Complex systems science provides a transdisciplinary framework to study systems characterized by (1) heterogeneity, (2) hierarchy, (3) self‐organization, (4) openness, (5) adaptation, (6) memory, (7) non‐linearity, and (8) uncertainty. Complex systems thinking has inspired both theory and applied strategies for improving ecosystem resilience and adaptability, but applications in forest ecology...
The increased interest in red alder (Alnus rubra Bong.) management instigated research in growth and yield and stand development of red alder in pure and mixed red alder/Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) stands. This study had the goa1s of evaluating the accuracy of the currently existing growth and yield tools...
Mortality from Armillaria root rot is a major concern of forest management. Field experiments were conducted in Minnesota to evaluate interspecific differential susceptibility and to assess whether density or species composition, specifically the proportion of conifers in a plot, influences seedling mortality from Armillaria spp. Seedlings of 10 tree species...
Silvicultural strategies such as thinning may minimize productivity losses from a variety of forest disturbances, including forest insects. This study analyzed the 10-year postthinning response of stands and individual trees in thinned white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench] Voss) plantations in northern Minnesota, USA, with light to moderate defoliation from eastern...
We examined natural regeneration following operational-scale variable density retention treatments in 40-60 year old Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) forests at seven sites for a decade following treatment. Treatments included residual overstory densities of 300, 200, and 100 trees/ha, with leave islands and gaps of three sizes (0.1, 0.2, and...
Forest understory vegetation is influenced by broad-scale variation in climate, intermediate-scale variation in topography, disturbance and neighborhood interactions. However, little is known about how these multi-scale controls interact to influence observed spatial patterns. We examined relationships between the aggregated cover of understory plant species (%C[subscript U]) and multi-scale controls using...
Many land managers in the Pacific Northwest have the goal of increasing late-successional forest structures. Despite the documented importance of Douglas-fir tree bark structure in forested ecosystems, little is known about factors influencing bark development and how foresters can manage development. This study investigated the relative importance of tree size,...
Because forest ecosystems have the capacity to store large quantities of carbon
(C), there is interest in managing forests to mitigate elevated CO[subscript 2] concentrations and
associated effects on the global climate. However, some mitigation techniques may contrast
with management strategies for other goals, such as maintaining and restoring biodiversity....
We examined the potential of using upslope density management to influence growth and drought tolerance of trees in untreated downslope riparian forests. Increment cores from Douglas-fir trees in three mature stands in western Oregon, USA, were collected and measured. Trees responded to an apparent edge effect up to 15 m...
We evaluated effects of top-soil scarification by heavy machinery on growth of two valuable and shade-intolerant tree species - Nothofagus dombeyi (evergreen and considered very plastic to different soil fertility levels) and Nothofagus alpina (deciduous and considered sensitive to soil fertility) - seedlings underplanted in Nothofagus old-growth forests subjected to...