Post-wildfire logging hinders regeneration and increases fire risk.
We present data from a study of early conifer regeneration and fuel loads after the 2002 Biscuit Fire, Oregon, USA, with and without postfire logging. Natural conifer regeneration was abundant after the high-severity fire. Postfire logging reduced median regeneration density by 71%, significantly increased downed woody fuels, and thus increased short-term fire risk. Additional reduction of fuels is necessary for effective mitigation of fire risk. Postfire logging can be counterproductive to the goals of forest regeneration and fuel reduction.
Donato
D C
DC
Department of Forest Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA. dan.donato@oregonstate.edu
Fontaine
J B
JB
Campbell
J L
JL
Robinson
W D
WD
Kauffman
J B
JB
Law
B E
BE
D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D005390:Fires; D016468:Forestry; D009922:Oregon; D028224:Pseudotsuga / Q000254:growth & development*; D064028:Tracheophyta / Q000254:growth & development*; D014197:Trees / Q000254:growth & development