Biomass flow in western forests: Simulating the effects of fuel reduction and presettlement restoration treatments

Kurt Hollenstein; Robin L. Graham; Wayne D. Shepperd

doi:10.1093/jof/99.10.12

Biomass flow in western forests: Simulating the effects of fuel reduction and presettlement restoration treatments

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Kurt Hollenstein, Robin L. Graham, Wayne D. Shepperd

Year:

2001

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1093/jof/99.10.12

Source:

Journal of Forestry. 99(10): 12-19.

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Abstract

Fuel treatment silviculture and the resulting long-term flow of biomass were examined using data from selected western stands. An uneven-aged management regime with reserve trees was modeled, using a canopy closure of 40 percent for the dominant trees as a target and a harvest cutting cycle of 20 years. Fuel reduction treatments in currently overstocked stands resulted in an initial peak of removal for the first and second cutting cycles. Yields stabilized in subsequent cutting cycles. Removal of some large reserve trees was crucial for maintaining stand structure and fire resilience.

Keywords

environmental management, fire, forest, forest management, forest resources, forestry, forestry research, forestry science, modeling, natural resource management, natural resources, silviculture, thinning

Citation

Hollenstein, Kurt; Graham, Robin L.; Shepperd, Wayne D. 2001. Biomass flow in western forests: Simulating the effects of fuel reduction and presettlement restoration treatments. Journal of Forestry. 99(10): 12-19.