Treesearch
Multi-age, multi-use: Tips for transforming Rocky Mountain ponderosa pine forests from even-aged to multi-aged structures
| Authors: | Annabelle Moore, Neil Williams, Justin S. Crotteau, Sharon M. Hood |
| Year: | 2026 |
| Type: | Science Bulletins and Newsletters |
| Station: | Rocky Mountain Research Station |
| Source: | Science You Can Use In 5 Minutes. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station |
Download (PDF 1.00 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/80945.pdf
Abstract
Have you ever looked at a towering ponderosa pine forest and wondered how old the trees are? Were all the trees of a similar age, known as an “even-aged structure,” such as often results from a reforestation effort where all the seedlings were planted at the same time. Or were there a mixture of young and old trees? That sort of “multi-aged structure” in ponderosa pine forests is desirable as it can meet many of the goals of multi-use land management. A forest stand with different-aged trees can support timber production, livestock grazing, recreation opportunities, wildlife habitat, and native plant diversity.