Application of Cutting 

 Methods to Habitat Types 



The 11 habitat types in which nonderosa pine occurs differ in the relative sever- 

 ity of the regeneration problem under each of the reproduction cutting methods. Which 

 method to prescribe for a particular habitat must be decided by considering the economic 

 consequences in relation to the silvicultural results. The following discussion is 

 limited to an evaluation of the silvicultural aspects of regenerating forest stands in 

 the various habitats. 



Climax Position 



The four habitat types in which ponderosa pine is associated with Festuoa, 

 Agropyron, or Stipa grasses, or a combination of Purshia shrubs and these- grasses, have 

 similar characteristics and present similar problems of timber management. They are 

 on the dry and warm end of the moisture-temperature gradient for tree growth, ponderosa 

 pine is the climax tree vegetation, and pine stands are often infected with dwarf- 

 mistletoe. In these stands dwarfmistletoe is a prime consideration. The only known 

 practical way to prevent infection in the new stand is to eliminate the source--the 

 infected trees--and clearcutting, with seeding or planting, is the most practical 

 method of doing it. Other cutting methods could eliminate the sources of infection 

 if it was not heavy. 



If dwarfmistletoe is absent a wider selection of cutting methods is available. 

 All of the high-forest methods of reproduction have been used in these stands with 

 some success. Ponderosa pine is the only tree species present; so competition with 

 other species is not a consideration. Natural regeneration is often sporadic and 

 difficult to obtain, however, because of the hot, dry site, competition from grasses 

 for what soil moisture is available, and the infrequency of good seed crops. Clear- 

 cutting and planting produce the quickest and fastest timber growth if they are 

 compatible with the overall management objectives of the area. The site is thoroughly 

 prepared for planting to reduce competition from grasses sufficiently to insure 

 adequate survival of the planted trees. 



Group selection, seed-tree, or shelterwood methods, if properly executed, can be 

 applied to stands on these habitat types. Care must be taken to develop the desired 

 age classes. Such cuttings produce enough seed for regeneration, but the competitive 

 grass cover may increase following cutting. Therefore, the site must be prepared 

 shortly before a good seed crop occurs. Then the new crop should be released in a 

 few years by removal or reduction of the seed-tree or shelterwood overstory. Careful 

 logging is required to avoid excessive damage to the reproduction stand. 



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