Once, a forester prepared a prescription for a uniform shelterwood system. He left larger well-formed dominant trees of the most desirable species in a density and distribution such that natural regeneration would be achieved and the required shelter would be supplied. He was very pleased with his prescription. Unfortunately, he did not consider the site and stand hazards for endemic windthrow and the risks associated with his uniform leave pattern. Within months of harvesting the regeneration cut, most of the leave-trees were on the ground. After salvaging the windthrow, he viewed his block and exclaimed, "I sure wish I had a shelterwood!" Unfortunately, all he had was a "shelterwish."

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