Influence of Site Preparation on Natural Regeneration and Understory Plant Communities within Red Pine Shelterwood Systems

The most common silvicultural prescription for regenerating red pine in the Lake States is clearcutting followed by planting; however, the use of partial harvesting is increasingly being used to maintain aesthetic values and wildlife habitat. The purpose of this study, which was established by Dr. Dan Gilmore, is to evaluate the success of four alternative vegetation management methods in promoting the natural regeneration of a 90 yr-old red pine stand that was thinned (in 1960, 1970, and 1985; thinned to 120 ft ac) 5 years prior to final harvest.