Forest Organic Debris & Slash Program in Orofino

Date: Friday 7/17/2009 - Friday 7/17/2009

Forest Organic Debris & Slash Program in Orofino, Friday, July 17th, 2009

Wood left in the forest is not necessarily wasted. Scientists are learning more and more about the value of large and small organic debris left distributed across the forest. Forest organic debris acts much like mulch in a garden, providing nutrients and adding to forest soil structure and moisture retention. It also provides food and habitat for insects, fungi, and other organisms that further benefit soil fertility and structure. Not leaving some material can impair forest growth, particularly on poor sites. There is growing discussion about leaving more wood for forest nutrition. But there are many questions:

How much material should be left? Is there a point of diminishing returns?

Does chipping slash meet organic debris needs?

How do you minimize fire or insect hazards?

Are there extra treatment costs to leaving more debris?
Are there potential savings?

How long do you have to leave fine organic material on site to realize nutrient benefits?

Do different sites require different amounts of debris?

For registration questions, contact the University of Idaho Extension Office in Clearwater County at (208) 476-4434.

For program questions, contact Chris Schnepf at (208) 446-1680.

The program is co-sponsored by University of Idaho Extension, the Idaho Department of Lands, and the U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station.

For more information visit http://www.cnr.uidaho.edu/extforest/B%20Managing%20Forest%20Organic%20Debris%202009.pdf

Create your
Buy & Sell Ad

Produced by

406-529-3352