Development

Sierra Nevada forest management is often focused on landscape strategies to achieve immediate fuel reduction. With a focus on limiting fire intensity and spread, these strategies do not explicitly address how forests might be ecologically restored or wildlife habitat enhanced. Without addressing these issues, treatments often face legal challenges. The intent of this report is to provide Sierra forest managers with a summary of “the best available science, ” and a method for reconciling fuels treatment and provision of wildlife habitat. Collectively, the findings emphasize the ecological role of fire, sensitive wildlife habitat, forest structure heterogeneity, and changing climate conditions. Summary of Findings Sierra mixed-conifer forests could benefit from a new management strategy that incorporates long-term ecological restoration and habitat improvement into forestry practices. Important facets include