Forest Restoration
Decades of fire suppression and short-sighted logging have left the forests of the Sierra Nevada clogged with small diameter trees that are densely packed, stagnant, and can no longer provide the necessary habitat to support native species. They are also at a high risk for catastrophic fire and pest infestation. Literally hundreds of thousands of acres of public forests in the Sierra Nevada could benefit from restoration activities that target these small diameter “problem fuels”.
One component of forest restoration is the thinning of overly dense areas- particularly in the Community Protection Zones where the forest abuts homes. By removing some of the smaller diameter trees, foresters are encouraging the recovery of the natural structure and function while also reducing the risk of uncontrollable fires (which can burn so hot as to permanently damage soils). Such activities allow low intensity fire to be reintroduced and play a natural regenerative role.
Some research projects are exploring the potential of the small-diameter "in the round form" as a structural material for uses such as bridges, boardwalks, trail structures, picnic shelters, storage sheds, and other rustic-type buildings. By creating a market for wood products made from these small diameter and under-utilized trees, we support the shift towards an economy based on restoration and conservation rather than resource extraction