The selection system of silviculture in spruce-fir stands - procedures, early results, and comparisons with unmanaged stands

Abstract

Early results after 20 years of record keeping indicate that spruce-fir stands will respond to the selection system of silviculture. Stand quality is improved, species composition can be altered, diameter-class distribution approaches a stated goal, stand density is controlled, and yields are increased. Selection silviculture in spruce-fir can now be compared to early results from unregulated harvesting (commercial clearcutting) and no management for wood products (woodland preserve or wilderness). Lack of direct comparisons between selection silvicultural management and no management in spruce-fir stands has been partly responsible for the limited acceptance of the method.

Citation

Frank, Robert M.; Blum, Barton M. 1978. The selection system of silviculture in spruce-fir stands - procedures, early results, and comparisons with unmanaged stands. Res. Pap. NE-425. Broomall, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. 15p.