Field Trips

One of the field trips will take us to Capitol Forest, a state-owned forest managed by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The research trials we will view are being conducted by the USDA-FS Pacific Northwest Research Station and the University of Washington, with operational support from the Washington DNR. The study involves implementation of a number of alternative silvicultural regimes and subsequent monitoring of human perceptions and numerous biotic responses. Details can be viewed at http://www.fs.fed.us/pnw/olympia/silv/selected_studies/blue_ridge/blueridge_poster.htm

Participants will also have the option of attending one of two additional field trips. The first will focus on a USDI Bureau of Land Management study referred to as the BLM Density Management Study. The BLM is working in partnership with the US Geological Survey, Oregon State University, and the Pacific Northwest Research Station to demonstrate and evaluate different approaches to managing 40 to 70 year-old low-elevation forest stands for late-successional forest characteristics. Study treatments include varying residual tree densities, leave islands of three sizes, patch cuts of three sizes, and an untreated control. In addition, alternative riparian buffer-width treatments are nested within the moderate density retention treatment. Twelve study sites are located on four BLM districts in western Oregon.

The second option is a tour through one replication of the Demonstration of Ecosystem Management Options (DEMO) study. This study is a test of responses to variable-retention harvests on 13-ha units. Treatments were implemented in 1997-98 and both pre- and post-harvest sampling have included bryophytes, vascular plants, truffles, mushrooms, canopy invertebrates, salamanders, small mammals, and birds. Human perceptions of visual quality have also been assessed. More details can be found at http://www.cfr.washington.edu/research.demo/index.htm