Cutting A Young Growth Mixed Conifer Stand To California Forest Practice Act Standards PDF Download

A two-stage shelterwood cutting, at 12 trees per acre, with site preparation, enhanced seedfall, regeneration, and residual growth at the Challenge Experimental Forest, north central California. Shelterwood trees produced 9.2 times more seed than trees in the control. Ponderosa pine regeneration numbered about 3700 seedlings per acre (9139 per ha) and tolerant conifers 600 seedlings (1482 per ha) after 5 years. Hardwood seedlings and sprouts also were abundant. Basal area growth rates for all species in nearly all diameter classes were greater in the shelterwood than in the control. The shelterwood cutting method is recommended for use in young-growth, mixed-conifer stands.