Tongass National Forest

Timber Stand Improvement

Regeneration - Planting

Sitka spruce, redcedar and yellow-cedar have been planted for a variety of reasons including diversity and lack of natural regeneration. As higher volume/low elevation stands are being set-aside in reserves or buffers for other resource objectives, harvesting is moving upslope to the more cedar dominated stands. Cedar regeneration presents more of a challenge and mitigation measures such as seed tree harvests and cedar planting are occurring more often.

Cone Collection

The goal of cone collection is to collect an adequate amount of seed from the appropriate seed zones in order to accomplish required artificial regeneration. Seed is collected from phenotpically superior trees (trees which look superior). They exhibit desirable characteristics such as form, height, branch angle, resistance to insects and disease, etc. Cedar seed (Alaska yellow-cedar and Western redcedar) are relatively small seed and approximately 40,000 seedlings can be produced per pound of clean seed. Cone collection normally occurs in September/October. Collection involves identifying phenotypically superior trees, felling the tree, picking, cleaning, and bagging the cones. Cones are shipped to Petersburg where they are stored until needed.

Planting

Where planting is needed to replace the harvested stand, seedlings grown in a nursery are interplanted among the sparse "naturals". Natural Alaska yellow-cedar restocking is sometimes more difficult because of: limiting distance of seed dispersal (300-400 feet); lack of advance regeneration under the old growth canopy due to shade intolerance; and competition from other coniferous seedlings. Seedlings grown from local seed are normally used.

Plantation Survival Exams

In the first and third years after planting, survival exams are conducted to monitor seedling survival. The exam determines seedling survival, growth, and any need for replanting. Stake rows are established to measure the survival. When survival is good and planted seedlings are "established" then reforestation certification is issued.