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Forests in transition: Post-epidemic vegetation conditions [Chapter 4]

Informally Refereed
Download (PDF 900 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/46380.pdf

Abstract

More than 23 million acres of lodgepole pine forests across the western U.S. have experienced overstory mortality following the recent mountain pine beetle (MPB) epidemic (USDA Forest Service 2013). Unknowns regarding the immediate and long-term consequences of the epidemic challenge the ability of managers to make informed decisions aimed at sustaining forest health and delivery of ecosystem services. There is a large body of research regarding the recovery of lodgepole pine forest following fire and logging; however, the trajectory of stand development in beetle-killed forests is poorly understood. Research presented in this webinar aims to better understand forest recovery following the MPB epidemic, including the impacts of management options on regeneration, fuel loads, and potential fire behavior.

Parent Publication

Citation

Hubbard, Rob; Battaglia, Michael; Rhoades, Chuck; Thinnes, Jim; Martin, Tom; Underhill, Jeff; Westfahl, Mark. 2014. Forests in transition: Post-epidemic vegetation conditions [Chapter 4]. In: Matonis, M.; Hubbard, R.; Gebert, K.; Hahn, B.; Miller, S.; Regan, C. Future Forests Webinar Series, Webinar Proceedings and Summary: Ongoing Research and Management Responses to the Mountain Pine Beetle Outbreak. Proceedings RMRS-P-70. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 29-38.