Vegetation Data for the Density Management Study of Western Oregon

The data set describes post thinning stand conditions of western Oregon Douglas-fir/western hemlock forests ranging in age from 40-50 years old at the time of thinning. Stand characteristics monitored included overstory stand structure and species compositions, natural conifer and hardwood tree regeneration and development, species composition and percent cover of understory vascular plants, and the status and recruitment of large and small logs (woody debris) and snags. The study was developed to determine if density management of western Oregon conifer forests administered by the Bureau of Land Management could be used to meet late-successional habitat development goals of the Northwest Forest Plan. This study tests new silvicultural systems to determine if they are appropriate management tools for the implementation of the Northwest Forest Plan.