Canopy opening and site preparation effects on conifer and understory establishment and growth after an uneven-aged free selection regeneration harvest in the northern Rocky Mountains, USA

Terrie B. Jain; Russell T. Graham; John C. Byrne; Benjamin C. Bright

doi:10.3390/f11060622

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Canopy opening and site preparation effects on conifer and understory establishment and growth after an uneven-aged free selection regeneration harvest in the northern Rocky Mountains, USA

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Terrie B. Jain, Russell T. Graham, John C. Byrne, Benjamin C. Bright

Year:

2020

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3390/f11060622

Source:

Forests. 1: 622.

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Abstract

Forest management is trending toward creating multi-aged forest structures and diverse vegetative compositions. The challenge is successfully designing and implementing treatments that create these diverse forests. Regeneration establishment is the most important step when applying a silvicultural system because it determines future treatments and optimizes management options. This study provided the minimum canopy openings that favor the establishment of shade-tolerant and shade-intolerant tree species to inform the implementation of uneven-aged management.

Keywords

mixed moist conifer, shade-intolerant tree species, western white pine, restoration, variable density thinning, multi-aged forests

Citation

Jain, Theresa B.; Graham, Russell T.; Byrne, John C.; Bright, Benjamin C. 2020. Canopy opening and site preparation effects on conifer and understory establishment and growth after an uneven-aged free selection regeneration harvest in the northern Rocky Mountains, USA. Forests. 1: 622.