Okay, I'll take a stab at it because the question is if real value and I
would like to see if this generates some comment that might help to
clarify things.

"Dead Wood" is asymplastic and nonapoplastic woody material. That is,
it lacks functional xylem and phloem.

There are of course problems associated with the word 'dead,' both
because of the ambiguities associated with this term in the context of
functional xylem and because of the abundance of living organisms
utilizing this resource.

The term 'dead wood' is really a linquistic convenience which when used
generates a good common understanding of the resource being referred
too. However, it also has connotations that reduce the value of this
resource in the eyes of the general public. That is, 'dead' means
'useless.' In the current literature we commonly call downed dead wood
as Coarse Woody Debris (CWD). Unfortunately the term 'debris' has the
same connotations as 'dead.'

I recall that a few years back there was some discussion on this list
(initiated by Torgersen?) directed toward finding a better term with
which to describe this resource. I can't recall the specifics so
perhaps someone with a better memory could assist here. Was there
agreement that the terms, "downed woody resources" was more appropriate
for CWD and "standing woody resources" more appropriate for snags?

anyone want to jump in here?

Rob


Robert J. Higgins, B.Sc., M. Sc.
Biology
University College of the Cariboo
Suite 303-383 Oliver Street
Williams Lake, BC
V2G 1M4

Ph. (250) 392-8176
FAX (250) 392-4984

AND

Robert J. Higgins, PhD Candidate
Natural Resources and Environmental Studies
University of Northern British Columbia
3333 University Way
Prince George, BC
V2N 4Z9
Research WebPage:
http://www.cariboo.bc.ca/schs/biol/FacPgs/rhiggins/
>>> "John A. Keslick, Jr." <treeman@...> 11/01/04 4:48 PM >>>

Someone please define dead wood.

Sincerely,

John A. Keslick, Jr.
http://www.chesco.com/~treeman
Beware of so-called TREE EXPERTS who do not understand TREE BIOLOGY!
www.treedictionary.com




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