Keyword: snags

Ecology, silviculture, and management of Black Hills ponderosa pine

This paper presents a broad-based synthesis of the general ecology of the ponderosa pine ecosystem in the Black Hills. This synthesis contains information and results of research on ponderosa pine from numerous sources within the Black Hills ecosystem.

Fuel dynamics following wildfire in US Northern Rockies forests

Accumulation of dead woody material is a critical management concern following wildfires, especially given the possibility of subsequent wildfires. Forest structure and fuel accumulation are largely driven by site climatic conditions, so variability in site conditions is important to consider in management beyond the one-size fits all model for post-fire fuel dynamics.

Historic range of variability for upland vegetation in the Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming

An approach for synthesizing the results of ecological research pertinent to land management is the analysis of the historic range of variability (HRV) for key ecosystem variables that are affected by management activities. This report provides an HRV analysis for the upland vegetation of the Medicine Bow National Forest in southeastern Wyoming.

Managing western white pine plantations for multiple resource objectives

Western white pine (Pinus monticola Dougl. ex D. Don) continues to be one of the most important coniferous tree species growing in Northern Rocky Mountain forests. Because large wildfires occurred early in the 1900s, many plantations of western white pine with varying levels of resistance to blister rust (Cronartium ribicola Fisch.) were established.

Changes in snag populations on National Forest System lands in Arizona, 1990s to 2000s

Snags receive special management attention as important components of forest systems. We used data from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis Program, collected during two recent time periods (1995 to 1999 and 2001 to 2010), to evaluate trends in snag populations in two forest types in Arizona. Densities of snags ≥4 in.

The Fire and Fuels Extension to the Forest Vegetation Simulator

The Fire and Fuels Extension (FFE) to the Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS) simulates fuel dynamics and potential fire behaviour over time, in the context of stand development and management. Existing models of fire behavior and fire effects were added to FVS to form this extension. New submodels representing snag and fuel dynamics were created to complete the linkages. This report contains four chapters.

Coarse woody debris: Managing benefits and fire hazard in the recovering forest

Management of coarse woody debris following fire requires consideration of its positive and negative values. The ecological benefits of coarse woody debris and fire hazard considerations are summarized. This paper presents recommendations for desired ranges of coarse woody debris. Example simulations illustrate changes in debris over time and with varying management.

Implementing the expanded prescribed fire program on the Gila National Forest, New Mexico: implications for snag management

Efforts to return natural fire to the Gila National Forest, New Mexico, have resulted in controversy regarding management of snags (standing dead trees). The importance of snags for wildlife, especially cavity-dependent birds, is well documented.