New Silvicultural Practices Under Abstract Ecosystem Management, 1997 Environmental Conference Proceedings

The Colville Study is a partnership between three National Forests, three forest products companies, five universities, the USDA Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory, and the USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station. The objective of the study is to understand the potential role of wood removals in financing forest operations intended to change the growth trajectory of densely stocked small-diameter stands. We evaluated the long-term ecological implications of a range of silvicultural regimes intended to promote development of late-successional structure, wildlife habitat, reduce risk of insect attack and disease, and improve aesthetics of such stands. We also measured the productivity of a cut to length harvesting system and the product potential of treatments. To help forest managers understand the complex interactions between forest operations and value of small-diameter trees we are developing a software tool for performing financial analysis of silvicultural treatments. The study was implemented as a case study of the Rocky II Timber Sale on the Colville National Forest. Results so far suggest that active management is needed to alter growth trajectories to satisfy management goals. The costs associated with achieving silivicultural objectives are highly dependent on the harvesting system employed and the objectives of silvicuitural regimes. It is important for Forest Service personnel to understand what characteristics generate value in these marginally economic stands in order to design timber sales that both meet ecological objectives and are economically feasible.