• Stewart, Bruce
  Forest Research Section, N.S. Dept. of Natural Resources
  

Shelterwood cutting involves one or more spacing operation in a mature with the objective of regenerating a new even-aged stand under the shade of the existing overstory. The new stand may develop from seed deposited after thinning of from advance regeneration developing under the protection of the thinned overstory. This method is particularly suited to regenerating shade tolerant species. In Nova Scotia, it is anticipated that a single thinning of 30 to 50% basal area removal will be sufficient to yield an adequate stocking of desirable established regeneration. If research proves this to be the case, expensive intermediate stages of shelterwood thinning will not be necessary.

In stands where high levels of well growing pre-established regeneration exists, it may be advisable to delay overstory removal, despite acceptable stocking levels already being achieved. This will allow the smaller regeneration to become established, thereby increasing stocking. Further research is required to determine the fate of regeneration following overstory removal in relation to harvest method, season, and seedling condition.