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Flagstaff
Interface Treatment Prescription
Results
in the Wildland/Urban Interface
Silvicultural
Prescription
The
area is a true wildland/urban interface forest, and
the silvicultural prescription is fairly basic.
Selective
thinning, focusing on over-topped pines, is preferred.
Target basal area for mistletoe-free stands is
60 to 100. If
possible, "leave" trees are left in a clumped pattern
rather than evenly spaced. This benefits certain wildlife species, as
well as avoids a plantation appearance.
Trees designated for removal are those which:
1.
Create a ladder fuel effect into the overstory canopy.
2.
Are suppressed or are suppressing otherwise healthy
trees.
3.
Exhibit reduced vigor.
4.
Are damaged or deformed and contribute to fire potential.
Stands
with high infestation levels of dwarf mistletoe, are
thinned to reduce crowning potential during the inevitable
wildfire. Small isolated pockets of mistletoe -- less
than ¼ acre -- are either:
§
Isolated from non-infected trees by a barrier of fifty
feet to reduce further spread of the parasite, or
§
Removed.
Old
growth and large diameter "blackjack" pines are showcased
by removing thickets of younger trees from around their
base (generally within thirty feet).
Oaks or other preferred species can also be highlighted
by removing some or all of the encroaching pines.
Other unique features, such as geologic protrusions,
scenic vistas or uncommon ground vegetation, can be
enhanced as well by selective removal of young pines.
Figure 3. This
parcel between Sinaqua High School and FFD Station 4,
was broadcast burned following selective thinning.
Photo by Allen Farnsworth USFS
Under
this prescription the cutting of old growth, large diameter
"blackjack" pines, or standing snags is avoided unless
these trees pose a threat to public safety or improvements,
such as a tree leaning over a home, play area, powerline,
road or hiking trail.
This
prescription is considered a moderate-to-heavy modification
of the existing stand, involving removal of 50-75% of the existing trees, mostly of small
diameter.
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