03 Jul May the Forest Be With You
In order to determine the success of tree thinnings and treatments, forest monitoring is conducted to quantify the changes of the forest health.
The best part about forest monitoring is using all of the different gadgets to measure the growth of the forest. We use a laser rangefinder for distance and angle, forest densiometer, angle correction sheet, CWD decay class sheet, DBH tape, a measuring tape, elevation, stakes, orange and red flagging tape, hammer, nails, compass, clinometer, map, chalk, and tree tags. The plots are preexisting areas within the forest in the park that have last been monitored five years ago. The plots are measured for herbaceous plant cover, forest canopy cover, and decaying logs. Every tree is also measured and recorded for its diameter, height, canopy height, bearing and distance from the boundary of the plot. There is a systematic way to monitor the forest in 
order to have comparable results. The hardest part of the procedure may be getting to the plots and finding the stakes that outline the boundary. There can be a lot of blowdown that can collapse once stepped on. The forest can become very steep in some areas that may make it hard to find proper footing. My favorite part of forest monitoring is the plant identification. I have learned many new species and variations within species that change my perspective on plants and trees I encounter. The temperate rainforest is vibrant, even on decaying logs there is life.The forest is like a mosaic with different working parts that come together to create a viable habitat for animals. This week, I was blessed with the rare sight of a mountain beaver!
“Today, across our land, the National Park System represents America at its best. Each park contributes to a deeper understanding of the history of the United States and our way of life; of the natural processes which have given form to our land, and to the enrichment of the environment in which we live.” George B. Hartzog, Jr., NPS Director, 1964-1972
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