Treesearch

Many varieties of eucalyptus adapt well to growing conditions in the coastal and central valley regions of California. The California Department of Forestry is conducting growth research on a variety of sites throughout the state with many species. Eucalyptus is an excellent fuelwood and has potential for other uses, including chemical feedstocks. Plantations established on marginal sites may be an alternative to grazing or agricultural crops.

While public agencies, nurserymen and landscapers are receiving more inquiries about individual eucalyptus species for California plantings, little information is readily available to them on the potential usefulness or adaptability of these species. A survey of eucalyptus species was undertaken to collect information on their performance both in California trials, their native range and other overseas countries. It is proposed that this survey form the basis of a printed handbook and computer database on eucalyptus in California as an ongoing interagency project. \t\t\t

Ninety-two species of Eucalyptus were evaluated at the University of California re- search station in San Jose. The purpose: to find acceptable new street and park trees. Growth rates and horticultural characteristics were noted. Forty-three species were studied in locations statewide to evaluate site adaptation and landscape usefulness; flooded, cold, dry, saline. Susceptibility-to and recovery-from the prolonged freeze of December 1972 was studied and published. Species response was wide. Prevention of unwanted resprouts was studied. Four alternatives for success were offered.

Escalating harvest of remnant oldgrowth forests in the Pacific Northwest has precipitated concern for marten (Martes americana) as an old-growth dependent species (Meslow et al. 1981). Although recent studies have increased our understanding of marten habitat requirements (Koehler and Hornocker 1977, Soutiere 1979, Steventon and Major 1982), little in-depth research has been done in the Pacific states. Also, the influences of specific forest attributes on marten selection of resting and foraging sites have been insufficiently quantified. This study details marten selection of resting and...

The family Mustelidae is large and many mustelid species guilds are larger than other carnivore guilds. For example, in northeastern North America half the native carnivore species are mustelids (Hail 1981). Though competition between mustelids has not been proven (vis-a-vis Connor & Simberloff 1979), mustelid sympatry has always been explained by size differences that reduce competition for food (Rosenzweig 1966). We find it difficult to believe that size differences alone explain the coexistence of so many mustelids, especially in the genera Martes and Mustela.

Selected crown and bole characteristics were predictor variables in growth classification equations developed for California red fir, Shasta red fir, and white fir in northern California. Individual firs were classified on the basis of percent basal area increment (PCTBAI ) as Class 1 (≤ 1 pct), Class 2 (> 1 pct and ≤ 3 pct), or Class 3 (> 3 pct). Data from increment borings indicated that the equations accurately classified about 75 percent of trees at least 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter-at-breast-height (d.b.h. ), except those firs in stands seriously disturbed within the previous decade...

WNDCOM is a mathematical model for estimating surface winds in mountainous terrain. By following the procedures described, the sheltering and diverting effect of terrain, the individual components of the windflow, and the surface wind in remote mountainous areas can be estimated. Components include the contribution from the synoptic scale pressure gradient, the sea breeze, the slope wind, and the valley wind. For each component, a brief description, the data and information needed for estimation, and step-by-step procedures are provided.

The analysis of alternative fire management programs should be integrated into the land and resource management planning process, but a single fire management analysis model cannot meet all planning needs. Therefore, a set of simulation models that are analytically separate from integrated land management planning models are required. The design of four levels of fire management analysis that contribute to the planning process has been developed. The interactions among these four levels and between the fire management analysis and the planning process are designed for consistency and...

Urban encroachment into chaparral areas has accelerated the fire-flood-erosion cycle. Preventative maintenance measures can help reduce the damage from fire and flood. This report describes the chaparral environment; how to cope with problems in watershed management, how to landscape for fire and soil erosion control, how to plan for home safety from fire, how to treat newly burned chaparral slopes, how to clear brush around homes; and what to do when caught in a wildfire. The information reported is addressed to homeowners, buyers, and developers; and architects, planners, and other...

A simple Monte Carlo simulation evaluated the effect of several fire management strategies on soil slip erosion and wildfires. The current condition was compared to (1) a very intensive fuelbreak system without prescribed fires, and (2) prescribed fire at four time intervals with (a) current fuelbreaks and (b) intensive fuel-breaks. The intensive fuelbreak system caused a slight increase in soil slip erosion and a reduction of about 12 percent in average annual wildfire area associated with each of the prescribed fire intervals. All of the prescribed fire strategies greatly reduced...