The U.S. Forest Service plans to log 9,798 acres in 256 stands using five main treatment methods, represented by colored areas on the map. To better understand these treatments, here are some terms used: BA – basal area per acre; the cross-sectional area of all trees at 4.5 feet above the ground, summed and divided… Continue reading Understanding Treatments
Category: Treatments
What is Basal Area?
The proposed harvest methods by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) often mention basal area. For example, here is a sentence from the USFS description of clearcut: At least 15 basal area per acre (BA) is retained in any scoured ephemeral stream zones. The diameter of a tree at 4.5 feet above the ground is called diameter… Continue reading What is Basal Area?
USFS Intermediate Vegetation Treatments
From the U.S. Forest Service Jellico Vegetation Management project documentation: CROP TREE RELEASEThis treatment releases desired trees in the dominant and co-dominant crown classes that are vigorous, exhibit healthy crowns, and have good form. The number of crop trees is determined on a stand-by-stand basis, as older stands generally have a lower number of crop… Continue reading USFS Intermediate Vegetation Treatments
USFS Harvest Methods
From the U.S. Forest Service Jellico Vegetation Management project documentation: CLEARCUTThis harvest method consists of cutting essentially all trees and regenerating the stand. Only immediate roost trees (IRTs), as defined in the Forest Plan (page A-16), and snags (dead trees) are retained. At least 15 basal area per acre (BA) is retained in any scoured… Continue reading USFS Harvest Methods