A Comparison of Sampling Methods for Measuring Residual Stand Damage from Commercial Thinning
Authors
H. S. Han
University of Northern British Columbia Prince George, BC, Canada and Oregon State University Corvallis, Oregon, USA
L. D. Kellogg
University of Northern British Columbia Prince George, BC, Canada and Oregon State University Corvallis, Oregon, USA
Abstract
Four sampling methods were compared for accuracy and ease of implementation in measuring residual stand damage. Data were collected from young Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) stands, which were commercially thinned using three different logging systems in western Oregon. Systematic plot sampling consistently provided damage estimates similar to the results of a 100% survey; there was no significant difference between their accuracies in measuring stand damage. This method also took the least amount of time and effort for map layout and field plot location. Because measuring stand damage requires considerable effort in sample planning and implementation, an easier, quick-survey method should be developed to monitor residual stand damage for in-progress and post-thinning operations.
