Initial response of conifer and California black oak seedlings following fuel reduction activities in a Sierra Nevada mixed conifer forest

Published source details Moghaddas J.J., York R.A. & Stephens S.L. (2008) Initial response of conifer and California black oak seedlings following fuel reduction activities in a Sierra Nevada mixed conifer forest. Forest Ecology and Management, 255, 3141-3150.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Thin trees within forests: effects on young trees Action Link
	Use prescribed fire: effects on young trees Action Link

Thin trees within forests: effects on young trees

A replicated, randomized, controlled study in 2000-2005 in temperate forest in California, USA (Moghaddas, York & Stephens 2008) found no effect of thinning followed by mulching on conifer or California black oak Quercus kelloggii seedling densities. The combined density (trees/m²) of conifer and oak seedlings (thinned: 2.8; unthinned: 1.5) and the density of oaks (thinned: 0.40; unthinned: 0.45) were similar between treatments. Data were collected in 2006 in 10 sets of four plots (1 m²) in each of three thinned (trees >25 cm DBH removed in 2001, followed by mulching of the remaining trees) and three unthinned treatment units (14-29 ha).
Use prescribed fire: effects on young trees

A replicated, randomized, controlled study in 2000-2005 in temperate forest in California, USA (Moghaddas, York & Stephens 2008) found that prescribed fire increased conifer seedling and decreased oak seedling densities. Combined conifer and California black oak Quercus kelloggii seedling density was higher in burned (14.0/m²) than unburned plots (1.5/m²) while density of California black oak was higher in unburned plots (burned: 0.10; unburned: 0.45/m²). Data were collected in 2006 in 10 sets of four plots (1 m²) in each of three unburned control and three burned (October-November 2002) treatment units (14-29 ha).