Fuel management treatments frequently include partial harvesting and the removal of surface fuels. However, residual trees may be prone to windthrow and could create undesirable surface fuels within the treatment area. Aesthetics and safety are also a concern since most treatments are done around communities within or near areas of high visibility and recreational use. Techniques to reduce windthrow can be employed at the planning and treatment stages, and can provide obvious benefits in addition to reducing ongoing fuel maintenance costs within the treatment area. This project looked at techniques to reduce windthrow loss when a mature overstory is treated with partial harvesting and removal of surface/ladder fuels.

The objectives of this document are to:

Provide a brief overview of factors that influence windthrow as a result of fuel management.Provide suggestions on treatment design to reduce wind damage.