Progress 10/01/02 to 09/30/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: This project has had 3 separate principal investigators during the last 10 years and the emphasis has consequently changed over time. The overall objective was to evaluate the feasibility of alternative management scenarios versus traditional forest management of southern forests. A growth and yield simulator (software) for shortleaf pine which includes models for basal area growth, individual tree mortality, and dbh-height relations was developed. The idea was expanded to determine dbh-height relations for major hardwood species (cherrybark oak and water oak) in southern Oklahoma. A unique feature of this model is that the equation relating tree height and dbh can be calibrated for forest conditions using locally obtained data, resulting in a more accurate model. A second emphasis area was to incorporate mid-rotational cultural treatments in stands of loblolly pine, an important timber species. Treatments such as fertilization and control of competition, in tandem with
traditional thinning, were investigated for economic feasibility. Various experimental reproduction cutting methods (seed tree, shelterwood, group selection, and single-tree selection) were compared to the traditional clearcut and plant system common to southern forests. This long-term project was in conjunction with the US Forest Service and data will continue to be collected by the Forest Service. Stand level growth rates differed significantly with these cutting treatments. Uneven aged reproduction cutting methods resulted in significantly higher annual growth rates than did even-aged methods. Volume growth increased from 1.6 tons per acre to 2.2 tons per acre with the uneven-aged cutting. The most recent work developed a prototype pest management model using the sigmoid infestation pattern of eastern redcedar and Sericea lespedeza, both invasive species in Oklahoma. This model has been expanded to account for non-sigmoidal invasion/infestation patterns as well. The benefits of
this model are the development of a spatially-explicit treatment allocation pattern for invasive species. The model will continue to be refined by the last PI (Sandor Toth) at his new position.
PARTICIPANTS: US Forest Service personnel; Dr. Thomas B. Lynch, Professor, OSU Dept. of Natural Resource Ecology and Management; Douglas Stevenson, Sr. Research Specialist, OSU Dept. of Natural Resource Ecology and Management
TARGET AUDIENCES: Forest landowners, forest managers
Impacts
The perceptions and attitudes of forest landowners regarding their land relative to a larger context of the overall ecosystem is becoming more prevalent. The introduction of more non-traditional, ecosystem friendly methods, of management brings uncertainty of yields and values derived from forested lands. Utilizing growth and yield information coupled with appropriate financial analyses will enable forest managers to make sustainable management decisions based on sound biological and economic justifications that will meet land owner objectives.
Publications
- Aday, BW, LR Gering, RF Wittwer, and JM Guldin. 1999. Non-traditional pine/hardwood management in Oklahoma and Arkansas. In: Proc. Tenth Biennial Southern Silvicltural Research Conference. Shreveport, LA.
- Aday, BW. 1999. Non-traditional pine/hardwood management for private landowners and public lands in Arkansas and Oklahoma. MS Thesis, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK. 84p.
- Bovee, JK, and AG Holley. 2001. Methods used in developing a profile of factors affecting land management decisions of non-industrial private forestland owners in southeastern Oklahoma. Prepared for presentation at Society of American Forester National Meeting, Sept. 13-18, 2001. Denver, CO.
- Bovee, Jennifer K., and A. Gordon Holley. 2002. Planners: charactertistics of non-industrial private forest landowners in southeastern Oklahoma who engage in planned forest management. In: Proc. 32nd Annual Southern Forest Econom ics Workshop, March 17-19, 2002. Virginia Beach, VA.
- Holley, A. Gordon, and Charles T. Stiff. 2003. Growth results from twenty-year old low density pine plantations. In: Proc. 12th Biennial Southern Silvicultural Research Conference, February 24-28, 2003, Biloxi, MS.
- Taylor, Eric. L., and A. Gordon Holley. 2004. Rethinking Artificial Regeneration. County Forest Landowner Association Newsletter, Third Quarter. 1p.
- Lynch, TB, AG Holley, and DJ Stevenson. 2005. A random parameter dbh-height model for cherrybark oak. S. Journal of Appl. For. 29(1):22-26.
- Gering, LR, JA Da Silva, and S. Do Amaral Machado. 1996. Invent ario florestal contunuo (IFC) com reposioao parcial de unidades amostrais: amostragem em successivas ocasioes. Revista Floresta, UFPR, Brasil. 21(1/2):3-22.
- Bitoki, O, LR Gering, TB Lynch and PA Murphy. 1997. An individual tree basal area growth model for uneven-aged stands of shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.) in the Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas and Oklahoma. In: Proc. Of Ninth Biennial Southern Silvicultural Research Conference, February 1997, Clemson, SC.
- Gering, LR, and DM May. 1997. Point-sampling of tree crown diameters for forest inventory using aerial photographs. Southern Journal of Applied Forestry 21(1):28-36.
- Gering, LR, AV Chun, and S. Anderson. 1998. Defining and predicting urban-wildland interface zones using a GIS-based mode. In: Proc. International Conf. on the Inventorying and Monitoring of Forest Ecosystems. 1998. Boise, ID.
- Lynch, TB, LR Gering, MM Huebschmann, and PA Murphy. 1999. A survival model for uneven-aged shortleaf pine trees. In: Proc. Tenth Biennial Southern Silvicultural Research Conference. Shreveport, LA.
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Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06
Outputs
The Forest Management position sat vacant between January 2005 and July 17, 2006. The position was filled 7/17/06. During the reporting period efforts were being made to identify research directions that are relevant to the needs of Oklahoma and the United States. The following research questions were short-listed for further investigation: How to demonstrate the monetary value of environmental forest services?; How to quantify and demonstrate the tradeoffs of providing non-timber forest services?; To what degree do non-timber forest benefits guide the management decisions of forest landowners?; How can quantitative analytical tools aid forest landowners in selling non-timber forest services?; How can quantitative analytical tools aid on-the-ground decisions to limit or eradicate the invasion of non-desirable species? During the reporting period a prototype pest management model has been developed. The model was streamlined to incorporate the sigmoid infestation
pattern of Eastern redcedar and Sericea lespedeza. Both species are of significant interest to the state of Oklahoma. Currently, pilot study sites are being sought to test and fine-tune the proposed model.
Impacts
A goal of the research is to provide forest owners with a tool that can provide tangible information on the monetary value of the non-timber benefits that their forestlands generate. This tool will enable them to demonstrate the opportunity costs of implementing management schemes that are more attentive to forest environmental services. This information will help them realize these lost revenues through government compensation or by selling these assets in competitive markets.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
The relationship between dbh and height for cherrybark oak (Quercus pagoda Raf.) was quanitified with T.B. Lynch, and the results were published in a peer-reviewed journal. A unique feature of this model is that the equation relating height and dbh can be calibrated for specific forest conditions using locally obtained data. Similar techniques were used to quantify the relationship between dbh and height for water oak (Quercus nigra L) and these results were presented at the 13th Biennial Southern Silvicultural Research Conference in Memphis, Tennessee.
Impacts
Inventory and management of cherrybark and water oak could be facilitated by use of dbh-height models for these species.
Publications
- Lynch, T.B., A.G. Holley, and D.J. Stevenson. 2005. A random parameter dbh-height model for cherrybark oak. South. Jour. Appl. For. 29(1):22-26.
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Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04
Outputs
Individual tree data from permanent and temporary research plots in bottomland hardwood stands on private and public lands in eastern Texas have been used to model height-diameter relations. Mixed-model estimation techniques were used to fit fixed-effects parameters to the height-dbh (diameter at breast height) relationship for cherrybark oak, with random-effects parameters representing sample stands from which tree data were obtained. The fixed-effect parameter estimates can be used to predict average cherrybark oak height for a given dbh in the region from which the data were obtained. Since random parameters associated with stands were utilized in the data fitting process, the models can be calibrated to fit new stands by obtaining measurements to fit appropriate random parameters for that stand. This calibration improves height predictions for individual stands while requiring less data than would the development of a completely new height prediction model for
that stand. A manuscript has been accepted with the Southern Journal of Applied Forestry & additional height-dbh analyses are underway for several more hardwood species. A survey instrument containing 60 multi-part questions was mailed to 3825 landowners in a tri-county area of extreme southeast Oklahoma. Approximately 1200 questionnaires have been completed & returned for a response rate of 21.5 percent. A manuscript dealing with Native American forest landowners is underway & additional analysis & reporting of the data is underway with a collaboration of forestry extension & agricultural communications personnel. Loblolly pine is one of the most important commercial tree species in the south & is highly valued for its production of wood. Historically, the over-riding goal in timber management has been to grow the maximum possible dry tonnage per year to meet product specifications. One of the most common tools for achieving this goal is the implementation of thinning. Recently, the
inclusion of other mid-rotational cultural treatments, such as fertilization and control of competition, in tandem with thinning has gained interest. While it is possible to continually increase management inputs to increase timber outputs, there are limitations, which will balance out biological growth with some level of management optimization to meet the objectives of the landowner. To that end, this project seeks to model intensively managed loblolly pine plantations given the constraint of maintaining financial viability. A manuscript has been submitted to the Southern Journal of Applied Forestry & is under review. Additional funding for the development of loblolly pine taper rates following thinning was secured in November 2003. Analyses are underway with a manuscript due out soon.
Impacts
Growth and yield information used tangentially with appropriate financial analyses will enable forest landowners and managers to make sound management decisions for their forestland. Efficient biological and financial decision-making can help meet landowner objectives and also lead to sustainable forestry practices.
Publications
- Taylor, Eric L. and Holley, A. Gordon. 2004. Rethinking Artificial Regeneration. County Forest Landowner Association Newsletter. Third Quarter. 1pp.
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Progress 10/01/02 to 09/30/03
Outputs
Stands within the Ouachita National Forest and the Ozark National Forest are included in the USDA Forest Services Ecosystem Management initiative. Phase II of this initiative includes imposing various experimental reproduction cutting methods (seed tree, shelterwood, group selection, and single-tree selection) as an alternative to the clearcut and plant system common to a large percentage of the southern forest. Within the Forest Service, progress has been made with the inclusion of a fourth set of post-harvest measurement data. However, Forest Service budget cuts precluded funding for this aspect of the project. A revised proposal has been submitted in attempt to renew this project and incorporate the latest re-measurement data. A survey instrument containing 60 multi-part questions was mailed to 3825 landowners in tri-county area of extreme southeast Oklahoma. Approximately 1200 questionnaires were been completed and returned for a response rate of 21.5 percent. A
paper dealing with comparisons of forest landowners who do and do not engage in planned forest management was presented at the annual Southern Forest Economic Workers Conference in 2002 and published in 2003. A graduate student working on a masters degree has submitted a first draft of their thesis. Additional analysis and reporting of the data is underway with a collaboration of forestry extension and agricultural communications personnel. Loblolly pine is one of the most important commercial tree species in the south and is highly valued for its production of wood. Historically, the over-riding goal in timber management has been to grow the maximum possible dry tonnage per year to meet product specifications. One of the most common tools for achieving this goal is the implementation of thinning. Recently, the inclusion of other mid-rotational cultural treatments, such as fertilization and control of competition, in tandem with thinning has gained interest. While it is possible to
continually increase management inputs to increase timber outputs, there are limitations, which will balance out biological growth with some level of management optimization to meet the objectives of the landowner. To that end, this project seeks to model intensively managed loblolly pine plantations given the constraint of maintaining financial viability. A paper was presented at the Twelfth Biennial Southern Silvicultural Research Conference. Additional funding for the continuation of this project was achieved in October 2003. Analyses are underway and an additional, longer range, funding proposal is presently under review.
Impacts
Utilizing growth and yield information coupled with appropriate financial analyses enables forest managers to make sustainable management decisions based on sound biological and economic justifications that will meet the objectives of landowners.
Publications
- Holley, A. Gordon and Stiff , Charles T. 2003. Growth Results from Twenty-Year Old Low Density Pine Plantations. Proceedings: Twelfth Biennial Southern Silvicultural Research Conference, Biloxi, MS. February 24-28, 2003.
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Progress 10/01/01 to 09/30/02
Outputs
Stands within the Ouachita National Forest and the Ozark National Forest are included in the USDA Forest Service's Ecosystem Management initiative. Phase II of this initiative includes imposing various experimental reproduction cutting methods (seed tree, shelterwood, group selection, and single-tree selection) as an alternative to the clearcut and plant system common to a large percentage of the southern forest. Within the Forest Service, progress has been made with the inclusion of a fourth set of post-harvest measurement data. However, Forest Service budget cuts precluded funding for this aspect of the project. A revised proposal has been submitted in attempt to renew this project and incorporate the latest re-measurement data. A survey instrument containing 60 multi-part questions was mailed to 3825 landowners in tri-county area of extreme southeast Oklahoma. Approximately 1200 questionnaires were been completed and returned for a response rate of 21.5 percent. A
paper dealing with comparisons of forest landowners who do and do not engage in planned forest management was presented at the annual Southern Forest Economic Workers Conference. Additional analysis and reporting of the data is underway with a collaboration of forestry extension and agricultural communications personnel. Loblolly pine is one of the most important commercial tree species in the south and is highly valued for its production of wood. Historically, the over-riding goal in timber management has been to grow the maximum possible dry tonnage per year to meet product specifications. One of the most common tools for achieving this goal is the implementation of thinning. Recently, the inclusion of other mid-rotational cultural treatments, such as fertilization and control of competition, in tandem with thinning has gained interest. While it is possible to continually increase management inputs to increase timber outputs, there are limitations, which will balance out biological
growth with some level of management optimization to meet the objectives of the landowner. To that end, this project seeks to model intensively managed loblolly pine plantations given the constraint of maintaining financial viability. Initial funding of this project was achieved in June 2002. Growth and yield data was collected over the summer by OSU personnel from intensively managed loblolly pine stands in eastern Texas. Analyses are underway and an additional, longer range, funding proposal is presently under review.
Impacts
Utilizing growth and yield information coupled with appropriate financial analyses will enable forest managers to make sustainable management decisions based on sound biological and economic justifications that will meet the objectives of landowners.
Publications
- Bovee, Jennifer K. and Holley, A. Gordon. 2002. Planners: Characteristics of Non-industrial Private Forest Landowners in Southeastern Oklahoma Who Engage in Planned Forest Management. Proceedings: 32nd Annual Southern Forest Economics Workshop. Virginia Beach, VA. March 17-19, 2002.
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Progress 10/01/00 to 09/30/01
Outputs
Project is organized into three major components all related to the larger scope of ecosystem management. Non Traditional Pine/Hardwood ManagementStands within the Ouachita National Forest and the Ozark National Forest are included in the USDA Forest Service's Ecosystem Management initiative. Phase II of this initiative includes imposing various experimental reproduction cutting methods (seed tree, shelterwood, group selection, and single-tree selection) as an alternative to the clearcut and plant system common to a large percentage of the southern forest. Also included in this experiment are several modifications to the traditional natural regeneration cuttings methods listed above that incorporate select hardwoods in the residual overstory. Progress has been made with the inclusion of a third set of post-harvest measurement data. Work currently is underway to determine the implications of the various cutting methods with the inclusion of current post-harvest
measurement data provided this year by the Forest Service. Individual tree and stand level growth is just one of the factors involved in making wise forest management decisions in forest operations. Other important aspects include financial evaluations of management options. Forest Service scientists have kept detailed records of costs and returns on a stand-specific basis for experimental units across multiple studies. Utilizing growth and yield information combined with financial analyses will enable forest managers to make decisions based on sound biological and economic justifications. Full development of post-harvest growth data from the Non Traditional Pine/Hardwood Management project will allow detailed financial analyses, which can be extrapolated to forestlands held by both public agencies and private landowners. Progress this year included collection of data necessary for the development of cost-price models to be incorporated in final analysis. In the United States,
consumption of forest products is projected to increase 69 percent while timber harvest will only increase 38 percent by the year 2050. This means that two-thirds of the timber removal form plantations will occur on 20 percent of the timberland base. This increased demand is coming at the end of a 20-year era where timber removal on National Forests has decreased more than 50 percent. Non-industrial private forest landowners will play no small role in supplying timber for the increasing production demands, therefore it is important to look at who NIPF owners are to understand what can be expected from their lands. To that end a survey instrument containing 60 multi-part questions was mailed to 3825 landowners in tri-county area of extreme southeast Oklahoma. To date almost 1200 questionnaires have been completed and returned for a response rate of 21.5 percent. A poster was prepared for presentation at the nation meeting of the Society of American Foresters dealing with the unique
sample design and early results.
Impacts
The perceptions and attitudes of forest landowners regarding their land relative to a larger context of the overall ecosystem is becoming more prevalent. The introduction of more non-traditional, ecosystem friendly, methods of management brings uncertainty of the yields and values derived from these lands. Utilizing growth and yield information coupled with appropriate financial analyses will enable forest managers to make sustainable management decisions based on sound biological and economic justifications that will meet the objectives of landowners.
Publications
- Bovee J.K. and Holley, A.G. 2001. Methods Used in Developing a Profile of Factors Affecting Land Management Decisions of Non-industrial Private Forestland owners in Southeastern Oklahoma. Prepared for presentation at: Society of American Foresters, National Meeting, September 13-18, 2001, Denver, Colorado.
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Progress 10/01/99 to 09/30/00
Outputs
Stands within the Ouachita National Forest and the Ozark National Forest are included in the USDA Forest Service's Ecosystem Management initiative. Phase II of this initiative includes imposing various experimental reproduction cutting methods (seed tree, shelterwood, group selection, and single-tree selection) as an alternative to the clearcut and plant system common to a large percentage of the southern forest. Also included in this experiment are several modifications to the traditional natural regeneration cuttings methods listed above that incorporate select hardwoods in the residual overstory. A thesis completed at Oklahoma State University in 1999 indicated that stand level growth rates differed significantly for some of the various cutting treatments. However, differences were not clearly demarcated and as a result clear decision orders could not be identified. The thesis concluded that a longer growing period would likely enable identification of more refined
differences of residual stand growth. Timing of data collection precluded the inclusion of a fourth year of overstory measurements in the initial work. However, currently work is underway to determine the implications of the various cutting methods with the inclusion of current post-harvest measurement data collected and provided this year by the Forest Service. Residual tree growth is just one of the factors involved in making wise forest management decisions on these non-traditional management regimes. Other important aspects include financial evaluations of management options. Progress is also being made on evaluations of the financial viability of the various experimental reproduction-cutting methods for non-industrial private forest landowners and public entities. Forest Service scientists have kept detailed records of costs and returns on a stand-specific basis for the experimental units in this study. Utilizing growth and yield information combined with financial analyses will
enable forest managers to make decisions based on sound biological and economic justifications. Plans for next year include completing current analyses on biometric and economic effects of the various experimental reproduction cutting methods and publishing the results. Plans are already in place to seek continuing external funding for additional projects under the Forest Service's ecosystem management Initiative.
Impacts
The perceptions and attitudes of forest landowners regarding their land relative to a larger context of the overall ecosystem is becoming more prevalent. The introduction of more non-traditional, ecosystem friendly, methods of management brings uncertainty of the yields and values derived from these lands. Utilizing growth and yield information coupled with appropriate financial analyses will enable forest managers to make sustainable management decisions based on sound biological and economic justifications.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/98 to 09/30/99
Outputs
Although the principal investigator position sat vacant for most of 1999 there was progress. The study to determine if acceptable levels of growth and yield can be produced following a variety of 'non-traditional' reproduction cutting methods finished its first phase which culminated in the completion of a graduate student's thesis. Results showed that uneven-aged reproduction cutting methods resulted in significantly (at the 0.1 alpha level) higher annual growth rates than did even-aged methods. Treatments utilizing uneven-aged cutting practices averaged approximately 70 cubic feet, or 2.2 tons, of volume growth per acre annually as compared to approximately 50 cubic feet, or 1.6 tons per acre annually with even-aged methods. The study also found no significant differences in growth rates between four physiographic regions ranging from the Arkansas River valley to the South Fork sub-region of the Central Ouachita Mountains. Although these are preliminary findings, as
the Forest Service has collected data from only one measurement cycle (two years) since treatment implementation, the findings will be useful to forest managers in this region by helping them meet the multiple objectives demanded by the public while maintaining a steady timber supply. Plans for next year include incorporating the next Forest Service measurement cycle data into an expanded study to investigate the economic relationships of the residual growing stock, advanced regeneration, and operational silvicultural activities. Securing external funding for future projects will be a priority along with seeking qualified graduate students. One graduate student was associated with this project.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Lynch, T.B., Gering, L.R., Huebschmann, M.M., and Murphy, P.A. 1999. A survival model for uneven-aged shortleaf pine trees. In: Proc. Tenth Biennial Southern Silvicultural Research Conference: 1999, Shreveport, LA
- Aday, B.W., Gering, L.R., Wittwer, R.F., and Guldin, J.M. 1999. Non-traditional pine/hardwood management in Oklahoma and Arkansas. In: Proc. Tenth Biennial Southern Silvicultural Research Conference: 1999, Shreveport, LA
- Aday, B.W. 1999. Non-traditional pine/hardwood management for private landowners and public lands in Arkansas and Oklahoma. 84p. MS Thesis, Oklahoma State University; Stillwater, Oklahoma.
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Progress 10/01/97 to 09/30/98
Outputs
The study for evaluating the growth of uneven-aged shortleaf pine (funded by USDA Forest Service) was completed in late 1998. A growth and yield simulator (software), which includes models for basal area growth, individual tree mortality and dbh-height relations, has been developed. It is currently being combined with a previously created simulator for even-aged shortleaf pine into one comprehensive simulator. Publications are being developed. A second study involves determination of growth and yield responses to harvesting methods using partial cutting techniques that simulate natural disturbances, part of a USDA Forest Service project looking into a broad area of ecosystem management techniques. Local volume tables have been developed and data from the first inventory have been used to create stand and stock tables. Data from the second inventory will be obtained shortly from the Forest Service, allowing analyses of changes that occurred. Results from both studies
are directly applicable to NIPF landowners. Plans for next year include completion of the harvest/growth-response study. Journal and popularized publication of the results from this and associated studies will be important. Securing external funding for future projects is a priority. Two graduate students associated with this project.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Gering, L.R., A.V. Chun, and S. Anderson. 1998. Defining and predicting urban-wildland interface zones using a GIS-based model. In: Proc. International Conf. on the Inventorying and Monitoring of Forest Ecosystems; 1998; Boise, ID.
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Progress 10/01/96 to 09/30/97
Outputs
Progress across the project has been made. The first study (funded by USDA Forest Service) is designed to evaluate growth of uneven-aged shortleaf pine. Models for basal area growth, individual tree mortality and dbh-height relations have been completed. These equations are being incorporated into a forest growth and yield simulator (computer software) along with similar equations representing growth of even-aged shortleaf pine. A second study involves determination of growth and yield responses to harvesting methods using partial cutting techniques that simulate natural disturbances, part of a USDA Forest Service project looking into a broad area of ecosystem management techniques. Initial inventory data were obtained and a local volume table is being developed. Data from the second inventory have been processed and will be obtained shortly, allowing analyses of changes that occurred. A third study was added and involves an evaluation of a model for predicting the
urban/wildland interface. This builds upon prior work which developed such a model for LeFlore County in Oklahoma (partially funded by OK Dept. Ag. - Forestry Services). Plans for next year include increased emphasis on the harvest/growth-response study (the thesis subject of a graduate student). Journal publication of the results from the other studies will be important. Securing external funding for the urban-wildland investigation is also a priority.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Bitoki, O., L.R. Gering, T.B. Lynch and P.A. Murphy. 1997. An individual tree basal area growth model for uneven-aged stands of shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.) in the Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas and Oklahoma. In: Proc. of Ninth Biennial Southern Silvicultural Research Conference; February, 1997; Clemson, SC.
- Gering, L.R., and D.M. May. 1997. Point-sampling of tree crown diameters for forest inventory using aerial photographs. Southern Journal of Applied Forestry 21(1): 28-36.
- Gering, L.R., J.A. da Silva, and S. do Amaral Machado. 1996. Invent_rio florestal cont nuo (IFC) com reposiao parcial de unidades amostrais: amostragem em successivas ocasioes. Revista Floresta, UFPR, Brasil. 24(1/2): 3-22.
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Progress 10/01/95 to 09/30/96
Outputs
Completed project (partially funded by OK Dept Agriculture-Forestry Services) todevelop model for identifying areas of urban-wildland interface in LeFlore County, OK. Model used Landsat imagery and US Census data and was formatted using ARC/INFO GIS procedures. The model aligned with ground-truthed observations and is versatile. Significant progress has been made on a second project (partially funded by USDA Forest Service) to study growth of uneven-aged shortleaf pine. Basal area growth model has been completed and final analyses of the individual tree mortality and dbh-height relationships are being completed. A third project involves determination of growth and yield responses to harvesting methods involving partial cutting techniques that simulate natural stand disturbances (part of a USDA Forest Service project looking into a broad area of ecosystem management techniques). Initial inventory data was obtained from Forest Service and second inventory data is being
processed and will be obtained shortly, allowing analyses of changes that occurred. Plans for next year include journal publication of results from the urban-wildland investigation and expansion to a regional study.Uneven-aged shortleaf model will be finalized with results presented at Southern Silviculture meeting and peer-reviewed journal article. Harvest/growth-response project will receive attention as it will become the thesis subject of a graduate student. Students=2.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Bitoki, O. 1996. A distance independent individual tree basal area growth model for natural uneven-aged stands of shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.) in the Ouachita Mountains. 74p. MS Thesis, Oklahoma State University; Stillwater, Oklaho
- Chun, A.V., L.R. Gering, and S. Anderson. 1996. Development of a model for defining and predicting the urban-wildland interface for LeFlore County, Oklahoma. In: Proc. of 1995 Society of American Foresters Convention; Portland, ME; pp. 394-
- Chun, A. 1995. Development of a model for defining and predicting the urban-wildland interface for Le Flore County, Oklahoma. 93p. MS Thesis, Oklahoma State University; Stillwater, Oklahoma. Under supervision of Dr. Lawrence R. Gering.
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Progress 10/01/94 to 09/30/95
Outputs
Project is organized into 3 modules. Each represents a separate study under the ecosystem management model. The Non-Traditional Pine/Hardwood Management module has progressed the most and is basis for Forest Service research grant ($40,000 over 5-year period, OSU Coop. Agree. #19-94-022). A fully randomized and replicated design was established with 728 plots on 52 stands for determination of change in volume under various treatments, reflecting harvesting methods involving partial cutting techniques that simulate natural stand disturbances and ranging from single-tree selection to seedtree techniques. All trees were identified, tallied, and measured in spring 1994; variables included dbh and tree height. The 2nd inventory is planned for fall 1995. Data are collected by Forest Service crews and provided to OSU for statistical analyses. The 2nd module emphasized stand dynamics for a forest being converted to uneven-aged management. Activities are coordinated with Choctaw
Nation; plots have been installed. Selection harvesting has been completed and additional field work planned for winter 1996. The last module concerned the development of expert systems and has had little activity. The creation of expert systems will provide a means of efficient transfer of knowledge to forest land managers such as NIPF and opportunities for advancing this study will be sought.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- No publications this reporting period.
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Progress 10/01/93 to 09/30/94
Outputs
Project was organized into three major components or modules. While closely related under the ecosystem management model, each represents a separate study. The Non-Traditional Pine/Hardwood Management module has progressed the most. This module was used as basis for USDA Forest Service research proposal (awarded $40,000 over 5-year period, OSU Cooperative Agreement #19-94-022). A fully randomized and replicated design was established with 728 plots on 52 stands. This will allow determination of change in volume under various treatments. Treatments reflect various harvesting methods involving partial cutting techniques that simulate natural stand disturbances and range from single-tree selection to seedtree techniques. All trees on plots were identified, tallied, and measured in spring 1994. Variables included dbh and tree height. Data has been edited and sorted and provided to OSU August 1994. Presently analyses are underway to create a local volume table that will be
used to determine volumes for initial measurement and for each of two successive measurements (in 1996 and 1997). The second module emphasized stand dynamics for a forest being converted to uneven-aged management. Activities have been coordinated with Choctaw Nation and plots have been installed. Selection harvesting is currently underway and we are planning additional field work in January, 1995. The final module concerned the development of expert systems and has had little activity.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- No publications reported this period.
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