Older stands characterized and estimated from sample-based surveys

Abstract

Old growth criteria from the literature are applied to existing data from systematic sample-based surveys to obtain estimates of detailed attributes for private as well as public stands in the Interior Highlands of Arkansas and Oklahoma. Approximately ¼ of the regions forest is mature. With the most stringent old growth criteria applied, less than 2% of the forested land in the region qualify, and less than 1% is undisturbed by fire, livestock, and/or wood production.In addition, stand histories for selected tracts of older growthoutside the National Forest are described. This report makes clear that there are limited areas of older stands, which suggests the overwhelming importance of efforts to manage and restore old growth on National Forests and elsewhere in the region.

Citation

Devall, Margaret S.; Rudis, Victor A. 1991. Older stands characterized and estimated from sample-based surveys. Restoration of old growth forests in the Interior Highlands of Arkansas and Oklahoma: Proceedings of the conference; 1990 September 19-20; Morrilton, AR; Winrock International and Hot Springs, AR: Ouachita National Forest: 121-138.