Modified aspen clear cuts refer to a treatment process that has been recommended by PFC in the attempt to address concerns of the public for large acreage clear cuts.  Since most aspen management plans would normally include the specification to clear cut all species 'associated' with aspen, namely white birch and soft maple, the MODIFIED prescription attempts to carry a higher residual basal area in the soft maple species group.

The example shown illustrates the initial sprouting of aspen with the fringe edge of the harvest unit in the background.  The harvest objective of aspen regeneration for wildlife habitat is still primary, but the residual stocking of soft maple, and in this forest, red oak, will soften the visual effect of the clear cut and sustain future production of soft maple and red oak timber.