Post-logging community structure and biomass accumulation in Watershed 10, Andrews Experimental Forest , 1974 to present

Old-growth and mature Douglas-fir forest were clearcut logged in 1975. Large slash was removed from the site rather than burned. Douglas-fir seedlings were planted in 1976 and 1977, but due to poor survival 4.9 ha were replanted in 1978. Despite planting, most tree stems originated naturally, either as sprouts from cut stumps (hardwoods) or as natural regeneration (conifers and hardwoods). Study plots were established and sampled for cover and frequency of understory vegetation and counts of seedlings and saplings prior to harvest (1973) and resampled annually for cover and biomass of understory vegetation and tree growth from 1976-1981, then in 1983, 1985, and then in 4-6 year intervals. WS10 was intensively studied in the 1970’s and 80’s. The entire watershed was surveyed into a 25 x 25-m grid and then 36 15 by 10 meter plots were established for long-term sampling.