Restoring forest health: fire and thinning effects on mixed-conifer forests

Malcolm P. North

Treesearch

Restoring forest health: fire and thinning effects on mixed-conifer forests

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Malcolm P. North

Year:

2006

Type:

Miscellaneous Publication

Station:

Pacific Southwest Research Station

Source:

Science Perspective PSW-SP-007. Albany, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 6 p

Download (PDF 2.68 MB)

Download (PDF 2.68 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/31206.pdf

Abstract

Even after 140 years without a fire, mixed-conifer forest such as Teakettle's Experimental Forest has a distinct patch pattern and complex structure. Researcher Malcolm North and colleagues examined the structure and function of these ecosystems and their response to widely used restoration treatments. Collectively the studies found fire was essential to restoring many ecosystem processes and that thinning could be best used as a tool to influence burn intensity and extent.

Citation

North, Malcolm P. 2006. Restoring forest health: fire and thinning effects on mixed-conifer forests. Science Perspective PSW-SP-007. Albany, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 6 p