SAF Forest Resource Management & Planning 2

Question 1

Which silvicultural system retains a portion of the overstory after harvest to provide seed and modify microclimate for natural regeneration?

Accepted Answer

Shelterwood

Answer

The shelterwood system removes the overstory in sequential cuts, leaving seed trees and canopy cover to facilitate natural regeneration.

Question 2

A forester calculates a stand's basal area at 180 sq ft/acre. Using a stocking guide, this stand is most likely:

Accepted Answer

Overstocked

Answer

Most eastern hardwood and conifer stocking guides identify full stocking around 80–120 sq ft/acre, so 180 sq ft/acre typically indicates overstocking.

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of a forest management plan's 'allowable cut' calculation?

Accepted Answer

Ensure long-term sustained yield from the forest

Answer

Allowable cut calculations are designed to sustain timber yield over time by balancing growth with harvest so the resource is not depleted.

Question 4

In even-aged management, the rotation age is typically set to coincide with:

Accepted Answer

The culmination of mean annual increment (CMAI)

Answer

Rotation age in even-aged management is classically set at the CMAI, the point where average volume growth per year is greatest.

Question 5

A forest resource inventory uses a systematic grid of sample plots. What is the chief advantage of systematic sampling over simple random sampling in forests?

Accepted Answer

Lower variance when the population has spatial gradients

Answer

Systematic sampling spreads plots evenly across a forest, capturing spatial variation and typically yielding lower variance than simple random sampling when gradients exist.

(SAF) Society of American Foresters Certification Practice Test

(SAF) Society of American Foresters Certification Practice Test

SAF Forest Resource Management & Planning 2