When these buffers are used in a reserve approach for conserving biodiversity, the remaining lands tended to be managed more intensively. This resulted in linear, fragmented late-successional reserves which are subject to edge effects. Biodiversity Pathway thinnings were more profitable than traditional commercial thinnings as more wood was removed early, resulting in larger more valuable trees for later thinnings. A regulated steady state mosaic is needed across the landscape to avoid severe cyclic effects on the ecology and economy of the area. Acheiving a regulated state entails a cost.
Present conditions are a challenge to bringing the landscape into a steady state mosaic.
The least expensive time to begin the process is immediately after harvest. The hypotheses underlying the Biodiversity Pathway are being tested in the field at several locations. Multiple density thinnings and cavity creation are being explored at Ft. Lewis, Washington under the Forest Ecosystem Study. The Habitat Development Study on the Olympic National Forest is looking at the effects of variable thinnings combined with several approaches to managing coarse woody debris.