1. Using FIA Data to Strategically Assess Fire Hazard and Management Opportunities in Montana and New Mexico Charles E. Keegan III The University of Montana

2. Cooperators The University of Montana The University of Montana – School of Forestry – BBER PNW Research Station PNW Research Station RM Research Station (IWFIA) RM Research Station (IWFIA)

5. OBJECTIVES 1. Describe current forest conditions in Montana and New Mexico 2. Assess existing crown fire hazard 3. Evaluate effectiveness of fire hazard reduction treatments 4. Estimate treatment costs and revenue 5. Evaluate future treatment effectiveness

6. FIA Data Format Edit Current Forest/Stand Conditions (1) FVS FFE Apply Alternative Rx’s Cost, Products & Value Model Cut-Tree Stand Tables Leave-Tree Stand Tables Current Fire Hazard (2) Costs (Revenues)/Ac by Prescription (4) FVS 30-yr Projection FFE Fire Hazard 30 Years Post-Treatment (5) FFE Fire Hazard Immediately Post-Treatment (3) High & Mod. Hazard Stands METHODS FLOW CHART

7. Current Forest Conditions Forest types & acreages Forest types & acreages Tree density Tree density Vertical stand structure Vertical stand structure Species composition Species composition

8. Forest Types of Greatest Concern Ponderosa pine Ponderosa pine Douglas-fir Douglas-fir Dry lower-elevation mixed-conifer Dry lower-elevation mixed-conifer Because: near persons & property, ecological changes due to fire suppression activities and past logging practices

9. Ecological Problems Increased density Increased density Continuous structure of ladder fuels Continuous structure of ladder fuels Changed species composition Changed species composition

10. Total for forest types = 9.3 million acres Fire Hazard for PP, DF, & DLMC Forests

11. Proposed Treatments Thin-from-below  focus on removing small trees  cut only trees dbh < 9”  burn/dispose of slash Comprehensive  focus on future stand’s ecological condition  thin-from-below & remove slash  stand improvement cut  selection cut in mid- & upper canopy

13. Comprehensive Treatment Product Removals Sawlogs & Studlogs  1000 cubic feet per acre  9 - 20+” dbh Pulpwood  300 cubic feet per acre  5 - 8” dbh

14. Treatment Pre- treatment crowning index Post- treatment crowning index Net revenue/cost per acre Thin-from-below2734 - $664 Comprehensive2682$624 Crowning Index and Revenue Montana-Statewide

15. Net revenue for comprehensive treatment of PP, DF, & DLMC - 1997-1999 markets

18. New Mexico Forestland by Fire Hazard Total forestland = 16.7 million acres

19. Total for forest types = 4.0 million acres Fire Hazard for PP & DMC Forests in New Mexico

20. Treatment Pre- treatment crowning index Post- treatment crowning index Average net revenue/cost per acre Thin-from-below2143 - $439 Comprehensive2161$8 Average Crowning Index and Revenue Per Acre Across New Mexico

21. Contacting Us Phone: (406) 243-5113 Email: charles.keegan@business.umt.edu todd.morgan@business.umt.edu Internet: www.BBER.umt.edu