Forest Stand Improvement

Forest Stand Improvement (FSI) is a forest management technique used to remove unwanted trees from an area in order to improve forest stand composition. In Missouri, young trees readily re-establish themselves following cutting or fire. But tree quality, species composition and individual tree form are often undesirable. Further reduction in quality comes when the better trees are harvested, leaving the lower quality ones. The average unmanaged Missouri woodland produces at less than one-third its potential. The FSI practice can be used to increase the woodland's value for timber products, water quality and quantity, recreation, wildlife, natural beauty, or special products.

• Increase quantity and quality of forest products

• Restore natural plant communities

• Enhance aesthetic, recreation and open space values

• Improve of water quality

• Sequestration of carbon

• Improve water conservation yield

• Improve wildlife habitat

• Reduce damage from wildfire, pests and disease

• Initiate forest stand regeneration

Minimize disturbances to the site such as rutting, soil compaction, excessive disturbance to the litter layer, and the addition of fill material.

Facilitate efficient and safe tree removal by controlling the method, felling direction, and timing of tree cutting. Slash, debris and vegetative material left on the site should not present a fire or pest hazard or interfere with the intended purpose. Protect sensitive areas such as vernal pools, riparian zones, and cultural resources.

Kill unwanted trees, shrubs, and vines by any of the following means:

• cutting

• girdling

• basal bark spray

• frilling

• stem injection

• foliar spray on small trees

Base forest stand improvement choices on:

• Relative tree position
• Crown position
• Crown condition
• Tree health
• Stem quality
• Species

For even-aged stands with an average DBH of 6 inches or more, Table 1 and 2 can be used as a guide for residual stocking after thinning.

For uneven-aged stands create or maintain age/size classes which occupy an equal amount of ground space per acre. (i.e. 25% seedling/sapling, 25% pole, 25% small sawtimber, 25% large sawtimber) Each improvement activity should: