National Forest System working circles: a question of size and ownership composition

Abstract

Allowable-cut (potential yield) levels on National Forest land are determined for planning units called working circles. The size of working circles has been increased over the past 30 years to the present scale which is often coincident with National Forest boundaries. Larger working circles have recently been considered because of the anticipated impacts on timber supply. A larger total potential yield could result from larger working circles. Alternatives for expansion of working circles must be assessed in light of present Forest Service timber management policy and the impacts of timber supply. These alternates include (a) combination of National Forests, (b) multi-ownership units, and (c) regional planning units. Present policy serves to limit the feasibility of larger working circles. Feasible alternatives would require a change in basic management policy.

Citation

Hrubes, Robert J. 1976. National Forest System working circles: a question of size and ownership composition. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-16. Berkeley, California: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experminent Station; 8 p