Ten-year responses of ponderosa pine growth, vigor, and recruitment to restoration treatments in the Bitterroot Mountains, Montana, USA

Published source details Fajardo A., Graham J.M., Goodburn J.M. & Fiedler C.E. (2007) Ten-year responses of ponderosa pine growth, vigor, and recruitment to restoration treatments in the Bitterroot Mountains, Montana, USA. Forest Ecology and Management, 243, 50-60.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Use thinning followed by prescribed fire Action Link
	Log/remove trees within forests: effects on mature trees Action Link

Use thinning followed by prescribed fire

A replicated, controlled study in 2003-2005 in temperate coniferous forest in Montana USA (Fajardo et al. 2007) found no effect of selection cutting followed by spring prescribed burning on tree growth rate. Tree basal area increase overten years was not significantly different between thinned and burned (107 cm²) and untreated plots (75 cm²). One thinned and burned plot (selection cutting followed by spring prescribed burning in 1992-1993) and one untreated plot (50 × 50 to 60 × 60 m) were established at each of three sites. Trees were measured in 1992-1993 and again in 2003.
Log/remove trees within forests: effects on mature trees

A replicated, controlled study in 2003-2005 in temperate coniferous forest in Montana USA (Fajardo et al. 2007) found that selective cutting increased the growth rate of trees. Tree basal area increase in ten years was higher in cut (137 cm²) than in uncut plots (75 cm²). One cut plot (modified individual tree selection cutting in 1992-1993) and one uncut plot (50 × 50 to 60 × 60 m) was established at each of three sites. Trees were measured in 1992-1993 and again in 2003.