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Using FIA Data to Strategically Assess Fire Hazard and Management Opportunities in Montana and New Mexico Charles E. Keegan III The University of Montana. Cooperators. The University of Montana School of Forestry BBER PNW Research Station RM Research Station (IWFIA). OBJECTIVES.
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Using FIA Data to Strategically Assess Fire Hazard and Management Opportunities in Montana and New Mexico • Charles E. Keegan III • The University of Montana
Cooperators • The University of Montana • School of Forestry • BBER • PNW Research Station • RM Research Station (IWFIA)
OBJECTIVES • Describe current forest conditions in Montana and New Mexico • Assess existing crown fire hazard • Evaluate effectiveness of fire hazard reduction treatments • Estimate treatment costs and revenue • Evaluate future treatment effectiveness
METHODS FLOW CHART Current Forest/Stand Conditions (1) FVS FFE FIA Data Format Edit Current Fire Hazard (2) High & Mod. Hazard Stands FVS 30-yr Projection FFE Leave-Tree Stand Tables Apply Alternative Rx’s Cut-Tree Stand Tables Cost, Products & Value Model FFE Costs (Revenues)/Ac by Prescription (4) Fire Hazard 30 Years Post-Treatment (5) Fire Hazard Immediately Post-Treatment (3)
Current Forest Conditions • Forest types & acreages • Tree density • Vertical stand structure • Species composition
Forest Types of Greatest Concern • Ponderosa pine • Douglas-fir • Dry lower-elevation mixed-conifer Because: near persons & property, ecological changes due to fire suppression activities and past logging practices
Ecological Problems • Increased density • Continuous structure of ladder fuels • Changed species composition
Fire Hazard for PP, DF, & DLMC Forests Total for forest types = 9.3 million acres
Proposed Treatments • Thin-from-below • focus on removing small trees • cut only trees dbh < 9” • burn/dispose of slash • Comprehensive • focus on future stand’s ecological condition • thin-from-below & remove slash • stand improvement cut • selection cut in mid- & upper canopy
Comprehensive Treatment Product Removals • Sawlogs & Studlogs • 1000 cubic feet per acre • 9 - 20+” dbh Pulpwood • 300 cubic feet per acre • 5 - 8” dbh
Net revenue for comprehensive treatment of PP, DF, & DLMC - 1997-1999 markets
New Mexico Forestland by Fire Hazard Total forestland = 16.7 million acres
Fire Hazard for PP & DMC Forests in New Mexico Total for forest types = 4.0 million acres
Average Crowning Index and Revenue Per Acre Across New Mexico
Contacting Us • Phone: • (406) 243-5113 • Email: • charles.keegan@business.umt.edu todd.morgan@business.umt.edu • Internet: • www.BBER.umt.edu