Ecological Forestry Alternatives to Clearcutting in Aspen Forests

Ecological Forestry Alternatives to Clearcutting in Aspen Forests

Summary

WORK ACTIVITIES 2013

Data from the first baseline field site was compiled and analyzed with collaborators. A presentation was prepared and shared at a June 8 meeting followed by a Field Day visit to the site.

A website was prepared to provide forestry and other natural resource information for landowners in cooperation with the UW Extension.

Second and potentially third baseline sites were researched but no field work was conducted.

RESULTS

Primary results indicate there may be a target density which landowners could manage for to convert aspen to other forest cover types without clearcutting.

WORK PLAN FOR 2014

1. Compile the data into a paper for peer-review.

2. Hold one field day specific to the project.

3. Finalize new baseline plot sites, collect data, utilize Northland College students to expedite data collection.

4. Literature search.

5. Data compilation and paper preparation, submission for review.

6. Improve the website for forest landowners supported by UW Extension staff.

7. Hold several additional field days on sustainable forestry topics (one on agroforestry is in the works now.)

OUTREACH

The Field Day and presentation on our findings had 18 participants and was the primary mechanism for sharing information to date. Few landowners came to the Field Day but many local natural resource managers for private and public lands joined us so the information will be disseminated via their networks as well.

Plans for sharing the information continue as per the grant:

1- Preparation, dissemination, and publishing a research paper.

2- Updating the web resource for forest landowners which can be supported long term with UW Extension assistance.

3- Hosting field days promoted with direct mailings to landowners in the region describing the project and findings to date.

Objectives/Performance Targets

Data from the first baseline field site was compiled and analyzed with collaborators. A presentation was prepared and shared at a June 8 meeting followed by a Field Day visit to the site.

A website was prepared to provide forestry and other natural resource information for landowners in cooperation with the UW Extension.

Second and potentially third baseline sites were researched but no field work was conducted.

Primary results indicate there may be a target density which landowners could manage for to convert aspen to other forest cover types without clearcutting.

Accomplishments/Milestones

1- Field Day presenting initial findings of project.  Participation by leading natural resource professionals in the area.

2 – Completion of website.

3 – Identification of other research sites.

• Preliminary Findings of Variable Density Aspen Thinning 2013

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

Biggest impact to date is engaging leading natural resource professionals in the field and on the ground in a dialogue about alternatives to clearcutting aspen.  In the several decades I have been working in this field, I have not seen so many foresters actively engaging this topic in a constructive way.  Collectively these resource managers influence hundreds of landowners and hundreds of thousands of acres of forest.  This would not have occured without SARE support.

Collaborators: