The intertwining paths of the density managment and riparian buffer study and the Northwest Forest Plan

Abstract

Initiated simultaneously, the Density Management and Riparian Buff er Study of western Oregon and the Northwest Forest Plan have had intertwining paths related to federal forest management and policy changes in the Pacifi c Northwest over the last 15 to 20 years. We briefl y discuss the development of the Northwest Forest Plan and how it changed the way forest policy was developed in the region. Th e concurrent conceptualization and implementation of the Density Management and Riparian Buff er Study within this new management framework resulted in a proof-of-concept for adaptive management approaches outlined in the Plan, especially relative to riparian and upland restoration practices. Th e Density Management Study serves as a model for integrated knowledge discovery and adaptive management within the context of the federal forest plan. The future of the study appears to be similarly interconnected with the interagency plan for federal lands management.

Parent Publication

• Density management in the 21st century: west side story

Citation

Ruzicka, Kenneth J., Jr.; Olson, Deanna H.; Puettmann, Klaus J. 2013. The intertwining paths of the density managment and riparian buffer study and the Northwest Forest Plan. In: Anderson, P.D.; Ronnenberg, K.L., eds. Density management in the 21st century: west side story. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-880. Portland, OR: US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station: 10–21.