Gene-pool reserves of Douglas fir

Abstract

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is concerned about the long-term effects of forest management practices on the western Washington Douglas-fir native gene pool. As a gene conservation measure, the DNR is establishing a Douglas-fir gene-pool-reserve system on DNR land. Reserves are designated in each 500-ft (152-m) elevation band within every seed zone in which the DNR has over 1000 acres (405 ha). The aim is to select natural stands of about 25 acres (10.1 ha) which contain at least 400 dominant or co-dominant trees. Over 100 gene-pool reserves have been established, ranging from sea level to 4500 ft (1372 m) elevation. Stand ages range from 40 years to old-growth. Stands will be withdrawn from the timber-harvest land base and will be managed strictly for gene-conservation purposes.