Silvicultural Options Study: plot locations, tree growth, tree regeneration, and understory species abundance

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Overview_Description:

Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:

Below you will find a list and description of the files included in this data publication.

VARIABLE DESCRIPTION FILE (1)

1. \Data\_variable_descriptions.csv: Comma-separated values (CSV) file containing a list and description of the variables provided in each data file in this package, as well as precision and formatting information. Columns are defined below. (A description of these variables is also provided in the metadata below.)

Filename = name of data file
Variable = name of variable
Units = units (if applicable)
Precision = precision (if applicable)
Description = description of variable


DATA FILES (11)

1. \Data\SOS_comment_codes.csv: Comma-separated values (CSV) file containing a list and description of the comment codes used in the tree growth data file. Columns are defined below.

comment code = comment code, used in "SOS_tree_growth_data.csv" (1-30)
meaning = description of comment code


2. \Data\SOS_damage_codes.csv: CSV file containing a list and descriptions of damage and severity codes used in the tree growth and regeneration data files. Columns are defined below.

damage type = category of damage (e.g., animal, crown appearance, stem disease, etc.)
code = 2-letter code for specific damage
damage code meaning = meaning for specific damage
severity codes = severity codes and definitions for the specific type of damage


3. \Data\SOS_latitude_longitude_data.csv: CSV file containing the geographic coordinates of the center of each plot. Columns are defined below.

site = site name abbreviation ("BR"=Blue Ridge, "CR"=Copper Ridge, and "RR"=Rusty Ridge)
treatment = treatment ("CLEARCUT", "TWO-AGE", "PATCHES", "GROUPS", "THIN", and "CONTROL")
mainplot = main plot number (see "SOS_selected_plots.csv")
latitude = latitude of plot center in decimal degrees
longitude = longitude of plot center in decimal degrees


4. \Data\SOS_patch_status_data.csv: CSV file containing assessments for the patches or groups silvicultural regimes of whether each quadrant or satellite subplot of a given 0.2-acre measurement plot was inside, partially inside, or outside of a harvested area. Columns are defined below.

site = site name abbreviation ("BR"=Blue Ridge, "CR"=Copper Ridge, and "RR"=Rusty Ridge)
treatment = treatment ("PATCHES" and "GROUPS")
inst = installation (1=Blue Ridge, 2=Copper Ridge, and 3=Rusty Ridge)
treatcode = treatment code ( 3=PATCHES and 4=GROUPS)
mainplot = main plot number (see "SOS_selected_plots.csv")

measnum = consecutive numbering of plot remeasurements (1-4). Numbering refers to the following timings: 0=dormant season prior to the first harvest, 1=dormant season after the first harvest, 2=dormant season five years after the first harvest, 3= dormant season after the second harvest, and 4=dormant season after the third harvest.

quad_ne = patch status code for northeast plot quadrant ("I"=inside of harvested patch, "O"=outside of harvested patch, and "P"=partially inside of harvested patch)

quad_se = patch status code for southeast plot quadrant ("I"=inside of harvested patch, "O"=outside of harvested patch, and "P"=partially inside of harvested patch)

quad_sw = patch status code for southwest plot quadrant ("I"=inside of harvested patch, "O"=outside of harvested patch, and "P"=partially inside of harvested patch)

quad_nw = patch status code for northwest plot quadrant ("I"=inside of harvested patch, "O"=outside of harvested patch, and "P"=partially inside of harvested patch)

sat_n = patch status code for north satellite plot ("I"=inside of harvested patch, "O"=outside of harvested patch, and "P"=partially inside of harvested patch)

sat_e = patch status code for east satellite plot ("I"=inside of harvested patch, "O"=outside of harvested patch, and "P"=partially inside of harvested patch)

sat_s = patch status code for south satellite plot ("I"=inside of harvested patch, "O"=outside of harvested patch, and "P"=partially inside of harvested patch)

sat_w = patch status code for west satellite plot ("I"=inside of harvested patch, "O"=outside of harvested patch, and "P"=partially inside of harvested patch)

date = measurement date (MM/DD/YYYY)
crew = initials of measurement crew members


5. \Data\SOS_precut_dbh_data.csv: CSV file containing survival status and diameter at breast height (dbh) measurements of trees (dbh ≥ 1.6 inches) within each measurement plot of the patches, groups, or thinning silvicultural regimes taken in the dormant season prior to a given harvest. Columns are defined below.

date = measurement date (MM/DD/YYYY)
site = site name abbreviation ("BR"=Blue Ridge, "CR"=Copper Ridge, and "RR"=Rusty Ridge)
treatment = treatment ("PATCHES", "GROUPS", and "THIN")
inst = installation (1=Blue Ridge, 2=Copper Ridge, and 3=Rusty Ridge)
treatcode = treatment code (3=PATCHES, 4=GROUPS, and 5=THIN)
mainplot = main plot number (see "SOS_selected_plots.csv")
splot = quadrant of mainplot ("NE"=northeast, "SE"=southeast, "SW"=southwest, and "NW"=northwest)

tree = assigned reference number for a given tree indicated on aluminum tag stapled at breast height facing towards plot center

recruit = assigned reference number for ingrowth; new trees are designated by the tree number of the closest previously tagged tree and a new recruit number, starting at "1"

species = species code from USDA Plants Database (see "SOS_species_codes.csv")
dbh = stem diameter in inches at breast height (4.5 feet [ft] above ground)

tc = tree code (10=Live tree; 11=Ingrowth tree; 12=New tree, missed prev.; 13=Live tree, not for height measurement; 21=Standing dead tree (snag); 22=Down dead tree; 23=Dead cut tree; 24=Presumed dead; not found; 30=Live cut tree (marked to cut); 31=Live tree cut, not planned; and 40=Off-plot tree)

comments = comments


6. \Data\SOS_reference_tree_data.csv: CSV file containing listings of dbh and species for up to three dominant trees or stumps per measurement plot, as well as tree or stump distance and azimuth from plot center, to assist with re-locating plot center following the disturbances associated with harvesting. Columns are defined below.

site = site name abbreviation ("BR"=Blue Ridge, "CR"=Copper Ridge, and "RR"=Rusty Ridge)
treatment = treatment ("CLEARCUT", "TWO-AGE", "PATCHES", "GROUPS", "THIN", and "CONTROL")
inst = installation (1=Blue Ridge, 2=Copper Ridge, and 3=Rusty Ridge)
treatcode = treatment code (1=CLEARCUT, 2=TWO-AGE, 3=PATCHES, 4=GROUPS, 5=THIN, and 6=CONTROL)
mainplot = main plot number (see "SOS_selected_plots.csv")

reftree_sequence = order of reference trees (starting north of plot center and going clockwise); sequence numbered as 1, 2, and 3

tree = assigned reference number for a given tree indicated on aluminum tag stapled at breast height (note: some reference trees were located outside of the measurement plot boundary)

species = species code from USDA Plants Database (see "SOS_species_codes.csv")
dbh = stem diameter in inches at breast height (4.5 ft above ground)
azimuth = reference tree azimuth from plot center
distance = reference tree distance in ft from plot center
type = "Live" (tree) or "Stump"
date = measurement date (MM/DD/YYYY)
comments = comments


7. \Data\SOS_selected_plots.csv: CSV file containing a list of the 308 measurement plots (out of a total of 420 plots) that were monitored consistently during the first two decades of the study. Columns are defined below.

inst = installation (1=Blue Ridge, 2=Copper Ridge, and 3=Rusty Ridge)
treatcode = treatment code (1=CLEARCUT, 2=TWO-AGE, 3=PATCHES, 4=GROUPS, 5=THIN, and 6=CONTROL)
mainplot = main plot number (see "SOS_selected_plots.csv")
notes = notes


8. \Data\SOS_species_codes.csv: CSV file containing a list and description of species codes used in the data files. Columns are defined below.

species code = species code from USDA Plants Database
common name = species common name
scientific name = species scientific name


9. \Data\SOS_tree_growth_data.csv: CSV file containing measurements of dbh, height, height to base of live crown, species, and survival/damage status for trees ≥ 1.6 inches dbh located within the measurement plots. Data also include early measurements of stem diameter and decay status for standing and downed dead trees. Columns are defined below.

site = site name abbreviation ("BR"=Blue Ridge, "CR"=Copper Ridge, and "RR"=Rusty Ridge)
treatment = treatment ("CLEARCUT", "TWO-AGE", "PATCHES", "GROUPS", "THIN", and "CONTROL")
inst = installation (1=Blue Ridge, 2=Copper Ridge, and 3=Rusty Ridge)
treatcode = treatment code (1=CLEARCUT, 2=TWO-AGE, 3=PATCHES, 4=GROUPS, 5=THIN, and 6=CONTROL)
mainplot = main plot number (see "SOS_selected_plots.csv")
splot = quadrant of circular mainplot ("NE"=northeast, "SE"=southeast, "SW"=southwest, and "NW"=northwest)

measnum = consecutive numbering of plot remeasurements (0-4). Numbering refers to the following timings: 0=dormant season prior to the first harvest, 1=dormant season after the first harvest, 2=dormant season five years after the first harvest, 3= dormant season after the second harvest, and 4=dormant season after the third harvest.

tree = assigned reference number for a given tree indicated on aluminum tag stapled at breast height facing towards plot center

recruit = assigned reference number for ingrowth; new trees are designated by the tree number of the closest previously tagged tree and a new recruit number, starting at "1"

species = species code from USDA Plants Database (see "SOS_species_codes.csv")
sitetree = "Yes" if tree appears suitable for estimating site index (i.e., crown/top undamaged)
dbh = stem diameter in inches at breast height (4.5 ft above ground)
ht = tree height in ft

hlc = height in ft to base of live crown, defined as the height to the lowest point on the stem where 50% or more of the whorl branches remain alive

tc = tree code (10=Live tree; 11=Ingrowth tree; 12=New tree, missed prev.; 13=Live tree, not for height measurement; 21=Standing dead tree (snag); 22=Down dead tree; 23=Dead cut tree; 24=Presumed dead; not found; 30=Live cut tree (marked to cut); 31=Live tree cut, not planned; and 40=Off-plot tree)

cc = crown class (live trees only) (1=Dominant; 2=Codominant; 3=Intermediate; 4=Suppressed; 5=Understory; 6=Overstory (usually from an older age class; sometimes called super-dominant); 7=Open grown; 8=Shrub (single stem origin); 9=Shrub clump (multiple stem origin))

dc = decay class (dead trees only) (1=Bark intact and tight; branches, twigs, and fines present; shape round; wood hard; log elevated above ground on support points; 2=Bark mostly present, but may be loose; branches present, but twigs and fines generally absent; shape round; wood hard to partly soft; log elevated above ground but slightly sagging; 3=Bark loose and missing in places; twigs, and fines absent; wood hard and in large pieces, with some decay; shape round to oval; all of log on ground; 4=Bark generally absent; small branches, twigs, and fines absent; wood soft and in blocky pieces; shape round to oval; all of log on ground; 5=Bark entirely absent; branches, twigs, and fines absent; wood soft and powdery; shape oval; all of log always on ground.)

damtypea = 1st damage type code (ANIDAM=animal damage; CRNAPP=crown appearance; STMDIS=stem disease; WEATHR=weather-related damage; LOGDAM=logging damage; STMPHY=stem physical appearance)

dama = 1st damage code (see "SOS_damage_codes.csv")
seva = 1st damage severity code (see "SOS_damage_codes.csv")

lengtha = 1st damage length code (1= <0.5 meters [m]; 2= 0.5 - 0.9 m; 3= 1.0 - 1.4 m; 4= 1.5 - 1.9 m; 5= 2.0 m+)

recnta = 1st damage recency code (N=new, from current year; O=old, from one or more years ago)

damtypeb = 2nd damage type code (ANIDAM=animal damage; CRNAPP=crown appearance; STMDIS=stem disease; WEATHR=weather-related damage; LOGDAM=logging damage; STMPHY=stem physical appearance)

damb = 2nd damage code (see "SOS_damage_codes.csv")
sevb = 2nd damage severity code (see "SOS_damage_codes.csv")

lengthb = 2nd damage length code (1= <0.5 meters [m]; 2= 0.5 - 0.9 m; 3= 1.0 - 1.4 m; 4= 1.5 - 1.9 m; 5= 2.0 m+)

recntb = 2nd damage recency code (N=new, from current year; O=old, from one or more years ago)

damtypec = 3rd damage type code (ANIDAM=animal damage; CRNAPP=crown appearance; STMDIS=stem disease; WEATHR=weather-related damage; LOGDAM=logging damage; STMPHY=stem physical appearance)

damc = 3rd damage code (see "SOS_damage_codes.csv")
sevc = 3rd damage severity code (see "SOS_damage_codes.csv")

lengthc = 3rd damage length code (1= <0.5 meters [m]; 2= 0.5 - 0.9 m; 3= 1.0 - 1.4 m; 4= 1.5 - 1.9 m; 5= 2.0 m+)

recntc = 3rd damage recency code (N=new, from current year; O=old, from one or more years ago)
azimuth = reference tree azimuth from plot center
distance = reference tree distance in ft from plot center
reftreenum = reference tree number (see "SOS_reference_tree_data.csv")
date = measurement date (MM/DD/YYYY)
crew = initials of measurement crew members
comments = comments (see "SOS_comment_codes.csv" for explanation of codes 1-30)
comments2 = additional comments


10. \Data\SOS_tree_regen_data.csv: CSV file containing measurements of stem diameter in inches at 6 inches above ground (d6in), dbh, height, species, origin (i.e., planted versus natural regeneration) and damage status for tree regeneration (dbh < 1.6 inches). Data include a complete census of all planted Douglas-fir, plus measurements for the tallest two tree seedlings per satellite subplot regardless of species. Columns are defined below.

site = site name abbreviation ("BR"=Blue Ridge, "CR"=Copper Ridge, and "RR"=Rusty Ridge)
treatment = treatment ("CLEARCUT", "TWO-AGE", "PATCHES", "GROUPS", "THIN", and "CONTROL")
inst = installation (1=Blue Ridge, 2=Copper Ridge, and 3=Rusty Ridge)
treatcode = treatment code (1=CLEARCUT, 2=TWO-AGE, 3=PATCHES, 4=GROUPS, 5=THIN, and 6=CONTROL)
mainplot = main plot number (see "SOS_selected_plots.csv")
satplot = satellite plot ("N"=north, "E"=east, "S"=south, and "W"=west)

measnum = consecutive numbering of plot remeasurements (0-4). Numbering refers to the following timings: 0=dormant season prior to the first harvest, 1=dormant season after the first harvest, 2=dormant season five years after the first harvest, 3= dormant season after the second harvest, and 4=dormant season after the third harvest.

species = species code from USDA Plants Database (see "SOS_species_codes.csv")
origin = origin of tree regeneration ("N"=natural, "P"=planted)
azimuth = azimuth from satellite plot center
distance = distance in ft from satellite plot center
d6in = stem diameter in inches at 6 inches above ground
dbh = stem diameter in inches at breast height (4.5 ft above ground)
ht = tree height in ft

patchstatus = patch status code ("I"=inside of harvested area, "O"=outside of harvested area, and "P"=partially inside of harvested area)

secondflush = second flushing on terminal shoot ('N"=no, "Y"=yes)

damtypea = damage type code (ANIDAM=animal damage; CRNAPP=crown appearance; STMDIS=stem disease; WEATHR=weather-related damage; LOGDAM=logging damage; STMPHY=stem physical appearance)

dama = damage code (see "SOS_damage_codes.csv")
seva = damage severity code (see "SOS_damage_codes.csv")
recnta = damage recency code (N=new, from current year; O=old, from one or more years ago)
date = measurement date (MM/DD/YYYY)
crew = initials of measurement crew members
comments = comments
comments2 = additional comments


11. \Data\SOS_understory_veg_data.csv: CSV file containing visual estimates of percentage cover and average height for each understory species having ≥ 10% cover. Columns are defined below.

site = site name abbreviation ("BR"=Blue Ridge, "CR"=Copper Ridge, and "RR"=Rusty Ridge)
treatment = treatment ("CLEARCUT", "TWO-AGE", "PATCHES", "GROUPS", "THIN", and "CONTROL")
inst = installation (1=Blue Ridge, 2=Copper Ridge, and 3=Rusty Ridge)
treatcode = treatment code (1=CLEARCUT, 2=TWO-AGE, 3=PATCHES, 4=GROUPS, 5=THIN, and 6=CONTROL)
mainplot = main plot number (see "SOS_selected_plots.csv")
satplot = satellite plot ("N"=north, "E"=east, "S"=south, and "W"=west)

measnum = consecutive numbering of plot remeasurements (0-4). Numbering refers to the following timings: 0=dormant season prior to the first harvest, 1=dormant season after the first harvest, 2=dormant season five years after the first harvest, 3= dormant season after the second harvest, and 4=dormant season after the third harvest.

species = species code from USDA Plants Database (see "SOS_species_codes.csv")
cover = visually estimated percent crown cover per species (0-100)
ht = height in ft per species
date = measurement date (MM/DD/YYYY)
crew = initials of measurement crew members
comments = comments



SUPPLEMENTAL FILES (4)

1. \Supplements\SOS_maps_Blue_Ridge.pdf: Portable Document Format (PDF) file containing diagrams of plot locations and treatments at the Blue Ridge site.

2. \Supplements\SOS_maps_Copper_Ridge.pdf: PDF file containing diagrams of plot locations and treatments at the Copper Ridge site.

3. \Supplements\SOS_maps_Rusty_Ridge.pdf: PDF file containing diagrams of plot locations and treatments at the Rusty Ridge site.

4. \Supplements\SOS_study_plan.pdf: PDF file containing the 1997 study plan for the Silvicultural Options Study: "Silvicultural options for harvesting young-growth production forests" by Robert O. Curtis, Gary W. Clendenen, Dean S. DeBell, John Shumway, Jeff DeBell, and Tom Poch.

Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation:

Curtis, Robert O.; Marshall, David D.; DeBell, Dean S. 2004. Silvicultural options for young-growth Douglas-fir forests: the Capitol Forest study—establishment and first results. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-598. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 110 p. https://doi.org/10.2737/PNW-GTR-598

Harrington, Timothy B.; Peter, David H.; Marshall, David D.; DeBell, Dean S. Ten-year Douglas-fir regeneration and stand productivity differ among contrasting silvicultural regimes in western Washington, USA. Forest Ecology and Management 510: 120102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2022.120102

Hartley, Damon S.; Han, Han-Sup. 2007. Effects of alternative silvicultural treatments on cable harvesting productivity and cost in western Washington. Western Journal of Applied Forestry 22(3): 204-212. https://doi.org/10.1093/wjaf/22.3.204

Kearney, Anne R.; Tilt, Jenna R.; Bradley, Gordon R. 2010. The effects of forest regeneration on preferences for forest treatments among foresters, environmentalists, and the general public. Journal of Forestry 108(5): 215-229.

Marshall, David D.; Curtis, Robert O. 2005. Evaluation of silvicultural options for harvesting Douglas-fir young-growth production forests. pp. 119-125. In: Peterson, Charles E.; Maguire, Douglas, A., eds. 2005. Balancing ecosystem values: innovative experiments for sustainable forestry—proceedings of a conference. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-635. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 389 p. https://doi.org/10.2737/PNW-GTR-635

Reutebuch, Stephen E.; Harrington, Constance A.; DeBell, Dean S.; Marshall, David D.; Curtis, Robert O. 2002. Silvicultural options for multipurpose management of west-side Pacific Northwest forests. pp. 38–46. In: Parker, Sharon; Hummel, Susan Stevens. 2002. Beyond 2001: a silvicultural odyssey to sustaining terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems? Proceedings of the 2001 national silviculture workshop, May 6-10, Hood River, Oregon. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-546. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 114 p. https://doi.org/10.2737/PNW-GTR-546

Reutebuch, Stephen E.; Harrington, Constance A.; Marshall, David D.; Brodie, Leslie C. 2004. Use of large-scale silvicultural studies to evaluate management options in Pacific Northwest forests of the United States. Forest, Snow, and Landscape Research 78(1/2): 191–208. https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/20017

USDA, NRCS. 2022. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 05/20/2022). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC USA.

Metadata_Reference_Information:

Metadata_Date: 20230915

Metadata_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization: USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station

Contact_Person: Timothy B. Harrington

Contact_Position: Research Forester (retired)

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: mailing and physical

Address: 3625 93rd Ave SW

City: Olympia

State_or_Province: WA

Postal_Code: 98512

Country: USA

Contact_Voice_Telephone: 360-701-9307

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: tbharrington@comcast.net

Contact Instructions: This contact information was current as of original publication date. For current information see Contact Us page on: https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS.

Metadata_Standard_Name: FGDC Biological Data Profile of the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata

Metadata_Standard_Version: FGDC-STD-001.1-1999