Treesearch

I was disappointed with the OSHA report of the South Canyon Fire. My feelings are not the result of any need to defend my agency (USDA Forest Service). In another time and place, I thought the OSHA report following the death of Bill Martin (a smokejumper who died in a training jump) was right on target. In that instance I was disappointed with my agency's response. But that is not the case with this OSHA report. The bottom line is that the report will not help prevent future loss of life. The report is a quick fix aimed at what Argyris (1990) calls "single-loop learning" and is counterprodu...

Two years ago I attended a camp with fellow silviculturists in central North Carolina. Camp Kanuga provided all kinds of fun activities. We described ecosystems and designed silvicultural systems for a variety of objectives; and as our camp scribe (Phil Aune) noted, the central camp theme evolved into ecosystem management. I am not sure exactly how or what happened but Phil Aune, Andy Youngblood, Nelson Loftus, and I rudely woke the sleeping giant of ecosystem management. However, as often happens in these circumstances, only one individual gets blamed for the deed. After Camp Kanuga, Phil...

Data from a study on the effect of small-scale disturbances on small mammal prey of the Mexican spotted owl illustrates how spatial models of canopy cover and disturbance profiles of forest stands might be used to define forest stand condition and develop silvicultural prescriptions.

The Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) planning process was developed to help define objectives for recreation management in wilderness. This process can be applied to fire in wilderness if its conceptual foundation is broadened. LAC would lead decision makers to identify a compromise between the goal of allowing fire to play its natural role in wilderness and various constraints, such as threats to life and property. Fires would be allowed to burn as prescribed natural fires as long as preestablished criteria related to these constraints were not exceeded.

A technique for using natural materials to build artificial nests for bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and other raptors is detailed. Properly constructed nests are as permanently secured to the nest tree or cliff substrate as any eagle-built nest or human-made platform. Construction normally requires about three hours and at least two people. This technique is simple, effective, physically and aesthetically unobtrusive, and free of material hassles.

We used the Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS) and GRAFM graphics display to investigate conditions associated with the stability of an old-growth stand and to evaluate the potential for two managed stands of contrasting but representative conditions to develop structures similar to the old-growth stand. Simulations indicate that the example old-growth stand can retain old-growth characteristics for up to 100 years in the absence of catastrophic disturbance. Modeling also indicated that silvicultural intervention could enhance the future old-growth potential of the two managed stands.

The silvicultural practices prescribed under an ecosystem management regimen will alter the volume and character of National Forests' marketable raw material base. This alteration will affect forest-dependent communities that have traditionally relied upon these resources for their economic and social well being. Community based atypical forest products, processes and uses, such as landscape timbers, mushrooms, rustic furniture, seasonal greens, etc. add value to the smaller, more diverse and/or less traditional raw materials these silvicultural practices will provide. As it implements...

1. Experimental trampling was conducted in 18 vegetation types in five separate mountain regions in the United States. Each type was trampled 0-500 times. Response to trampling was assessed by determining vegetation cover 2 weeks after trampling and 1 year after trampling. 2. Response varied significantly with trampling intensity and vegetation type. Trampling intensity and vegetation type explained more of the variation in vegetation cover 2 weeks after trampling than they did 1 year after trampling. 3. For most vegetation types, the relationship between vegetation cover after trampling...

A standard protocol for conducting experimental trampling studies was developed by Cole and Bayfield (1993). Two variables that were not standardized in that protocol are the type of shoe worn by tramplers and the weight of tramplers. In a study conducted in four different vegetation types, tramplers wearing lug-soled boots caused significantly more immediate vegetation cover loss than tramplers wearing running shoes. Shoe type had no significant effect on cover loss 1 year after trampling or on vegetation height. Heavier tramplers caused a significantly greater reduction in vegetation...

Includes 32 papers documenting presentations at the 1995 Forest Service National Silviculture Workshop. The workshop's purpose was to review, discuss, and share silvicultural research information and management experience critical to forest health on National Forest System lands and other Federal and private forest lands. Papers focus on the role of natural disturbances, assessment and monitoring, partnerships, and the role of silviculture in forest health.