Environmental effects of forest residues management in the Pacific Northwest: a state-of-knowledge compendium.

Abstract

Forest land generally produces considerable woody material other than that which is harvested as timber, needed for recycling of nutrients to the soil, or for sheltering wildlife and young forest seedlings. Excess forest residues, both living and dead, are often subject to treatment to reduce fire hazard, to eliminate obstruction to use and protection of the forest, and to remove unsightly accumulations of residue remaining after logging, road construction, or land clearing, or from thinning and pruning. The effects of these residues and of their treatment are frequently important, generally unmeasured, and are only poorly known. In this compendium, 27 research scientists have summarized the present state of knowledge of the effects of forest residues and residue treatments on the components of the forest environment: soil, water, air, fire, scenery, plant and forest growth, animal habitat, insects, and disease. In addition, they have questioned some current practices and have identified areas for research attention where current knowledge is lacking.

Citation

Cramer, Owen P. 1974. Environmental effects of forest residues management in the Pacific Northwest: a state-of-knowledge compendium. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-024. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 543 p