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Originally published in Science Express on 5 January 2006
Science 20 January 2006:
Vol. 311. no. 5759, p. 352
DOI: 10.1126/science.1122855
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Post-Wildfire Logging Hinders Regeneration and Increases Fire Risk

D. C. Donato,1* J. B. Fontaine,2 J. L. Campbell,1 W. D. Robinson,2 J. B. Kauffman,3 B. E. Law1

We present data from a study of early conifer regeneration and fuel loads after the 2002 Biscuit Fire, Oregon, USA, with and without postfire logging. Natural conifer regeneration was abundant after the high-severity fire. Postfire logging reduced median regeneration density by 71%, significantly increased downed woody fuels, and thus increased short-term fire risk. Additional reduction of fuels is necessary for effective mitigation of fire risk. Postfire logging can be counterproductive to the goals of forest regenration and fuel reduction.

1 Department of Forest Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
2 Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
3 Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station, 60 Nowelo Street, Hilo, HI 96720, USA.

* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: dan.donato{at}oregonstate.edu

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