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 0.5ha (the minimum considered necessary to provide the amount of light Douglas-fir needs to develop satisfactorily) to 2ha (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 Ssze: 35.7ha
Opening Sizes: 3 openings, varying in size from 0.5ha to 2.0ha and totaling 3.5ha, 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 0.5ha to 2.0ha openings over 80 years
Retention structures objective: 10ha of adjacent wildlife tree patches and individual trees
Age structure: Multi-aged