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Single tree selection vs. clearcut Even-aged forest..

Started by chain, February 24, 2010, 01:52:00 PM

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chain

Mature, mixed oak-pine in Ozark region, Red oak declining, soils gravel-rocky -chert, clay-loam. History of oak-borer in older or mature stunted red/black oaks. Also post-harvest die-off noted in previous single tree harvest, more severe where logging was done in spring months.

As a forester, what would be your recommendations? Also, would you delay harvest to avoid sap-flow-wet soils?

Ron Scott

Yes, we normally delay harvests during the sap flow season and stay off of wet or hydric soils. However, you should have a local forester look at your specific ecosystem first hand and advise you accordingly as to its proper management in regards to your mangement objectives.
~Ron

chain

We've had a rather large turnover in our foresters here plus, there was an extensive wind storm last May that has some professionals occupied overseeing timber salvage operations of private and State forest lands. However, I've found an excellent management plan for oak decline in the Ozarks. Regeneration is the factor in that some evidence of single tree selection limits regrowth[sprouting] somewhat, whereas clear-cutting could be more conducive, if..and that's a big IF..the oak decline had not set-in before the cut.

Very interesting also, of a system called the "Four-Quarters" rule which calls for managing four native timber species, such as white oak, red oak, pine, and mix of black gum, hickory equally 25% of basal area. But here again must manage before oak decline sets in. We were on the right track three years ago taking out nearly every BO&RO we could, just didn't go far enough. Big decision is to clearcut declining oak sites now and manage for pine or, continue single tree selection.

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