Land tenure may be broadly categorized into private lands, federal lands, and provincial Crown lands. The Forest Act defines a number of forestry tenures by which the cutting of timber and other user rights to Crown land are assigned Thermal Cover a component of habitat that reduces seasonal and daily temperature fluctuations, especially important for larger animals. Thinning A tree removal practice that reduces tree density and competition between trees in a stand. Thinning concentrates growth on fewer, high-quality trees, provides periodic income, and generally enhances tree vigor.
Heavy thinning can benefit wildlife through the increased growth of ground vegetation.
If done before any of the material cut can be sold, the thinning is precommercial. If material from the operation can be sold, then it is a commercial thinning. Timber Cruise see cruise. An environmental review document required by the California Forest Practices Act, laying out the conditions of a logging operation. Improving the quality of a forest stand by removing or killing undesirable species to achieve desired stocking and species composition.