One of the real problems land managers encounter when they work in areas with old-growth trees is the possibility that prescribed burns—a recommended and useful restoration technique, especially when proceeded by mechanical thinning—may kill or seriously injure these biologically and socially important trees. This tricky situation developed in part because decades of fire suppression have allowed needle litter and duff to accumulate at the base of old trees instead of being consumed by frequent, surface fires. This working paper will review and update the recommendations in light of new research findings as well as the desire to expand restoration efforts to the landscape scale throughout the region.
Working Paper 24, February 2011, Written by Dave Egan
