This is a research block to compare and contrast five different approaches to restoration in a stand with moderate to heavy dwarf mistletoe infestations. Dwarf mistletoes are parasitic seed-bearing plants that depend almost completely on their hosts (ponderosa pine trees, in this case) for water and nutrients. Though natural in ponderosa pine forests, dwarf mistletoes cause infected host trees to be slowly weakened and generally killed (tree size/vigor dependent) as the trees are drained of water and nutrients. The longevity of trees infected with dwarf mistletoe becomes an important factor in restoration considerations.

Five treatments (and one control unit) are proposed: presettlement model, uneven-aged model, Forests Forever (Southwest Forest Alliance), a model targeting dwarf mistletoe specifically, and prescribed fire only. All units, except the control, will be prescribed burned. These units are grouped together for quick visual comparison. For scientific comparison, the treatments utilize a series of permanent plots that capture a host of tree, soil, small mammal, and understory data.

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