Blue oak woodland, blue oak foothill pine woodland; 10 to 24 percent canopy cover

Oak Cover/Forestry Assessment:
Oak volume ranges from 20 to 170 cubic feet per acre, and 10-year growth rate ranges from 2 to 40 cubic feet per acre. These are not good areas for commercial harvesting activities due to very low stocking and low growth rates. Many open blue oak savannahs lack oak regeneration, especially on low elevation and/or low rainfall zones. Managers should compare current levels of mortality to regeneration. In areas where mortality exceeds regeneration, it may be necessary to adopt management procedures to encourage regeneration.

Recreation Assessment:
These areas offer only limited opportunities for hunt clubs in their current condition because of low cover and acorn production. Medium populations of quail can be expected, which can be improved by providing additional water and cover with brush piles. It may be desirable to increase cover if feasible to improve habitat for deer and turkeys.

Wildlife Diversity Assessment:
These open blue oak savannah stands contain both grassland and woodland wildlife species. In general, the habitat is good for open grassland species such as
western meadowlark, but marginal for woodland species such as Pacific-slope flycatchers. Habitat elements, such as riparian zones, snags, trees with cavities, and large woody debris, have an important effect on biodiversity by making habitats more complex. More complex habitats support greater numbers of wildlife. According to the California Wildlife Habitat Relationships system (CWHR) there are 21 amphibian species, 33 reptile species, 73 mammal species, and 137 bird species which are predicted to occur in these habitats if various elements occur. If there are no riparian zones or sources of water, no snags or cavity trees, and no large woody debris or brush piles on the site, the number of vertebrate wildlife species predicted to occur in these habitats falls to 10 amphibian species, 31 reptiles, 39 mammals, and 101 bird species. This points to the importance of maintaining diversity in the habitat elements present in the stand to provide for the highest possible diversity of wildlife species.

Grazing Assessment:
Average forage production capability is 3,000 pounds per acre with a range from 1,500 to 4,500 pounds. In low rainfall areas, the presence of scattered trees has been found to increase overall range forage production. However, thistles and other undesirable plants may occur under the tree canopy, although this is not common. Potential for range improvement through seeding, fertilization, and grazing management may increase productivity where production is currently at the lower end of the scale and available soil and soil moisture is not limiting.

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Blue oak woodland, blue oak foothill pine woodland; 25 to 39 percent canopy cover

Oak Cover/Forestry Assessment:
Oak volume ranges from 170 to 425 cubic feet per acre and the 10-year growth is 25 to 70 cubic feet per acre. These areas are generally not good for commercial firewood harvesting. The existing stocking level is good for diverse resource values, and managers should not take canopy density much lower. Some light thinning may be possible in dense clusters, but avoid using equipment on areas with over 30 percent slope to minimize erosion. Perhaps 40 to 85 cubic feet could be harvested per acre in higher productivity sites every 20 years. Many areas like these have an absence of oak regeneration, especially on low elevation and/or rainfall areas. Managers should assess current levels of mortality and compare this to seedling and sapling regeneration. In areas where mortality exceeds regeneration, it may be necessary to adopt management procedures to encourage regeneration.

Recreation Assessment:
These areas have good overall habitat for mule and black-tailed deer, wild pigs and California quail. Habitat can be improved by enhancing acorn production, planting legumes, and maintaining these through proper livestock and deer management. Any reductions in oak cover will also decrease habitat value for many desired game species. Areas with slopes greater than 30 percent will have lower values for hunt clubs because of the difficult access.

Wildlife Diversity Assessment:
These blue oak woodland stands support both grassland and woodland wildlife species. In general, the habitat is fairly good for a large number of wildlife species. The occurrence of more complex habitats, through the presence of habitat elements such riparian zones, snags, trees with cavities, and large woody debris, has an important effect on biodiversity. There are 21 amphibian species, 31 reptile species, 64 mammal species, and 128 bird species which are predicted to occur by CWHR on the most diverse habitats in these stands. If there are no riparian zones or sources of water, no snags or cavity trees, and no large woody debris or brush piles on the site, the number of vertebrate wildlife species predicted to occur on these habitats falls to 10 amphibian species, 29 reptiles, 30 mammals, and 95 bird species. This points to the importance of maintaining diversity in the habitat elements present in the stand to provide for the highest possible diversity of wildlife species.

Grazing Assessment:
Average forage production capability is 3,000 pounds per acre with a range from 1,500 to 4,500 pounds. In low rainfall areas, the presence of scattered trees has been found to increase overall range forage production. However, thistles and other undesirable plants may occur under the tree canopy, although this is not typical. Potential for range improvement through seeding, fertilization, and grazing management may increase productivity where production is currently at the lower end of the scale and available soil and soil moisture is not limiting.

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Blue oak woodland, blue oak foothill pine woodland; 40 to 59 percent canopy cover

Oak Cover/Forestry Assessment:
Oak volumes range from 425 to 1200 cubic feet per acre. Ten year growth ranges from 50 to 130 cubic feet per acre. Firewood harvest potential exists, but avoid using equipment on slopes over 30 percent to minimize erosion.. Harvest levels should approximately equal growth to maintain existing oak cover for diverse resource values. Approximately 85 to 250 cubic feet per acre can be harvested every 20 years from these stands. Ensure adequate oak regeneration after harvest.

Recreation Assessment:
These areas are excellent for medium to large populations of mule and black-tailed deer, squirrel, wild pigs, wild turkeys, mourning dove, and band-tailed pigeons. On areas with less than 30 percent slope, the terrain is excellent for hunter access. Careful tree thinning can complement game habitat. Where controlled fire can be used, it can help stimulate palatable shrub browse. Seeding clover and other legumes and maintaining it through grazing will benefit deer, turkey and quail.

Wildlife Diversity Assessment:
These blue oak woodland stands support a large number of wildlife species. The higher tree density makes these areas less desirable for open grassland species such as western meadowlarks and western kingbirds, but very desirable for woodland species such as Pacific-slope flycatchers and wild pigs. The occurrence of more complex habitats, through the presence of habitat elements such riparian zones, snags, trees with cavities, and large woody debris, has an important effect on biodiversity. 19 amphibian species, 28 reptile species, 64 mammal species, and 128 bird species are predicted to occur by CWHR on the most diverse habitats in these stands. If there are no riparian zones or water sources, no snags or cavity trees, and no large woody debris or brush piles on the site, the number of vertebrate wildlife species predicted to occur on these habitats falls to 10 amphibian species, 26 reptiles, 30 mammals, and 95 bird species. This points to the importance of maintaining diversity in the habitat elements present in the stand to provide for the highest possible diversity of wildlife species.

Grazing Assessment:
Average forage production capability is 2,000 pounds per acre with a range from 1,000 to 2,800 pounds. In areas with less than 20 inches of annual rainfall and during drought years on higher average rainfall areas, range productivity and forage nutritional value is often enhanced by the presence of this level of oak cover. In higher rainfall areas, the shading effect of the canopy suppresses total production. Thistles and other undesirable plants may occur under the tree canopy, although this is not typical. Potential for range improvement on slopes less than 30 percent through seeding, fertilization, and grazing management may increase productivity by two- to three-fold where production is currently at the low end of the scale. Tree thinning will increase forage production under the removed canopy in the higher rainfall zones of the state (over 20 inches per year).

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Blue oak woodland, blue oak foothill pine woodland; 60 to 100 percent canopy cover

Oak Cover/Forestry Assessment:
Oak volume ranges from 1200 to 3800 cubic feet per acre. Estimated growth ranges from 170 to 510 cubic feet per acre over 10 year. Firewood harvest can be carried out to permanently reduce cover and improve habitat for selected wildlife species and range productivity. Areas with less than 30 percent slope are a good place to prioritize for harvesting on the ranch. 500 to 2500 cubic feet per acre can be harvested from these stands to permanently reduce stands to 40 to 60 percent canopy cover after 20 years. If stand openings are absent, you may wish to make some small openings through the firewood operation to encourage blue oak regeneration.

Recreation Assessment:
These areas provide excellent habitat for mule and black-tailed deer, squirrel, wild pig, wild turkey, mourning dove, and band-tailed pigeons. On areas with over 30 percent slope, hunter access is too difficult for commercial operations. Thinning stands back to 50 percent cover in a patchy pattern can enhance deer habitat. Turkeys do best with a dense canopy, and California quail do best with less tree canopy, but both species prefer dense shrub layers and ample water sources.

Wildlife Diversity Assessment:
These dense blue oak woodland stands support a large number of wildlife species, although the higher tree density makes these areas undesirable for open grassland species. A few species such as Cooper's hawks and orange-crowned warblers, actually prefer the dense conditions found in these stands. The occurrence of more complex habitats, through the presence of habitat elements such riparian zones, snags, trees with cavities, and large woody debris, has an important effect on biodiversity. There are 19 amphibian species, 25 reptile species, 62 mammal species, and 102 bird species which are predicted to occur by CWHR on the most diverse habitats in these stands. If there are no riparian zones or sources of water, no snags or cavity trees, and no large woody debris or brush piles on the site, the number of vertebrate wildlife species predicted to occur on these habitats falls to 10 amphibian species, 23 reptiles, 28 mammals, and 77 bird species. This points to the importance of maintaining diversity in the habitat elements present in the stand to provide for the highest possible diversity of wildlife species. Some thinning may help enhance overall biological diversity.

Grazing Assessment:
Average forage production capability is 900 pounds per acre with a range from 500 to 1,500 pounds. The dense tree cover suppresses forage production, leaving less available for livestock operations. Thinning stands on slopes less than 30 percent will increase forage production under the removed canopy for about 15 years by 50 to 100 percent especially on poor sites. After tree thinning, seeding, fertilization, and grazing management may increase forage production. Little improvement potential exists on steeper slopes.

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Valley oak woodland; 10 to 24 percent canopy cover

Oak Cover/Forestry Assessment:
Oak volume ranges from 40 to 340 cubic feet per acre. Growth ranges from 17 to 80 cubic over 10 years. The canopy in these open valley oak savannahs needs to be maintained. These areas are poor candidates for any harvest activity. Managers should encourage the recruitment of young seedlings to sapling size through management activities.

Recreation Assessment:
These areas offer only limited opportunities for hunt clubs in their current condition because of low shrub cover and acorn production. Medium populations of quail can be expected, which can be improved by providing additional water and cover with brush piles. It may be desirable to increase cover, if feasible, to improve habitat for deer and turkeys.

Wildlife Diversity Assessment:
These open valley oak savannah stands contain both grassland and woodland wildlife species. In general, the habitat is good for open grassland and open woodland species such as western meadowlark, and marginal for woodland species such as Pacific-slope flycatcher. The presence of more complex habitats, through the presence of habitat elements such riparian zones, snags, trees with cavities, and large woody debris, has an important effect on biodiversity. There are 19 amphibian species, 32 reptile species, 72 mammal species, and 132 bird species which are predicted to occur by CWHR on the most diverse habitats in these stands. If there are no riparian zones or sources of water, no snags or cavity trees, and no large woody debris or brush piles on the site, the number of vertebrate wildlife species predicted to occur on these habitats falls to 8 amphibian species, 30 reptiles, 38 mammals, and 99 bird species. This points to the importance of maintaining diversity in the habitat elements present in the stand to provide for the highest possible diversity of wildlife species.

Grazing Assessment:
Average forage production capability is 3,500 pounds per acre with a range from 2,000 to 5,000 pounds. In low rainfall areas, the presence of scattered trees has been found to increase overall range forage production. Thistles and other undesirable plants may occur under the tree canopy, although this is not typical. Potential for range improvement through seeding, fertilization, and grazing management may increase productivity where production is currently at the lower end of the scale and available soil and soil moisture is not limiting.

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Valley oak woodland; 25 to 39 percent canopy cover

Oak Cover/Forestry Assessment:
Oak volume ranges from 340 to 1100 cubic feet per acre. Ten year growth ranges from 60 to 150 cubic feet per acre. Although these are not good areas for commercial harvesting, there is some potential for light thinning due to the relatively high productivity of valley oak stands. It may be desirable to utilize trees being lost to mortality if not needed to provide snags in the stand. Perhaps 40 to 170 cubic feet per acre could be harvested every 20 years on slopes less than 30 percent. The existing stocking level is good for diverse resource values, and managers should not take canopy density much lower. Attempts should be made to encourage recruitment of oak seedlings to sapling size through management practices. Rapid growth of seedlings is possible.

Recreation Assessment:
These areas have good overall habitat for mule and black-tailed deer, wild pigs and California quail. Habitat can be improved by enhancing acorn production, planting clover and other legumes, and maintaining these through proper livestock and deer management, and enhancing shrub cover. Any reductions in oak cover will also decrease habitat value for most commercial game species. Areas with slopes greater than 30 percent will have lower values for hunt clubs because of the difficult access.

Wildlife Diversity Assessment:
These valley oak woodland stands have both grassland and woodland wildlife species. In general, the habitat is fairly good for a large number of wildlife species. The occurrence of more complex habitats, through the presence of habitat elements such riparian zones, snags, trees with cavities, and large woody debris, has an important effect on biodiversity. There are 19 amphibian species, 30 reptile species, 71 mammal species, and 128 bird species which are predicted to occur by CWHR on the most diverse habitats in these stands. If there are no riparian zones or sources of water, no snags or cavity trees, and no large woody debris or brush piles on the site, the number of vertebrate wildlife species predicted to occur on these habitats falls to 8 amphibian species, 28 reptiles, 37 mammals, and 96 bird species. This points to the importance of maintaining diversity in the habitat elements present in the stand to provide for the highest possible diversity of wildlife species.

Grazing Assessment:
Average forage production capability is 3,000 pounds per acre with a range from 1,500 to 4,500 pounds. In low rainfall areas, the presence of scattered trees has been found to increase overall range forage production. However, thistles and other undesirable plants may occur under the tree canopy, although this is not typical. Potential for range improvement through seeding, fertilization, and grazing management may increase productivity where production is currently at the lower end of the scale and available soil and soil moisture is not limiting.

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Valley oak woodland; 40 to 59 percent canopy cover

Oak Cover/Forestry Assessment:
Oak volume ranges from 1100 to 2900 cubic feet per acre. Ten year growth ranges from 120 to 420 cubic feet per acre. Some thinning on a sustainable basis is possible, especially in stands with large numbers of small trees to improve individual tree growth rate. There is some possibility to utilize harvested trees for solid wood products, such as white oak lumber or barrel staves. 170 to 680 cubic feet per acre could be harvested every 20 years on stands with less than 30 percent slope. It is important to ensure that adequate oak regeneration results after the harvest.

Recreation Assessment:
These areas are excellent for medium to large populations of mule and black-tailed deer, squirrel, wild pigs, wild turkeys, mourning dove, and band-tailed pigeons. On areas with less than 30 percent slope, the terrain is excellent for hunter access. Some careful tree thinning can complement game habitat. Where controlled fire can be used, it can help stimulate palatable shrub browse. Seeding clover and other legumes and maintaining these through grazing, as well as increasing shrub cover, will benefit deer, turkey and quail.

Wildlife Diversity Assessment:
These valley oak woodland stands support a large number of wildlife species. The tree density makes these areas less desirable for open grassland species such as western meadowlarks and western kingbirds, but very desirable for woodland species such as Pacific-slope flycatchers and orange-crowned warblers. The occurrence of more complex habitats, through the presence of habitat elements such riparian zones, snags, trees with cavities, and large woody debris, has an important effect on biodiversity. There are 17 amphibian species, 27 reptile species, 63 mammal species, and 123 bird species which are predicted to occur by CWHR on the most diverse habitats in these stands. If there are no riparian zones or sources of water, no snags or cavity trees, and no large woody debris or brush piles on the site, the number of vertebrate wildlife species predicted to occur on these habitats falls to 8 amphibian species, 25 reptiles, 29 mammals, and 93 bird species. This points to the importance of maintaining diversity in the habitat elements present in the stand to provide for the highest possible diversity of wildlife species.

Grazing Assessment:
Average forage production capability is 2,000 pounds per acre with a range from 1,000 to 2,800 pounds. On such sites, the shading effect of the canopy usually suppresses total production. Thistles and other undesirable plants may occur under the tree canopy, although this is not typical. Potential for range improvement on slopes less than 30 percent through seeding, fertilization, and grazing management may increase productivity by two- to three- fold where production is currently at the low end of the scale. Tree thinning will increase forage production under the removed canopy in the higher rainfall zones of the state (over 20 inches per year).

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Valley oak woodland; 60 to 100 percent canopy cover

Oak Cover/Forestry Assessment:
Oak volume ranges from 2900 to 5100 cubic feet per acre. Estimated ten year growth rate ranges from 220 to 420 cubic feet per acre. Harvest could be carried out to increase individual tree diameter and crown growth rate on areas with less than 30 percent slope and high stem density and small diameter trees. This may help improve acorn production and create conditions favorable for seedling establishment. Seedlings are likely to be absent or very slow growing due to little sunlight reaching the ground. Harvest levels of 420 to 1700 cubic feet per acre can be carried out every 20 years. There is some possibility to utilize harvested trees for solid wood products, such as white oak lumber or barrel staves. It is important to ensure that adequate oak regeneration results after the harvest.

Recreation Assessment:
These areas offer good opportunities for habitat for mule and black-tailed deer, western gray squirrel, wild pig, wild turkey, mourning dove, and band-tailed pigeons. On areas with over 30 percent slope, hunter access is too difficult for commercial operations. Thinning stands to 50 percent cover in a patchy pattern may enhance deer habitat if shrub cover is increased. Turkeys do best with a dense canopy, and California quail do best with somewhat less canopy.

Wildlife Diversity Assessment:
These dense valley oak woodland stands support a large number of wildlife species. The tree density makes these areas undesirable for open grassland species. A few species such as orange-crowned warblers and house wrens, actually prefer the dense conditions found in these stands. The occurrence of more complex habitats, through the presence of habitat elements such riparian zones, snags, trees with cavities, and large woody debris, has an important effect on biodiversity. There are 17 amphibian species, 24 reptile species, 61 mammal species, and 96 bird species which are predicted to occur by CWHR on the most diverse habitats in these stands. If there are no riparian zones or sources of water, no snags or cavity trees, and no large woody debris or brush piles on the site, the number of vertebrate wildlife species predicted to occur on these habitats falls to 8 amphibian species, 22 reptiles, 27 mammals, and 74 bird species. This points to the importance of maintaining diversity in the habitat elements present in the stand to provide for the highest possible diversity of wildlife species. Thinning may enhance biological diversity.

Grazing Assessment:
Average forage production capability is 1,200 pounds per acre with a range from 800 to 1,500 pounds. The dense tree cover suppresses forage production, leaving less available for livestock operations. Thinning stands on slopes less than 30 percent will increase forage production under the removed canopy for about 15 years by 50 to 100 percent at lower levels of current production. After tree thinning, improvement potential through seeding, fertilization, and grazing management may increase forage production. Little improvement potential exists on steeper slopes.

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Coastal oak woodland, montane hardwood; 10 to 24 percent canopy cover

Oak Cover/Forestry Assessment:
Oak volume ranges from 35 to 250 cubic feet per acre and growth ranges from 17 to 50 cubic feet every 10 years. These areas are not good locations for firewood harvests due to very open stocking. Regeneration concerns are not as pronounced in live oak stands due to rapid resprouting in most areas of the state.

Recreation Assessment:
These areas may offer only limited opportunities for hunt clubs in their current condition because of low tree cover. Medium populations of quail can be expected, which can be improved by providing additional water and cover with brush piles. It may be desirable to increase cover if feasible to improve habitat for mule and black-tailed deer and turkeys. The presence of sprouting live oaks allows greater latitude in quail management than deciduous oaks with similar cover.

Wildlife Diversity Assessment:
These open live oak savannah stands contain both grassland and woodland wildlife species. In general, the habitat is good for open grassland species such as western meadowlark and western kingbirds, and marginal for woodland species such as Pacific-slope flycatcher and western gray squirrels. The presence of more complex habitats, through the presence of habitat elements such riparian zones, snags, trees with cavities, and large woody debris, has an important effect on biodiversity. There are 18 amphibian species, 35 reptile species, 74 mammal species, and 135 bird species which are predicted to occur by CWHR on the most diverse habitats in these stands. If there are no riparian zones or sources of water, no snags or cavity trees, and no large woody debris or brush piles on the site, the number of vertebrate wildlife species predicted to occur on these habitats falls to 7 amphibian species, 33 reptiles, 38 mammals, and 101 bird species. This points to the importance of maintaining diversity in the habitat elements present in the stand to provide for the highest possible diversity of wildlife species.

Grazing Assessment:
Average forage production capability is 2,700 pounds per acre with a range from 1,800 to 4,000 pounds. Oak canopy in these lightly stocked areas may enhance forage production in low rainfall areas or during drought years. These low canopy levels have only minimal impact on forage production in higher rainfall zones, although thistles and other undesirable plants may occasionally occur under the tree canopy. Potential for range improvement through seeding, fertilization, and grazing management may increase productivity where production is currently at the lower end of the scale and available soil and soil moisture is not limiting.

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Coastal oak woodland, montane hardwood; 25 to 39 percent canopy cover

Oak Cover/Forestry Assessment:
Oak volume ranges from 250 to 850 cubic feet per acre, with a ten year growth of 50 to 100 cubic feet per acre. Rapid regrowth of stump sprouts and fairly high growth potential of live oaks would allow some commercial harvest to take place. Harvest levels of 85 to 250 cubic feet per acre every 20 years are possible on areas with less than 30 percent slope. It is important to ensure that regeneration from seedlings or stump sprouts is adequate to replace trees being harvested.

Recreation Assessment:
These areas provide good overall habitat for deer, wild pigs and California quail. Habitat can be improved by enhancing acorn production, planting clover and other legumes and maintaining these through proper livestock and deer management, and enhancing shrub cover. Some selective thinning of dense stands may improve habitat for some game species, although leaving some denser areas will maintain habitat values for species using denser cover. If brush is present, brush piles can considerably improve quail habitat. Areas with slopes greater than 30 percent will have lower values for hunt clubs because of the difficult access.

Wildlife Diversity Assessment:
These live oak woodland stands support both grassland and woodland wildlife species. In general, the habitat is fairly good for a large number of wildlife species. The occurrence of more complex habitats, through the presence of habitat elements such riparian zones, snags, trees with cavities, and large woody debris, has an important effect on biodiversity. There are 18 amphibian species, 34 reptile species, 74 mammal species, and 131 bird species which are predicted to occur by CWHR on the most diverse habitats in these stands. If there are no riparian zones or sources of water, no snags or cavity trees, and no large woody debris or brush piles on the site, the number of vertebrate wildlife species predicted to occur in these habitats falls to 7 amphibian species, 32 reptiles, 38 mammals, and 98 bird species. This points to the importance of maintaining diversity in the habitat elements present in the stand to provide for the highest possible diversity of wildlife species.

Grazing Assessment:
Average forage production capability is 2,500 pounds per acre with a range from 1,500 to 3,500 pounds. Tree cover will cause some suppression of winter and spring production except in areas of low rainfall. Thistles and other undesirable plants may sometimes occur under the tree canopy. Potential for range improvement on slopes less than 30 percent through seeding, fertilization, and grazing management may increase productivity by two- to three- fold where production is currently at the low end of the scale. Tree thinning may increase forage production under the removed canopy in the higher rainfall zones of the state (over 20 inches per year).

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Coastal oak woodland, montane hardwood; 40 to 59 percent canopy cover

Oak Cover/Forestry Assessment:
Oak volume ranges from 850 to 2200 cubic feet per acre. Growth rates of 100 to 190 cubic feet per acre are expected every 10 years. These stands are excellent candidates for sustainable wood harvest operation if slopes are less than 30 percent. There is some potential for utilization of trees for sawtimber in larger straight-stemmed trees. Harvest levels of 170 to 510 cubic feet per acre every 20 years are possible. It is important to ensure that regeneration from seedlings or stump sprouts are adequate to replace trees being harvested.

Recreation Assessment:
These areas are excellent for quail and moderately good for deer, wild pigs, wild turkeys, and band-tailed pigeons. On areas with less than 30 percent slope, the terrain is excellent for hunter access. Some careful tree thinning can complement game habitat, although some dense areas should be left for cover and breeding purposes. If brush is absent, brushpiles can improve quail habitat considerably. If possible, prescribed burning can stimulate shrub layer browse. Seeding clover and other legumes and maintaining it through grazing, and enhancing shrub cover will benefit deer, turkey and quail.

Wildlife Diversity Assessment:
These live oak woodland stands support a large number of wildlife species. The tree density makes these areas less desirable for open grassland species such as western meadowlarks and western kingbirds, but very desirable for woodland species such as Pacific-slope flycatchers and orange-crowned warblers. The occurrence of more complex habitats, through the presence of habitat elements such riparian zones, snags, trees with cavities, and large woody debris, has an important effect on biodiversity. There are 16 amphibian species, 30 reptile species, 66 mammal species, and 126 bird species which are predicted to occur by CWHR on the most diverse habitats in these stands. If there are no riparian zones or sources of water, no snags or cavity trees, and no large woody debris or brush piles on the site, the number of vertebrate wildlife species predicted to occur in these habitats falls to 7 amphibian species, 28 reptiles, 30 mammals, and 95 bird species. This points to the importance of maintaining diversity in the habitat elements present in the stand to provide for the highest possible diversity of wildlife species.

Grazing Assessment:
Average forage production is 2,000 pounds per acre, ranging from 1,000 pounds to 2,800 pounds. Forage production is usually suppressed by tree canopy except in low rainfall zones. Thinning may increase forage under some removed canopies by 100 to 200 percent. Brush understory may occur in some locations and is suitable for management burns. Potential for range improvement through seeding, fertilization, and grazing management may increase productivity where production is currently at the lower end of the scale and available soil and soil moisture is not limiting.

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Coastal oak woodland, montane hardwood;60 to 100 percent canopy cover

Oak Cover/Forestry Assessment:
Oak volume ranges from 2200 to 5100 cubic feet per acre. Growth ranges from 190 to 310 cubic feet every 10 years. These very dense stands could benefit from thinning to improve overall biological diversity, acorn production, and forage yields. Restrict harvest to areas with less than 30 percent slope. Harvest levels of 510 to 1700 cubic feet per acre can be carried out every 20 years. There is some potential to utilize larger diameter logs for sawtimber, especially if boles have few branches. It is important to ensure that regeneration from seedlings or stump sprouts are adequate to replace trees being harvested.

Recreation Assessment:
These areas offer good opportunities for habitat for deer, western gray squirrel, wild pig, wild turkey, mourning dove, and band-tailed pigeons. On areas with over 30 percent slope, hunter access is too difficult for commercial operations. Thinning stands back to 50 percent cover in a patchy pattern may enhance deer habitat if shrub and herbaceous cover are improved. Turkeys do best with a dense canopy, and California quail do best with somewhat less canopy, but both prefer moderately dense shrub layers.

Wildlife Diversity Assessment:
These dense live oak woodland stands support a large number of wildlife species. The tree density makes these areas undesirable for open grassland species. A few species such as orange-crowned warblers, actually prefer the dense conditions found in these stands. The occurrence of more complex habitats, through the presence of habitat elements such riparian zones, snags, trees with cavities, and large woody debris, has an important effect on biodiversity. There are 16 amphibian species, 26 reptile species, 64 mammal species, and 99 bird species which are predicted to occur by CWHR on the most diverse habitats in these stands. If there are no riparian zones or sources of water, no snags or cavity trees, and no large woody debris or brush piles on the site, the number of vertebrate wildlife species predicted to occur in these habitats falls to 7 amphibian species, 24 reptiles, 28 mammals, and 76 bird species. This points to the importance of maintaining diversity in the habitat elements present in the stand to provide for the highest possible diversity of wildlife species. Some thinning may help enhance overall biological diversity.

Grazing Assessment:
Average forage production capability is 900 pounds per acre with a range from 500 to 1,500 pounds. The dense tree cover suppresses forage production, leaving less available for livestock operations. Thinning stands on slopes less than 30 percent will increase forage production under the removed canopy for about 15 years by 50 to 100 percent at lower levels of current production. After tree thinning, improvement potential through seeding, fertilization, and grazing management may also increase forage production. Little improvement potential exists on steeper slopes.

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