REGENERATION IN MIXED CONIFER CLEARCUTS IN THE Reference Abstract Seidel, K. W. 1979. Regeneration in mixed conifer clearcuts in the Cascade Range and Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon. USDA For. Serv. Res. Pap. PNW-248, 24 p., illus. Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station, Portland, Oregon. A survey of clearcuts in mixed conifer forests of the Cascade Range and Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon showed that, on the average, clearcuts were adequately reforested with a mixture of advance, natural, and planted reproduction. Planted ponderosa pine dominated clearcuts at elevations of less than 5,300 feet; and at higher elevations in the Cascades, considerable amounts of true fir and mountain hemlock advance reproduction were present. Seedling establishment was better on more northerly aspects while increasing amounts of grass had a negative effect on stocking. Planting ponderosa pine in clearcuts below 5,300 feet where vigorous advance reproduction is lacking has resulted in fast growing, well stocked stands and is the preferred reforestation method. At higher elevations, lodgepole pine is a desirable species to plant because of its greater resistance to snow damage. Planting stock should be used that was grown from seed collected in the same geographical and elevational zone as the clearcut. If sufficient numbers of vigorous advance reproduction exist to form the new stand, careful logging and slash disposal methods to save these trees will eliminate the problems associated with natural or artificial regeneration. Natural regeneration after clearcutting is an uncertain reforestation method because so many factors involved are beyond the forester's control. It is, therefore, most useful as a means of supplementing existing advance or planted reproduction. |