Climate-influenced catchment hydrology overrides forest management effects on stream benthic macroinvertebrates in a northern hardwood forest

Abstract In a stand managed for timber production, increased crown dieback and mortality of trees generally signal a need for reevaluating site conditions, management objectives, and harvesting practices. In this paper, we describe a case study of a northern hardwood forest stand intended for timber production but showing crown dieback and mortality. Plans for a diameter-limit cut were confounded by the presence of diseased and poor quality trees (especially sugar maples), a history of high-grading, and fair to poor site characteristics for sugar maple growth over much of the area. After evaluating the site, we suggested a revised management plan including a shelterwood cut favoring regeneration of both yellow birch and sugar maple. Forest management decisions based on ecological and economic considerations can promote both the long-term health and productivity of forest stands. However, management for long-term health and productivity are not likely to be accomplished under current market conditions in much of New England. North. J. Appl. For. 12(3):121-126.

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Effects of two silvicultural practices on soil fauna abundance in a northern hardwood forest, Québec, Canada

Canadian Journal of Soil Science ◽

10.4141/s01-017 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 82 (1) ◽

pp. 105-113 ◽

Cited By ~ 26

Author(s):

Jean-David Moore ◽

Rock Ouimet ◽

Claude Camiré ◽

Daniel Houle

Keyword(s):

Forest Management ◽

Sustainable Forest Management ◽

Soil Fauna ◽

Carabid Beetles ◽

Hardwood Forest ◽

Northern Hardwood Forest ◽

Selective Cutting ◽

Northern Hardwood ◽

Negative Effect ◽

The Impact

Soil fauna play a key role in soil fertility and productivity of forest ecosystems and represent an important base of terrestrial food chains. The impact of forest management on soil fauna should be considered when sustainable forest management and conservation of biodiversity are desired. We evaluated the impact of selective cutting and strip clearcutting on soil fauna abundance in a northern hardwood forest of the Lower Laurentians of Québec. Twelve years after strip clearcutting, the abundance of carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae), collembolans (Hexapoda: Collembola) and snails (Stylommatophora: Sigmurethra) was greater in the strip clearcuts than the adjacent undisturbed strips. Snails and millipedes (Polydesmida: Polydesmidae) were more abundant in the selective cuts 6 to 8 yr after treatment. Spiders (Arachnida) were the only organism whose abundance was lower in the selective cuts than in the adjacent undisturbed forest . No significant negative effect of the silvicultural treatments was noted for the abundance of other caught organisms. This one-season sampling suggests there are few negative impacts associated with low intensity selective cutting and strip clearcutting on the abundance of soil fauna in this northern hardwood forest stands 6 to 12 yr after harvest. Key Words: Salamander, arthropod, shrew, northern hardwood, selective cutting, strip clearcutting

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