Thinning Young Stands: Effects on Spotted Owl Prey

 

Andrew B. Carey, PNW Station, Olympia, WA

 

 

Thinning can benefit or negatively impact the prey of the spotted owl depending on whether or not thinning induces spatial heterogeneity in vegetation, includes management for coarse woody debris and cavity trees, and promotes tree species diversity.

 

Keywords: thinning, spotted owl, flying squirrel, biodiversity, biocomplexity.