32 THE CLEARCUTTING METHOD 



Modifications of the Method. Modifications in applica- 

 tion of the method, outside of changes in details which are 

 expected to vary with each species and locality, affect princi- 

 pally the portion of the stand which is cut clear at one time. 

 Under the ordinary meaning the term "clearcutting" implies 

 the removal of the whole stand at one time. Where the in- 

 dividual stand is of large area it may take several years to 

 complete the operation. 



The reasons for extending a clearcutting operation through 

 more than one year arises not entirely from logging consid- 

 erations as to what can be covered in a year, although this 

 may have weight. More important are the silvical require- 

 ments of the species, particularly available seed supply and 

 conditions necessary for germination. These factors should 

 determine whether the whole stand may be cut at one time. 



Depending upon whether the timber is removed in one or 

 more operations, and upon the relative size, shape and loca- 

 tion of the portions cut in a single operation, the clearcutting 

 methods may be classified as: 



Clearcutting the whole stand 

 Clearcutting in strips 



Alternate strips 



Progressive strips 

 Clearcutting in patches. 



The first method has already been discussed; it remains to 

 consider the last two. 



Clearcutting in Strips. (A) Alternate Strips. Under this 

 arrangement the stand is divided into a series of strips as 

 shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. The first strip is cut clear, the 

 next left standing, the third cut, and so on throughout the 

 stand. A few years later after reproduction is established, the 

 timber on the uncut strips is removed. 



