Post-wildfire logging hinders regeneration and increases fire risk

Donato, D. C., Fontaine, J.B., Campbell, J.L., Robinson, W.D., Kauffman, J.B. and Law, B.E. (2006) Post-wildfire logging hinders regeneration and increases fire risk. Science, 311 (5759). p. 352.

Abstract

We present data from a study of early conifer regeneration and fuel loads after the 2002 Biscuit Fire, Oregon, USA, with and without postfire logging. Natural conifer regeneration was abundant after the high-severity fire. Postfire logging reduced median regeneration density by 71%, significantly increased downed woody fuels, and thus increased short-term fire risk. Additional reduction of fuels is necessary for effective mitigation of fire risk. Postfire logging can be counterproductive to the goals of forest regenration and fuel reduction.