Inventory-based forest health indicators: implications for National Forest Management

Several forest health indicators that are derived from inventory data can be used to compare changes in stand conditions over a 50-year period and across ownerships and regions. National forests, most of which are in the West, are denser and have higher mortality than other forests. A continuation o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of forestry 2003-03, Vol.101 (2), p.11-17
Main Authors: O'Laughlin, J, Cook, P.S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Forest & brush fires
forest health
forest health indicators
forest inventory
forest stands
Forestry
national forests
Public policy
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Summary:Several forest health indicators that are derived from inventory data can be used to compare changes in stand conditions over a 50-year period and across ownerships and regions. National forests, most of which are in the West, are denser and have higher mortality than other forests. A continuation of today's high growth-to-removals ratio on national forest timberlands portends increased density and mortality, putting various ecological, environmental, economic, and social values at greater risk of severe wildfire than they are today. National forest managers could improve stand conditions by increasing removals, but public policies tend to inhibit active management of national forests.
ISSN:0022-1201
1938-3746
DOI:10.1093/jof/101.2.11