Managers’ perspectives: practical experience and challenges associated with variable-density operations and uneven-aged management

Abstract

Variable-density thinning has received a lot of public attention in recent years and has subsequently become standard language in most of the Willamette National Forest’s timber management projects. Many techniques have been tried, with varying on-the-ground successes. To accomplish variable-density thinning, the McKenzie River Ranger District currently uses combinations of techniques such as skips, gaps, dominant tree releases, variable thinning prescriptions, designation by description (DxD), and individually marked trees within the same harvest unit. Th e major challenge associated with implementing variable-density thinning occurs during pre-sale. Depending on the level of variability within the harvest unit, it is estimated that it takes up to twice as long to complete a timber sale package from layout through the fi nal contract. Issues for pre-sale resulting from variable-density thinning include: 1) more complex physical layout on the ground; 2) increased GPSing; 3) increase in cruising time; 4) increased complexity in the maps; and 5) increase in requirements of the contract.

Parent Publication

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

Citation

Steele, Kurtis E. 2013. Managers’ perspectives: practical experience and challenges associated with variable-density operations and uneven-aged management. 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: 216-216.