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I Management Situation by Revision Topic Harvt'JAt Mtrlitode; Even-aged management has been the predominant conifer silviculture system used by the RGNF. Shelterwood harvesting, which is usually three cutting cycles spanning approximately 40 years, is the principal application. Shelterwood cuts account for about 95 percent of the sawtimber offered for commercial sale since the Forest Plan was approved in 1985. Most of this volume is the result of doing the first of the three cutting steps, called the preparatory cut. There have been several second- step entries. In the past 3 or 4 years, uneven-aged harvesting methods have been prescribed and carried out on the RGNF. This method of harvesting is accomplished through group-selection harvest or individual- tree marking. Clearcutting and patch c1earcuts are a common silvicultural prescription in aspen and lodgepole pine. lodgepole pine may also be treated through group selection, This practice eliminates stagnated stands, encourages regeneration, and supports local small industries that are dependent on the post and pole program. Clearcutting in sprucelfir stands is minimal and is prescribed for small 2- to 5-acre openings, in areas that have water-production emphasis and in some cases for wildlife-habitat improvement. RefDrt'JAtation Since 1983, when the last of the reforestation backlog acres were planted, the RGNF has not actively planted, for regeneration. The Forest Plan has identified an average of 196 acres per year to be planted. This figure was based on c1earcutting in sprucetfir timber types as one of the major harvest methods. Since the 3-step shelterwood method has been the main harvest method, planting for regeneration has not been needed. For c1earcutting in spruce stands, 2- to 5-acre openings were created for water production and wildlife-habitat improvement. Reforestation has not been a concern in these openings since the objective for this treatment is for openings to remain treeless as long as possible to extend increased water yield. The RGNF has a seed-collection program by which 'l 10-year supply of seed for each seed zone is maintained. The RGNF has 2, 1-acre plantations of Engelmann spruce 'super' seedlings that will be used to select phenotypically superior Engelmann spruce progeny. Timbt'Jr-S1;;iIMt.:llmprovemt'Jnt (TSI) The Forest Plan called for an average of 90 acres per year of timber-stand improvement. Between the years 1985 and 1991 an average of 464 acres per year were improved. Currently, TSI is seldom done since it is usually not cost effective. CUITt'Jnt and Hie;toric Timbt'Jr T argt'lte; The ASQ is an upper limit that cannot be exceeded over a 10-year period. It is not a target to be achieved. The RGNF conifer ASQ for the 10-year period 1985-1994 is 329 MMBF. During this period the Forest offered 230 MMBF for sale, if an 18 MMBF offer is assumed for 1994. Figure 11I-9 displays the timber volume offered and sold from 1980-1994. 111-34 (i ~ 244 7