Response of advance lodgepole pine regeneration to overstory removal in eastern Idaho

Twenty-two stands of advance lodgepole pine released with overstory removal were sampled to determine height growth response. Tree and site characteri stics correlated with release response were identified, and a mathematical model was developed to predict height growth in years 6 through 10 after re lease as a function of residual overstory basal area, height at release, pe rcent rock cover, five-year cumulative growth prior to release, logging dam age, stand elevation, and habitat type. Lodgepole Dine responded to release with increased height growth in 97% of the trees sampled. Growth was simil ar to that of unsuppressed trees. Height growth is best when the entire ove rstory is removed and logging damage is avoided. Taller trees generally do not respond as well as shorter trees. However, trees growing fast before ha rvest continue to grow fast regardless of their height at release. Recommen dations for selecting stands of advance lodgepole pine to release are provi ded. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.