Treesearch

This handbook summarizes data from studies of central hardwood reproduction after harvest cuttings ranging from single-tree selection cutting to complete clearcutting. Regardless of how the stands were cut, natural reproduction was always adequate to produce acceptable new stands; but the heavier cuttings favored intolerant species and faster growth of all species. Reproduction present after harvest cutting consisted of varying proportions of new seedlings, advance reproduction, new sprouts from advance reproduction, and stump sprouts.

The five most important upland oaks of eastern North America are white oak (Quercus alba), chestnut oak (Q. prinus), northern red oak (Q. rubra), black oak (Q. velutina), and scarlet oak (Q. coccinea). Of these, white oak and northern red oak are most characteristic of northern aspects, coves, and lower slopes, while chestnut oak, black oak, and scarlet oak are typically found on upper slopes and dry ridges.

I was invited to talk to you about some of the things tree improvement can do to help our forest environment. Now I do not claim to have a corner on the market for ideas that geneticists can use in our environment, and I know that a number of scholarly papers have been presented previously on this subject.

How important are butt defects in hardwoods? We have no reliable estimate of the volume or value of timber lost through basal injuries. However, butt defects will be almost as important in future timber harvests as they are at present. Why? Because most butt defects are due to two causes: fire and logging. Damage from both these agents may be reduced, but it certainly will not be eliminated.

The grade of eastern white pine lumber is determined primarily by the condition, size, and frequency of natural blemishes characteristic of the species. These include bark pockets, cross grain, rot, knots, pitch pockets, and shake. Mismanufacture and seasoning defects also affect lumber grade. This guide, based on our latest knowledge about the identification and evaluation of surface blemishes on eastern white pine logs and trees, was prepared for use as an aid in applying the standard eastern white pine log grades.

Wood residues, particularly large chips, play an important role in the electric smelting of certain ferro-alloys. This is a report on the characteristics and growth potential of the market for wood in the electrometallurgicaI industry, including a brief account of how wood is used in electrometallurgical processes, a discussion of the preferred form of wood used, a description of plant locations and factors affecting the market, and a look to the future.

Rain, falling on a sloping forested soil, may enter the soil quickly and move considerable distances through the soil by way of macropores. A macropore is a large pore, cavity, passageway, channel, tunnel, or void in the soil, through which water usually drains by gravity. Large quantities of water can move through the soil by way of these macropores-without appreciably wetting the soil mass. This phenomenon complicates the study and management of forested watersheds. A series of studies was undertaken to provide information about the nature, extent, and influence of macropores, as an aid...

This paper is principally a description of one technique used in the development of white oak (Quercus alba L.) sawbolt grades--not a final sawbolt grading system for the species over its range. This technique can be used by anyone in developing other bolt-grade specifications or in refining the system presented in this paper.

As part of its research to help woodland owners benefit from the recreation potential of their land, the USDA Forest Service recently conducted a survey of individuals and groups in New York State who lease private land for recreation purposes. Similar studies have been conducted in other Northeastern States.