Modified Patch Cut

The patch cut system removes all the trees from a small area within a stand. In this study area, patch size varies from 0.5 ha (the minimum considered necessary to provide the amount of light Douglas-fir needs to develop satisfactorily) to 2 ha (the maximum area that is visually unobtrusive). After cutting, each patch is managed as a distinct, even-aged unit, and over time the management area becomes a multi-aged mosaic of patches. 

For photos of patch cut see Tour Stops 1, 7, and 9.

A view of the patch cut treatment at the following intervals:

Summary Description of Key Features

Silvicultural System: Patch Cut
Treatment Unit Size: 35.7 ha
Opening Sizes: 3 openings, varying in size from 0.5 to 2.0 ha and totaling 3.5 ha, were harvested in 2001 and another 3 openings harvested in 2011. This harvesting treatment will be repeated every 10 years over an 80 year period.
Deferred Areas: 3.5 ha to be cut every 10 years in 0.5 - 2.0 ha openings over 80 years
Retention Structures Objective: 10 ha of adjacent wildlife tree patches and individual trees
Age Structure: Multi-aged