Fire up the saws!

[wytex]

I agree that it would be nicer if that was not completely cut, but that looks like ideal mule deer and elk habitat next year already to me personally.

I'll take another pic this year and we'll see if it looks like mule deer and elk habitat in a year, I'm betting not.
I will take a pic of some great looking logging near some wintering areas, they really did nice slash management on that cut.

 

[Forkyfinder]

Not a clearcut fan at all and they are logging our forests every year.

This was elk habitat but in about 50 years we'll have some timber back.
View attachment 362570

It looks like theres a good corner to hop in the distance somewhere there

 

[BigHornRam]

The too high initial planting density has a purpose...to help create higher quality wood. At least in many conifer plantings. Which often directly conflicts with high quality wildlife habitat.

Forest management is site specific, every region is different, not to mention aspect, slope, elevation, ect. Some areas with abundant moisture, there is no need for planting conifers, and too much natural reproduction is a problem. Some areas get so hot in the summer, it cooks all the seedlings, whether they are planted or naturally regenerated.

Here is a steep south facing slope in a roadless area that burned in the year 2000. Little regen has taken place in 25 years on this what was pre burn an old growth pine/fir Forest. Zoom into the rock in the center of the photo, and you will see a nice bighorn ram enjoying this habitat.

 

[RandanP]

Interesting stories from the early days of the Forest Service.

Early Days in the Forest Service (Volume 1)

Ehlers first timber sale area in Lick Creek, from a couple years ago. A lot of time framed photo studies have taken place over the years of this low elevation mostly ponderosa pine forest.

View attachment 362647

View attachment 362648

Thanks. Lick Creek is very cool to see.

Lick Creek is also included in this publication. Great matched photography that shows early versus more recent times.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/rm/pubs_int/int_gtr158.pdf

 

[BigHornRam]

Thanks. Lick Creek is very cool to see.

Lick Creek is also included in this publication. Great matched photography that shows early versus more recent times.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/rm/pubs_int/int_gtr158.pdf

Thanks for the link! I've seen these time frame photos many times. Great example of what happens when you have fire suppression during a cool wet climate cycle. Ladder fuel city!

 

[wytex]

It looks like theres a good corner to hop in the distance somewhere there

Why yes there is , beyond the 100+ acre clearcut.

 

[Kaitum]

What's the "hit" rate where something of high interest/value is actually found? Just curious.

It's quite variable. Only a subset of an area is surveyed. But its rare to treat a project area and not have to flag and avoid one or a few small spots.