Understory

The area is located on the eastern exposure of the White Mountain range. It is deeply cut by the Poison Creek and Cottonwood Creek drainages, to such an extent that every conceivable topographic aspect is found. Elevations very from 9,900 feet to ll,419 feet above sea level. The soil is thin - and very rocky, the parent material being frequently exposed.

The area covers 800 acres (324 ha). Elevations range from 5100 ft to 5190 ft (1555- 1582 m). Topography is very gradual and gently-rolling, with one shallow, vernally flooded depression located in the south-central portion. A small area of fault-raised rimrock escarpment occurs on the northeast corner. Patterned ground related to frost heaving occurs in portions of the area.

Objects of study: To determine the growth rate and net growth of the residual stand after a heavy Forest Service cutting in an all-aged forest of the sugar pine-white fir type under optimum conditions, and the effects of cutting, logging and slash disposal upon the survival and growth of advance reproduction, the rate of restocking, and changes in composition of timber species and other vegetation.One special object of this experiment is to determine whether the proportion of sugar pine can be increased in a stand where the natural replacement by white fir is in progress.

The purpose of this paper is to describe the technique of sample plot work which experience has shown to give most efficiently the data desired in D-5. It will serve as a check list of equipment needed and things to be done. Even the experienced man will find it advantageous to check over these lists to see if he has the necessary equipment or has done the necessary things. There is no question but that careful attention to the many apparently trivial details will greatly increase the amount of work done in a day and produce better data, thereby simplifying office work.