bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Resource Selection by Porcupines: Winter Den Site Location and Forage Tree Choices
Authors: Zimmerling Todd N. , Croft Chad D. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
We examined the importance of tree species composition and tree size-class distribution in determining the selection of winter den sites and forage trees by porcupines (Erethizon dorsatum). Porcupines selected winter den sites with a higher composition of sitka spruce, in all diameter size classes. However, statistically significant selection was found only for the 15.0–19.9 cm dbh size classes of sitka spruce. Porcupines displayed a statistically significant avoidance of 5.0–9.9 cm dbh and 10.0–14.9 cm dbh western hemlock trees when selecting winter den sites. When foraging around the den sites, porcupines showed a statistical avoidance of amabilis fir in all size classes and selected western hemlock, except the smallest size class (5.0–9.9 cm dbh). The results of this study indicate that porcupines do not choose winter den site locations based on the availability of preferred forage resources. Porcupines appear to choose den sites based on within-stand, patch variation in the proportion of sitka spruce and small dbh western hemlock. Forage trees are then selected, nonrandomly from specific resource categories around the den site. Porcupines in this study were found to feed on a mean of 0.54 new forage trees/day. Regression analysis revealed a positive linear relationship between new forage trees used/day and porcupine midwinter weight (y = 0.15x–0.54; r2 = 0.73). The results indicate that larger porcupines may produce a larger proportion of observed conifer tree feeding damage in second growth stands, as compared to smaller porcupines. West. J. Appl. For. 16(2):53–57.
Susceptibility of Foxtail Pine and Western White Pine to Limber Pine Dwarf Mistletoe in Northern California
Authors: Mathiasen Robert L. , Daugherty Carolyn M. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
This study confirms that foxtail pine (Pinus balfouriana) should be classified as an occasional host and western white pine (P. monticola) as a secondary host of limber pine dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium cyanocarpum) in northern California. Thirty temporary circular plots (6 m radius) were established around dominant, severely infected western white pines near Mount Eddy, Trinity County, CA. Within these plots, species, diameter at 1.3 m above the ground, and dwarf mistletoe rating (6 class system) were determined for each live tree over 1.37 m in height. Thirty-five and 75% of the foxtail pines and western white pines, respectively, sampled near large, severely infected western white pines were infected. None of the Low's fir (Abies lowiana) or Jeffrey pine (P. jeffreyi) observed in the plots were infected, and these species are classified as immune to limber pine dwarf mistletoe. West. J. Appl.For. 16(2):58–60.
Veneer Recovery from Beetle-Killed Spruce Trees, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
Authors: Lowell E.C. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
A four-level, visual classification system based on tree condition was developed for beetle-killed spruce on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. The veneer recovery study estimated volume and value of veneer recovered from trees in all but the most deteriorated class (class 4). Trees were selected by dbh and deterioration class from plots spanning the peninsula. Results showed significantly lower recovery of both volume and value for logs from dead trees compared to logs from live trees. Volume and value recovery did not statistically differ between deterioration classes 2 and 3. There was about a 6% difference in cubic recovery between logs and veneer blocks from live (class 1) and dead (classes 2 and 3) trees. Defect present before beetle attack (existing defect) played a significant role in recovery results. Models were developed by deterioration classes incorporating losses from existing defect. Each 1% of existing defect translated to a decrease of 0.4% in cubic recovery and a loss of $1.96/CCF of gross woods-length log volume. The recommendation is to have two deterioration classes: one for live and infested trees and a second for dead trees. These two classes are sufficient for evaluating veneer recovery. West. J. Appl. For. 16(2):65–70.
Incidence of Infection and Decay Caused by Heterobasidion annosum in Managed Noble Fir on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, Oregon
Authors: Sullivan Kelly F. , Filip Gregory M. , Arena John V. , Fitzgerald Stephen A. , Tesch Steven D. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
On the Warm Springs Indian Reservation in north-central Oregon, a 70- to 80-yr-old noble fir stand that was thinned 26 yr prior to sampling exhibited 72% incidence of H. annosum infection for wounded trees and 83% for unwounded trees. Decay volume averaged 6% in wounded trees and 1% in unwounded trees. In a similar stand that was thinned 7 yr prior to sampling, incidence of infection was 94% for wounded trees and 80% for unwounded trees. Decay volume averaged 3% in wounded trees and 0% in unwounded trees. Trunk wounds and stumps created from thinning both appeared to be effective infection courts. We developed a regression model that demonstrates increasing decay volume with increasing wound age and thinning stump diameter. Only the S-type intersterility group H. annosum was detected in our isolates using isozyme analyses. Vegetative compatibility (VC) tests in one stand revealed an average of 2.7 VC groups/tree. Multiple VC groups in individual trees suggest that wound infection by H. annosum spores is significant in managed noble fir. Our results support the common recommendations to treat stumps with boron-containing products and avoid trunk wounding during harvest to minimize subsequent spore infections by H. annosum. West. J. Appl. For. 16(3):106–113
Association of Black Stain Root Disease with Roads, Skid Trails, and Precommercial Thinning in Southwest Oregon
Authors: Hessburg Paul F. , Goheen Donald J. , Koester Harv 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
The incidence and severity of black stain root disease (BSRD) were evaluated in a two-stage sample of 500 precommercial-aged Douglas-fir plantations on 5 Resource Areas of the Medford District, Bureau of Land Management. Black stain was widely distributed throughout the western half of the District. Nearly 19% of the susceptible-aged (10- to 30-yr-old) plantations were infected with black stain, but mortality losses were low. In both the extensive and intensive surveys, BSRD was more often distributed in precommercially thinned than unthinned plantations. Black stain occurred with significantly greater frequency adjacent to roads and major skid trails than in the main body of plantations. Roadside strips displayed significantly more injured trees and recent soil disturbance than the main body of plantations. BSRD incidence was high in comparison with other root diseases, but there was minimal impact to precommercial stand management. Low disease severity is somewhat unique among managed forests within this area of known high BSRD hazard. The lack of widespread damage from BSRD was associated with a lack of extensive tractor yarding and an apparent lack of precommercial thinning. Forest managers within high BSRD hazard areas can maintain low mortality levels by minimizing site disturbance and tree injury associated with timber harvesting, road building, and road maintenance activities and by timing precommercial thinning to avoid vector insect emergence and flight periods. Increased disturbance and injury to precommercial-aged stands will likely result in increased disease. West. J. Appl. For. 16(3):127–135.
Response of Nontarget Species to Underground Strychnine Baiting for Pocket Gopher in Southwest Oregon
Authors: Nolte Dale L. , El Hani Abderrahim , Mason J. Russell , Bulkin Stephen 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Pocket gophers (Thomomys spp.) impede reforestation efforts in the Pacific Northwest and strychnine baiting is used to reduce their populations. We conducted a capture and release program in southern Oregon to determine whether strychnine baiting negatively impacted nontarget small mammal species. Two nontarget species dominated the program: golden mantled ground squirrels (Spermophilus lateralis) and yellow pine chipmunks (Tamias amoenus). There was a short-term decline in ground squirrel populations after baiting, but yellow pine chipmunk populations were not adversely affected. We conclude that underground baiting with 0.5% strychnine treated grain is unlikely to cause long-term adverse effects on nontarget wildlife species in southwest Oregon. West. J. Appl. For. 17(1):9–13.
Height Growth Models for Western Larch in British Columbia
Authors: Brisco David , Klinka Karel , Nigh Gordon 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
British Columbia's foresters currently use height growth curves developed with data from Montana to estimate the height and productivity of western larch (Larix occidentalis). The ability of the presently used curves to accurately predict the height growth of British Columbia's larch population is unknown. The production of new curves with local data could improve our ability to predict heights and allow increasingly precise yield projections in British Columbia. Data from 105 western larch stem analysis plots were collected from across the natural range of larch in British Columbia. The measured plots were naturally established, fire-origin, even-aged, and exhibited no indications of suppression or disease. A Richards function was fit to the data from each plot and used to generate height-age and site index information. Four models were fit to the plot data: conditioned logistic, Chapman Richards, conditioned Chapman Richards, and conditioned Weibull. The Chapman Richards model had the best fit to the data, although all four models had similar fit statistics. Overall, the Chapman Richards model is slightly more accurate at estimating heights than the currently used model. West.J. Appl. For. 17(2):66–74.
Coarse Woody Debris in Oak Woodlands of California
Authors: Tietje William D. , Waddell Karen L. , Vreeland Justin K. , Bolsinger Charles L. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
An extensive forest inventory was conducted to estimate the amount and distribution of coarse woody debris (CWD) on 5.6 million ac of woodlands in California that are outside of national forests and reserved areas. Woodlands consist primarily of oak (Quercus spp.) types and are defined as forestland incapable of producing commercial quantities of traditional forest products because of adverse site and tree morphophysiology. Approximately 671 million ft3 of CWD were estimated to occur over the study area. Almost 3 million ac of woodland (52% of the sampled area) were estimated to have no CWD. The large-end diameter of CWD was <12 in. on 67% of all logs sampled. Blue oak (Q. douglasii) CWD occurred over the largest area and gray pine (Pinus sabiniana) produced the most volume (164.1 million ft3) of CWD. An average of 115 ft3/ac, 1.2 tons/ac, 21 logs/ac, and 56.8 linear ft/ac were estimated for CWD across all woodland types. The coast live oak (Q. agrifolia) type produced the largest per-acre measure of CWD volume (164.1 ft3/ac). The California laurel (Umbellularia californica) type produced the highest log density (48 logs/ac) and the most linear feet per acre of CWD (131.8 ft/ac). CWD was most abundant in the central coast and least abundant in the northeastern portion of the state. Results of this study suggest that CWD is not common across much of California's woodlands. More detailed research is needed to evaluate the amount and distribution of CWD, affects of land-use, and the implications for wildlife. West. J. Appl. For. 17(3):139–146.
An Analysis of “24-Hour Pay” for Forest Fire Suppression Personnel
Authors: Gebert Krista M. , Schuster Ervin G. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
This study estimates the overall percentage difference in total personnel compensation between the current pay system for forest fire suppression and a system of 24-hour pay, where employees are paid their regular rate of pay for 24 hours per day while on fire duty. Using a random sample of USDA Forest Service employees, divided among fire types, pay grades, and job types, we simulated the effect of 24-hour pay by recalculating pay from actual pay records. We also investigated how changes in shift length (the number of hours worked in a 24-hour period) and hazard pay rates would affect compensation and how changing the pay system would affect different types of employees. Findings show that changing to a system of 24-hour pay would result in a substantial increase in salary costs. Restricting shift length to 12 or 14 hours further increases salary costs under 24-hour pay, as does the addition of hazard pay. In addition, increased employee compensation under 24-hour pay is unevenly distributed among job categories and pay grades. West. J. Appl. For. 17(4):183–188.
Impact of Pruning Eastern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana)
Authors: Schmidt Thomas L. , Wardle Tom D. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
In recent years, eastern redcedar has been the most rapidly expanding tree resource in the Great Plains from Oklahoma to South Dakota, primarily in rangelands and pastures. Based on these increases and potential management-related problems, eastern redcedar is perceived as a threat to the rangeland resource. Pruning eastern redcedar can allow for increased herbaceous growth under the eastern redcedar's crown, improve livestock handling, maintain the species for diversity and habitat contributions, and improve wood quality for potential future utilization by forest industries. To determine the effect of pruning to different heights on tree growth, we compared unpruned trees' total height and diameter to trees pruned from ground level to heights of 60, 90, 120, and 150 cm. No significant differences in the total height were found for all pruning treatments over all time periods. After more than 10 yr, trees pruned to 60, 90, and 120 cm had smaller diameters at ground level than unpruned trees. There were no differences in ground diameters for trees pruned to 150 cm compared to unpruned trees after 4 yr of growth. There were no significant differences in dbh for eastern redcedar trees pruned to all heights. Management of eastern redcedar, including pruning, is recommended as an alternative to control measures. West. J. Appl. For. 17(4):189–193.
The Effect of Hexazinone, Sulfometuron, Metsulfuron, and Atrazine on the Germination Success of Selected Ceanothus and Rubus Species
Authors: Rose Robin , Ketchum J. Scott 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
This study documents the impact pre-emergent forestry herbicides have on germination of some selected seral woody competitors in the Pacific Northwest. Four commonly used pre-emergent soil-active herbicides (hexazinone, sulfometuron, metsulfuron, and atrazine) typically used for herbaceous weed control were applied at six rates over stratified seed of Ceanothus velutinus (CEVE) and Ceanothus integerrimus (CEIN) in a greenhouse efficacy trial. In addition, hexazinone and sulfometuron were applied over stratified Rubus ursinus (RUUR) and Rubus parviflorus (RUPA) seed and sulfometuron over stratified seed of Rubus spectabilis (RUSP) at the same six rates. Numbers of seed to successfully germinate and develop true leaves were counted over a 9 wk period immediately following herbicide application. The hexazinone treatments reduced germination and growth of CEVE, CEIN, and RUPA. The RUUR species was tolerant of the hexazinone herbicide at low rates but at higher rates was strongly affected. The sulfometuron treatments had less effect on survival probability than hexazinone but strongly reduced the average dry weight of plantlets of all species. Seedling dry weight decreased with increasing rate of both metsulfuron and atrazine. Increasing the metsulfuron rate reduced the probability for CEVE seedlings to survive but not CEIN. Finally, atrazine sharply reduced the plantlet survival and reduced dry weight of both CEVE and CEIN even at low rates.West. J. Appl. For. 17(4):194–201.
A Method for Evaluating Fixed-Radius Plot Size When Sampling Western Juniper Seedlings and Saplings
Authors: Azuma David L. , Bednar Larry 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
This note outlines a method for evaluating plot size selection for an inventory of western juniper woodlands in eastern Oregon. The Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program of the USDA Forest Service in Portland, Oregon, used this method to evaluate several plot sizes to measure seedlings and saplings in the 1998 inventory of eastern Oregon. By choosing a 5 m radius plot, the probability of tallying no seedlings or saplings on four subplots is less than 10% for the three sample densities (0.01, 0.02, and 0.03 trees/m2) used. West. J. Appl. For. 17(4):207–208.
DamQuick: A New Method for Rapidly Assessing Residual Stand Damage During Partial Timber Harvests
Authors: Han H-Sup , Steele Thomas W. , Kellogg Loren D. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
The increasing frequency of partial timber harvest prescriptions has created the need for an efficient and accurate method of assessing residual stand damage. In this study, we developed and tested a new sampling method that exploits the general pattern of residual stand damage being concentrated near primary transport routes. The method, termed DamQuick, consists of systematic belt transects located immediately adjacent and parallel to the harvesting operation's extraction corridors. Plot measures of tree wounding are scaled by sampling intensity and a concentration factor to yield stand-level estimates of residual damage. The method was evaluated for a skyline thinning operation in western Oregon. DamQuick damage estimates were compared with actual damage levels obtained from a 100% survey for three thinning treatments—30, 60, and 100 residual trees/ac. The mean DamQuick estimates were statistically similar to actual stand damage levels (t = 0.366–0.651, P = 0.531–0.725) for all thinning treatments, with mean estimation errors (standard errors) ranging from 0.7% (0.9%) to 2.1% (4.4%). Operationally, DamQuick was easy to implement. The primary transport routes provided ready stand access, which facilitated plot location and establishment. West. J. Appl. For. 18(2):81–87.
Evaluation of Selenium as a Systemic Vole Repellent in Hybrid Poplars
Authors: Moser Brain W. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
The ability of a systemic selenium compound (SeO2) to reduce vole damage in hybrid poplars was tested in a feeding trial using captive voles. Selenium was applied to the soil around the base of trees twice during the growing season as 1000 mg SeO2 in 30 ml water. Treated cuttings achieved selenium concentrations of 6.43 ppm, over 9 × greater than controls (P < 0.001). Cuttings were taken from these treated and control trees, and offered to captive voles in a two-choice feeding trial. No significant differences (P = 0.205) in feeding were found between the selenium-treated and control cuttings. Although treated trees had higher levels of selenium than control trees, it appears that the concentrations tested did not reduce vole feeding on hybrid poplars. West. J. Appl. For. 18(3):163–165.
Structural Characteristics of Forest Stands Within Home Ranges of Mexican Spotted Owls in Arizona and New Mexico
Authors: Ganey Joseph L. , Block William M. , Ackers Steven H. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
As part of a set of studies evaluating home-range size and habitat use of radio-marked Mexican spotted owls (Strix occidentalis lucida), we sampled structural characteristics of forest stands within owl home ranges on two study areas in Arizona and New Mexico. Study areas were dominated by ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa)–Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii) forest (Arizona) or mixed-conifer forest (New Mexico). We describe structural characteristics of forest stands used by spotted owls for both foraging and roosting, in terms of central tendencies and variability in structural characteristics among stands. Our results indicated that stands used for foraging were more variable than stands used for roosting. Observed distributions of structural variables were consistent with recommendations in the recovery plan governing management of owl habitat with a few potentially important exceptions. We also provide additional recommendations for application in forest management, based both on observed data and on extensive collective experience with the owl and its habitat. West. J. Appl. For. 18(3):189–198.
Effects of Western Balsam Bark Beetle on Spruce-Fir Forests of North-Central Wyoming
Authors: McMillin Joel D. , Allen Kurt K. , Long Daniel F. , Harris Jeri Lyn , Negrón José F. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Western balsam bark beetle, Dryocoetes confusus (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), has caused widespread mortality of subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) in western North America throughout the past decade. The objectives of this study were to document the effects of this mortality, relate mortality to pre-existing stand conditions, and investigate the role of storm-damaged fir in beetle population dynamics in north-central Wyoming. Transect cruise lines and pairs of infested and uninfested plots were installed to detect changes in the forest overstory and understory and to determine associations between stand conditions and beetle-caused fir mortality. On average, beetles killed more than 70 trees/ac over the last several years. This mortality resulted in significant decreases in: subalpine fir basal area, trees per acre, stand density index, and the percentage of subalpine fir stems in the overstory. Small, but significant increases were detected in the understory; herbaceous plant abundance increased in the infested plots compared with the noninfested plots. Moreover, significant positive linear relationships were found between the amount of fir mortality and the percentage of subalpine fir trees in a stand, subalpine fir basal area, and subalpine fir stand density index. In addition, a significant positive linear relationship was found between the percentage of wind-caused downed fir logs in an area and the percentage of logs utilized by western balsam bark beetle. The blowdown events that occurred in the mid-1990s in combination with a high percentage of fir component has provided ideal conditions for continued beetle expansion. West. J. Appl. For. 18(4):259–266.
Log and Lumber Grades and Value from a Douglas-Fir Stand 20 Years after Thinning and Biosolids Fertilization
Authors: Briggs David , Sonne Edie , Turnblom Eric , Becker Gero 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Three replications of four treatments: biosolids fertilization, thinning, thinning plus biosolids fertilization, and untreated control were established in 1977 in a dense, low site, 55-yr-old Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) stand in western Washington. In 1998, 12 trees from each treatment were harvested, bucked into logs, and sawn into visually graded lumber. Taking into account effects of treatments on stand yield and log grades, biosolid fertilization only, thinning only, and thinning combined with biosolids increased log value/ac by $1,142 (19%), $3,642 (62%), and $9,069 (155%), respectively, over the untreated control. When treatment effects were viewed in terms of changes in lumber yield and quality, per acre gains over the control were $2,107 (26%), $5,683 (70%), and $10,708 (132%), respectively. Willingness to pay analysis indicates that if the landowner intends to manage the stand to a rotation of about 75 yr, each of the treatments, and especially the combination of thinning and applying biosolids, appears to be financially attractive at both 5 and 9% interest rates. However, if the rotation had been set at 55 yr, only the thinning/biosolids combination at 5% interest rate would entice management to delay immediate harvest. West. J. Appl. For. 19(1):34–41.