Simulating Multiaged Coast Redwood Stand Development: Interactions between Regeneration, Structure, and Productivity

Abstract Multiaged management regimes and harvesting scenarios were simulated in coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens [D. Don.] Endl.) stands using models of stand growth and yield (CRYPTOS) and stocking assessment (redwood MASAM). Various stocking and age-class combinations were modeled on site index 100 and 130 ft (50 years). Results demonstrated how the number of cohorts, upper limit of stocking, and cohort densities affected growth and yield. Board foot volume increment reached a plateau in stands with a prescribed upper limit of stocking above leaf area index 7.2 to 8.6. Productivity did not differ between stands with two to five cohorts producing the same tree size at harvest. It was affected by stand structure when a cutting cycle of 20 years was prescribed in stands with three to five cohorts. Stands with the same density returned to the upper limit of stocking much sooner on better sites. Prolonging the cutting cycle by reducing stand density resulted in larger tree sizes at harvest and greater productivity. The growth of trees remaining after cutting 10–50% of stand basal area and growth of new stump sprouts were also simulated. Stands quickly returned to preharvest stocking after light cutting, implying that heavy or frequent light cutting is needed to sustain growth and vigor of regeneration in multiaged coast redwood stands.