Forestry
Past research
Past research includes a study on the efficacy of herbicide application methods used to control tanoak in an uneven-aged coast redwood context (Piirto, Smith and Robinson, 1996), implementation of uneven-aged forest management (Piirto, Thompson and Piper, 1996) and hydrological research on Scotts Creek (Dietterick, 1999).
Current research
Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) measurement of channel changes
LIDAR is an airborne laser mapping technique in which laser beams are bounced off the earth's surface from an airplane, generating a three-dimensional Digital Elevation Model (DEM). The use of LIDAR allows for large amounts of data to be collected quickly at a comparable cost to a ground survey but with far greater detail.
A comparison of ground survey and LIDAR data of the Little Creek Watershed was completed using longitudinal profiles, 60 stream cross-sections and meander geometry to determine whether LIDAR data can be used to measure change in channel features in a forested environment.
A project to determine the best way to regenerate native Monterey pine forests in the presence of pitch canker has been completed. The project involved 27 plots in the southern end of the Ano Nuevo stand on Monterey pine on the ranch property. Of these plots 9 were left untouched as controls and 18 were group cut to create 6 each of 1/8, 1/4, and 1/2 acre gaps. There were two slash treatments applied to the plots, lop and scatter and machine pile and burn. Each of the treatment plots was then planted with trees screened for resistance to pitch canker. The gaps were created in fall 2001 and planted in winter of 2002.
Potential Ranch Applied Research Projects
Research and cultivation of clonal Monterey Pine trees
A proposal has been received to plant and research clonal Monterey pine trees at Swanton Pacific Ranch by IMPACT, a research group. This will be evaluated in future years to determine whether it is compatible with existing Monterey pine stands.
Current research external to Swanton
Pitch Canker Resistance Screening Project
This project has been underway since 1999. Approximately 80 trees have been selected for screening and had a series of at least two inoculations done on them to determine the natural resistance or susceptibility level. The trees are located on 5 properties including Coastways Ranch by Ano Nuevo State Reserve, Rancho Del Oso in Waddell Creek, Big Creek Ranch, part of the old Gianone Ranch, and Swanton Pacific Ranch. The project is now working on development of cloned rooting stock to be used to produce pitch canker resistant planting stock for Christmas trees and ornamental plantings.
Foliar Survey for Sudden Oak Death (SOD)
This survey is a cooperative effort between Cal Poly State University and Sonoma State University with funding from the Applied Research Institute (ARI) and the U.S. Forest Service. Both risk and hazard models were generated at Sonoma State University for non-infested counties to determine how well these risk models can detect where SOD may be found.
Statewide Survey for SOD
This research involves an aerial survey to detect signs of SOD by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFS) and Cal Poly and funded by USFS. Field crews will take samples from sites identified by the survey to find vegetation symptomatic of SOD for lab review.