Stocking control procedures for multiaged lodgepole pine stands in the Northern Rocky Mountains

Abstract

Patterns of leaf area distribution in multiaged lodgepole pine stands were used to develop a stocking control model. This model, the Lodgepole Pine-Multi-aged Stocking Control Model (LPP-MASAM), allows the user to design multiaged stand structures for implementation in lodgepole pine stands in the northern Rocky Mountains. The model is suitable for designing stands with two or three age classes, or two canopy strata. These multiaged stands represent a management alternative to even-aged stands where vigorous stands exist and windthrow is not a major constraint. The model requires the user to divide stands into components such as age classes or canopy strata that are the basic unit for growing space allocation. Growing space is represented by leaf area index. Stocking regimes are assessed over a single cutting cycle using projections of volume increment, stand density and tree vigor. Example stocking regimes are provided as are internet links to access the model.