Managed plantations will lack the multilayered canopy, diverse tree sizes, and abundant snags and fallen trees that exist in natural forests. Compared to younger managed forests, ancient forests may show greater resistance to catastrophic wildfires because of their higher moisture content and mix of hardwood and conifer species present. The northern spotted owl was declared threatened in July of 1990. The Pacific Northwest natural salmon and other anadromous fish industry does seem to be threatened by rapid clear cutting of ancient trees. Many times the debris in clear-cut areas is burned after logging is complete.
Snags are mostly absent from reforested areas.
Chandler, William J., ed. San Diego, Harcourt Brace, 1989. Portland, Timber Press, 1988. Mitchell, John G. Dispatches From the Deep Wood . Lincoln, University of Nebraska Press, 1991.