The alchemy of addition: Cutting and burning together most effective in reducing fuels and improving forest resilience

Lou Dzierzak; Sharon M. Hood; Justin S. Crotteau; Cory Cleveland

Treesearch

The alchemy of addition: Cutting and burning together most effective in reducing fuels and improving forest resilience

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Lou Dzierzak, Sharon M. Hood, Justin S. Crotteau, Cory Cleveland

Year:

2024

Type:

Science Bulletins and Newsletters

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

Source:

Science You Can Use (in 5 Minutes), June 2024. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 2 p.

Download (PDF 1.09 MB)

Download (PDF 1.09 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/67693.pdf

Abstract

Scientists have spent decades trying to understand how to best promote resilient forests and reduce fuels. A golden endeavor certainly. Is the best approach using a series of prescribed burns? Or is it mechanically cutting trees? Or does the additive effect of both cutting and burning provide the best alchemy?

Keywords

prescribed burning, mechanical treatment, fuel reduction, restoration

Citation

Dzierzak, Lou; Hood, Sharon; Crotteau, Justin; Cleveland, Cory. 2024. The alchemy of addition: Cutting and burning together most effective in reducing fuels and improving forest resilience. Science You Can Use (in 5 Minutes), June 2024. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 2 p.