ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES in rocky mountain coniferous ...

oriented toward the basic response end of the spectrum for the reasons just discussed,
but includes research in a1 1 aspects of the progressive process. Research being
reported here can be broadly classified as addressing
--First-order responses: basic environmental responses relating
to soils, water, microbiology, meteorology, nutrients, and
other basic site attributes.
--Second-order responses: biological implications of the combined
effects of first order responses, including site quality changes,
vegetative development, forest pest activity, habitat changes,
and other biological consequences.
--Potential resource impacts: implications for longer-term
resource protection and management, considering multiple
resource management needs.
The information - - resented in the remainder of this ~uhlication is orsanized in three
sections corresponding to these categories, and entitled "Basic ~nvironmental
Responses", "Biological Impl ications" , and "Resource Management Impl ications." .
Of course, the results discussed in any particular paper may include aspects of
research ranging all the way from basic responses to resource management guidelines.
Much of the research initiated by Program participants cannot be considered
completed in any sense. Biological responses to treatment need to be followed for
a period of time long enough to establish a reliable basis for long-term prediction.
Early results provide better information than has been available to date, however,
and develop a holistic approach to understanding and defining complex interrelation-
ships in forest ecosystems.
Program research provides the forester and land manager with significantly
improved knowledge about the effects of timber harvesting -- including very intensive
levels of utilization -- on the forest ecosystem. This information in turn affords
an improved basis for prescribing harvesting practices to achieve desired mu1 ti pl e
resource management objectives, and avoid environmentally undesirable or questionable
practices.