Strip Harvest
Definition
Management technique in pole-stage or older stands by harvesting ≥85% of trees in area with strip width equal to 0.3-2 tree heights. Multi-pass treatment over time. Used to modify vertical structure, create openings to promote survival and growth of planted seedlings, create micro-habitat for natural regeneration. Strip cuts can be oriented to alter sunlight based on shade tolerance.
Eligibility Criteria
- >75% of stand is pole staged or older
- Remaining average live crown: minimum 30% (if intention to harvest remainder on second intervention, normally minimum 5 years following treatment and until strip cut areas adequately stocked)
- Stands should be well rooted and wind firm with little existing wind throw
- If treating to harvest overstory preserving advanced regeneration: live crown ratio above 30% in overstory not necessary. Advanced regeneration should be healthy with good form, >50% live crown, >1800 stems/ha of desirable crop tree species, uniformly distributed
Guidelines and Assessment Procedures
- Minimize damage; maximum 5% damaged crop trees
- Extraction methods promoting scarification encouraged when desirable regeneration not present; evenly distributed throughout leave strip
- Each intervention prescribed in management plan
- Strip widths: 0.3-2 times average stand tree height; retention strip: 2-5 times strip width (varies depending on objectives, species, age, health)
- For seedling regeneration: harvest strips best oriented at right angles to seed dispersing winds (slope, erosion, operational considerations may influence orientation)
- Slash broadcast throughout harvest patch unless another treatment prescribed