Caring for a wild and scenic river

Abstract

The Middle Fork Clearwater Wild and Scenic River was established under the 1968 Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Forest Service managers gradually became concerned with the increasing loss of the large, old ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir that characterize much of the river corridor and adjacent uplands. The perceived dilemma was how to maintain both high esthetic values and a seral forest that was resilient in the face of wildfire, insect attacks, and disease presence. The Lochsa District on the Clearwater Forest developed guidelines for management within the corridor. Prescriptions included shelterwood with reserves, group selection, and prescribed fire. These treatments maintained the highly esthetic character, improved big game winter range, reduced fire hazard, maintained soil stability on steep slopes, realized an economic return, and set up these forests for long-term resiliency.

Parent Publication

• Silviculture in special places: proceedings of the 2003 National Silviculture Workshop

Citation

Hazelbaker, Kris. 2004. Caring for a wild and scenic river. In: Shepperd, Wayne D.; Eskew, Lane G., compilers. 2004. Silviculture in special places: Proceedings of the National Silviculture Workshop; 2003 September 8-11; Granby, CO. Proceedings RMRS-P-34. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 207-216