Aspen Bibliography

Stand changes on a southwestern mixed conifer watershed after timber harvesting

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Journal of Forestry

Volume

81

Issue

5

First Page

311

Last Page

316

Publication Date

1983

Abstract

An old-growth, mixed conifer stand in eastern Arizona was operationally harvested by diameter-limit and selection methods. The diameter-limit treatment severely reduced the conifer component of the remaining stand. Losses of advance regeneration from both harvesting methods were heavy. The diameter-limit area was left understocked, but in six years a well-stocked young aspen (Populus tremuloides) stand regenerated from sprouts; conifer numbers and stocking also increased. The conversion is less desirable than the old stand by current conifer production guidelines but can be beneficial for wildlife and for water resources. The selection area remained satisfactorily stocked with overstory trees and regeneration after harvest. Conifer regeneration currently exceeds pre-cutting levels. Aspen sprouting was also heavy, but conifers should remain dominant if the overstory is not drastically reduced by future cuts and logging damage is minimized.

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