Hardwoods coming into their own

Until recently, hardwoods in California played second fiddle to the more economically valuable softwood species. Considered by many to be "weed" species taking up space and other resources from the conifers, hardwoods have been disparaged, burned, poisoned, and otherwise removed from the landscape.

But this view is fortunately changing. In the last decade there has been a growing appreciation of the value of hardwoods both for ecological and economic reasons.

Hardwoods play an essential role in numerous forest functions including erosion control, air and water quality, nutrient cycling, etc. In addition, they contribute color, beauty, recreational opportunities, and other amenities so important to human beings.

Hardwood forests provide some of the richest wildlife habitat in the state. Over 300 species of vertebrates depend on oak woodlands for their survival and those animals contribute their part to the ecosystem in complex interrelationships that are necessary, though often not well understood.

There is not just one, but rather a large number of unique hardwood ecosystems. Oak woodlands are found in the foothills as well as at lower elevations. These lands are dominated by oak species and have historically been managed primarily for grazing. Over 50 distinct oak habitat types have been described.

Hardwoods are also an integral component of the higher elevation mixed coniferous forests. There they can be found in various assemblages, although seldom as pure stands of one species.

Riparian zones are another hardwood domain. Riparian species help stabilize banks and reduce erosion in addition to providing some of the most important habitat for wildlife.

Economically, the California hardwood industry has lagged far behind its successful eastern counterpart. The lack of interest in hardwoods has been due in large part to the fact that high-quality softwood timber could be logged easily and in large volumes. Now, with much of the old growth gone and increasing limitations on timber harvest, there is renewed interest in encouraging a sustainable hardwood industry as a way to bring economic stability to rural areas. New techniques and a greater understanding of hardwood ecology have contributed to the current optimism surrounding hardwood utilization.

Along with the increased appreciation of hardwoods has come a growing concern for the future of these habitats. Since 1945, over one million acres of hardwood rangeland has been lost. California's population, which is expected to grow by an average of 630,000 persons per year for the next 20 years, is pushing into the foothills and oak woodlands, fragmenting habitat for wildlife and destroying the integrity of the ecosystem. The increased development value of the lands has been disasterous for many families of landowners as high estate taxes force the sale of family lands, resulting in development or conversion.

As is true for other forest types, good stewardship of hardwood rangeland involves appreciation, knowledge, and careful decision-making. Resources provided in this newsletter can help you find the information and technical assistance you need to achieve your management objectives with the least disturbance to the resources.