Scientific Resources

Forest Structure, Canopy Cover, and Microclimate

Removing canopy cover increases solar radiation, surface temperature, and fuel drying. Forest structure strongly influences local microclimate and fire behavior.

• DellaSala, D.A., & Lindenmayer, D.B. (2025). Removing dead trees will not save us from fast-moving wildfires. This paper discusses how removal of biological legacies such as large trees and snags can alter forest structure, microclimate, and ecosystem recovery after disturbance.
• Agee, J.K. & Skinner, C.N. (2005). Basic principles of forest fuel reduction treatments. Forest Ecology and Management.
• North, M. et al. (2015). Reform forest fire management. Science.
• Mildrexler, D., Berner, L., Law, B. (2016). The largest trees dominate carbon storage in forests. Global Ecology and Biogeography.

These papers discuss how canopy structure affects microclimate, moisture retention, carbon storage, and fire behavior.

Fuel Loads, Slash Accumulation, and Surface Fire Intensity

Logging slash and debris left after thinning operations can increase surface fuel loads and influence fire intensity if not properly managed.

• Stephens, S.L. et al. (2012). Fuel treatment impacts on fire behavior and ecological outcomes. Forest Ecology and Management.
• Reinhardt, E., et al. (2008). Effects of fuel treatments on fire severity. USDA Forest Service RMRS-GTR-213.
• Agee, J.K. & Skinner, C.N. (2005).

These studies discuss how fuel treatments that leave heavy slash or concentrated surface fuels can increase short-term fire hazard.

Wind Exposure and Fire Behavior

Opening forest canopy or creating large gaps can increase wind penetration, which can influence fire spread and fire intensity.

• Zald, H.S.J. & Dunn, C.J. (2018). Severe fire weather and intensive forest management increase fire severity. Ecological Applications.
• Thompson, J.R. et al. (2007). Reburn severity in managed vs unmanaged forests. Ecological Applications.
• Scott, J.H., & Reinhardt, E. (2001). Assessing crown fire potential by linking models of surface and crown fire behavior. USDA Forest Service.

These studies examine how forest structure and canopy changes influence wind behavior, fire spread, and crown fire potential.

Strategic Placement of Fuel Treatments and Fire Management

Research shows that the effectiveness of fuel treatments often depends on their location within the landscape, particularly near communities, roads, and previous fire boundaries.

• Cohen, J.D. (2000). Preventing disaster: Home ignitability in the wildland-urban interface. Journal of Forestry.
• Finney, M.A. (2001). Design of regular landscape fuel treatment patterns for modifying fire growth. Forest Science.
• Parks, S.A., et al. (2014). Wildland fire limits subsequent fire spread. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

These studies highlight the importance of strategic placement of fuel treatments, previous fire perimeters, and landscape features in influencing wildfire behavior and containment.

Soil Stability, Erosion, and Steep Terrain

Vegetation removal and ground disturbance can increase soil erosion and sediment transport, particularly on steep or sensitive slopes.

• Beschta, R.L. et al. (2004). Postfire management impacts on soil erosion and hydrology. Conservation Biology.
• Robichaud, P.R. et al. (2013). Post-fire erosion and sediment delivery. USDA Forest Service.
• Swanson, F.J. & Dyrness, C.T. (1975). Impact of clearcutting and road construction on erosion. Water Resources Research.

These works document how canopy removal, disturbance, and soil exposure can increase erosion and hydrologic impacts on steep landscapes.

Hardwood Retention and Forest Biodiversity

Hardwoods such as madrone and oak play an important role in forest biodiversity, wildlife habitat, and structural complexity.

• Cockle, K.L., et al. (2011). Retention of hardwoods increases biodiversity in forest ecosystems. Biological Conservation.
• Betts, M.G. et al. (2010). Hardwood retention and wildlife habitat. Forest Ecology and Management.
• Agee, J.K. (1993). Fire Ecology of Pacific Northwest Forests.

These studies show how retaining hardwood species contributes to habitat diversity, ecosystem resilience, and structural complexity in forests.

Allies
Regional and national organizations that share our values.

Books
Recommended reading on the Klamath-Siskiyou region and ecological forestry

• Designing Sustainable Forest Landscapes. Simon Bell & Dean Apostol, 2008
• The Hidden Forest. Sigurd F. Olsen, 1990
• Seeing the Forest Among the Trees: The Case for Wholisitc Forest Use. Herb Hammond, 1991
• The Hidden Forest: The Biography of an Ecosystem. Jon R. Luoma, 2006
• The Siskiyou Crest: Hikes, History, and Ecology. Luke Ruediger, 2013