Fifty years of partial harvesting in a mixed mesophytic forest: composition and productivity

2004 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 985-997 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas M Schuler
Keyword(s):  
Forest Management ◽  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Acer Rubrum ◽  
Timber Harvesting ◽  
Red Oak ◽  
Northern Red Oak ◽  
Single Tree ◽  
Periodic Growth ◽  
Mesophytic Forest ◽  
Single Tree Selection

Long-term silvicultural trials contribute to sustainable forest management by providing a better scientific understanding of how forest ecosystems respond to periodic timber harvesting. In this study, species composition, diversity, and net periodic growth of tree species in a mixed mesophytic forest in the central Appalachians were evaluated after about a half century of management. Three partial cutting practices on 18 research compartments and on 3 unmanaged reference compartments were evaluated (1951–2001) on 280 ha. Single-tree selection, diameter-limit harvesting, and timber harvesting in 0.162-ha patches were assessed on three northern red oak site index50 (SI) classes: 24, 21, and 18. Shannon–Weiner's diversity index (H′) declined from the first (1951–1959) to last (1987–2001) measurements and was related to both SI (P = 0.004) and treatment (P = 0.009). Sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) and red maple (Acer rubrum L.) were the two most abundant species in recent years (1987–2001); in contrast, in initial inventories (1951–1959), northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) and chestnut oak (Quercus prinus L.) were most abundant. Net periodic annual increment (PAI) of merchantable trees (DBH ≥12.7 cm) was related to both SI (P = 0.004) and treatment (P = 0.003). Mean PAI ranged from 4.6 m3·ha–1·year–1 for single-tree selection to 2.5 m3·ha–1·year–1 for unmanaged reference areas across all SI classes. The decline of oak species suggests that only intensive and specific forest management focused on maintaining oak species can obtain historical levels of diversity.

Precommercial Thinning and Pruning of Appalachian Stump Sprouts—10-Year Results

1988 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil I. Lamson
Keyword(s):  
Acer Rubrum ◽  
Prunus Serotina ◽  
Maximum Diameter ◽  
Diameter Growth ◽  
Red Oak ◽  
Black Cherry ◽  
Northern Red Oak ◽  
Red Maple ◽  
Growth Data ◽  
Precommercial Thinning

Abstract In northern West Virginia, 7-year-old American basswood (Tilia americana L.) and 12-year-old red maple (Acer rubrum L.), black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.), and northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) stump sprout clumps received one of four treatments: unthinned control; thinned to the best one or two codominant sprouts per clump; branch pruned up to 75% of total height; or thinned plus pruned. Analysis of 10-year growth data showed that height growth was not affected by any of the treatments. For all species, pruning slightly increased the length of clear stem and decreased periodic diameter growth. Thinning increased survival of basswood, red oak, and red maple crop stems. Thinning increased the 10-year diameter growth by 0.1 to 0.8 in. Recommendations for thinning 10- to 20-year-old sprout clumps are presented. Pruning is not recommended. In order to maintain maximum diameter growth, thinning individual sprout clumps should be followed by stand crop tree release in about 10 years. South. J. Appl. For. 12(1):23-27.

scholarly journals Testing Lake States TWIGS: Five-Year Growth Projections for Upland Hardwoods in Northern Lower Michigan

1996 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 182-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick J. Guertin ◽  
C. W. Ramm
Keyword(s):  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Diameter Growth ◽  
Red Oak ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Northern Red Oak ◽  
Red Maple ◽  
White Oak ◽  
Validation Data ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Lake States

Abstract Five-year diameter growth, basal area growth, and mortality for five upland hardwood species in northern Lower Michigan were compared to projections from Lake States TWIGS. The species studied were northern red oak, white oak, other red oak (pin oak and black oak combined), sugar maple, and red maple. The validation data consisted of individual tree measurements from 44 stands across 10 ecological land types on the Manistee National Forest. The stands were measured in 1986 and 1991; during this time interval stands experienced a drought and outbreaks of leaf defoliators. For individual dbh classes, 5 yr diameter growth was predicted within ± 0.3 in. for all species. Mean errors for BA projections were within ± 5 ft²/ac for all species, and mean error for trees/ac ranged from - 33 for other red oak to + 16 for sugar maple. Although precision was variable, Lake States TWIGS provided accurate predictions of 5 yr diameter growth for the five species tested. Projections of mortality were less accurate. North. J. Appl. For. 13(4):00-00.

Managing Appalachian Hardwood Stands Using Four Regeneration Practice—34-Year Results

1987 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 180-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Clay Smith ◽  
Gary W. Miller
Keyword(s):  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Growth Response ◽  
Black Locust ◽  
Control Area ◽  
Stand Development ◽  
Yellow Poplar ◽  
Single Tree ◽  
Single Tree Selection ◽  
Intensively Managed ◽  
Future Management

Abstract Adjacent Appalachian hardwood stands in West Virginia established on excellent growing sites were managed for a 34-year period using four regeneration practices. These practices included a commercial clearcut, 15.5-in diameter-limit, and two single-tree selection practices. An uncut area was maintained as a control. Stand development, growth response, and some stumpage revenue data were summarized for each treatment. At 34 years after the initial treatments, the commercial clearcut stand had the greatest variety of tree species for future management. This stand was dominated primarily by yellow-poplar and black locust. Selection and 15.5-in diameter-limit treatments promoted sugar maple on these excellent sites. Stand quality improved through management. After 34 years, the control area was worth $1,554/ac, and an intensively managed selection area was worth $1,214/ac, but the control area contained twice the sawtimber volume. Other preliminary value comparisons indicate that landowners benefit from some type of management compared to doing no management. North. J. Appl. For. 4:180-185, Dec. 1987.

scholarly journals Effects of Oak Decline on Species Composition in a Northern Arkansas Forest

2003 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 264-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Heitzman
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Tree Mortality ◽  
Stand Structure ◽  
Acer Rubrum ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Red Oak ◽  
Oak Decline ◽  
Northern Red Oak ◽  
Red Maple ◽  
White Oak

Abstract Since 1999, widespread and locally severe oak decline and mortality have occurred throughout the Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas and southern Missouri. A contributing factor in the decline and mortality is an outbreak of the red oak borer [Enaphalodes rufulus (Haldeman) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)]. In northern Arkansas, a 2,150 ac mature oak forest severely affected by decline was selected as a case study to describe changes in species composition and stand structure and to assess regeneration potential of oaks and non-oak species. Mortality reduced total overstory basal area from 105 to 57 ft2/ac, and overstory density decreased from 156 to 89 trees/ac. Most dead and dying trees were northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) and black oak (Q. velutina Lam.). Basal area and density of overstory red oaks were reduced from 51 to 11 ft2/ac and from 60 to 11 trees/ac, respectively. These trees died regardless of dbh class. Mortality was less common in white oak (Q. alba L.) and was generally limited to smaller trees. Understory trees and taller seedlings were predominantly red maple (Acer rubrum L.), flowering dogwood (Cornus florida L.), blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica Marsh.), and black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.). Oaks less than 3 ft tall were abundant, but taller oak seedlings and saplings were uncommon. Tree mortality increased the proportion of white oak and hickories (Carya spp.) in the overstory, and stimulated a regeneration response of mostly non-oak species. South. J. Appl. For. 27(4):264–268.

Growth following single-tree selection cutting in Québec northern hardwoods

2003 ◽  
Vol 79 (5) ◽  
pp. 898-905 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steve Bédard ◽  
Zoran Majcen
Keyword(s):  
Acer Saccharum ◽  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Northern Hardwoods ◽  
Diameter Growth ◽  
Selection Cutting ◽  
Single Tree ◽  
Basal Area Growth ◽  
Area Growth ◽  
Single Tree Selection

Eight experimental blocks were established in the southern part of Québec to determine the growth response of sugar maple (Acer saccharum) dominated stands after single tree selection cutting. Each block contained eight control plots (no cut) and eight cut plots. The intensity of removal varied between 21% and 32% and residual basal area was between 18.2 and 21 m2/ha. Ten year net annual basal area growth rates in cut plots (0.35 ± 0.04 m2/ha) were significantly higher (p = 0.0022) than in control plots (0.14 ± 0.06 m2/ha). The treatment particularly favoured diameter growth of stems between 10 and 30 cm in dbh, whose crowns were released by removing neighbouring trees. These results show that if the same net growth rate is maintained in the next decade most of the cut plots will reach their pre-cut basal area in about 20 years after cutting. Key words: northern hardwoods, selection cutting, uneven aged silviculture, basal area growth, diameter growth

scholarly journals Chips off the Old Block: An Old Fuel with a New Twist

1987 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendell P. MacIntyre
Keyword(s):  
Forest Management ◽  
Prince Edward Island ◽  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Forest Biomass ◽  
Red Oak ◽  
White Birch ◽  
White Pine ◽  
Land Clearing ◽  
Virgin Forest ◽  
Almost All

The first settlers in the early 1700's found almost all of Prince Edward Island covered by a magnificent virgin forest of sugar maple, yellow and white birch, beech, red oak and poplar blended with some spruce, fir, white pine, larch, hemlock and cedar. Nearly three hundred years of logging, land clearing and poor forest management have reduced the forest area by 50% and left the remaining forest largely a silvicultural slum. Recent federal/provincial agreements, however, have given rise to the expectation that P.E.I. will once again become self-sufficient for wood and that use of forest biomass will greatly reduce the dependence on oil for energy.

scholarly journals Methods to Evaluate Host Tree Suitability to the Asian Longhorned Beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis

2002 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 175-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott W. Ludwig ◽  
Laura Lazarus ◽  
Deborah G. McCullough ◽  
Kelli Hoover ◽  
Silvia Montero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Larval Survival ◽  
Red Oak ◽  
Anoplophora Glabripennis ◽  
Northern Red Oak ◽  
Green Ash ◽  
Asian Longhorned Beetle ◽  
White Oak ◽  
First Instar ◽  
Tulip Poplar

Abstract Two procedures were evaluated for assessing tree susceptibility to Anoplophora glabripennis. In the first procedure, adult beetles were caged with a section of sugar maple, northern red oak, white oak, honeylocust, eastern cottonwood, sycamore or tulip poplar wood. Results showed that females laid viable eggs on sugar maple, red oak, white oak and honeylocust. Oviposition did not occur on cottonwood, sycamore, or tulip poplar. Eighty-seven percent of the first instar larvae survived in white oak, followed by sugar maple (82%), honeylocust (50%), and red oak (39%). In the second procedure, first instar larvae were manually inserted into potted sugar maple, green ash, and red oak trees and allowed to feed for 60 or 90 days. Significantly more larvae survived for 90 days within the red oak (67%) compared to green ash (17%). Larvae recovered from red oak weighed significantly more than larvae from sugar maple or green ash. Larval survival was positively related to height of insertion. These results indicate: 1) controlled laboratory and greenhouse-based procedures can be used to assess tree suitability to A. glabripennis and 2) A. glabripennis will oviposit and larvae can develop in northern red oak for up to 90 days, suggesting that this species may be a potential host.

scholarly journals Responses of Syrphids, Elaterids and Bees to Single-tree Selection Harvesting in Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario

2006 ◽  
Vol 120 (1) ◽  
pp. 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erica Nol ◽  
Hume Douglas ◽  
William J. Crins
Keyword(s):  
Acer Saccharum ◽  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Forest Understory ◽  
Betula Alleghaniensis ◽  
Click Beetles ◽  
Single Tree ◽  
Single Tree Selection ◽  
Selection Harvesting ◽  
Provincial Park ◽  
Capture Rates

The species composition of hoverflies (Syrphidae), click beetles (Elateridae), and bees (Apoidea) was studied to determine whether there was a positive response in these flower-seeking insect groups to gaps in the canopy created through single-tree selection harvesting of Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) and Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis) in hardwood forests of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence forest region of Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario. There were significantly more hoverflies and bees collected in forest stands harvested within the previous five years than in wilderness zone (unharvested at least for 40 years) stands or stands harvested 15-20 years previously (old logged stands). Click beetles, especially Selatosomus pulcher (LeConte), were collected most often in old logged stands. Bees and click beetles were collected significantly later in the season in logged than in wilderness zone stands. Malaise traps resulted in higher capture rates for syrphids than pan traps, and only with these higher capture rates did we detect a significant increase in species richness in recently logged stands over that in wilderness stands. Changes in the numbers and phenology of flower-visiting insects may impact on reproductive success of flowering plants of the forest understory and deserves further study.

scholarly journals Measuring Stocking in Northern Red Oak Stands in Wisconsin

1999 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 144-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
David W. McGill ◽  
Robert Rogers ◽  
A. Jeff Martin ◽  
Paul S. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Ratio Method ◽  
Red Oak ◽  
Northern Red Oak ◽  
Red Maple ◽  
Tolerant Species ◽  
Average Maximum ◽  
Shade Tolerant Species ◽  
Objective Basis

Abstract Stocking equations and charts for stands dominated by northern red oak were developed from data collected on 66 plots in 52 northern red oak stands in Wisconsin. In all plots, northern red oak was the dominant species. Tolerant species such as sugar maple and red maple usually formed a subcanopy. We used the tree-area ratio method for measuring stocking. However, we treated the tolerant subcanopy as a separate component of stocking. This facilitated defining average maximum relative stand density (100% stocking)for the main canopy or the main canopy and subcanopy combined.This approach is based on the assumption that shade tolerant species can exploit resources in spatial strata that are unexploited by the mid-tolerant red oak. The resulting stocking equations and charts can provide an objective basis for evaluating stocking of northern red oak stands in Wisconsin.North. J. Appl. For. 16(3):144-150.

scholarly journals Stand Structure and Composition in a Northern Hardwood Forest after 40 Years of Single-Tree Selection

2007 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 197-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan K. Neuendorff ◽  
Linda M. Nagel ◽  
Christopher R. Webster ◽  
Maria K. Janowiak
Keyword(s):  
Relative Density ◽  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Stand Structure ◽  
Forest Type ◽  
Diameter Distribution ◽  
Importance Value ◽  
Clear Trend ◽  
Single Tree ◽  
Single Tree Selection ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Uneven-aged northern hardwoods of the Great Lakes region are managed primarily through single-tree selection harvesting. We quantified species composition and stand structure after 40 years of single-tree selection in five stands as compared with three stands that were untreated for 40 years. Relative density and importance value of sugar maple significantly increased under single-tree selection, whereas relative density of yellow birch significantly decreased and eastern hemlock remained unchanged. Contemporary seedling and saplings layers were dominated by sugar maple regardless of treatment, but unmanaged stands contained more species. Diameter distribution varied over time and between unmanaged and managed stands. Increasing-q was the most common distribution shape in 2004, and there was no clear trend toward a negative exponential or rotated sigmoid distribution over time. Our results suggest that long-term single-tree selection may result in regeneration of fewer tree species commonly found in this forest type, with potential implications for future stand structure.

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