Managing the restoration of a forestland in the Sierra Nevada

In 1980 the restoration of a 20,000-acre ownership in the central Sierra Nevada to pre-European conditions was initiated.  This long-term project will be completed in 2033.  Prior to the inititaion of this project the property had been heavily logged from 1892-1914 and 1933-1950.  During those periods virtually all of the overstory was removed.  The Land Management Plan adopted in 1980 does not fit the accepted definition of restoration.  Pre-European, unevenaged forest structure was chosen as a goal to allow vegetation and wildlife systems to reestablish natural functions.  The focus of the program was on the maintenance of wildlife through vegetative diversity.  Since there were no project dollars available, this program had to stand on its own using creative management practices.  At this time, a staff wildlife biologist and foresters, using GIS, are monitoring the progress, and the results indicate that progress is ahead of schedule.  Some of the methods used to achieve the desired conditions include:  single tree selection of timber stands, brushing in mosaic patterns, and using fire to create a variety of effects.  The result of this ecosystem-based restoration management program is the successful maintenance of a natural system while including human interface through planned multiple uses.