Management of combustible
fuels (slash) is one of the most common management practices
in young forests of southwest Oregon, and is typically conducted
in conjunction with thinning. Although thinning has been identified
as a potential method to enhance wildlife habitat and to accelerate
the development of old-forest characteristics, there is an absence
of published information pertaining to the effects of post-thinning
fuels management on forest-floor vertebrates. The purpose of
this study is to examine and compare population and community
 responses
of small mammals to different methods of slash management in
commercially thinned, Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
forests. An additional intent of the study is to develop recommendations
to assist forest managers in providing suitable habitat for
small mammals in managed forests of the Applegate Adaptive Management
Area in southwest Oregon.
For additional information about this research study see the
2002 CFER
Annual Report. (2.2 MB)
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