Releasing naturally regenerated alder stands at this age and density is frequently discouraged for two reasons: 1) by 20 years of age alder has achieved the majority of its height growth, and continued height growth rapidly tapers off. High density natural alder stands tend to have poor height growth, and releasing at a later age may not result in significant additional growth. 2) thinned alder stands may be more susceptible to storm damage, in particular in the first few years following thinning.

The decision to thin these stands was based on the following considerations:

1. The alternative to attempting to improve the timber value of the existing stand was to start over, which would incur a cost and lose 18 – 20 years of growth. 
2. Dominant trees average 45’ – 50’ tall, which is sufficient to produce a long-log.
3. Although continued height growth may be marginal, releasing the crowns of the dominant and co-dominant trees should sustain moderate diameter growth.
4. Dominant and co-dominant trees average nearly 6” DBH. At current growth rates, 10 – 15 years of additional growth should yield merchantable trees averaging 12”+ DBH.
5. Since apparently few people attempt to thin natural alder stands to improve value, we thought we’d try.