Growth and Yield Studies
Growth and yield sampling was implemented across the entire Pothole
Creek Demonstration Area in order to describe the range in general
structure and productivity of the stands, providing a basis for
more detailed follow-up studies and for the development of potential
silviculture regimes.
Sampling Design
The forested land base of the Pothole Creek Demonstration Area
was divided into seven strata using cluster analyses of stand
density, basal area, percent forest cover, age of the youngest
layer, and age ranges of the different canopy layers, all estimated
from air photography (see Table).
Eighty-nine 400-m2 circular sample plots were established under
a sampling plan developed from this stratification. At each plot,
information was collected on species, density, spatial distribution,
age, yearly increment, crown characteristics, productivity, site
characteristics, size and species of cut stumps and estimates
of coarse woody debris.
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