Many family forestlands and open spaces in the Puget Sound lowlands are characterized by mature red alder stands with little to no understory regeneration. Active management may be needed for owners/managers to achieve their objectives for these forests. The purpose of this publication is to outline potential management options for mature red alder forests that can be implemented on a small scale.

The publication begins with a brief description of red alder's life history and ecology. Readers are then guided through the process of conducting a stand assessment to help choose a feasible management option that meets their goals. The pros and cons of several management options are discussed, including: clearcut/replanting, selective harvest, and "do nothing".

Publisher: WSU Extension Publishing and Printing
Published: April 2009.   16 pages.