An assessment of dead wood standards and practices in Minnesota.

Abstract

Through a review of existing data and literature, the amount of dead wood in Minnesota forests, its importance to forest health, the policies that guide sustainable dead wood management, and the level of compliance with dead wood guidelines are described. USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) monitoring efforts indicate there is a sizable and diverse supply of dead wood in Minnesota’s nearly fifteen million acres of timberland. There are almost eight cords of coarse woody debris (CWD) per acre on Minnesota’s timberlands. Federal timberlands have the highest density of dead wood, averaging over ten cords per acre. Scientific review indicates retention of dead wood in Minnesota forests contributes to ecological benefits such as wildlife habitat, improved water quality, and soil productivity.