Can thinning a forest build better habitat and forest structure? In the Olympic Experimental State Forest (OESF), DNR scientist Dr Richard Bigley and colleagues are researching that… and many other questions as well. Begun in 1999 with a grant from the National Biological Service, this research tests five ‘treatments’ on a forest stand where trees are about the same age. The ‘treatments are four types of thinning, and an unmanaged control stand. Over time, the changes in forest diversity and structure, habitat quality, plant communities and the production of forest products will be documented, and the information used in managing other forests.
This is just one study among hundreds that have been done in this experimental forest.
A little history might help. About 20 years ago, a 33-member commission of educators, researchers, industry and others worked with DNR to establish a clear vision for the 270,000-acre OESF— to serve as a focal point for experimentation with innovative forest management techniques to help forest landowners learn how to better integrate ecological values and commodity production across the landscape. Recently welcomed into the national Network of Experimental Forests and Ranges, the OESF will continue to support the vision for scientific studies to be conducted there, assisting DNR to continuously improve the health and productivity of these and other trust forests.
To guide activities and address specific landscape issues, DNR has done forest land planning to customize the guidance from the broad agency forest policies and plans to these watersheds.
SEPA Comment Period ends July 15, 2010 and Two Public Hearings are Scheduled
On June 1, DNR released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Draft EIS) for the OESF Forest Land Plan that analyzes the potential management alternatives for trust lands in the OESF. This environmental analysis describes the alternatives, and strategies to be implemented under each—and provides analysis of their potential significant impacts to the environment—for example, forestry and timber harvests, roads, siltation and water quality, unstable slopes, and protections for northern spotted owls, fish, and marbled murrelets.
Public comments are to be received by DNR’s SEPA Center by 5:00 p.m. on July15, 2010. More information is on the factsheet located in first section of the Draft EIS. Share thoughts by mailing comments to: Washington State Department of Natural Resources SEPA Center, MS: 47015 Olympia, WA 98504-7015. Or e-mail SEPAcenter@dnr.wa.gov. Phone: (360) 902-2117, Fax: (360) 902-1789.
Public Hearings scheduled
Public Hearings to gather comments about the Draft EIS for OESF Forest Land Planning released on June 1 will be held:
- Wednesday, June 16, Port Angeles, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Port Angeles Senior Center, 328 E. 7th Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362
- Thursday, June 17, Forks, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., DNR Region office Conference Room, 411 Tillicum Lane, Forks WA 98331-9271
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