urban public, rural public, recreationists, environmentalists, and educators (n=210). Results show that people's preferences tend to follow the same general trend across all groups, with higher preference for less intense harvests. Foresters tended to show significantly greater preference than most other groups for treatments where tree removal left moderate to large openings; this difference was most striking with respect to clearcuts. Analysis of people's stated rationale behind the preference ratings suggests that differences in preference are a function of differences in how people interpret the scene. Foresters were more likely to see the management depicted in a scene and to interpret these signs of management in a favorable light; other groups were more likely to respond to the aesthetics of the scene or to processes perceived to be damaging to the landscape. Implications for these differences in preference and perception are discussed.
Repellency and Toxicity of Conophthorus ponderosae Hopkins (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) by the Host Monoterpene Myrcene
Authors: Shirley Brian M. , Cook Stephen
Published: August 2019

Seed orchards produce high-quality seed from selected tree genotypes. In the intermountain west, Conophthorus ponderosae Hopkins (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) is a pest in seed orchards of ponderosa pine, Pinus ponderosa (Laws). The effect of myrcene as a deterrent to coneattack by C. ponderosae in a ponderosa pine seed orchard was examined. Two factors were considered, timing of cone cluster attack and average brood production per cone cluster. There was a delayed attack by C. ponderosae on cones treated with vials of myrcene attached at thebase of cone clusters. During both 2003 and 2004, final brood production per cone was not affected significantly by the presence of myrcene. During 2003, brood production was influenced by the timing of attack, with later attacks resulting in fewer brood adults per cone cluster. The toxicity of myrcene to adult C. ponderosae was examined in a laboratory and compared with that of (+)-α-pinene, another host-produced monoterpene that acts as a synergist for the male attractant pheromone pityol.
Vertical Measurement Accuracy of Mapping-Grade Global Positioning Systems Receivers in Three Forest Settings
Authors: Wing Michael G. , Eklund Aaron
Published: August 2019

Elevation or height differences are necessary measurements for many forest operation activities. We rigorously examined the vertical measurement performance of five mapping-grade GPS receivers in three forest settings representing open-sky,young-forest, and closed-canopy conditions. The mapping-grade GPS receivers collected data simultaneously at each of the three forest settings and had different hardware and data-collection configurations, including internal and external antennas, and real-time differential corrections. We evaluated the influence of forest setting and postprocessed differential corrections on all GPS receiver measurements, including those that were collected with real-time differential corrections. We also compared the effect of 1-, 30-, and 60-point averaging intervals on vertical measurement accuracy. We found average vertical accuracies for unprocessed GPS receiver measurements of 0.9, 1.7, and 2.8 m in the open-sky, young-forest, and closed-canopy settings, respectively. The influence of data postprocessing was inconsistent under closed canopy and resulted in average vertical GPS accuracies of 0.2, 0.4, 3.3 m in open-canopy, young-forest, and closed-canopy settings, respectively. Different point averaging intervals did not result in statistically significant differences in vertical accuracies for either unprocessed or postprocessed GPS data.
Estimating the Avoided Fuel-Treatment Costs of Wildfire
Authors: Donovan Geoffrey H. , Brown Thomas C.
Published: August 2019

Although the importance of wildfire to fire-adapted ecosystems is widely recognized, wildfire management has historically placed less emphasis on the beneficial effects of wildfire. We estimate the avoided fuel treatment cost for 10 ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) stands on the Umatilla National Forest in the Pacific Northwest. Results show that fires in stands that show the greatest divergence from the archetypical ponderosa pine stand structure (large trees in an open, parklike stand) tend to have higher avoided costs. This is a reflection of the higher cost of fuel treatments in these stands: treatments designed to restore a stand to a desired condition are normally more expensive than treatments to maintain a stand in a desired condition.
Survival and Growth of Planted Yellow-Cedar Seedlings and Rooted Cuttings (Stecklings) near Ketchikan, Alaska
Authors: Hennon Paul E. , McClellan Michael H. , Spores Sheila R. , Orlikowska Ewa H.
Published: August 2019

The survival and growth of yellow-cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis) seedlings and rooted cuttings (stecklings) were monitored for 6 years after planting at three sites near Ketchikan in southeast Alaska to determine whether stecklings could serve as a suitable planting stock. Survival for both seedlings and stecklings was >85% at the three sites. Survival, final diameter, and final height differed by site but not by the use or absence of Vexar as protection from browsing by Sitka black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis). Vexar produced a lower rate of browsing but contributed to form problems (especially leaving trees leaning and prostrate on the ground). Seedlings had significantly greater diameters than stecklings even though they experienced a higher rate of browsing at one site. Differences in diameter and height likely were due to genetic variation rather than seedling or steckling stock type. Stecklings appear to be a suitable source of planting stock; when used for large-scale reforestation efforts, genetic considerations are essential. Planting recommendations for maximizing yellow-cedar establishment during regeneration are given.
Incorporation of Genetic Gain into Growth Projections of Douglas-Fir Using ORGANON and the Forest Vegetation Simulator
Authors: Gould Peter J. , Marshall David D.
Published: August 2019

Growth models for coast Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) are generally based on measurements of stands that are genetically unimproved (or woods-run); therefore, they cannot be expected to accurately project the development of stands that originate from improved seedlots. In this report, we demonstrate how early expected gain and genetic-gain multipliers can be incorporated into growth projection, and we also summarize projected volume gains and other aspects of stand development under different levels of genetic gain, site productivity, and initial planting density. Representative tree lists that included three levels of productivity (site index = 100, 125, and 150 ft; base = 50 years)and three initial planting densities (302, 435, and 602 trees/ac) were projected from ages 10 to 60 years under three scenarios using two regional growth models (Stand Management Cooperative version of ORGANON and the Pacific Northwest variant of the Forest Vegetation Simulator). The two models projected similar percentage volume gains for improved seedlots. Seedlots with a genetic worth (GW) of 5% for height and diameter growth were projected to have volume gains of 3.3–5.8% over woods-run stands at 40 years and 2.1–3.2% at 60 years. Volume gains were projected to approximately double when GW was increased from 5 to 10%.
Density and Size of Snags, Tree Cavities, and Spruce Rust Brooms in Alaska Boreal Forest
Authors: Paragi Thomas F.
Published: August 2019

To forecast the potential effects of forest management on wildlife habitat, I surveyed late-seral features in boreal forest near Fairbanks, Alaska. I sampled 75 randomly selected plots stratified among nine stand types to count and recorded physical characteristics of snags, cavitytrees, and Picea spp. trees with rust brooms. Snag density differed among some stand types (range, x = 10–72/ha) and increasedwith mean age of stand type, whereas cavity density (2–17/ha) and broom density (3–46/ha) showed no trend with stand age. Only 15% of 199 cavity openings were large enough (>50 cm2) and had a shape (width:height ratio, 0.5–1.5) that made them likely to besuitable for use by larger birds or arboreal mammals. The oldest and most valuable stand type for timber harvest (Picea glauca >23 cm dbh) often had trees with larger cavity openings and larger broom volumes than treesin other types. I recommend retention of rare specimens of late-seral features, considerations for feature recruitment in managed forests, and further documentation of wildlife use and associated fitness.
Does Raking Basal Duff Affect Tree Growth Rates or Mortality?
Authors: Noonan-Wright Erin , Hood Sharon M. , Cluck Danny R.
Published: August 2019

Mortality and reduced growth rates due to raking accumulated basal duff were evaluated for old, large-diameter ponderosa and Jeffrey pine trees on the Lassen National Forest, California. No fire treatments were included to isolate the effect of raking from fire. Trees were monitored annually for 5 years after the raking treatment for mortality and then cored to measure basal area increment. Results showed that raking basal duff and litter to mineral soil from the bole out to 60 cm had no effect on basal area increment or mortality for 5 years posttreatment. Results are pertinent to managers who question whether raking basal duff will decrease tree vigor or increase tree mortality of large and old ponderosa and Jeffrey pine trees in northern California.
Estimating Aboveground Biomass for Broadleaf Woody Plants and Young Conifers in Sierra Nevada, California, Forests
Authors: McGinnis Thomas W. , Shook Christine D. , Keeley Jon E.
Published: August 2019

Quantification of biomass is fundamental to a wide range of research and natural resource management goals. An accurate estimation of plant biomass is essential to predict potential fire behavior, calculate carbon sequestration for global climate change research, assess critical wildlife habitat, and so forth. Reliable allometric equations from simple field measurements are necessary for efficient evaluation of plant biomass. However, allometric equations are not available for many common woody plant taxa in the Sierra Nevada. In this report, we present more than 200 regression equations for the Sierra Nevada western slope that relate crown diameter, plant height, crown volume, stem diameter, and both crown diameter and height to the dry weight of foliage, branches, and entire aboveground biomass. Destructive sampling methods resulted in regression equations that accurately predict biomass from one or two simple, nondestructive field measurements. The tables presented here will allow researchers and natural resource managers to easily choose the best equations to fit their biomass assessment needs.
Evaluating Potential Fire Behavior in Lodgepole Pine-Dominated Forests after a Mountain Pine Beetle Epidemic in North-Central Colorado
Authors: Klutsch Jennifer G. , Battaglia Mike A. , West Daniel R. , Costello Sheryl L. , Negrón José F.
Published: August 2019

A mountain pine beetle outbreak in Colorado lodgepole pine forests has altered stand and fuel characteristics that affect potential fire behavior. Using the Fire and Fuels Extension to the Forest Vegetation Simulator, potential fire behavior was modeled for uninfested and mountain pine beetle-affected plots 7 years after outbreak initiation and 10 and 80% projected tree fall using measured and projected fuel and stand characteristics. Under 90th percentile weather conditions, uninfested plots exhibited proportionally more crown fire than infested plots. Plots predicted to have crown fire were composed mainly of nonhost conifer species and had a lower and more continuous canopy than infested plots. Where surface fire was predicted to occur, live lodgepole pine was the only conifer present, and plots had significantly lower tree mortality from fire than plots predicted to have crown fire. Mountain pine beetle-induced changes in stand and fuel characteristics resulted in increased intensity of surface fire behavior. Furthermore, with 80% infested tree fall, potential smoke production was predicted to be higher. Tree species composition of stands pre and postbark beetle outbreak is important when identifying mountain pine beetle-caused changes to potential fire behavior.
ACCEL: Spreadsheet-Based Cost Estimation for Forest Road Construction
Authors: Bruce Jarel C. , Han Han-Sup , Akay Abdullah E. , Chung Woodam
Published: August 2019

A computer program has been developed to aid forest engineers in the cost estimation of forest road construction activities. This new tool, called ACCEL, uses Visual Basic for Applications within Microsoft Excel to compute the costs of construction components using interactive sheets, automated tasks, and advanced computer routines. The user is guided through road construction components and prompted for cost data, earthwork quantities, survey information, and the conditions of the construction environment to estimate total construction cost. Road design elements and site characteristics are variables used to optimize earthwork allocation, improving on using the mass diagram method. The program also estimates clearing and grubbing areas, rock surfacing volumes, and culvert lengths. ACCEL was validated by comparing the results to those of RoadEng (by Softree), ensuring that formulas were input correctly and showing close agreement in results. This program was created in a recognizable format, i.e., Microsoft Excel, and builds on basic quantity and cost estimation techniques. ACCEL is intended to improve the decisionmaking process for experienced forestry practitioners in forest road construction regardless of region, company, or agency affiliation by accepting their inputs and performing the calculations for different route alternative or varying design specifications.
Hiker Diversity in Backcountry Areas—Implications for Planning and Management
Authors: Virden Randy J. , Schreyer Richard
Published: August 2019

The level of experience, desired psychological experiences, and management preferences were compared among hikers in three backcountry primitive areas. Significant differences in all three sets of variables among study areas suggest that recreationists choosing the same Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) land class are seeking a variety of experiences. The authors argue that more information is needed by managers and planners about the nature of in-class diversity, an issue which is often overlooked in current ROS planning. West. J. Appl. For. 3(2):49-52, April 1988.