1. 1987. Impact of intensive forestry practices on net stand values in British Columbia. B.C. Ministry of Forests FRDA-Report 014. 109 p.

Keywords:             release treatments
                               fertilization
                               thinning
                               yield
                               economics

Abstract: Yield responses to major silvicultural treatments (regeneration method, brushing and weeding, spacing and thinning and fertilizer use) are analysed in relation to growth and yield theory, and their translation into operational use of treatments to increase merchantable vol. is considered. Data from coastal Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) and western hemlock/Abies amabilis stands and interior white spruce (Picea glauca), lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) and wet belt Douglas fir stands are used to quantify the net present value of treatments in terms of improvement in net stand values and merchantable vol. Potentially viable treatment options are identified for each stand type present.

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2.
Belz, D. and T.E. Nishimura. 1989. Effects of imazapyr, 2,4-D and metsulfuron methyl on conifer tolerance. Proceedings-of-the-Western-Society-of-Weed-Science (Vol. 42): 98-104.

Keywords:      site preparation

                        chemical preparation

                        release treatments

                        chemical release

                        tree/stand health

Abstract: Imazapyr at 0.25-1.0 lb/acre alone or 0.5 lb/acre in combination with 2,4-D 2 lb/acre or metsulfuron 0.3 lb/acre was evaluated for effect on growth and injury to Pseudotsuga menziesii, Pinus ponderosa, Tsuga heterophylla and Abies amabilis seedlings in the Pacific Northwest region. Applications were made at 4 times: 3 month pre-planting in Dec., as buds began to swell in Mar., during the spring flush of growth in May, and after bud set in Aug. The effect of different application rates was of less significance than their timings. Application during active growth gave unacceptable injury levels; pre-planting caused least injury, but autumn treatment was acceptable for tolerant species. Species tolerance was in the order Pinus ponderosa > Pseudotsuga menziesii > T. heterophylla > A. amabilis.

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3.
Brandeis, T.J., M. Newton and E.C. Cole. 2001. Underplanted conifer seedling survival and growth in thinned Douglas-fir stands. Canadian-Journal-of-Forest-Research 31(2): 302-312.

Keywords:      planting operations

                        thinning

                        commercial thinning

                        site preparation

                        chemical preparation

                        release treatments

                        chemical release

                        growth

                        tree/stand health

                        regeneration

Abstract: In a multilevel study conducted at the Oregon State University's McDonald-Dunn Research Forest, Oregon, USA, to determine limits to underplanted conifer seedling growth, Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), grand fir (Abies grandis), western redcedar (Thuja plicata) and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) seedlings were planted in January 1993 beneath second-growth Douglas-fir stands that had been thinned in 1992 to basal areas ranging from 16 to 31 m2/ha. Understorey vegetation was treated with a broadcast herbicide (glyphosate + imazapyr) application prior to thinning, a directed release herbicide (glyphosate, plus triclopyr for tolerant woody stems) application 2 years later, or no treatment beyond harvest disturbance. Residual overstorey density was negatively correlated with percent survival for all four species. Broadcast herbicide application improved survival of grand fir and western hemlock. Western redcedar, grand fir and western hemlock stem volumes were inversely related to overstorey tree density and this effect increased over time. There was a strong indication that this was also the case for Douglas-fir. Reduction of competing understorey vegetation resulted in larger fourth-year stem volumes in grand fir and western hemlock.

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4.
Brandeis, T.J., M. Newton and E.C. Cole. 2002. Biotic injuries on conifer seedlings planted in forest understory environments. New Forests 24:1-14.

Keywords:      planting operations

                        site preparation

                        chemical preparation

                        release treatments

                        chemical release

                        thinning

                        tree/stand protection

                        growth

                        tree/stand health

Abstract: The effects of partial overstorey retention, understorey vegetation management, and protective Vexar(R) tubing on the frequency and severity of biotic injuries in a two-storied stand underplanted with western redcedar (Thuja plicata), Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), grand fir (Abies grandis), and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) were investigated. The most prevalent source of damage was browsing by black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionis columbiana); deer browsed over 74% of Douglas-fir and over 36% of western redcedar seedlings one or more times over the four years of this study. Neither the spatial pattern of thinning (even or uneven) nor the density of residual overstorey affected browsing frequency. Spraying subplots may have slightly increased browsing frequency, but the resulting reduction of the adjacent understorey vegetation increased the volume of all seedlings by 13%, whether or not they were browsed. Vexar(R) tubing did not substantially affect seedling survival, browsing damage frequency, or fourth-year volume. Greater levels of overstorey retention reduced frequency of second flushing. Chafing by deer and girdling by rodents and other small mammals began once seedlings surpassed 1 m in height. Essentially all grand fir seedlings exhibited a foliar fungus infection.

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5.
Busse, M.D., G.O. Fiddler and A.W. Ratcliff. 2004. Ectomycorrhizal formation in herbicide-treated soils of differing clay and organic matter content. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution 152:23-34.

Keywords:      release treatments

                        chemical release

                        growth

                        tree morphology

                        tree/stand health

                        soil properties

                        mycorrhizal response

Abstract: Herbicides are commonly used on private timberlands in the western United States for site preparation and control of competing vegetation. How non-target soil biota respond to herbicide applications, however, is not thoroughly understood. We tested the effects of triclorpyr, imazapyr, and sulfometuron methyl on ectomycorrhizal formation in a greenhouse study. Ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, and white fir seedlings were grown in four forest soils ranging in clay content from 9 to 33% and organic matter content from 3 to 17%, and treated with commercial formulations of each herbicide at 0, 1.0, and 2.0 times the recommended field rate. Many of the possible herbicide-soil combinations resulted in reduced seedling growth. Root development was particularly sensitive to the three herbicides, with an average of 51% fewer root tips compared to the control treatment. The ability of mycorrhizal fungi to infect the remaining root tips, however, was uninhibited. Mycorrhizal formation was high, averaging 91% of all root tips, regardless of herbicide, application rate, soil type, or conifer species. In agreement, soil microbial biomass and respiratory activity were unaffected by the herbicide treatments. The results show that these herbicides do not alter the capability of mycorrhizal fungi to infect roots, even at concentrations detrimental to seedling growth.

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6.
Cole, E.C. and M. Newton. 1987. Fifth-year response of Douglas-fir to crowding and nonconiferous competition. Canadian-Journal-of-Forest-Research 17(2): 181-186.

Keywords:      release treatments

                        chemical release

                        growth

                        tree morphology

Abstract: Measurements were made in autumn 1982 in 5-yr-old plantations with trees spaced 17-123 cm apart, alone or with grass or red alder (Alnus rubra) on 3 site types in the Oregon Coast Range. Crowding and competition from both grass and alder reduced aboveground dry wt. per tree. Dry wt./ha was higher at higher tree densities, but this is expected to change with time as the larger trees at low densities form fully stocked stands. Grass showed the greatest effect on growth at the driest site. Although red alder decreased growth on all sites, the effect was most significant at the coastal site where light is most limiting and moisture least limiting. For the production of max. individual tree size, low stocking with control of competing vegetation is recommended.

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7.
Cole, E.C. and M. Newton. 1989a. Height growth response in Christmas trees to sulfometuron and other herbicides. Proceedings-of-the-Western-Society-of-Weed-Science (Vol. 42): 129-135.

Keywords:      release treatments

                        chemical release

                        growth

                        tree/stand health

                        stand conditions

Abstract: Abies procera, A. grandis and Pseudotsuga menziesii cv. Menziesii were evaluated for tolerance to sulfometuron (0.05-0.21 kg/ha), atrazine (4.5 kg/ha) and hexazinone (2.2 kg/ha). Herbicides were applied pre-budbreak and sulfometuron was also applied post-budbreak. Weeds were suppressed equally effectively by all rates and herbicides pre-em. Low rates of sulfometuron were less effective post-em. There was no significant damage to A. procera seedlings, although the highest rate of sulfometuron slowed growth significantly. A. grandis was not affected by any treatment. All treatments caused injury to 1-year-old P. menziesii, primarily needle chlorosis and slight stunting. Growth was best in atrazine-treated plots. For 3-year-old P. menziesii, injury was not significant but high rates of sulfometuron caused cosmetic damage. Best growth was observed with hexazinone and worst with sulfometuron. Post-budbreak applications and high rates of sulfometuron reduced growth more than pre-budbreak application and low rates.

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8.
Cole, E.C. and M. Newton. 1989b. Seasonal efficacy comparison of two glyphosate formulations. Proceedings-of-the-Western-Society-of-Weed-Science (Vol. 42): 136-142.

Keywords:      release treatments

                        chemical release

                        tree/stand health

                        stand conditions

Abstract: Glyphosate formulations with 13% (Roundup) and without (Accord) surfactant were compared at 0.84 and 1.68 kg/ha, applied June-Oct. against Alnus rubra, Rubus spectabilis, R. parviflorus, R. ursinus and Pteridium aquilinum in a Pseudotsuga menziesii cv. menziesii plantation. No differences in efficacy between the two formulations against any species were noted. All species were controlled better by high rates of herbicide. R. spectabilis and R. parviflorus were controlled <less or =>100%, although July applications were least effective. A. rubra was reduced <less or =>80% and early application gave best control. Rates of application had less effect on Pteridium aquilinum control (<less or =>98%), and Oct. applications were least effective. Damage to Pseudotsuga menziesii was worst with June applications and decreased through the year. Oct. treatment caused negligible damage.

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9.
Cole, E.C., M. Newton and D.E. White. 1986. Response of northwestern hardwoods, shrubs, and Douglas-fir to Arsenal and Escort. Proceedings-of-the-Western-Society-of-Weed-Science (Vol.39): 93-101.

Keywords:      release treatments

                        chemical release

                        tree/stand health

                        stand conditions

Abstract: Arsenal (imazapyr) and DPX-T6376 (metsulfuron) were evaluated for scrub control in Pseudotsuga menziesii plantations at 3 sites in Oregon in 1984-85. Arsenal produced the most complete and consistent control of Acer macrophyllum when applied in late summer, but early summer applications were more effective against the sclerophyll brush species Arbutus menziesii, Ceanothus velutinus var. laevigatus, Arctostaphylos columbiana and A. viscida. High rates of Arsenal gave good control of Alnus rubra and Rubus spectabilis, but did not control R. laciniatus or R. procerus. On all the controlled species, growth of new foliage was decreased or prevented. DPX-T6376 reduced the crown vol. of A. macrophyllum and killed the sclerophyll brush species, all Rubus spp. but not A. rubra. Both chemicals produced severe injury to P. menziesii.

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10.
Cole, E.C., M. Newton and D.E. White. 1988. Efficacy of imazapyr and metsulfuron methyl for site preparation and conifer release in the Oregon Coast Range. Forest-Research-Laboratory,-Oregon-State-University Research-Note 81. 7 p.

Keywords:      release treatments

                        chemical release

                        tree/stand health

                        stand conditions

Abstract: Imazapyr (Arsenal) and metsulfuron methyl (Escort) were tested at 3 rates for controlling shrubs in young Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) plantations on 3 sites in the Oregon Coast Range. Imazapyr was highly effective on red alder (Alnus rubra) and bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), but was less effective on salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis) and other blackberry (Rubus) species. Metsulfuron-methyl was ineffective on red alder and bigleaf maple, but gave excellent control of salmonberry, Himalaya blackberry (R. procerus) and evergreen blackberry (R. laciniatus). Both chemicals caused severe injury to Douglas fir seedlings, especially when applied during the growing season. It is concluded that these herbicides are promising for site preparation, but have limited use for release of Douglas fir.

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11. DeBell, D.S. and T.C. Turpin
. 1989. Control of red alder by cutting. Pacific-Northwest-Research-Station,-USDA-Forest-Service Research-Paper PNW-RP-414. ii + 10 p.

Keywords:      release treatments

                        manual release

                        stand conditions

Abstract: Effects of tree age, month of cutting, and height and angle of the cut on sprouting of red alder (Alnus rubra) stumps were evaluated in a study designed to develop an effective method for controlling red alder in Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) plantations in the Oregon Coast Range.

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12.
Dimock, E.J., II and E.B. Collard. 1981. Postplanting sprays of dalapon and atrazine to aid conifer establishment. Pacific-Northwest-Forest-and-Range-Experiment-Station,-USDA-Forest-Service Research-Paper PNW-RP-280. iii + 16 p.

Keywords:      release treatments

                        chemical release

                        growth

                        tree/stand health

                        stand conditions

Abstract: A mixture of dalapon and atrazine at 8 and 4 lb/acre, respectively, or dalapon or atrazine alone were applied to control perennial grasses and forbs competing with newly planted seedlings of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir. In 4 studies in Oregon in 1975, herbicides were spot sprayed around individual seedlings. In 2 studies in Washington and Oregon in 1976, herbicides were broadcast sprayed. The mixture consistently controlled grass and forbs better than either herbicide alone, reducing grass and forb cover respectively by 80-82% and 48-58% in the first year. Control persisted for 2-4 yr. Varying results are reported as to the effects of the different treatments on height growth and survival.

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13.
Figueroa, P.F. 1989. Bigleaf maple control: triclopyr thin-line and spot-foliar application treatments using imazapyr, metsulfuron, and glyphosate. Proceedings-of-the-Western-Society-of-Weed-Science (Vol. 42): 104-119.

Keywords:      release treatments

                        chemical release

                        stand conditions

                        economics

Abstract: Field trials were conducted to compare the efficacies of March applications of triclopyr thin-line +or- 1 kg/ha Mor-act or 2,4-D (1:1) with June spot-foliar applications of 0.6 or 1.1 kg/ha imazapyr, 0.170 kg/ha metsulfuron and 6.7 kg/ha glyphosate to control Acer macrophyllum in a Pseudotsuga menziesii plantation. All thin-line treatments gave 80% control 2 years later; complete sanding was hindered by stems growing along the ground. Dilution did not affect control. Spot-application success depended on degree of crown coverage. metsulfuron and glyphosate were not effective, but imazapyr control reached 60-70% 2 years after treatment. Only triclopyr and full coverage imazapyr suppressed A. macrophyllum growth to below the height of P. menziesii. Crown volume was held to pre-treatment levels with metsulfuron and glyphosate but decreased with imazapyr. The two treatment methods tested are potentially cost-effective; triclopyr costs are higher but spot-application carries higher labour costs. Application rates of 2 ml triclopyr/ Msuperscript 2 crown area will give 100% control if all stems are banded; with delivery rates of 59 ml/clump a 45% solution can be used.

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14.
Figueroa, P.F. 1991. Ground applied herbicide methods for red alder control: herbicide efficacy, labor costs, and treatment method efficiency. In Proceedings-of-the-Western-Society-of-Weed-Science,12-14-March-1991. pp. 44: 53-68.

Keywords:      release treatments

                        chemical release

                        economics

                        stand conditions

Abstract: A study was conducted to develop the cost estimates for ground-applied manual control methods in variable density red alder [Alnus rubra] stands and to evaluate the efficacy of the various herbicide formulations for each system. Field trials were initiated in 3 Douglas fir [Pseudotsuga menziesii] plantations located on Weyerhaeuser Company land located in SW Washington. Two 6-year-old plantations had streamside buffer zones remaining from the previous year's operational herbicide spray programme; the 3rd was a 13-year-old plantation which had not been previously treated with herbicides to control A. rubra. The treatments tested were as follows: 50% triclopyr, 45% glyphosate and 10% imazapyr applied to the cut stump surface; low-vol. basal application of 5, 10 and 15% triclopyr and 2 and 4% imazapyr; thin-line application of 50, 75 and 100% triclopyr and 20 and 40% imazapyr; stream-line application of 10, 30 and 50% triclopyr and 4 and 20% imazapyr; hack-and-squirt application with imazapyr applied to 1 cut at 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 ml and to 2 cuts at 0.25 and 0.5 ml; and capsule injection of 1 or 2 glyphosate capsules. A discussion of the results is presented and total treatment costs are given. It is concluded that ground application treatments have advantages over aerially applied treatments, including being useful for the treatment of areas of public sensitivity and when other environmental risks need to be minimized.

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15.
Figueroa, P.F. 1993. Efficacy and cost of ground-applied herbicide methods for red alder control. Down to Earth 48(1): 6-10.

Keywords:      release treatments

                        chemical release

                        stand conditions

                        growth

                        tree/stand health

Abstract: The effects on red alder [Alnus rubra] mortality, diam. at breast height and height, and any phytotoxic effects to Douglas fir [Pseudotsuga menziesii] of Garlon 4 (triclopyr) at 4 lb/gallon and Chopper EC (imazapyr) at 2 lb, applied by stream line, thin line and low vol. treatments, and of Garlon 3A (triclopyr) at 3 lb, Roundup (glyphosate) at 3 lb and Arsenal (imazapyr) at 4 lb applied by cut stump treatment were evaluated in streamside buffer zones in two 6-year-old P. menziesii plantations in SW Washington. All treatments resulted in good control of A. rubra, but the most cost-effective control was achieved by the stream line application of Garlon 4, followed by low vol. basal or thin line treatments of Garlon 4 and cut stump treatment with 50% Garlon 3, 45% Roundup and 10% Arsenal. Negligible P. menziesii damage was caused by cut stump treatments, but damage occurred with basal-bark treatments although Garlon 4 generally caused less injury than Chopper EC.

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16.
Figueroa, P.F. and V.F. Carrithers. 1993. Bigleaf maple control: thinline basal applications using triclopyr and triclopyr plus picloram. In Proceedings-of-the-Western-Society-of-Weed-Science, 9-11-March-1993. pp. 46: 24-30.

Keywords:      release treatments

                        chemical release

                        stand conditions

                        economics

Abstract: A field trial was conducted at Mt. St. Helens Tree Farm, Cowlitz county, Washington, in 1988-91 to determine the min. threshold level of herbicide needed to control bigleaf maple [Acer macrophyllum] stump sprouts in Douglas fir [Pseudotsuga menziesii]. Garlon (triclopyr) at 0.24-3 lb/gal was applied on 6 Dec. 1990, 6 Feb. 1991 and 11 Apr. 1991, and triclopyr + picloram at 1 + 0.5 lb was applied on 6 Feb. 1991 using thinline applications to the entire circumference of each stem in the bigleaf maple clump. The threshold level of Garlon for <more or =>90% control was found to be between 1.1 and 1.7 ml/msuperscript 2 of crown area. Most treatments produced clumps that appeared to be dead during the 1st year but which resprouted in the 2nd year; it is suggested that such inconsistencies in mortality among treatments are due to the inability to completely band every stem. Economic considerations for herbicide costs are discussed.

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17.
Figueroa, P.F., R.C. Heald and S.R. Radosevich. 1990. Sensitivity of actively growing Douglas-fir to selected herbicide formulations. Proceedings-of-the-Western-Society-of-Weed-Science 43: 45-52.

Keywords:      release treatments

                        chemical release

                        growth

                        tree/stand health

Abstract: The results of field studies at 2 sites in Washington and California indicated that aerial spraying of 2,4-D at 4 lb/acre, triclopyr ester at 4 lb/acre or 2,4-D + triclopyr ester at 1.2 lb/acre + 0.5 lb/acre to control red alder [Alnus rubra] led to a significant reduction in Douglas fir [Pseudotsuga menziesii] growth and survival if applied during periods of active conifer growth. Herbicides applied singly at high rates caused significantly more mortality than the herbicides in combination. At both sites, trees had not fully recovered 5 and 6 years after treatment; damaged trees were at least 1 year behind untreated trees in growth.

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18.
Fischer, V.F. and V.F. Carrithers. 1992. Tolerance of one and two year old douglas-fir seedlings to triclopyr applications. In Proceedings-of-the-Western-Society-of-Weed-Science, 10-12-March-1992.

Keywords:      release treatments

                        chemical release

                        tree/stand health

Abstract: In field trials conducted near Marquam, Oregon, during 1988-90, the tolerance was evaluated of douglas-fir [Pseudotsuga menziesii] seedlings to triclopyr ester and triclopyr amine (both applied at 0.5-1.5 lb/acre) during the 1st 2 years after transplanting. Triclopyr amine did not cause significant damage to 1- or 2-year-old plants. Triclopyr ester in a water carrier resulted in injury to terminal buds of 1-year-old plants when applied at 1.5 lb, and in a diesel carrier resulted in damage to lateral and terminal buds when applied at concn of <more or =>1.0 lb. Two-year-old plants were more tolerant than 1-year-old plants to both triclopyr formulations, with triclopyr ester at 1.5 lb in a water carrier resulting in only slight needle injury. However, in a diesel carrier, triclopyr ester at 1.5 lb still resulted in terminal and lateral bud damage.

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19.
Flint, L.E. and S.W. Childs. 1987. Effect of shading, mulching, and vegetation control on Douglas-fir seedling growth and soil water supply. Forest-Ecology-and-Management 18(3): 189-203.

Keywords:      release treatments

                        chemical release

                        manual release

                        growth

                        soil properties

Abstract: Harsh environments on many harvested sites in SW Oregon necessitate site modifications for successful regeneration of Douglas fir. A 2-yr study was made with 350 seedlings to assess the effects of 12 soil-surface shading, mulching, and vegetation control techniques on seedling growth and soil temp. and moisture environments. Major effects of treatments were to lower soil surface temp., reduce soil surface evaporation, and reduce vegetative competition for soil water. These affected seedlings by adjusting the timing of seedling growth and reducing soil water loss to increase available water for seedling use. Final seedling shoot vol. and stem diam. both differed among treatments. Seedlings in treatments where competing vegetation was controlled showed significantly greater growth than seedlings in other treatments. Soil water loss in treatments where either soil surface evaporation was controlled by mulching, or where competing vegetation was controlled, was significantly less than water loss from the shaded and control treatments. Soil water loss in treatments with vegetation controlled by herbicide was significantly less than in treatments with vegetation controlled by scalping. Seedlings showed greatest growth with treatments that elicited the most efficient use of available microsite water either by reducing soil surface evaporation or vegetation competition.

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20.
Gourley, M., M. Vomocil and M. Newton. 1990. Forest weeding reduces the effect of deer-browsing on Douglas fir. Forest-Ecology-and-Management 36(2-4): 177-185.

Keywords:      release treatments

                        chemical release

                        tree/stand protection

                        growth

                        tree/stand health

Abstract: In January and February 1981, three-year-old bare-root Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) transplants were established in four clear-felled locations in the Oregon Coast Range where browsing by black tail deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbiana) was expected. Protection was provided against browsing by 5 physical (rigid protection tube 7.5x75 cm; protective netting, paper budcaps; leather guard 20x5 cm; and 'Remae' budcaps) and one chemical ('Deer Away') treatment, each of which was tested with and without complete wood control with glyphosate. After five years, none of the protective treatments provided any growth advantages; some even caused growth losses. In contrast, weed control, with or without additional protective measures, consistently improved growth. By the 5th year, weeded trees averaged twice the biomass of unweeded trees, regardless of browsing. Average tree size was largest in the treatment with no weed competition and with no barriers to prevent browsing. Advantages of weeding were greatest on the poorest site. Weed control, in conjunction with the large size of transplants, appeared to prevent most loss due to damage from moderate deer-browsing.

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21.
Haight, R.G. 1993a. The economics of Douglas-fir and red alder management with stochastic price trends. Canadian-Journal-of-Forest-Research 23(8): 1695-1703.

Keywords:      planting operations

                        site preparation

                        prescribed fire

                        release treatments

                        chemical release

                        thinning

                        precommercial thinning

                        commercial thinning

                        tree/stand protection

                        economics

Abstract: A financial analysis of Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and red alder (Alnus rubra) management was conducted using yield projections from the Stand Projection Simulator for the Pacific Northwest region of the United Sates. The analysis included uncertainty in the price trends and stocking levels of both species following reforestation. Results from a case study in which Douglas fir price is likely to increase faster than red alder price show that (i) on more productive sites, greater regeneration investment is justified to increase the likelihood of Douglas fir establishment, (ii) on less productive sites, low-cost regeneration options that produce mixed-species stands have expected present values close to or greater than a high-cost Douglas fir regeneration effort, (iii) optimal precommercial removal of red alder depends on mid-rotation prices and regeneration success, and in many cases growing a mixed-species stand to maturity produces the highest economic return, and (iv) commercial thinning of Douglas fir increases the expected present value of the most intensive regeneration option by up to 10%. The low-cost regeneration options have relatively high expected returns because of low initial investments and the presence of two species that may have high values in the future. The sensitivity of these results to changes in the probability distributions of regeneration success and price trends is discussed.

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22.
Haight, R.G. 1993b. Technology change and the economics of silvicultural investment. Rocky-Mountain-Forest-and-Range-Experiment-Station,-USDA-Forest-Service General-Technical-Report RM-GTR-232. ii + 18 p.

Keywords:      planting operations

                        site preparation

                        prescribed fire

                        release treatments

                        chemical release

                        tree/stand protection

                        thinning

                        commercial thinning

                        precommercial thinning

                        yield

                        economics

Abstract: Financial analyses of intensive and low-cost reforestation options are conducted for loblolly pine (Pinus contorta) stands with broadleaved competition in the Southern USA, and Douglas fir with red alder (Pseudotsuga menziesii with Alnus rubra) in the Pacific Northwest. Results show that the expected present values (EPVs) of low-cost options that result in mixtures of conifers and broadleaves are superior in some situations to the EPVs of the intensive options.

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23.
Harrington, T.B. and J.C. Tappeiner, II. 1997. Growth responses of young Douglas-fir and tanoak 11 years after various levels of hardwood removal and understory suppression in southwestern Oregon, USA. Forest-Ecology-and-Management 96(1/2): 1-11.

Keywords:      release treatments

                        manual release

                        growth

                        tree/stand health

Abstract: Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) was planted as 2-yr-old bare rooted seedlings on 2 sites in SW Oregon cleared of old-growth Douglas fir and understorey tanoak (Lithocarpus densiflorus) in 1980, and broadcast burned in 1981. Planting was done in 1981 at one site and in 1982 at the second site. Height, diameter, and crown width of the young Douglas fir and sprout-origin tanoak were measured 1-11 years after reducing the density of the tanoak stand (in 1983, at 2 yr old) to 0, 25, 50 and 100% of its initial cover. On some of the experimental plots suppression of understorey vegetation was also carried out. Tanoak cover developed linearly with time, with steepness of the growth trajectory increasing at a diminishing rate with increasing percentage of initial tanoak cover. Fifth-year cover of understorey vegetation declined linearly with increasing percentage of initial tanoak cover. Survival of Douglas fir (96-100%) differed little among initial abundances of tanoak, while growth trajectories for its size became increasingly exponential with decreasing percentage of initial tanoak cover. Eleventh-year heights of Douglas fir were similar for 0, 25 and 50% of initial tanoak cover; however, diameter increased linearly with decreasing percentage of initial tanoak cover, and the slope of the relationship steepened with understorey suppression. The results indicate that young stands exhibiting a wide range of stand compositions and productivities can be established by early manipulations of tanoak and understorey abundance. Complete removal of tanoak plus understorey suppression are necessary to maximize Douglas fir growth, while productive, mixed stands can be achieved by removing 50% or more of tanoak cover.

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24.
Harrington, T.B., J.C. Tappeiner, II and T.F. Hughes. 1991. Predicting average growth and size distributions of Douglas-fir saplings competing with sprout clumps of tanoak or Pacific madrone. New-Forests 5(2): 109-130.

Keywords:      release treatments

                        manual release

                        growth

                        stand conditions

Abstract: Average growth and size distributions of 3- to 6-year-old (in 1983) Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) saplings in three plantations in SW Oregon were studied for 7 years (1983-1989) after thinning of associated sprout clumps of tanoak (Lithocarpus densiflorus) or Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii); in some cases shrubs and herbs were also suppressed. Biologically based nonlinear equations explained 66, 90, and 53% of variation in average annual increment of Douglas fir height, diameter-squared, and crown cover, respectively. Equations for annual increment of crown cover of broadleaved and understorey vegetation explained only 10 to 12% of the variation, because these parameters exhibited a high degree of variability. Model simulations demonstrated that, for the same initial levels of cover, tanoak had faster rates of crown cover growth than madrone and also caused greater limitations in Douglas fir growth. Suppression of shrubs and herbs increased growth of Douglas fir only when broadleaved species were absent. Weibull functions adequately described size distributions for Douglas fir in 92% of individual-tree data sets. Regression functions of broadleaved crown cover and average Douglas fir size explained 51, 93, and 24% of variation in the Weibull A, B, and C parameters, respectively. Model simulations with predicted Weibull parameters demonstrated that broadleaved competition caused a positive skewing in size distributions for height and stem diameter of Douglas fir.

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25.
Harrington, T.B., R.G. Wagner, S.R. Radosevich and J.D. Walstad. 1995. Interspecific competition and herbicide injury influence 10-year responses of coastal Douglas-fir and associated vegetation to release treatments. Forest-Ecology-and-Management 76(1/3): 55-67.

Keywords:      release treatments

                        chemical release

                        manual release

                        growth

                        tree/stand health

                        tree physiology

                        stand conditions

Abstract: Responses of competing vegetation and planted Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii) were studied for 10 years after six herbicide and manual release treatments in the Washington and Oregon Coast Ranges. Studies were installed in six 2- or 3-yr-old plantations, with Douglas fir densities of 988 to 1482 plants/ha at time of planting and 721 to 1282/ha 2 to 3 years late. Research objectives were to quantify regional, long-term responses of vegetation (Douglas fir and non-coniferous species) to various levels of competition, light and soil water availability, and intensity versus importance of factors influencing Douglas fir growth. Three treatments reduced shrub cover relative to the untreated check: triclopyr in year 1, glyphosate in years 1-5, and repeated control (via several herbicide applications) in years 1-10. Reductions in woody cover from glyphosate stimulated increases in herb cover in years 3 and 5, while repeated control reduced herb cover in years 1, 2 and 5. Through year 10, Douglas fir survival (86-99%) varied little among treatments. Visual symptoms of herbicide injury to Douglas fir from triclopyr (45% of trees) and glyphosate (17% of trees) were associated with 0.1-0.2 m reductions in first-year height. After adjusting for tree size, Douglas fir growth in stem basal area 2 years after triclopyr was less than that of the untreated check, suggesting prolonged effects of herbicide injury. Because it sustained low levels of interspecific competition, caused minimal tree injury, and prevented overtopping cover from red alder (Alnus rubra), repeated control was the only treatment in which Douglas fir size (9.8 m height and 21 cm basal diameter in year 10) significantly exceeded (P<less or =>0.02) that of the untreated check (7.8 m height and 12 cm diameter).

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26.
Helgerson, O.T. 1990b. Response of underplanted Douglas-fir to herbicide injection of sclerophyll hardwoods in southwest Oregon. Western-Journal-of-Applied-Forestry 5(3): 86-89.

Keywords:      nursery operations

                        release treatments

                        chemical release

                        stand conditions

                        tree physiology

                        tree/stand health

                        growth

Abstract: Low-value broadleaf sclerophyll forests in SW Oregon, typically composed of tanoak (Lithocarpus densiflorus), Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii) and chinkapin (Castanopsis chrysophylla), may be converted to commercially valuable Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) by underplanting. Results are given of studies of container-grown plug and nursery-grown bareroot fir seedlings planted out in March 1983 on plots in which all broadleaf stems had been previously (September 1981) injected with triclopyr amine. Although 60% broadleaf cover was killed by injection, 7 years later ground cover was significantly greater on these treated plots because of sprouting. Seedlings planted beneath treated broadleaf trees experienced greater daytime, but less predawn, moisture stress; plugs survived better than bareroots; and survival of seedlings on treated plots was not significantly better until 2 years after planting. Herbicide injection also resulted in increased height, diameter and volume growth rates of Douglas fir seedlings, and is recommended for the establishment of a conifer stand.

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27.
Hermann, R.K. and D.P. Lavender. 1999. Douglas-fir planted forests. New-Forests 17(1/3): 53-70.

Keywords:      genetic tree improvement

                        nursery operations

                        planting operations

                        site preparation

                        release treatments

                        fertilization

                        thinning

                        pruning

                        tree/stand protection

                        growth

                        yield

Abstract: A combination of superior wood quality and high productivity has made Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) one of the premier timber trees in the world. As such, it is grown as a plantation species in several countries in Europe and South America, and in New Zealand and Australia, as well as throughout its extensive natural range in western North America. Decades of experience with the silviculture of young stands have demonstrated that practices such as planting, the use of genetically improved seedlings, precommercial and commercial thinning, and fertilizing may dramatically increase the yield of industrial products over that of natural forests. Further, such silviculture is compatible with the production of desired amenities. Vigorous implementation of such practices wherever Douglas fir is cultivated will increase the world's timber resources, and be an effective strategy for reducing the pressure, occasioned by the world's rapidly increasing population, to harvest the fragile tropical and boreal forests.

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28.
Hobbs, S.D. and K.A. Wearstler, Jr. 1985. Effects of cutting sclerophyll brush on sprout development and Douglas-fir growth. Forest-Ecology-and-Management 13(1/2): 69-81.

Keywords:      release treatments

                        manual release

                        stand conditions

                        tree physiology

                        growth

Abstract: In SW Oregon, varying amount of brush were removed from a sclerophyll brushfield dominated by Quercus chrysolepis and Arctostaphylos patula with scattered Pseudotsuga menziesii saplings. Brush removal was accomplished by slashing (cut by chainsaw) near ground level at three intensities: (1) total removal, (2) partial removal, and (3) an untreated control. Sclerophyll brush species responded within 3 weeks of slashing by vigorous sprouting, which was greatest in total brush removal areas where 861 513 sprout stems/ha developed during the first year. Soil water potentials and predawn xylem pressure potentials of Douglas fir were less negative in total removal areas than in partial removal and untreated control areas. Relative growth rates of Douglas fir saplings temporarily increased in total and partial brush removal areas, but were not significantly different from the untreated control 3 yr after treatment. Slashing of sclerophyll brush to release long-suppressed Douglas fir is not recommended because of rapid brush recovery by sprouting.

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29.
Jaindl, R.G. and S.H. Sharrow. 1988. Oak/Douglas-fir/sheep: a three-crop silvopastoral system. Agroforestry-Systems 6(2): 147-152.

Keywords:      planting operations

                        release treatments

                        manual release

                        tree/stand health

                        growth

Abstract: A small scale agroforestry study started in 1952 was revisited in 1985 to evaluate the long-term influence of site preparation and grazing on tree growth and survival in a system with Douglas fir, white oak (Quercus garryana) and sheep. In 1952-53, 2-yr-old Douglas fir seedlings were planted at the rate of 2500 trees/ha under 3 levels of site preparation: (1) no treatment; (2) oak thinned by 50%; and (3) oak clear felled. From 1954 to 1960, yearling ewes grazed half of each of the 3 thinning treatments for 3-4 wk each spring. The conifers were undisturbed since grazing was discontinued in 1960. Survival of planted conifers averaged 64% in 1985 and did not vary among either site preparation or grazing treatments. From 1964 to 1985, trees on the thinned and clear felled plantations grew an av. ht. of 1060 and 990 cm, respectively, compared with 900 cm on the unthinned plantation. D.b.h. averaged 3.8 and 5.6 cm greater on thinned or clear felled plantations, respectively, than on the unthinned control by 1985. Conifers on grazed plantations had increased ht. and d.b.h. growth during the first 12 yr of plantation life, averaging 63 cm taller and 0.7 cm greater in d.b.h. than the ungrazed plots by 1964. By 1985 the difference in ht. (122 cm) and d.b.h. (1.0 cm) between grazed and ungrazed plantations was not statistically significant. These data suggest that although site preparation can positively influence conifer growth, total clear felling is no better than thinning oaks. Furthermore, proper grazing can increase ht. and d.b.h. growth of the conifers during and immediately after the grazing years.

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30.
Karl, M.G. and P.S. Doescher. 1993. Regulating competition on conifer plantations with prescribed cattle grazing. Forest-Science 39(3): 405-418.

Keywords:      release treatments

                        manual release

                        stand conditions

                        tree physiology

                        soil properties

Abstract: On conifer plantations, competitive understorey vegetation often retards growth and establishment of tree seedlings. Livestock grazing is one method of controlling the understorey vegetation and increasing the availability of site resources to tree seedlings. It was hypothesized that prescribed cattle grazing ameliorates water stress of young tree seedlings by reducing root growth of competing understorey species. On a Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) plantation in SW Oregon planted in 1986, seedling water stress was evaluated using the pressure chamber technique and gravimetric soil water determinations in 1986-89. Root growth of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata), the major understorey competing species, was quantified in 1988 and 1989 using the root periscope/mini-rhizotron technique. Seedling water stress levels during spring and summer were similar in cattle-grazed areas and ungrazed areas in 1986 to 1988, but in summer 1989, water stress was reduced significantly in the grazed area. Soil water content was higher in the grazed area in 1989, especially at the 10-20 cm soil depth. End of season (July) orchardgrass root growth in grazed plots was 18% less in 1988 and 15% less in 1989 than root growth in ungrazed plots. It is concluded that repeated cattle grazing of orchardgrass reduced transpirational surface area and root growth sufficiently to increase soil water availability to tree seedlings. Thus, prescribed cattle grazing on conifer plantations can enhance seedling physiological status by acting as a regulator of above- and belowground competition.

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31.
Kelpsas, B.R. 1987. Seasonal impacts of fluroxypyr and triclopyr on conifers and shrubs. Proceedings-of-the-Western-Society-of-Weed-Science (Vol.40): 128-129.

Keywords:      release treatments

                        chemical release

                        tree/stand health

                        stand conditions

Abstract: Release of Pseudotsuga menziesii from Rubus spectabilis and Alnus rubra in a plantation in the Pacific Northwest could be achieved by 1.12 kg fluroxypyr/ha applied in May at the early foliar stage without appreciable long-term injury. P. menziesii tolerated 1.12 kg triclopyr/ha but was severely damaged by 1.12 kg and 2.24 kg fluroxypyr when applied during the dormant season in Mar. Both fluroxypyr and triclopyr were more effective against A. rubra than R. spectabilis. Control of R. spectabilis with triclopyr was marginal.

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32.
Ketchum, J.S., R. Rose and B. Kelpsas. 2000. Comparison of adjuvants used in fall-release herbicide mixtures for forest site preparation. Tree-Planters' Notes 49(3): 66-71.

Keywords:      site preparation

                        chemical preparation

                        release treatments

                        chemical release

                        tree/stand health

                        stand conditions

Abstract: Tank mixes of the herbicides imazapyr and glyphosate were applied at 3 rates with 3 adjuvants (LI-700Reg., Nu-Film-IRReg., Silwet L-77Reg.) over California hazelnut (Corylus cornuta var. californica), vine maple (Acer circinatum), and brackenfern (Pteridium aquilinum var. lanuginosum) on a 2-year-old clearcut of Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) in Oregon. The herbicide 2,4-D was applied at 3 rates with 2 adjuvants (HerbimaxReg., Nu-Film-IR) over greenleaf manzanita (Arctostaphylos patula) on a 4-year-old Douglas fir clearcut in Oregon. Tank mixes of imazapyr and glyphosate with LI-700 or Nu-Film-IR were sprayed at 3 rates over 1-year-old seedlings of Douglas fir on 2 sites in Oregon. The herbicide rate strongly influenced the percentage of foliage injured and percentage of stems killed for all herbicide treatments. The adjuvants evaluated did not influence efficacy of herbicide applications on California hazelnut, vine maple, or brackenfern. Herbimax increased visual foliar damage resulting from 2,4-D application on greenleaf manzanita. Douglas fir foliage was damaged by the higher herbicide rates; the damage was greater from Nu-Film-IR than from LI-700.

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33.
Knapp, W.H., T.C. Turpin and J.H. Beuter. 1984. Vegetation control for Douglas-fir regeneration on the Siuslaw National forest: a decision analysis. Journal-of-Forestry 82(3): 168-173.

Keywords:      planting operations

                        site preparation

                        chemical preparation

                        mechanical preparation

                        prescribed fire

                        release treatments

                        chemical release

                        manual release

                        growth

                        yield

                        economics

Abstract: Records from 324 plantations in Oregon were used to calculate the effect on stocking of various methods of controlling competing vegetation before and after plantation establishment. A decision tree analysis using 6 management regimes on 5 stocking classes indicated that if no site preparation or release (other than broadcast burning to reduce fuels) were practised, the forest would produce 63% of the m.a.i. and 35% of the present net worth (PNW) expected if all means of control (chemical, manual and burning) were available and used. If only manual control methods were used 78% of the max. m.a.i. and 57% of the max. PNW would be expected. When all methods except phenoxy herbicides were available, the expected m.a.i. and PNW were reduced to no less than 90%. The yield reduction varied with aspect, and the type of prelogging vegetation. Declines were least on SW-facing sites that were originally predominantly conifers, and greatest on NE-facing slopes that had supported broadleaves. Limitations of the analysis are discussed.

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34.
Knowe, S.A. 1994a. Effect of competition control treatments on height-age and height-diameter relationships in young Douglas-fir plantations. Forest-Ecology-and-Management 67(1-3): 101-111.

Keywords:      release treatments

                        chemical release

                        manual release

                        growth

                        tree morphology

Abstract: Height-age and height-diameter models for plantations of young Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii) were examined in relation to vegetation management treatments. The models were developed from 10 years of measurements in a competition release study installed on six sites in the Coast Ranges of Oregon and Washington. Analysis of height growth patterns for dominant trees indicated significant differences between the total vegetation control treatment and operational release treatments or no treatment. The resulting height-age function depicted exponential growth patterns for the total vegetation control treatment and nearly linear patterns for the operational release treatment and no treatment. The height-diameter function was compatible with dominant height growth and quadratic mean diameter prediction functions. Different height-diameter curve shapes were associated with total vegetation control and the operational release and no treatments. The resulting function implied that Douglas fir trees of a given diameter and age were slightly taller when under interspecific competition, especially for trees with smaller diameters. The height-age and height-diameter functions may be used in conjunction with diameter distribution or stand table projection models developed for these data to predict dynamics and stand structure in young Douglas fir plantations.

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35.
Knowe, S.A. 1994b. Incorporating the effects of interspecific competition and vegetation management treatments in stand table projection models for Douglas-fir saplings. Forest-Ecology-and-Management 67(1-3): 87-99.

Keywords:      release treatments

                        chemical release

                        growth

                        tree morphology

Abstract: A stand table projection system based on individual-tree and stand-level models for young Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii) plantations was developed from and evaluated with remeasurement data from xeric sites in the Siskiyou Mountains of SW Oregon (established in a competition gradient study), and mesic sites in the Coast Ranges of Oregon and Washington (established in a treatment efficacy study). A projection equation was developed for relative tree size, defined as the ratio of individual-tree diameter at 15 or 30 cm above ground level (depending on the study location) to quadratic mean diameter. The relative size projection equation for the Coast Ranges study included the effect of total vegetation control, which indicated that diameters of Douglas fir receiving total vegetation control tended to become more uniform over time in the Coast Ranges. An additional equation was developed to project quadratic mean diameter so that individual-tree diameters could be estimated from projected relative size. The effect of vegetation management treatments on projected quadratic mean diameters in the Siskiyou study was expressed as an interaction between proportion of cover removed by treatments (intensity) and dominant height of Douglas fir at time of treatment relative to current dominant height. In 1- and 2-yr projection periods, the stand table projection system performed similarly to a diameter distribution prediction system based on a Weibull distribution function. However, the difference between projected and predicted diameter distributions became more pronounced as the projection period increased to 5 years.

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