Failure to develop silviculture prescriptions compatible with ecological consider- 

 ations was not the sole reason for generally low success of Douglas-fir plantations over 

 the 15 years prior to 1968. Browsing and trampling by domestic livestock caused immense 

 damage in many plantations. Low vigor of planting stock from the nursery was often 

 suspected. This may have been caused by cultural practices in the nursery, or by lift- 

 ing, handling, and storage procedures that did not adequately maintain tree vigor until 

 planting time. The planting procedure was also suspect. A poor selection of planting 

 spot, improper placement of roots, improper planting depth, and air pockets and debris 

 in the planting hole undoubtedly have reduced survival and growth of planted trees. In 

 the Intermountain region, Douglas-fir seems to be more sensitive than other species to 

 mishandling. Therefore, it is imperative that all procedures be carefully performed. 



For natural seeding, one or more of a number of factors may have contributed to a 

 lack of regeneraton on any specific area. The budworm {Choristoneura oceidentdiis 

 Freeman) was widespread in Montana and Idaho during the 15-year regeneration period 

 studied. Dewey (1970) found it to be a serious pest to Douglas-fir cones. Squirrels 

 and ground -dwelling rodents can seriously reduce the number of seeds available at 

 germination time (Shearer and Schmidt 1970). Dwarf mistletoe, bark beetles, and root 

 rot are other agents that reduce the vigor of Douglas-fir trees. The extent of damage 

 from these agents is probably related in some degree to habitat type. 



RECOMMENDATIONS 



An accurate description of site potential is needed where research is done. A 

 similar site evaluation must be made by the land manager using research results to 

 prescribe silviculture treatments for a specific unit of land. Both evaluations appear 

 to be indispensable to consistent success in Rocky Mountain Douglas-fir regeneration 

 efforts . 



Douglas-fir is important over a wide range of habitat conditions. Consequently, 

 successful regeneration of individual stands will require knowledgeable use of 

 different cutting systems, selection of applicable site preparation and artificial 

 regeneration measures, and careful execution of each step of the selected treatments. 

 What can be done with success on some sites may not succeed on others (appendix II). 



The most logical approach for our research program would be to (1) develop a 

 habitat type classification for the remaining forest lands in the five-State area sam- 

 pled, (2) determine the requirements of the species, and (3) evaluate effects of dif- 

 ferent silvicultural systems and develop guidelines for regenerating stands on major 

 habitat types that support Douglas-fir. 



In the meantime, the land manager should give careful attention to all phases of 

 each operation. For instance, in plantation establishment, he should make sure that 

 seed is from good trees adapted to the planting site; that nursery practices produce 

 vigorous planting stock; that stock vigor is maintained by careful lifting, handling, 

 and storage; and that planting is carefully done. Though handling and planting re- 

 quirements to maintain tree vigor are adequately known, further refinements, such as 

 requirements for each species, will pay dividends. But, too often the big stumbling 

 block is getting the job on the ground done in strict accordance with the prescription. 



15 



