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The potential plant community on this unit is mainly Douglas-fir <br />~• <br />and some white fir with a very sparse understory of common juniper, <br />kinnikinnick, Oregon-grape, and sedges. The potential production of <br />understory vegetation in normal years is about 100 pounds per acre. <br />Present vegetation also includes a few areas of mixed aspen and fir. <br />This soil is suited to production of Douglas-fir. Harvesting some <br />of the mature trees for sawtimber and thinning dense stands of younger <br />trees for use as polae increase the growth rata of the rest of the <br />stand and increase the understory vegetation. <br />Tha main concerns in producing and harvesting timber are the low <br />I • <br />•vailabl• water capacity of the soils and the steepness of slope. <br />Convsntionsl harvesting methods generally ors restricted to slopes of <br />lass than 30 percent. In some areas stones on the surface limit <br />felling and yarding. <br />Minimizing the risk of erosion ie essential in harvesting timber. <br />Proper design of road drainage systems and care in the placement of <br />culvert help to control erosion. Spoil from excavations is subject to <br />rill and gully erosion and to sloughing. Removal of the cover of <br />organic litter on the surface should b• minimized to maintain a high <br />water intake rate. to reduce runoff, and to maintain an adequate <br />source of nutrients for treas. Tha hazard of soil erosion generally <br />is moderate on wall designed roads and in minimally disturbed areas. <br />To stabilize grades, cuts and fills, and other disturbed areas, <br />1 • <br />roads, landings. and skid trails should be provided with water bars <br />and reseeded following harvest. Suitable seeding mixtures can include <br />Manchar smooth brome, orchardgrass, and intermediate or pubescent <br />wheatgrass. To provide an adequate seedbed, the surface should be <br />chiseled or otherwise disturbed. Seeding late in fall helps to ensure <br />that soil moisture w!II be adequate for the establishment of seedlings <br />next spring. <br />iy3 <br />