Developing new silvicultural regimes: the eyes have it.

Abstract

What are the best alternatives for easing conflict among aesthetics, economic values, and sustained wood production of responsible timber harvesting? How can forest managers craft options across a landscape for a mix of values and forest conditions? In part, with an understanding of the interactions of sustained timber production, wildlife habitat, and aesthetics.

This issue of Science Findings examines a joint research project being conducted by the PNW Research Station and the Washington Department of Natural Resources on highly productive, predominate Douglas-fir land in the 90,000-acre Capitol Forest near Olympia, Washington.

Scientists developed six biologically and operationally reasonable options to study: clearcut, extended rotation without thinning,retained overstory, small patch cutting, group selection, and extended rotation with commercial thinning. One key finding to emerge early from the study is that foresters, environmentalists, tree farmers, and nonforestry undergraduate students view the aesthetics of many silvicultural practices similarly. The differences of opinion among these groups are mostly in the degree to which they like or dislike a particular practice.

Citation

Duncan, Sally. 2000. Developing new silvicultural regimes: the eyes have it. Science Findings. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. January (21): 1-5