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Citation |
Donato DC, Fontaine JB, Campbell JL, Robinson WD, Kauffman JB, Law BE. Science 2006; 311(5759): 352. |
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Affiliation |
Department of Forest Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA. |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 2006, American Association for the Advancement of Science) |
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DOI |
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PMID |
16400111 |
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Abstract |
Legislation currently pending in U.S. Congress, HR 4200, would expedite postfire logging projects, citing reforestation and fuels reduction among its goals. To help inform the dialogue, we present data from a study of early conifer regeneration and fuel loads following the 2002 Biscuit Fire, OR, USA, with and without postfire logging. Natural conifer regeneration was abundant after high-severity fire. Postfire logging reduced median regeneration density by 73% and significantly increased downed woody fuels and thus short-term fire risk. Additional fuels reduction is necessary for effective fire risk mitigation. Postfire logging can be counterproductive to stated goals of ecosystem restoration.
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