Forest management policies and elk summercarrying capacity in the Abies amabilis forests, western Washington
Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Environmental Management
Volume
2
Publication Date
1-1-1978
First Page
561
Last Page
566
Abstract
Effects of different forest management policies on long-term vegetation development are incorporated into a computer simulation of a western Washington watershed. The response of a Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus canadensis nelsoni) population to these vegetation changes is simulated using information on their differential use of vegetation types. Simulations include: 1) a cessation of timber harvesting leading to an immediate decline in elk members resulting from a reduction in summer habitats; 2) a stable elk population, similar to the present one, resulting from a constant timber harvesting rate, and 3) initial increases in herd size, followed within 50 years by a sharp decrease, resulting from cutting all old growth timber within the next decade and then a cessation of timber harvestings.
Recommended Citation
Hett, Joan, R. Taber, J. Long and J. Schoen. 1978. Forest management policies and elk summer carrying capacity in the Abies amabilis forests, western Washington. Environmental Management 2:561-566.
