10 years post-disturbance coarse woody debris volumes do not differ between fire island remnants and harvest island remnants in the mixedwood forests of northern Alberta. Contrary to my expectations, it appears that the two experience a similar amount of deadwood. This suggests that the ecosystem-based management conducted by the forest industries we surveyed have effectively emulated the natural disturbance.
Take Home Message 2
The other variables recorded during field work had little influence on the debris volume accumulation. Specifically, in the island model, initial stand volume and shape index did appear to predict the island deadwood volumes. Nevertheless, plot location and disturbance type were the primary predictors for every model.
Take Home Message 3
Coarse woody debris diameter and decay class showed little variation amongst the two disturbance types. This finding emphasizes the similarities between fire and harvest island remnants and elaborates on the successful emulation of island remnants through harvesting techniques.