Two Appalachian hardwood stands in north-central West Virginia were thinned. The primary species were red oak, yellow-poplar and chestnut oak. For both stands, the site index for northern red oak averaged 75 feet. An areawide thinning using "basal-area control" was applied to a 54-year-old stand, while specific crop trees were selected and released in a 12-year-old stand. Individual-tree 5:yeai growth of codominant trees was related to the number of sides of the crown that was free-to-grow. Codominant trees and crop trees grew about 25 percent faster in d.b.h. than similar trees released on one or two sides of the crown. For best diameter-growth response, a tree should be released on at least three and preferably four sides of the crown.

To gain a deeper understanding of the interests and motivations of retired West Virginia forest landowners, the focus group interview technique was used with four groups of retired resident owners. This group discussion technique provided a deeper understanding of how this important group of forest landowners think. The results show that these owners display a strong sense of stewardship toward the land and a concern for their families, society as a whole, and for future generations that is not evident from the results of mail questionnaire surveys. They tend to downplay the financial aspects of timber production. A land ethic is clearly implied by their comments. They desire a sense of security and well-being from the ownership of forestland and evidence a deep feeling for nature. The results of this study show that focus group interviewing is a viable technique for gaining an understanding of important segments of the land owning population that goes beyond the information provided by mail canvasses. North. J. Appl. For. 5:198-200, Sept. 1988.

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