Initial Response of Bitterbrush to Disturbance and Slash Disposal in a Lodgepole Pine Forest

Abstract

The impact of logging and slash disposal on the bitterbrush understory in a lodgepole pine forest on easily disturbed pumice soils in central Oregon was evaluated. Soils were moderately to heavily disturbed on 75% of the area, and bitterbrush crown cover was reduced by 71%. Most of the damage resulted from slash disposal. Despite extensive damage, shrubs quickly responded to more favorable growing conditions in the postlogging environment. Current twig growth doubled, and large numbers of seedlings were established on disturbed soils.