Status and Trends of Silvicultural Practices in Minnesota

This article describes the kind and extent of silvicnltnral practices applied in Minnesota. We surveyed land managers with respect to silvicnltnral systems and practices employed during 1996. Results were compared to corresponding information from 1991. The study obtained input from ownerships covering approximately 50% of the acreage and timber volume han'ested in the state. The statewide hangest volume increased 8% from 1991 to 1996, and the estimated acreage subject to harvesting increased 1%. An increased emphasis on thinning was a significant factor in the rise in total acreage harvested. From 1991 to 1996, clearcutting (> 5 ac) decreased from 89 to 85% of the acreage han'ested. Residuals were left on 77% of the acreage clearcnt, a level nearly Mice as high as in 1991. Reliance on natural versus artificial regeneration increased by 7% since 1991. At the same time, artificial regeneration efforts showed greater emphasis on site preparation rather than later release, especially on land owned by forest industry. Overall, forest management trends in Minnesota are moving toward a more intensivelv managed but also more diverse forest across ownerships.