Another Forestry Practices lesson

Because I am sure that our local (and maybe even state) game commission officials may use these terms in any of their statements to the public, I want to share with you some information on the difference between slash and coarse woody debris.

Both types of woody debris are found naturally in forests and are created via humans' timbering operations. Both terms are used in the forestry/woodlot management industry and, more importantly, both types of debris provide benefits to the ecosystem--if used appropriately.

Slash is typically woody debris with a three inch diameter, or smaller.

Coarse woody debris is debris that is larger than three inches in diameter.

Decomposition of both, but especially slash, is important in returning nutrients (especially nitrogen) back to the soil. And, coarse woody debris is important habitat for the smaller creatures of the ecosystem.

Too much slash in an area of course increases the chances of the ignition and continued burning of a fire. Too much coarse woody debris, not enough variety in the diameter and length of the logs, and irresponsible placement of this debris (for example, in piles rather than scattered across the site) also causes problems, like the attraction of pests, soil compaction, and the mechanical blockage of regeneration. It can, of course, also contribute fuel to a fire.

So, in another visit to our favorite block, it is easy to see the presence of both slash and coarse woody debris. The argument the Game Commission will likely use is that they were left intentionally to create habitat. The response is that the condition of the block and the physical evidence left there are wholly unsupportive of their claim.