Artificial regeneration; applicability, options and research needs

In this overview of the status of reforestation in the northeastern United States, the applicability of natural regeneration is compared to planting and direct seeding. Foresters are urged to conduct careful planning of reforestation and to use harvesting as a silvicultural tool. Landowners are cautioned against the use of clearcutting unless they are prepared to use artificial regeneration measures. Research in the economics of reforestation options is recommended and the importance of forest genetics research to the regeneration phase of intensive forest management is emphasized.