A comprehensive guide to fuel management practices for dry mixed conifer forests in the northwestern United States: Mechanical, chemical, and biological fuel treatment methods

Abstract

Several mechanical approaches to managing vegetation fuels hold promise when applied to the dry mixed conifer forests in the western United States. These are most useful to treat surface, ladder, and crown fuels. There are a variety of techniques to remove or alter all kinds of plant biomass (live, dead, or decomposed) that affect forest resilience. It is important for managers to understand when (e.g., relative to stage of succession or time of year) and where (e.g., with respect to forest type or proximity to values at risk) each technique will best accomplish management objectives. This summary addresses three fuel treatment approaches: mechanical, herbicides, and targeted grazing.