Figure 4

Conceptual diagram of future pathways to more oak-dominated forests with passive management or active management intervention (see Agee 2002). With passive management, stand structure and function will be driven by drought and wildfire that will favor oaks; however, the stands will be less vigorous and poorer quality. As an alternative, active management would facilitate and sustain desirable stand conditions that are more resistant and resilient to current and future droughts and wildfire. Active management could include selective removal of mesophytic species with thinning and prescribed fire.