bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early Height Growth and Site Index of Lodgepole Pine Under Wet and Dry Soil Moisture Regimes in British Columbia
Authors: Nigh Gordon D. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine whether the relationship between site index and early height growth of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) is the same on wet and dry sites. If the height growth/site index relationship is the same for different site types, then only one growth intercept model is required to estimate site index. Indicator variables in nonlinear regression were used to incorporate soil moisture availability into a growth intercept model. One set of parameters in a site index/early height growth model was adequate for both wet and dry sites. This result was supported graphically. Therefore, only one growth intercept model is necessary for the sites examined in this study. West. J. Appl. For. 12(1):5-8.
Containerized Jeffrey Pine Growth and Nutrient Uptake in Response to Mycorrhizal Inoculation and Controlled Release Fertilization
Authors: Walker R. F. , Kane L. M. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Ectomycorrhizal inoculation with basidiospores of Pisolithus tinctorius and fertilization with two controlled release nutrient formulations, High N 24-4-7 and Sierra 16-6-10 Plus Minors, were evaluated for their effects on containerized Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi) seedlings. Noninoculated and nonfertilized seedlings and a water soluble fertilizer treatment using Peters 20-10-20 provided for comparisons of mycorrhizal and nutrient amendment effects on growth and mineral nutrition. At 6 months, inoculated seedlings had greater root dry weight while fertilization increased shoot dimensions and weight, with the response to controlled release nutrients exceeding that to water soluble fertilizer. After 12 months, inoculation increased mycorrhizal formation, and inoculated seedlings had greater shoot volume as well as root volume, dry weight, and total length. Controlled release fertilization also promoted greater shoot growth than water soluble nutrients at the final measurement, while root system development was comparable overall among fertilized seedlings regardless of nutrient formulation. Foliar analysis revealed that concentrations of most macro- and micronutrients were sufficient for adequate seedling nutrition in all treatments. However, inoculated seedlings exhibited greater uptake of P, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, and Zn. Fertilization generally increased foliar concentrations of all of the above elements except Mg and Fe, but also increased N uptake. Overall, these results suggest that inoculation with P. tinctorius and controlled release fertilization with High N 24-4-7 and Sierra 16-6-10 facilitate production of Jeffrey pine container stock suitable for outplanting on harsh sites. West. J. Appl. For. 12(2):33-40.
Thinning Decisions Using Stand Density Indices: The Influence of Uncertainty
Authors: Ducey Mark J. , Larson Bruce C. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
In practice, stand density indices must be estimated from sample data, leading to uncertainty in both estimates of stand density and resulting thinning decisions. We provide a statistical framework for thinning decisions based on density thresholds. We show how to assess the adequacy of existing cruise data to guide the thinning process, and to design more cost-effective sampling plans. We present this information in a series of graphs which, when used in conjunction with density management diagrams, can improve rational thinning decisions. West. J. Appl. For. 12(3):89-92.
Effectiveness of a Physical Barrier in Deterring Vole and Snowshoe Hare Feeding Damage to Lodgepole Pine Seedlings
Authors: Zimmerling Todd N. , Zimmerling Linda M. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
We examined the effectiveness of a tubular, polyethylene/polypropylene mesh seedling protection device in reducing overwinter feeding damage by snowshoe hares(Lepus americanus) and meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) on spring planted, plug stock (1 + 0) lodgepole pine(Pinus contorta). Seedlings fitted with the seedling protection devices (SPD) had significantly lower levels of feeding damage (3 and 9%) than control seedlings (25 and 41%) on two study sites. Most of the feeding damage to treated seedlings was the clipping of the terminal leader or laterals that were not protected by the protection device. In two instances, a vole tunneled under the seedling protection device to damage the stem of the treated seedling; however, this was the exception. This physical barrier can be effective in reducing feeding damage by small mammals on lodgepole pine. West. J. Appl. For. 13(1):12-14.
Technical Commentary: Managing High-Elevation Forests to Produce American Matsutake (Tricholoma magnivelare), High-Quality Timber, and Nontimber Forest Products
Authors: Amaranthus Michael P. , Weigand James F. , Abbott Rick 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
In the Pacific Northwest, nontimber forest products account for more than $200 million in annual revenue yet there is little intentional management to promote the dozens of these harvested species. In the southern Cascade Range in Oregon, management experiments are being installed to develop and refine silvicultural practices that increase financial returns from high-elevation stands. Pretreatment measurements are complete, and harvest treatments will begin in 1998. The harvest treatments will emphasize the most valuable products: high-quality timber, American matsutake mushrooms (Tricholoma magnivelare), and other nontimber forest products such as food-flavoring extracts, decorative boughs, Christmas trees, and pine cones. Management practices will adjust species composition, remove disease and infested trees, prune target species, manage for timber on long rotations, and opportunistically manage and harvest nontimber forest products, especially the highly valued American matsutake. A comprehensive monitoring program will track ecosystem and economic variables at different temporal scales. In this paper we present management scenarios that emphasize forest function and biological diversity while providing an even flow of commercially valuable timber and nontimber forest products. West. J. Appl. For. 13(4):120-128.
A Decision Support System for Incorporating Wildlife Habitat Quality into Forest Planning
Authors: Roloff Gary J. , Carroll Bruce , Scharosch Steve 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
We developed a decision support system to address wildlife habitat quality in the strategic forest planning process. The process involves projecting wildlife habitat attributes using a growth and yield model, combining the attributes into an index of structural habitat quality, generating yield tables of structural habitat quality that can be constrained or optimized in the forest planning model, and relating prescriptions for each forest planning analysis area back to the habitat attributes. The result is a map of habitat components. This mechanism is considered the first step in our wildlife habitat assessment procedure in that it focuses on within-stand or within-analysis area structures. Since many wildlife species depend on multiple stands or analysis areas and the spatial arrangement of habitat components to meet their life requisites, the second step in our habitat assessment procedure is to apply spatially explicit wildlife habitat models to the mapped planning solution. The decision support system offers the capability to evaluate the effects of alternative management strategies on wildlife habitat in the context of a forest planning model solution. West. J. Appl. For 14(2):91-99.
Economics of Living Snow Fences in the Intermountain West
Authors: Kelson Aaron R. , Lilieholm Robert J. , Kuhns Michael R. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Past research has found that living snow fences are the most cost-effective option for controlling blowing snow along transportation corridors. Despite this, living snow fences are an underutilized forestry practice throughout much of the Intermountain West, even though these fences can be successfully maintained in the region's harsh climate. Decision-makers may be encouraged to establish more living snow fences in the region when economic efficiency gains can be demonstrated. Efficiency gains from living snow fences, evaluated using the annualized cost approach, demonstrate that the benefits to society outweigh the costs. An example is presented using an average-sized, 1,040-ft-long, 3 row snow fence, and a discount rate of 8%. To offset snow fence costs over a 50 yr expected life, the fence need only reduce traffic accidents by as little as one every 23 yr, or reduce snow plowing by about 6 hr/yr. Other likely but less quantifiable benefits make the benefits of living snow fences even more economical to society. Private expenditures may need to be subsidized if these social benefits are to be provided at optimal levels, however. West. J. Appl. For. 14(3):132-136.
Timber Management Costs in the Northern Region: A Historical Analysis
Authors: Gebert Krista M. , Niccolucci Michael J. , Schuster Ervin G. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
This study investigates three aspects of timber management (TM) costs in the Northern Region of the USDA Forest Service from 1960 to 1995. Total timber management costs and costs/unit of timber harvested were analyzed to determine: (1) trends in unit costs and their probable causes, (2) whether economies of scale existed in timber management over this period, and (3) the distribution of total cost changes geographically and among expenditure categories. Results indicate the prevailing factor behind the upward trend in unit costs was the decline in timber harvested (especially since 1990). Separation of TM unit costs into seven cost categories shows that from 1960 to 1980, road construction accounted for 50% of overall unit costs. After 1985, however, harvest design and administration expenditures replaced road construction as the dominant expenditure category. By 1995, harvest design and administration accounted for 26% of unit costs, while road construction's share had dropped to 13%. Other analysis found unit costs to decrease as the timber land base increased, indicating economies of scale in timber management. Finally, an examination of total timber management costs shows road construction (including reconstruction) was the largest contributor to both cost increases from 1960 to 1980 and decreases from 1980 to 1995. West. J. Appl. For. 14(4):200-207.
Ten-Year Growth Response of Young Douglas-Fir to Variable Density Varnishleaf Ceanothus and Herb Competition
Authors: Monleon V. J. , Newton M. , Hooper C. , Tappeiner J. C. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
The effect of different densities of varnishleaf ceanothus (Ceanothus velutinus var. laevigatus) and herbaceous vegetation control on stem diameter, height, and volume of plantation Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii vat. menziesii) seedlings was examined during the 10 yr following planting. Initial densities of ceanothus ranged between 0 and 15,000 seedlings/ha and were obtained by interplanting ceanothus germinants or chemical thinning after clearcutting and broadcast-burning. Herbaceous vegetation control was achieved by a single application of glyphosate following planting, with shrub seedlings covered. Ceanothus density in the range of 0 to 6,750 plants/ha did not have an effect on Douglas-fir diameter, height, or volume at age 10; however, Douglas-fir growth was significantly decreased when ceanothus densities reached 15,000 plants/ha. Ten years after planting, Douglas-fir volume in the treatments with 6,750 ceanothus/ha or less was 1.7 times greater than that in the 15,000 ceanothus/ha treatment. On the other hand, removal of herbaceous vegetation after planting significantly increased tree diameter, height, and volume, regardless of ceanothus density. Even 10 yr after the application of the treatment, trees without early herb competition grew faster and had mean dbh, height, and volume that were 1.02 cm, 0.55 m, and 12.98 dm³/tree greater respectively than those with herbs. Thus, a treatment at plantation establishment to control herbaceous vegetation and to reduce ceanothus density to less than 7,000 plants/ha will ensure an increase in growth and stocking for at least 10 yr. West. J. Appl. For. 14(4):208-213.
An Assessment of Cylindrocarpon on Container Western White Pine Seedlings After Outplanting
Authors: Dumroese R. Kasten , James Robert L. , Wenny David L. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Cylindrocarpon root disease can destroy root systems of container seedlings. Foresters were concerned that infected nursery stock would perform poorly after outplanting. Root growth potential tests were a poor predictor of disease levels on seedlings that otherwise met standard morphological criteria (height, stem diameter, and firm root plugs) for outplanting. Cylindrocarpon on western white pine persists longer on outplanted stock than Fusarium oxysporum or F. proliferatum on Douglas-fir seedlings on a similar site. Mortality caused by herbivores was as serious a threat to plantation establishment as was mortality caused by all other factors. Our results suggest that western white pine seedlings infected with Cylindrocarpon, but meeting morphological criteria for outplanting, will perform satisfactorily in the field. West. J. Appl. For. 15(1):5-7.
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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.