[PCA] Moss Harvesting

[Stephen Rae]

The observation on perhaps restricting moss harvesting to areas in the
PNW that are slated for timber harvest has merit.  If the harvest
method is clearcutting or the second or third entry for seed tree
removal, then there will be little of the pre-existing upper strata
that define a mature or late successional forest.  Consequently, the
mosses within such areas would suffer from the major change in
temperature, relative humidity and direct insolation following canopy
removal.

I know there is resistance to regulation, but why not request some
type of verification regarding place of harvest.  For instance, a
before and after digital image could be attached to the materials
presented for sale to distributors.  Or, a mandatory collection tag
with GPS coordinates.  Then, a periodic spot check could be
accomplished.  Should such a method be initially voluntary, then we
could assess compliance and effects.  Should compliance be much short
of satisfactory then a less voluntary method could be justified.

In any case, each jurisdiction should establish permanent plots to
evaluate the re-establishment of mosses within harvest areas.  I would
think that several academic institutions would be interested in such a
project.  And, it wouldn't necessarily be very expensive to run.  The
results would be helpful in determining cumulative effects and,
therefore, management opportunities.

Stephen P. Rae