Which harvesting method is designed to allow for natural regeneration by protecting younger trees?

The method designed to allow for natural regeneration by protecting younger trees is shelterwood cutting. This technique involves the removal of mature trees in a series of steps while leaving some trees standing to create a sheltered environment for the younger, developing trees. By doing so, it promotes the growth of new seedlings under the protection of the older trees, which can provide shade and protect the smaller trees from harsh conditions and competition.

In contrast, thinning reduces tree density in a stand, focusing on improving the health and growth of remaining trees rather than facilitating regeneration. Clear cutting removes all trees in an area, which can disrupt the ecosystem and does not support natural regeneration. Selection cutting involves the removal of specific trees while retaining others, but it does not necessarily encourage a structured approach to fostering the growth of younger trees as effectively as shelterwood cutting does.