Inventory-Based Forest Health Indicators: Implications for National Forest Management

Authors: O'Laughlin J.¹; Cook P.S.²

Source: Journal of Forestry, Volume 101, Number 2, March 2003 , pp. 11-17(7)

Publisher: Society of American Foresters

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Abstract:

Several forest health indicators that are derived from inventory data can be used to compare changes in stand conditions over a 50-year period and across ownerships and regions. National forests, most of which are in the West, are denser and have higher mortality than other forests. A continuation of today's high growth-to-removals ratio on national forest timberlands portends increased density and mortality, putting various ecological, environmental, economic, and social values at greater risk of severe wildfire than they are today. National forest managers could improve stand conditions by increasing removals, but public policies tend to inhibit active management of national forests.

Keywords: fire; policy; silviculture; environmental management; forest; forest management; forest resources; forestry; forestry research; forestry science; natural resources; natural resource management

Document Type: Miscellaneous

Affiliations: 1: Professor Department of Forest Resources, Director Policy Analysis Group (PAG), College of Natural Resources, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, 83844-1134, jayo@uidaho.edu 2: PAG Research Associate College of Natural Resources, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, 83844-1134,

Publication date: 2003-03-01

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