MANAGEMENT PLANS — THE NATIONAL FORESTS 9 



area covered by yoiin«^ fjrowth or an old burn or a different forest 

 type would be set out as a subcompartnient. Again, the sulidivision 

 may be based on lo^^^ging chances or timl)er sales. 



A complete division into subcompartments does not liave to be 

 made at the time that mana<rement is initiated; from time to time 

 there will be need to sulidivide as sales are made, fires occur, and 

 other conditions come about tliat chaujre tlie character of a ]>nrt of 

 the stand in a compartment. The number of subcompartments will 

 be in direct proportion to the intensity of manajrement, to the length 

 of time that a <iiven area has been under systematic treatment, and 

 to the complexity of tlie composition or character of the stand. Well 

 chosen subcompartments show for themselves on the ground and 

 usually need no artificial marking of tlieir boundaries; the bound- 

 aries should, however, be shown on tlie majx 



DESIGNATION OF UNFTS 



In the designation of blocks, compartments, and subcompartments 

 on the ground, on maps, and in reports, it is good practice to give 

 names to blocks and compartments, usually suggested by outstanding 

 topographic features, and to number or letter subcompartments. 

 However, in working circles in which the terrain is cut up into 

 many small gulches and in which timber sales are of small size, 

 subcompartments may sometimes be given names that identify them 

 with the topogra]:)hy. 



Where the public land survey is the basis of division, management 

 units may be designated by townships, ranges, and sections. 



COLLECTION OF DATA 



The comjjlete and intensive plans presented as models in the text- 

 books require a formidable array of accurate fiehl data. Much of 

 this information is of a kind that can be accumulated cmly after 

 years of investigation and experience. In many t>f the national 

 forests there is a decided shortage of such essential data as regional 

 yield tables, tables of growth by species or types, and stock and stand 

 tables for vaiious types. 



In many national forests the immediate need of the public for 

 timber is too ])ressing to permit the shelving of applications until 

 complete and satisfactory management-plan data mo obtained. To 

 meet this situation, which bids fail- lo continue for soiii(> time, some 

 plan is needed at once even though comph'te and comprehensive data 

 are lacking. It remains essential, neveitheless, that the principles of 

 sustained yield, proper silviculture, and sound economics be safe- 

 guarded and that the course of exploitation in every woiking circle 

 be directed along lines that will at least lead in the right direction. 



It is entirely possible to construct j^lans that will not only serve 

 all immediate needs, but will at liie same time initiate systematic 

 manaL'ement, on the basis of a ratliei' nieauiM- showing of ftinda- 

 mental data. A simj)le plan, the primary purpose of which is to 

 provide for the cutting of the \aiious stands of timber in th<' ordiT 

 indicated by their silvicultural needs and the di«lates of good busi- 

 ness judgment and in a manner that will a.sHure satisfactory repro- 



05771—2.8 2 



