Forest Ecology Terms
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Canopy |
The continuous covering of a forest composed of the upper branches and leaves |
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Critical Habitat |
A specific area within the geographic range of a species that contains the essential features to conserve the species and that may require special management consideration or protection. |
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Coniferous |
Pertaining to trees that bear cones- conifers |
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Deciduous |
Pertains to trees that drop their leaves annually |
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DBH |
Diameter at breast height diameter of a tree taken at 4.5 feet from the ground. In taking the measurement the tree is treated as a cylinder |
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Dominant |
Term applies to a species that makes up the majority of trees that have reached the forest canopy |
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Even Aged |
A stand of trees in which all or least most individuals are close to the same age. |
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Herb |
A non woody, seed producing plant |
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Lichen |
A composite organism made of an alga and a fungus in symbiotic association |
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Second Growth |
Pertains to a forest that has regenerated after removal of all or at least a significant portion of the original stand. Some definitions invoke human disturbance as a definitional requirement. |
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Seeps |
Small springs |
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Snag |
A dead or dying tree |
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Species of conservation concern |
Species mentioned by members of the public for which they have some concern about the species population or status. These may not be of viability concern (Threatened, Endangered, or Sensitive), but other issues have been raised with respect to them. |
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Stand |
A contiguous group of trees that occupies a specific area and is similar in species, age and condition. |
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Successional Stage |
A stage of development of a plant community as it moves from bare ground to climax. In the plan revision process, these are generally referred to as early, mid, and late success ional stages. |
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Sustainable |
The ability of an ecosystem to maintain ecological processes and functions, biological diversity, and productivity over time. |
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Temporary roads |
Roads authorized by contract, permit, lease, other written authorization or emergency operation that are not intended to be a part of the forest transportation system, and not necessary for long-term resource management, These roads are not included on the national forest system road inventory and are decommissioned after use. |
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Uneven Age |
Multi-layered age class of trees including gaps |
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Viewshed |
Total Visible are from a single observer’s position or the total visible area from multiple observer positions. Viewsheds are accumulated seen areas from highways, trails, campgrounds, towns, cities, or other view locations. Examples are corridors, feature or basin viewsheds. |
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Virgin |
As applied to a forest, connotes lack of human disturbance |
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Visual Resource |
A part of the landscape important forest scenic quality. It may include a composite of terrain, geologic features, or vegetation. |