Some Silvicultural Characteristics of Western Redcedar in Southeast Alaska

Gregory, R

Studies were made of the occurrence of western redcedar in old-growth uneven-aged and young even-aged stands in Southeast Alaska. It was found that redcedar does not reproduce itself to an appreciable extent in well-stocked old-growth stands. Cedar seeds germinate and young seedlings are numerous but they fail to survive. It appears that the direct effect of light or its indirect effect through warming of the site is necessary for survival of this species in Alaska. Redcedar is at the northern limits of its range in Southeast Alaska and is probably very sensitive to slight environmental differences. A definite relationship between site index and prevalence of redcedar was found. Some cedar was nearly always encountered in stands of site index 110 and less. The occurrence of cedar was much reduced above site index 110 and very seldom encountered in stands of site index 130 and higher. Percent redcedar by basal area was found to be highest in low site index and lowest in high site index stands. Most of the lower site index areas on which young-growth redcedar was prevalent had a fire history. Examination of the trees killed by the fires showed that cedar was usually present in the old-growth stands before they were burned. The association between fires history and prevalence of cedar is probably due to the high flammability of this species.

Some Silvicultural Characteristics of Western Redcedar in Southeast Alaska

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