DOCSLIB.ORG

Old Growth, Disturbance, Forest Succession, and Management in the Area of the Northwest Forest Plan

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Old Growth, Disturbance, Forest Succession, and Management in the Area of the Northwest Forest Plan Chapter 3: Old Growth, Disturbance, Forest Succession, and Management in the Area of the Northwest Forest Plan Thomas A. Spies, Paul F. Hessburg, Carl N. Skinner, Klaus and mitigation) are addressed mainly in chapter 2 of this J. Puettmann, Matthew J. Reilly, Raymond J. Davis, Jane A. report. Although, our effort is primarily based on pub- Kertis, Jonathan W. Long, and David C. Shaw1 lished literature, we bring in other sources where peer-re- viewed literature is lacking, and we conduct some limited Introduction analyses using existing data. We are guided by the NWFP In this chapter, we examine the scientific basis of the monitoring questions, those from federal managers and assumptions, management strategies, and goals of the our reading of the past three decades of science. Northwest Forest Plan (NWFP, or Plan) relative to Old-growth forests can be viewed through many the ecology of old-growth forests, forest successional ecological and social lenses (Kimmins 2003, Moore 2007, dynamics, and disturbance processes. Our emphasis is Spies and Duncan 2009, Spies and Franklin 1996). Socially, on “coarse-filter” approaches to conservation (i.e., those old growth has powerful spiritual values symbolizing that are concerned with entire ecosystems, their species wild nature left to its own devices (Kimmins 2003, Moore and habitats, and the processes that support them) (Hunter 2007), and many people value old growth for its own sake 1990, Noss 1990). The recently published 2012 planning (“intrinsic” values, sensu Moore 2007). Old growth also has rule has increased emphasis on land management rooted many “instrumental” or useful functions, including habitat in ecological integrity and ecosystem processes, using for native plants or animals (e.g., the northern spotted owl coarse-filter approaches to conserve biological diversity [Strix occidentalis caurina]), carbon sequestration (Har- (Schultz et al. 2013). Fine-filter approaches (e.g., species mon et al. 1990), and other ecosystem services. No single centric), which are also included in the 2012 planning viewpoint fully captures the nature of the old-growth issue rule, are discussed in other chapters. We synthesize new as it relates to federal forest management. We focus here findings, characterize scientific disagreements, identify on ecological perspectives (Kimmins 2003, Oliver 2009, emerging issues (e.g., early-successional habitat and Ruggiero et al. 1991, Spies 2004, Spies and Franklin 1996), fire suppression effects) and discuss uncertainties and many of which are overlapping conceptually and in com- research needs. We also discuss the relevance of our mon parlance. Old growth is many things at the same time; findings for management. Climate change effects on vege- for example, old growth is: tation and disturbance and possible responses (adaptation • An ecosystem “distinguished by old trees and related structural attributes. Old-growth encom- passes the later stages of stand development that 1 Thomas A. Spies is a senior scientist, U.S. Department of typically differ from earlier stages in a variety of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR 97331; Paul F. Hessburg characteristics including tree size, accumulation is a research landscape ecologist, U.S. Department of Agricul- ture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, 1133 of large dead woody material, number of canopy N Western Ave., Wenatchee, WA 98801; Carl N. Skinner is a layers, species composition and ecosystem function” geographer (retired), U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Ser- vice, Pacific Southwest Research Station, 3644 Avtech Parkway, (USDA FS 1989). Redding, CA 96002; Klaus J. Puettmann is a professor, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331; Matthew J. Reilly is a • An ecological state resulting from interactions among postdoctoral researcher, Humboldt State University, Department of successional, disturbance, and ecosystem processes Biological Sciences, 1 Harpst Street, Arcata, CA 95521; Raymond J. Davis is a wildlife biologist and Jane A. Kertis is an ecologist, (e.g., nutrient and carbon cycles, microclimate). U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR 97331; Jonathan • A biological condition defined in terms of life histo- W. Long is an ecologist, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest ries and demographics of forest plant species. Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, 1731 Research Park Dr., Davis, CA 95618; David C. Shaw is a professor, Oregon State • A habitat for particular fauna, flora, and fungi. University, Corvallis, OR 97331. 95 GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT PNW-GTR-966 We define old-growth forests based on live and O’Hara et al. 1996, Spies 2006, and Davis et al. 2015 for dead structure and tree species composition (see below). more discussion of old-growth or old-forest definitions). Old-growth forests in the NWFP area differ with age, According to Spies and Franklin (1988), old-growth is part forest type, environment, and disturbance regime (Reilly of a structural and compositional continuum of successional and Spies 2015, Spies and Franklin 1991). The variability stages that varies by environment. According to O’Hara et and complexity of site conditions, forest succession, and al. (1996), speaking of frequently disturbed environments, disturbance processes make defining old-growth difficult old forest is a part of the successional continuum that varies or impossible under a single definition. Under the U.S. by environment and disturbance processes, which have the Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service ability to advance or retard succession. (USDA FS 1989) definition (above), the only features To operationalize the successional continuum con- distinguishing old-growth from other forests, across all cept of old-forest development, Davis et al. (2015) created forest types, are the dominance or codominance of old, an old-growth structure index (OGSI) to characterize the large, live and dead trees (multiple canopy layers are not degree of old-growth structure (“old-growthiness” cali- necessarily a defining characteristic). For example, in brated by potential vegetation type) that occurs in a stand fire-frequent historical forest types, old-growth forests of any age or history, for use in mapping and monitoring have large old live and dead trees, but amounts of dead- in the Plan area. Two definitions for late successional/old wood are low, canopies are generally open, and areas with growth were then created: OGSI 80 (structural conditions multiple canopy layers are uncommon (Dunbar-Irwin and commonly found in forests that are 80 years and older) Safford 2016, Safford and Stevens 2016, Youngblood et al. and OGSI 200 (structural conditions that are represen- 2004) (fig. 3-1). tative of forests containing trees that are more than 200 In the NWFP, “older forests” were defined as “late-suc- years of age). These classes roughly correspond to the cessional/old-growth” based largely on stand developmental definitions used by FEMAT, the Forest Ecosystem Man- and successional patterns of Douglas-fir/western hemlock agement Assessment Team (FEMAT 1993), for mature (Pseudotsuga menziesii/Tsuga heterophylla) forests (Frank- trees (80 to 200 years old) (e.g., “late- successional” in lin et al. 2002) (fig. 3-2). This multilayered closed-canopy the NWFP) and old growth (>200 years) but have the old growth (e.g., canopy cover >80 percent) was the focal advantage of being structure based and calibrated to dif- point of old-growth conservation during the development of ferent potential vegetation types. Also, given that this is a the NWFP, but as we shall argue, old growth is far more continuous index, other age/development thresholds (e.g., diverse than that and functions quite differently across the 120 years) could be used for mapping and monitoring. range of the northern spotted owl. “Older forests” in the We note that the structure index and definitions used original NWFP includes mature forests, 80 to 200 years of in the monitoring program are based on current forest age—a pre-old-growth stage, known somewhat confusingly conditions from forest inventory plots, which means that in as “late-successional”2 in the Plan), and old-growth forests. fire-frequent dry zone forests, the structure and composition Old-growth has been defined in the NWFP and elsewhere as of old growth is a product of 100 years or more of fire forests containing large and old, live and dead trees, a exclusion and highly altered forest development processes. variety of sizes of other trees, and vertical and horizontal Inventory definitions for dry, old forests based on densities heterogeneity in tree clumps, gaps, and canopy layering (see of large-diameter fire-tolerant trees have been developed for the eastern Washington Cascade Range (Franklin et al. 2007a). However, definitions and indices of dry, fire- 2 Most of the time in this document, we use the term “late suc- cessional” to refer to vegetation that is in the later stages of forest dependent, old-growth forest structure at stand and land- succession where age, height, and biomass are near maximum and scape scales are still needed for the larger NWFP area (see shade-tolerant species are the primary understory or overstory tree species. This broad class would include old growth according to below for further discussion). classic definitions in textbooks (Barnes et al. 1998). 96 Synthesis of Science to Inform Land Management
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Dynamics and Disturbance in an Old-Growth Forest Remnant In
    DYNAMICS AND DISTURBANCE IN AN OLD-GROWTH FOREST REMNANT IN WESTERN OHIO Thesis Submitted to The College of Arts and Sciences of the UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for The Degree of Master of Science in Biology By Sean Michael Goins UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON Dayton, Ohio August, 2012 DYNAMICS AND DISTURBANCE IN AN OLD-GROWTH FOREST REMNANT IN WESTERN OHIO Name: Goins, Sean Michael APPROVED BY: __________________________________________ Ryan W. McEwan, Ph.D. Committee Chair Assistant Professor __________________________________________ M. Eric Benbow, Ph.D. Committee Member Assistant Professor __________________________________________ Mark G. Nielsen, Ph.D. Committee Member Associate Professor ii ABSTRACT DYNAMICS AND DISTURBANCE IN AN OLD-GROWTH FOREST REMNANT IN WESTERN OHIO Name: Goins, Sean Michael University of Dayton Advisor: Dr. Ryan W. McEwan Forest communities are dynamic through time, reacting to shifts in disturbance and climate regimes. A widespread community shift has been witnessed in many forests of eastern North America wherein oak (Quercus spp.) populations are decreasing while maple (Acer spp.) populations are increasing. Altered fire regimes over the last century are thought to be the primary driver of oak-to-maple community shifts; however, the influence of other non-equilibrium processes on this community shift remains under- explored. Our study sought to determine the community structure and disturbance history of an old-growth forest remnant in an area of western Ohio where fires were historically uncommon. To determine community structure, abundance of woody species was measured within 32 plots at 4 canopy strata and dendrochronology was used to determine the relative age-structure of the forest.
    [Show full text]
  • Fifth World Forestry Congress
    Proceedings of the Fifth World Forestry Congress VOLUME 1 RE University of Washington, Seattle, Washington United States of America August 29September 10, 1960 The President of the United States of America DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER Patron Fifth World Forestry Congress III Contents VOLUME 1 Page Chapter1.Summary and Recommendations of the Congress 1 Chapter 2.Planning for the Congress 8 Chapter3.Local Arrangements for the Congress 11 Chapter 4.The Congress and its Program 15 Chapter 5.Opening Ceremonies 19 Chapter6. Plenary Sessions 27 Chapter 7.Special Congress Events 35 Chapitre 1.Sommaire et recommandations du Congrès 40 Chapitre 2.Preparation des plans en vue du Congrès 48 Chapitre 3.Arrangements locaux en vue du Congrès 50 Chapitre 4.Le Congrès et son programme 51 Chapitre 5.Cérémonies d'ouverture 52 Chapitre 6.Seances plénières 59 Chapitre 7.Activités spéciales du Congrès 67 CapItullo1. Sumario y Recomendaciones del Congreso 70 CapItulo 2.Planes para el Congreso 78 CapItulo 3.Actividades Locales del Congreso 80 CapItulo 4.El Congreso y su Programa 81 CapItulo 5.Ceremonia de Apertura 81 CapItulo 6.Sesiones Plenarias 88 CapItulo 7.Actos Especiales del Congreso 96 Chapter8. Congress Tours 99 Chapter9.Appendices 118 Appendix A.Committee Memberships 118 Appendix B.Rules of Procedure 124 Appendix C.Congress Secretariat 127 Appendix D.Machinery Exhibitors Directory 128 Appendix E.List of Financial Contributors 130 Appendix F.List of Participants 131 First General Session 141 Multiple Use of Forest Lands Utilisation multiple des superficies boisées Aprovechamiento Multiple de Terrenos Forestales Second General Session 171 Multiple Use of Forest Lands Utilisation multiple des superficies boisées Aprovechamiento Multiple de Terrenos Forestales Iv Contents Page Third General Session 189 Progress in World Forestry Progrés accomplis dans le monde en sylviculture Adelantos en la Silvicultura Mundial Section I.Silviculture and Management 241 Sessions A and B.
    [Show full text]
  • The Effects of Postfire Salvage Logging on Aquatic Ecosystems in the American West
    Forum The Effects of Postfire Salvage Logging on Aquatic Ecosystems in the American West JAMES R. KARR, JONATHAN J. RHODES, G. WAYNE MINSHALL, F. RICHARD HAUER, ROBERT L. BESCHTA, CHRISTOPHER A. FRISSELL, AND DAVID A. PERRY Recent changes in the forest policies, regulations, and laws affecting public lands encourage postfire salvage logging, an activity that all too often delays or prevents recovery. In contrast, the 10 recommendations proposed here can improve the condition of watersheds and aquatic ecosystems. Keywords: aquatic ecosystems, postfire salvage logging, public land management, salmonids, western forests hroughout the American West, a century of road hold moisture (Jenny 1980), with implications for soil bio- Tbuilding, logging, grazing, and other human activities has ta, plant growth (Rose et al. 2001, Brown et al. 2003), and degraded stream environments, causing significant losses of stream flow (Waring and Schlesinger 1985). Logging and associated roads carry a high risk of spreading nonindige- aquatic biodiversity and severe contractions in the range and nous, weedy species (CWWR 1996, Beschta et al. 2004). abundance of sensitive aquatic species, including native salmonid fishes (Rieman et al. 2003). Compounding these • Increased runoff and erosion alter river hydrology by increasing the frequency and magnitude of erosive high problems, federal land management has worsened ecological flows and raising sediment loads. These changes alter the degradation, rather than conserving or restoring forest eco- character of river channels and harm aquatic species rang- systems (Leopold 1937, Langston 1995, Hirt 1996). Land ing from invertebrates to fishes (Waters 1995). managers’ focus on commodity extraction—sharpened by re- • Construction and reconstruction of roads and landings cent changes in forest policy, regulations, and laws that en- (sites to which trees are brought, stacked, and loaded onto courage salvage logging after fires—perpetuates this trend and trucks) often accompany postfire salvage logging.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 7 Sustainable Forest Management Alternatives for The
    Sustainable forest management alternatives for the carpathian mountain region... 109 Chapter 7 Sustainable Forest Management Alternatives for the Carpathian Mountain Region: Providing a Broad Array of Ecosystem Services William S. Keeton and Sarah M. Crow1 Abstract. International criteria for sustainable forest management (SFM) in temperate and boreal forests share a number of themes in common, as evidenced by similarities between the Montreal and Helsinki Processes. But translating these into meaningful implementation practices that differ from past approaches has been challenging in the Carpathian Mountain region of Eastern Europe. In this paper we explore contemporary science, emerging models, and innovative practices that offer guidance on implementing SFM criteria, with a focus on three criteria: 1) conservation of biological diversity, 2) maintenance of water resources, and 3) contribution to global carbon cycles. Particular reference is made to SFM options for the Carpathian Mountain region of Ukraine. The contribution of SFM to biodiversity conservation depends first on the establishment of fully representative reserve systems. On managed forestlands surrounding reserves, shifting stand age class distributions closer to the historic range of variability and recently developed silvicultural practices, such as disturbance based forestry, will help maintain ecological connectivity, landscape heterogeneity, and stand structural complexity. Strategically placed restoration of native species composition in areas dominated by spruce plantations will both enhance forest health and play an important role in biodiversity conservation. Conservation of aquatic resources is also significant concern in the Carpathian Mountain region. Broader use of contemporary watershed management approaches is recommended, including delineation of riparian buffers, riparian forest restoration, and ecologically informed forest road management.
    [Show full text]
  • Old-Growth Forests
    Pacific Northwest Research Station NEW FINDINGS ABOUT OLD-GROWTH FORESTS I N S U M M A R Y ot all forests with old trees are scientifically defined for many centuries. Today’s old-growth forests developed as old growth. Among those that are, the variations along multiple pathways with many low-severity and some Nare so striking that multiple definitions of old-growth high-severity disturbances along the way. And, scientists forests are needed, even when the discussion is restricted to are learning, the journey matters—old-growth ecosystems Pacific coast old-growth forests from southwestern Oregon contribute to ecological diversity through every stage of to southwestern British Columbia. forest development. Heterogeneity in the pathways to old- growth forests accounts for many of the differences among Scientists understand the basic structural features of old- old-growth forests. growth forests and have learned much about habitat use of forests by spotted owls and other species. Less known, Complexity does not mean chaos or a lack of pattern. Sci- however, are the character and development of the live and entists from the Pacific Northwest (PNW) Research Station, dead trees and other plants. We are learning much about along with scientists and students from universities, see the structural complexity of these forests and how it leads to some common elements and themes in the many pathways. ecological complexity—which makes possible their famous The new findings suggest we may need to change our strat- biodiversity. For example, we are gaining new insights into egies for conserving and restoring old-growth ecosystems. canopy complexity in old-growth forests.
    [Show full text]
  • Managing for Late-Successional/Old-Growth Characteristics in Northern Hardwood-Conifer Forests William S
    Forest Ecology and Management 235 (2006) 129–142 www.elsevier.com/locate/foreco Managing for late-successional/old-growth characteristics in northern hardwood-conifer forests William S. Keeton * Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, United States Received 19 March 2006; received in revised form 2 August 2006; accepted 2 August 2006 Abstract In the northern hardwood region of North America managing for late-successional forest habitats and functions is an important element of ecosystem management. This study tests the hypothesis that uneven-aged practices can be modified to accelerate rates of late-successional forest development. An approach, termed ‘‘structural complexity enhancement’’ (SCE), is compared against conventional uneven-aged systems modified to increase post-harvest structural retention. Experimental treatments, including controls, were applied to 2 ha units and replicated at two multi- aged northern hardwood forests in Vermont, USA. Structural objectives include vertically differentiated canopies, elevated large snag and downed log densities, variable horizontal density (including small gaps), and re-allocation of basal area to larger diameter classes. The latter objective is achieved, in part, by cutting to a rotated sigmoid diameter distribution. This is generated from a basal area (34 m2 haÀ1) and tree size (90 cm dbh) indicative of old-growth structure. Forest structure data have been collected over 2 years pre-treatment and 3 years post-treatment. Fifty-year simulations of stand development were run in NE-TWIGS and FVS comparing treatment and no treatment scenarios. Simulations also tested the sensitivity of large tree development to prescription parameters. Leaf area index retention was spatially variable but significantly (P < 0.001) greater under SCE (91%) compared to conventional treatments (75%).
    [Show full text]
  • Sass Forestecomgt 2018.Pdf
    Forest Ecology and Management 419–420 (2018) 31–41 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Forest Ecology and Management journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/foreco Lasting legacies of historical clearcutting, wind, and salvage logging on old- T growth Tsuga canadensis-Pinus strobus forests ⁎ Emma M. Sassa, , Anthony W. D'Amatoa, David R. Fosterb a Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA b Harvard Forest, Harvard University, 324 N Main St, Petersham, MA 01366, USA ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Keywords: Disturbance events affect forest composition and structure across a range of spatial and temporal scales, and Coarse woody debris subsequent forest development may differ after natural, anthropogenic, or compound disturbances. Following Compound disturbance large, natural disturbances, salvage logging is a common and often controversial management practice in many Forest structure regions of the globe. Yet, while the short-term impacts of salvage logging have been studied in many systems, the Large, infrequent natural disturbance long-term effects remain unclear. We capitalized on over eighty years of data following an old-growth Tsuga Pine-hemlock forests canadensis-Pinus strobus forest in southwestern New Hampshire, USA after the 1938 hurricane, which severely Pit and mound structures damaged forests across much of New England. To our knowledge, this study provides the longest evaluation of salvage logging impacts, and it highlights developmental trajectories for Tsuga canadensis-Pinus strobus forests under a variety of disturbance histories. Specifically, we examined development from an old-growth condition in 1930 through 2016 across three different disturbance histories: (1) clearcut logging prior to the 1938 hurricane with some subsequent damage by the hurricane (“logged”), (2) severe damage from the 1938 hurricane (“hurricane”), and (3) severe damage from the hurricane followed by salvage logging (“salvaged”).
    [Show full text]
  • Influence of Coarse Woody Debris on Seedlings and Saplings in A
    INFLUENCE OF COARSE WOODY DEBRIS ON SEEDLINGS AND SAPLINGS IN A PINUS PALUSTRIS WOODLAND by ALEXANDRA LOGAN JUSTIN L. HART, COMMITTEE CHAIR MATTHEW C. LAFEVOR ARVIND A.R. BHUTA A THESIS Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in the Department of Geography in the Graduate School of The University of Alabama TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA 2020 Copyright Alexandra Logan 2020 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2 ABSTRACT Coarse woody debris (CWD) has beneficial effects on plant growth and establishment. Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) stands support relatively low amounts of CWD — 2 to 30 m3 ha-1. In April 2011, an EF3 tornado passed through the Oakmulgee Ranger District of the Talladega National Forest in the Fall Line Hills of Alabama. This disturbance resulted in the large addition of CWD to a longleaf pine woodland, and a rare opportunity to analyze how CWD can influence a managed, pine woodland. The goal of this study was to examine the effect of CWD on woody plant richness, density, and growth rate (quantified by height) in a longleaf pine woodland that experienced a catastrophic wind disturbance. A total of three 1 m2 quadrats were established against either side of a piece of CWD (> 3 m in length and ≥ 10 cm in diameter). Another quadrat was established at least 3 m away from the focal CWD piece. For each plot, the presence and height of every woody plant (< 5 cm dbh) were recorded. Sapling density, oak and hickory density, and organic matter were all found to be significantly higher in quadrats adjacent to CWD than away (all p < 0.05).
    [Show full text]
  • Forest Ecology and Management 267 (2012) 271-283
    Forest Ecology and Management 267 (2012) 271-283 Contents lists available at SciVerse ScienceDirect Forest Ecology and Management journal hom epage: www.elsevier.com/locate/foreco Analyzing wildfire exposure and source-sink relationships on a fire prone forest landscape a, a b c Alan A. Ager *, Nicole M. Vaillant , Mark A. Finney , Haiganoush K. Preisler a USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, Western Wildland Environmental Threat Assessment Center, 3160 NE 3rd Street, Prineville, OR 97754, USA b USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory, 5775 Hwy. 10 West, Missoula, MT 59808, USA C USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station, 800 Buchannan Street, Albany, CA 9471 0, USA ARTICLE INFO ABSTR ACT Article history: We used simulation modeling to analyze wildfire exposure to social and ecological values on a 0,6 mil­ Received 9 August 2011 lion ha national forest in central Oregon, USA. We simulated 50,000 wildfires that replicated recent fire Received in revised form 13 November 2011 events in the area and generated detailed maps of burn probability (BP) and fire intensity distributions. Accepted 14 November 2011 We also recorded the ignition locations and size of each simulated fire and used these outputs to con­ Available online 8 January 2012 struct a fire source-sink ratio as the ratio of fire size to burn probability. Fire behavior was summarized for federal land management designations, including biological conservation reserves, recreational sites, Keywords: managed forest, and wildland urban interface. Burn probability from the simulations ranged from Wildfire simulation Wildfire risk 0.00091 to 0.026 within the study area (mean = 0.0023), and exhibited substantial variation among Conservation biology and within land designations.
    [Show full text]
  • TB877 Dynamics of Coarse Woody Debris in North American Forests: A
    NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR AIR AND STREAM IMPROVEMENT DYNAMICS OF COARSE WOODY DEBRIS IN NORTH AMERICAN FORESTS: A LITERATURE REVIEW TECHNICAL BULLETIN NO. 877 MAY 2004 by Gregory Zimmerman, Ph.D. Lake Superior State University Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan Acknowledgments This review was prepared by Dr. Gregory Zimmerman of Lake Superior State University. Dr. T. Bently Wigley coordinated NCASI involvement. For more information about this research, contact: T. Bently Wigley, Ph.D. Alan Lucier, Ph.D. NCASI Senior Vice President P.O. Box 340362 NCASI Clemson, SC 29634-0362 P.O. Box 13318 864-656-0840 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-3318 [email protected] (919) 941-6403 [email protected] For information about NCASI publications, contact: Publications Coordinator NCASI P.O. Box 13318 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-3318 (919) 941-6400 [email protected] National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc. (NCASI). 2004. Dynamics of coarse woody debris in North American forests: A literature review. Technical Bulletin No. 877. Research Triangle Park, N.C.: National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc. © 2004 by the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc. serving the environmental research needs of the forest products industry since 1943 PRESIDENT’S NOTE In sustainable forestry programs, managers consider many ecosystem components when developing, implementing, and monitoring forest management activities. Even though snags, downed logs, and stumps have little economic value, they perform important ecological functions, and many species of vertebrate and invertebrate fauna are associated with this coarse woody debris (CWD). Because of the ecological importance of CWD, some state forestry agencies have promulgated guidance for minimum amounts to retain in harvested stands.
    [Show full text]
  • The Role of Old-Growth Forests in Frequent-Fire Landscapes
    Copyright © 2007 by the author(s). Published here under license by the Resilience Alliance. Binkley, D., T. Sisk, C. Chambers, J. Springer, and W. Block. 2007. The role of old-growth forests in frequent-fire landscapes. Ecology and Society 12(2): 18. [online] URL: http://www.ecologyandsociety.org/vol12/ iss2/art18/ Synthesis, part of a Special Feature on The Conservation and Restoration of Old Growth in Frequent-fire Forests of the American West The Role of Old-growth Forests in Frequent-fire Landscapes Daniel Binkley 1, Tom Sisk 2,3, Carol Chambers 4, Judy Springer 5, and William Block 6 ABSTRACT. Classic ecological concepts and forestry language regarding old growth are not well suited to frequent-fire landscapes. In frequent-fire, old-growth landscapes, there is a symbiotic relationship between the trees, the understory graminoids, and fire that results in a healthy ecosystem. Patches of old growth interspersed with younger growth and open, grassy areas provide a wide variety of habitats for animals, and have a higher level of biodiversity. Fire suppression is detrimental to these forests, and eventually destroys all old growth. The reintroduction of fire into degraded frequent-fire, old-growth forests, accompanied by appropriate thinning, can restore a balance to these ecosystems. Several areas require further research and study: 1) the ability of the understory to respond to restoration treatments, 2) the rate of ecosystem recovery following wildfires whose level of severity is beyond the historic or natural range of variation, 3) the effects of climate change, and 4) the role of the microbial community. In addition, it is important to recognize that much of our knowledge about these old-growth systems comes from a few frequent-fire forest types.
    [Show full text]
  • Tamm Review: Does Salvage Logging Mitigate Subsequent Forest Disturbances?
    Forest Ecology and Management 481 (2021) 118721 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Forest Ecology and Management journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/foreco Tamm reviews Tamm review: Does salvage logging mitigate subsequent forest disturbances? Alexandro B. Leverkus a,b,*, Brian Buma c, Joseph Wagenbrenner d, Philip J. Burton e, Emanuele Lingua f, Raffaella Marzano g, Simon Thorn a a University of Würzburg, Rauhenebrach, Germany b Department of Ecology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain c University of Colorado, Denver, CO, USA d USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station, Arcata, CA, USA e University of Northern British Columbia, Terrace, B.C., Canada f University of Padova, Legnaro, PD, Italy g University of Torino, Grugliasco, TO, Italy ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Keywords: After natural forest disturbances such as wildfires, windstorms and insect outbreaks, salvage logging is Beetle outbreak commonly applied to reduce economic losses and mitigate subsequent disturbance risk. However, this practice is Compound disturbance controversial due to its potential ecological impacts, and its capacity to mitigate or increase the risk of subse- Disturbance interaction quent disturbances remains unclear. Salvage logging removes and alters the legacies remaining after natural Fire prevention disturbances, and it produces additional management legacies. Consequently, salvage logging has the potential Linked disturbance Pest control to alter the functional connection between natural disturbances and also produce new functional
    [Show full text]