Harvesting Overstocked Stands of Small Diameter Trees: Stem Densities of Trees from Overstocked Mixed Conifer Stands of Western Hemlock, Douglas-Fir and Western Redcedar

摘要

Stem density (wood and bark combined) on overstocked mixed conifer stands of Douglas-fir, westernn hemlock and wester redcedar was studied in the Quilcene Ranger District, Olympic National Forest in the State of Washington. This study was to better understand the economics, technology, and impacts of harvesting overstocked stands of small diameter timber. Previous studies on the density of stem wood that generally have been derived from trees growing in stands of normal stocking levels. Stem densities, an essential parameter in the determination of stem biomass, has not previously been investigated for trees growing in overstocked conditions. Predictive estimators of density based on data derived from studies of normally stocked stands can not be applied to trees growing in an overstocked condition with reliability. Thus the need to specifically examine stem densities in trees grown under these adverse conditions exists. 3 tabs. (ERA citation 13:005578)