An indirect method for determining the order of expected thinning response among overstocked lodgepole pine stands
Relationships for representing relative thinning response potential among overstocked lodgepole pine stands were investigated with data from 31 stands in four National Forests of Idaho. The common logarithm of mean 10-year cross-sectional increment of dominant and codominant trees on stand edges created by clearing was the dependent variable selected for examining relationships with a large number of tree, stand, and site variables. A linear regression model explained nearly 60% of the variance in the response variable. The model included variables representing mean 10-year periodic cross-sectional increment prior to clearing, site index, and quadratic mean stand diameter. As a predictor of edge-tree response to clearing, the model represents relative thinning response differences to be expected among overstocked lodgepole pine stands and thus reflects relative stand vigor.