The Willamette Valley Ponderosa Pine Conservation Association is in the process of taking data measurements in young ponderosa pine plantations for use in construction of growth and yield tables. This work is a cornerstone for our commercialization program. There is very little information on growth of ponderosa pine plantations in the Willamette Valley. This information is key to making long term raw material forecasts.
Following are the criteria for qualifying plantations. The sampling matrix below indicates the age / site distribution of plantations necessary to develop the tables.
Candidate plantations criteria:
- Trees with average breast height age of at least 5 years (≥4 whorls above breast height)
- A minimum of 3 acres
- Average tree spacing between 8 and 15 feet
- At least 90% ponderosa pine by basal area
The Sampling matrix is defined by five age classes between 10 and 30 years and three site quality classes, low medium and high to give 15 age/site combinations. The target sample includes 5 plots within each of the age/site combinations.
If you have a plantation that might qualify and you want to participate in this project contact the WVPPCA Executive Director. If you have questions be sure to call us. For contact information see inside cover.
