The Bear Claw harvest and Rock Bottom harvest will begin on Tuesday, May 13th

Bear Claw Harvest Information:

Harvest Name: Bear Claw

Approximate Closure Duration: 2.5 months

Size: 42.4 acres

Prescription: Clearcut with structural and visual tree retention

Harvest Objectives: This timber harvest contributes to the overall sustainable harvest goal. Revenue generated from this harvest will be used to support Research Forests operations and teaching and research within the College of Forestry.

A portion of this unit contains 1-1.5 acre test plots used for evaluating overstory and down woody debris biophysical interactions. This research will assess interactions between residual overstory trees at varying densities and the microsite shading effects provided by down woody debris on the forest floor. Results seek to help managers better ensure adequate tree regeneration in a warmer, drier climate. Principle Investigator: Dr. Mark E. Swanson, College of Forestry, and Margaret I. Magee, doctoral student.

Last Harvested: 2011 for pre-commercial thinning

Average Tree Age: 44 years old

Map of Bear Claw harvest & closure area

Rock Bottom Harvest Information:

Harvest Name: Rock Bottom

Approximate Closure Duration: 1 month

Size: 1.3 acres

Prescription: Conversion to rock pit

Harvest Objectives: The forest is expanding the footprint of the current rockpit and will use this area as part of the new rockpit. Besides resulting in cost savings from reduced trucking, local sourcing of rock will result in reduced fuel consumption and reduced carbon emissions. Energy pulses from quarrying activity will be used in assessing the interaction of seismic waves and forest trees. Principle Investigator: Dr. Ben Leshchinsky, College of Forestry.

Last Harvested: 1998/clearcut and conversion to quarry.

Average Tree Age: 37 years old

Map of Rock Bottom harvest & closure area

Information about forest closures is located at key access points, and closures are clearly marked on-site. For more information about harvest closures and forest management activities, please visit our Harvest Interactive Web Map, Frequently Asked Questions, or contact us with questions.