scholarly journals Two salamander species respond differently to timber harvests in a managed New England forest

PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e7604
Author(s):  
Angus Mossman ◽  
Max R. Lambert ◽  
Mark S. Ashton ◽  
Jessica Wikle ◽  
Marlyse C. Duguid
Keyword(s):  
Life Histories ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Timber Harvest ◽  
Forest Harvesting ◽  
Wildlife Habitat ◽  
Stand Age ◽  
Eastern Newt ◽  
Salamander Species ◽  
Timber Harvests

Background Managing forests for timber while protecting wildlife habitat is of increasing concern. Amphibians may be particularly sensitive to forest management practices due to their unique biology; however, it is not clear how different species respond to timber harvest practices—particularly over longer time scales. Methods Here we report on the differential responses of two salamander species—the eastern red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus Green) and the eastern newt (Notophthalmus viridescens Rafinesque)—to forest harvesting, by examining communities across a 25-year chronosequence of regenerating shelterwood harvests. Results Populations of both species were lowest immediately after harvest, but increased at substantially different rates. Red-backed salamander populations were highest in 20–25 year-old shelterwoods—significantly higher than in mature, unharvested, control (100–120 year old) stands. Eastern newt populations, however, were greatest in unharvested control stands and still had not recovered to population levels found in mature stands in the 25 years since harvest. Red-backed salamander abundances were strongly tied to stand age as well as abundance of decayed coarse woody debris, suggesting that timber harvests influence some wildlife species by affecting a suite of interacting habitat variables that change over time. In contrast, newt abundances were not directly related to stand age but were more related to downed wood and vegetation characteristics. Our results highlight markedly variable responses by two common salamander species to forest harvesting—species with markedly different life histories and reproductive patterns—and that time since harvest may be useful in predicting abundance.

Managing for Mature Habitat in Production Forests of Western Oregon and Washington

1996 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 422-428 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth C. Cole
Keyword(s):  
Pacific Northwest ◽  
Coarse Woody Debris ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Wildlife Habitat ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Habitat Features ◽  
Canopy Opening ◽  
Tolerant Species ◽  
Shade Tolerant Species

Standard timber management practices in the Pacific Northwest result in stands which often vary from unmanaged stands in structure and composition. Forest and wildlife managers have identified a deficit of stands in the mature (> 100-yr-old) age class that contain certain desirable wildlife habitat features. Techniques are being developed that would increase the likelihood that managed stands can produce these characteristics. The key desirable components in these stands include large (> 75 cm diam breast height) conifer trees, snags, coarse woody debris, and understory structure, including regeneration. Vegetation management techniques can facilitate development of these components within stands. Thinning the overstory, underplanting shade-tolerant species, and creating snags and coarse woody debris can be accomplished within a production forest. Maintaining shade-intolerant species requires a higher level of disturbance and canopy opening than needed for shade-tolerant species. Treatments which remove competition from shrubs and herbaceous plants may be necessary to insure growth and survival of understory regeneration. Injection of different herbicides into low-grade conifers may yield different types of snags in comparison to girdling or topping. Although much of the understory may be eliminated during future thinnings and final harvest, some of the structure will remain and could be carried over into the next rotation along with snags and large coarse woody debris. These treatments are expected to enhance mature habitats in present and future cycles with minimum impact on yield.

scholarly journals Simulating the Effects of Forest Management on Large Woody Debris in Streams in Northern Idaho

2007 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Teply ◽  
Dale McGreer ◽  
Dennis Schult ◽  
Patrick Seymour
Keyword(s):  
Riparian Forest ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Timber Harvest ◽  
Forest Harvesting ◽  
Large Woody Debris ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Directional Bias ◽  
Riparian Management ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Northern Idaho

Abstract Existing models for simulating large woody debris (LWD) loads of forest streams were adapted for forest conditions in northern Idaho. Effects of riparian management prescriptions implemented for streams within a habitat conservation planning area for bull trout and other sensitive species were evaluated based on riparian and instream LWD conditions observed along 58 randomly selected stream segments. A wood budgeting system presented by Welty et al. (2002. Riparian aquatic interaction simulator (RAIS): A model of riparian forest dynamics for the generation of large woody debris and shade. For. Ecol. Manage. 162:299–318) was employed through use of observed starting instream LWD loads and generalized depletion rates. LWD recruitment estimates were based on locally relevant growth and yield simulators, taper equations, and adjustments for tree fall directional bias. LWD loading, expressed as the number of qualifying pieces per 1,000 ft of stream, was examined under two scenarios: a no-harvest scenario and a harvest scenario. Results indicated no significant difference in the frequency distribution of simulated LWD loading between the no-harvest and harvest scenarios over a 100-year prediction period. Examination of our assumptions indicated that LWD loading was likely underestimated and less variable than would be expected. However, these assumptions had equal effects on each scenario, enabling us to confidently interpret the effects of timber harvest. The nature and extent of riparian forest harvesting evaluated in this simulation is similar to levels being considered elsewhere in the region. Therefore, simulation techniques demonstrated here could be applied elsewhere in the region for evaluating the potential effects of riparian management on fisheries resources.

scholarly journals Structural characteristics of wet montane forests in east-central British Columbia

2003 ◽  
Vol 79 (2) ◽  
pp. 342-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
S C DeLong ◽  
J M Arocena ◽  
H B Massicotte
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Stand Structure ◽  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Wildlife Habitat ◽  
Tree Size ◽  
Large Variability ◽  
Salvage Logging

Structural characteristics of forest stands were examined along a post-fire age chronosequence for wet montane sub-boreal and sub-alpine forests in the northern portion of the Rocky Mountains in British Columbia, Canada. The objective was to develop criteria that could be used to assess the extent to which managed stands approximate the structural characteristics of natural stands. Twelve and fifteen stands were sampled in wet montane sub-boreal and high-elevation subalpine forests, respectively. Tree density, variation in tree size, snag density by size class and coarse woody debris volume were examined for young (0–70 years), mature (71–140 years), and old (> 140 years) stands. Apart from a general increase in average tree size and a decrease in snag density, changes in other stand attributes over time since disturbance were limited, especially when compared to forests in drier climates at similar latitudes. The combination of low density and large variability in tree size of the young wet montane sub-boreal stands appear to be unusual for low elevation forests that originate from stand-replacing wildfire. In the study area, current management practices of salvage-logging fire-killed stands and planting relatively high densities of spruce on harvested sites should be examined in light of our data. This study illustrates the importance of developing area-specific ecosystem management guidelines relating to stand structure. Key words: stand structure, woody debris, snags, Picea engelmannii, Abies lasiocarpa, wildlife habitat

Managing wildlife habitat in red pine and white pine forests of central Ontario

1994 ◽  
Vol 70 (4) ◽  
pp. 411-419 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian J. Naylor
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Spatial Configuration ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Wildlife Habitat ◽  
Red Pine ◽  
Pine Forests ◽  
Timber Management ◽  
Sensitive Species ◽  
White Pine ◽  
Complete Representation

About 80% of the forest-dwelling wildlife found in central Ontario use forest associations containing red pine or white pine. Providing habitat for this diversity of species requires management of pine forests at three levels. Nests of sensitive species and other critical habitats require site-specific protection afforded by guidelines that modify timber management practices. Generic stand-level prescriptions are required to ensure the provision of cavity trees, down woody debris, mast, and supercanopy trees. Forest-level planning must address the supply of pine associations across the landscape, consider the spatial configuration of pine patches, and strive to provide a complete representation of age classes. Key words: red pine, white pine, wildlife habitat, critical habitats, cavity trees, down woody debris, mast, supercanopy trees, landscape diversity

scholarly journals Density and Size of Snags, Tree Cavities, and Spruce Rust Brooms in Alaska Boreal Forest

2010 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 88-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas F. Paragi
Keyword(s):  
Forest Management ◽  
Boreal Forest ◽  
Picea Glauca ◽  
Timber Harvest ◽  
Wildlife Habitat ◽  
Stand Age ◽  
Managed Forests ◽  
Tree Cavities ◽  
Wildlife Use ◽  
Stand Type

Abstract To forecast the potential effects of forest management on wildlife habitat, I surveyed late-seral features in boreal forest near Fairbanks, Alaska. I sampled 75 randomly selected plots stratified among nine stand types to count and recorded physical characteristics of snags, cavitytrees, and Picea spp. trees with rust brooms. Snag density differed among some stand types (range, x = 10–72/ha) and increasedwith mean age of stand type, whereas cavity density (2–17/ha) and broom density (3–46/ha) showed no trend with stand age. Only 15% of 199 cavity openings were large enough (>50 cm2) and had a shape (width:height ratio, 0.5–1.5) that made them likely to besuitable for use by larger birds or arboreal mammals. The oldest and most valuable stand type for timber harvest (Picea glauca >23 cm dbh) often had trees with larger cavity openings and larger broom volumes than treesin other types. I recommend retention of rare specimens of late-seral features, considerations for feature recruitment in managed forests, and further documentation of wildlife use and associated fitness.

scholarly journals Fate of Postharvest Woody Debris, Mammal Habitat, and Alternative Management of Forest Residues on Clearcuts: A Synthesis

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 551
Author(s):  
Thomas P. Sullivan ◽  
Druscilla S. Sullivan ◽  
Walt Klenner
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Forest Floor ◽  
Fire Hazard ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Forest Harvesting ◽  
Wildlife Habitat ◽  
Forest Biodiversity ◽  
Alternative Management ◽  
Wood Residues

Coarse woody debris on the forest floor contributes to maintenance of forest biodiversity and long-term ecosystem productivity. Down wood is often dispersed over harvested sites during logging activities, thereby leaving piles of postharvest debris as “excess” material at landings and roadsides. These wood residues may be burned in most jurisdictions in North America to reduce a perceived fire hazard. The fire hazard debate needs to acknowledge the documented benefits of woody debris retention while striking a balance among biodiversity, bioenergy, and alternative uses for debris, while reducing ignitions by humans. The burning of excess woody debris also creates smoke, causes the release of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and creates human health issues, particularly for vulnerable individuals. The relationship of wildfire smoke to human health problems is well documented. However, there is no scientific evidence showing that postharvest debris piles are ignition points for forest fires, other than those caused by humans. Wood residues from forest harvesting or natural disturbance wood from wildfire and insect outbreaks may be used as renewable biomass “feedstocks” that could help improve energy supplies and reduce GHG emissions. If not marketable, the management of postharvest debris should seek alternative outlets that do not dispose of debris by burning, but still meet fire hazard abatement requirements. The construction of woody debris structures (e.g., piles and windrows) built at the time of forest harvesting and log processing, or later at the site preparation stages, has positive benefits for wildlife habitat and forest biodiversity. A windrow or series of piles may connect patches and reserves of mature forest and riparian areas on clearcut openings. Piles and windrows have consistently provided habitat on new clearcuts for southern red-backed voles (Myodes gapperi) and Microtus voles, as well as a host of other forest-floor small mammal species, at least up to 12 years postconstruction. Woody debris provides important habitat for foraging and cover attributes for marten (Martes americana), weasels (Mustela spp.), and other furbearers. A list of “What to do?” and “When and Where?” with options for construction of woody debris habitats: poorest, good, better, and best are given. In the cases where fire risk from humans is minimized and there are no marketable wood products, eight alternative management scenarios for postharvest woody debris are provided. These include: (1) piles for wildlife habitat; (2) distribution of debris in partial cut forests; (3) machinery to break up and crush debris; (4) protection of riparian zones with barriers for cattle; (5) construction of range fencing; (6) reclamation of landings and skid-trails; (7) soil fertility and reduction in weed competition and drought for planted conifers; and (8) slope stabilization and revegetation. Advantages and disadvantages (if known) are given for each alternative. A flow chart for the fate of excess postharvest woody debris with respect to fire hazard abatement and markets or nonmarkets is given.

An assessment of expert-based marten habitat models used for forest management in Ontario

2005 ◽  
Vol 81 (6) ◽  
pp. 801-807 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeff Bowman ◽  
Jean-François Robitaille
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Suitability ◽  
Coarse Woody Debris ◽  
Stand Structure ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
Wildlife Habitat ◽  
Habitat Model ◽  
Stand Age ◽  
Habitat Models ◽  
Development Stages

We used marten snow tracking data and a previously developed empirical habitat model from northeastern Ontario to validate a number of expert-based, non-spatial marten habitat models. In particular, we tested the non-spatial Ontario Wildlife Habitat Analysis Model, the Boreal East Habitat Suitability Matrix (including tests of both standard forest units and development stages), and Allen's (1982) HSI model. Marten habitat use as measured by tracks in the snow was consistent with predictions of all the expert-based models, suggesting that these models correctly characterized the stand-level forest cover selected by marten in winter. Suitability ranks for individual stands derived from standard forest units and development stages also were consistent with their use by marten. The empirical model was consistent with the expert-based models in that it considered suitable forest stands to be those with tall trees dominated by spruce (Picea spp.) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea) trees, with a large amount of coarse woody debris, and high canopy closure. Our findings suggested that the expert-based models were able to characterize stand structure used by marten despite some of the models using only inputs available from stand inventories. This was accomplished because stand structural elements such as coarse woody debris were integrated into OWHAM and HSM indirectly, through relationships with stand age and species composition. Key words: boreal forest, forest inventory, habitat, habitat suitability, guidelines, Forest Ecosystem Classification, landscape, Martes americana, resource selection, snow tracking, spatial autocorrelation, stand structure

scholarly journals Managing forest harvesting to maintain old growth in boreal and sub-boreal forests

1999 ◽  
Vol 75 (4) ◽  
pp. 623-631 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip J. Burton ◽  
Daniel D. Kneeshaw ◽  
K. David Coates
Keyword(s):  
Basal Area ◽  
Timber Harvest ◽  
Forest Harvesting ◽  
Stand Age ◽  
Forest Age ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Partial Cutting ◽  
Growth Status ◽  
Age Class ◽  
Old Growth Forest

Old-growth stands can be rare in northern coniferous forests, and hence are worthy of protection and special management. We describe some quantitative guidelines for recognizing old-growth stands and options for maintaining a long-term supply of old-growth values in landscapes managed for timber production. In the Sub-Boreal Spruce forests of central British Columbia, attributes most indicative of old-growth status include stand age, the density of large (> 1.0 m3) snags and downed logs, stand basal area and volume. It is suggested that partial cutting could occur in some old-growth stands, while still maintaining their structural and functional attributes, if large logs, snags and trees are retained at the threshold densities necessary to recognise old-growth status. At the landscape level, the use of extended timber crop rotations is advocated. Planning for a tapered forest age class distribution (with decreasing areas of forest allowed to persist to successively older ages) is suggested as a means of sustainably generating true old-growth, and as an alternative to the use of partial cutting and patch retention. Arithmetic formulas are developed which provide guidelines for the proportion of the forest land base to be kept in each successive age class. This model for regulating human disturbance in commercial forests holds promise as a mechanism for allowing continued timber harvest and even-aged stand management while retaining a near-natural proportion of old-growth forest in northern landscapes. Key words: disturbance regime, even-aged management, extended rotations, forest age class structure, forest management, old-growth attributes, rotation length, silvicultural systems, sub-boreal spruce zone, timber supply planning.

Saproxylic insect assemblages in Canadian forests: diversity, ecology, and conservation

2008 ◽  
Vol 140 (4) ◽  
pp. 453-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
David W. Langor ◽  
H.E. James Hammond ◽  
John R. Spence ◽  
Joshua Jacobs ◽  
Tyler P. Cobb
Keyword(s):  
Forest Management ◽  
Boreal Forests ◽  
Dead Wood ◽  
Sustainable Forest Management ◽  
Forest Harvesting ◽  
Stand Age ◽  
Managed Forests ◽  
Saproxylic Insects ◽  
Associated Species ◽  
Experimental Burns

AbstractSaproxylic insect assemblages inhabiting dead wood in Canadian forests are highly diverse and variable but quite poorly understood. Adequate assessment of these assemblages poses significant challenges with respect to sampling, taxonomy, and analysis. Their assessment is nonetheless critical to attaining the broad goals of sustainable forest management because such species are disproportionately threatened elsewhere by the reductions in dead wood generally associated with commercial exploitation of northern forests. The composition of the saproxylic fauna is influenced by many factors, including tree species, degree of decay, stand age, and cause of tree death. Wildfire and forest harvesting have differential impacts on saproxylic insect assemblages and on their recovery in postdisturbance stands. Exploration of saproxylic insect responses to variable retention harvesting and experimental burns is contributing to the development of prescriptions for conserving saproxylic insects in boreal forests. Understanding of processes that determine diversity patterns and responses of saproxylic insects would benefit from increased attention to natural history. Such work should aim to provide a habitat-classification system for dead wood to better identify habitats (and associated species) at risk as a result of forest management. This tool could also be used to improve strategies to better maintain saproxylic organisms and their central nutrient-cycling functions in managed forests.

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