Vegetation in group-selection openings: early trends

Abstract

Nine openings that ranged from 0.2 to 1.6 acres and were grouped into small, medium, and large size classes comprised the initial group-selection cut on the Boggs Mountain State Forest in north central California. Five growing seasons after site preparation by pile and burn, 81 plant species in 35 families were present. Forbs, ferns, graminoids, manzanita, other shrubs, and ponderosa pine seedlings were sampled in a variety of environments that ranged from the surrounding forest to near plot centers. Few statistically significant differences were found among opening sizes, but developing trends suggest that significant differences will occur in the near future. Many statistical differences were present when the location of the vegetation in the forest and openings was tested. In general, the density of manzanita, other shrubs, and ferns in the openings was greater than that in the forest. Cover of pine seedlings, manzanita, ferns, and forbs showed similar trends. Ponderosa pine seedling height was significantly larger near plot centers.

Citation

McDonald, Philip M.; Anderson, Paula J.; Fiddler, Gary O. 1997. Vegetation in group-selection openings: early trends. Res. Note PSW-RN-421. Albany, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 7 p