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Harvest Method
Issue:
Harvest methods differ in their impact on visual quality.
Objective:
Minimize the impact of harvesting on visual quality. |
Use aesthetic management zones next to major travel routes and other visually sensitive areas.
Photo: Westvaco Corporation
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Considerations:
- Setting of the harvest area: rural or urban
- The proximity of the harvest area to major travel routes, residential and commercial areas, and viewsheds.
- Management objectives
- Aesthetic management zones or temporary buffers.
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Avoid:
The appearance of large clear-cuts visible from urban areas, commercial and residential areas, major travel routes, recreational areas, and viewsheds. |
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Recommended Practices:
Level #1: Least Sensitive
- Use harvest method which best meets management objectives.
Level #2: Moderately Sensitive
- Consider alternative methods to clearcutting.
- Consider leaving temporary buffers to screen clearcut harvest area.
- Consider harvesting the most visible area last.
- Consider selection or thinning as the harvest method if management objectives can be met.
Level #3: Most Sensitive
- Consider alternative methods to clearcutting such as group selection, shelterwood, patch clearcuts, or strip clearcuts.
- Consider establishing aesthetic management zones (AMZs) or temporary buffers adjacent to major travel routes, residential and commercial areas, recreational areas, viewsheds and along ridge lines.
- Consider harvesting the most visible area last.
- Consider selection or thinning as the harvest method near or adjacent to major travel routes, residential and commercial areas, recreational areas, and viewsheds.
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Use harvest method which best
meets management objective and
visual quality goals.
Photo: American Pulpwood Association |
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On sites with higher visual sensitivity, consider selection or thinning.
Photo: Champion International |
School of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences Extension
602 Duncan Drive · Auburn University, Alabama 36849
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