Abstract
Old-growth coniferous forests differ significantly from young-growth forests in species composition, function (rate and paths of energy flow and nutrient and water cycling), and structure. Most differences can be related to four key structural components of old growth: large live trees, large snags, large logs on land, and large logs in streams. Foresters wishing to maintain old-growth forest ecosystems can key management schemes to these structural components.
Keywords
Ecosystems,
old-growth stands,
stand composition,
stand structure,
Douglas-fir,
Pseudotsuga menziesii,
western hemlock,
Tsuga heterophylla
Citation
Franklin, Jerry F.; Cromack, Kermit Jr.; Denison, William; McKee, Arthur; Maser, Chris; Sedell, James; Swanson, Fred; Juday, Glen. 1981. Ecological characteristics of old-growth Douglas-fir forests. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-118. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station. 48 p
