SAF Learning
2020 Science Flash Bundle
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Enjoy these curated Science Flash presentations from the virtual 2020 SAF National Convention.
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Presentations
Agroforestry
Nitrogen Mitigation by Short Rotation Woody Crops in Marginal Land of Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley - Thu Ya Kyaw, Mississippi State University
Climate Change & Forest Carbon
Effects of Biochar on Survival and Photosynthetic Rates of Jack Pine Seedlings under Drought Conditions - Matthew Lochner, University of Minnesota
Education, Extension & Communication
Forestry of the Future: Improving Workforce Participation of Underrepresented Minority Populations in Forest Resources - Zakia Leggett, North Carolina State University
Germplasm Conservation for Species Restoration: Examples from Efforts to Restore the American Chestnut - Kendra Collins, The American Chestnut Foundation
Inventory & Biometrics
Overstory and Understory Woody Plant Characteristics of Reforested Sites in Lexington, Kentucky - Kiernan Comer, University of Kentucky
Quantifying Photosynthesis, Stomatal Conductance and Transpiration of Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) in Response to Flooding - Zhu Ning, Southern University
Northern & Eastern Silviculture and Forest Ecology
Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change: Initial Structural and Compositional Outcomes in Northern Hardwood Forests - Jessica Wikle, University of Vermont
Structural and Compositional Outcomes of Adaptive Silvicultural Systems on Northern New England Forests - Jennifer Santoro, University of Vermont
Pests, Pathogens & Invasive Plants
Managing Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica L), an Invasive Species on Forest Ecosystems in the Gulf Coast - Oghenekome Onokpise; Ovoland Associates, LLC
Southern Silviculture and Forest Ecology
Multi-faceted Interactions between Prescribed Fire and Bark Beetles in Loblolly and Longleaf Pine Ecosystems - Kamal Gandhi, University of Georgia
Post-Wind Disturbance Salvage Logging and Prescribed Fire Effects on Pinus palustris Stand Development - Jonathan Kleinman, University of Alabama
Urban & Community Forestry
Community Actions towards Reducing Urban Tree Risk - Abbie Judice, University of Georgia
Crafting SMART Goals in Urban and Community Forestry - Lee Mueller; Davey Resource Group, Inc.
Current Status of Designed Soils for the Integration of Pavement and Urban Tree Longevity - Jason Grabosky, Rutgers SEBS DEENR
Growth Rates of Street Trees in Urban Areas of Central New Jersey - Richard Leopold, Rutgers
Innovative Approaches in Urban Forestry to Enhance the Environmental and Community Health Around the World - Kamran Abdollahi, Southern University
Species and Nursery Production Method Affect Street Tree Growth and Economic Return - Tierney Bocsi, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Thirty-two Years of Change in an Old-growth Urban Forest - Lee Bridges, Mississippi State University
Urban Street Palms - A Story of Lack of Diversity and Risks from Introduced Pests - Mark Ambrose, NC State University
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Nitrogen Mitigation by Short Rotation Woody Crops in Marginal Land of Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley
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Open to view video.
This study evaluated nitrogen mitigation potential of short rotation woody crops (SRWCs) planted at the interface between riparian marginal agricultural land and Yazoo River in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley. The SRWC plantation could improve water quality by removing nitrate in groundwater by 69% before its discharge into connected waters. Presented by Thu Ya Kyaw, Mississippi State University at the 2020 SAF Virtual Convention.
Effects of Biochar on Survival and Photosynthetic Rates of Jack Pine Seedlings under Drought Conditions
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
Biochar is plant matter that has gone through thermal decomposition without the presence of oxygen, resulting in a carbon-rich material similar to charcoal. Used as a soil amendment, it may improve water holding capacity, particularly in sandy soils. While there is extensive data regarding the use of biochar in agricultural settings, limited research has been done in a forest management context. As climate change causes increased variability in the frequency and duration of drought events, biochar could become a useful management tool for the mitigation of drought related seedling mortality. We investigated the impacts of biochar additions to soil on the length of survival period of jack pine (Pinus banksiana) seedlings under simulated drought conditions, as well as biochar’s impacts on P. banksiana photosynthetic capacity under both drought and non-limiting watering conditions. Our study was split into two parallel experiments. In both, seedlings were established for two weeks in a greenhouse under non-limiting growth conditions. In the first, water was withheld from seedlings growing in soil amended with three different biochar particle sizes at three distinct points throughout the growing season. Seedling health was closely observed, and the length of time of between water removal and seedling mortality was recorded. In the second, seedlings growing in similarly amended soil were split into two groups. One received a non-limiting watering treatment, the other received water based on drought simulation. Photosynthetic rates were recorded using a LiCor LI-6400 at regular intervals throughout the summer. Data will be used to add to our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms in which biochar influences soil water holding capacity, plant available water, and plant physiological processes which can then be used to aid in the development of management recommendations regarding biochar as a potential soil admendment. Presented by Mathew Lochner, University of Minnesota at the 2020 SAF Virtual Convention.
Forestry of the Future: Improving Workforce Participation of Underrepresented Minority Populations in Forest Resources
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
Diversity enrollment and matriculation have failed due to poor intersections of academic support, peer community support, mentoring, leadership development, and “readiness” work skills. This National Needs Fellowship program builds on a pilot program to pipeline minority undergraduates from HBCUs to successful graduate training in forest resources at NC State University (NCSU). Presented by Zakia Legget, North Carolina State University at the 2020 SAF Virtual Convention.
Germplasm Conservation for Species Restoration: Examples from Efforts to Restore the American Chestnut
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Open to view video.
American chestnut (Castanea dentata) was once a foundational species in much of its native range, especially in the Appalachian Mountains of the eastern United States. Unfortunately, the species was driven to functional extinction by the accidental importation of an exotic fungal pathogen (Cryphonectria parasitica), the causal agent of chestnut blight disease. Efforts to restore the American chestnut have been ongoing since the early 20th century and include three primary techniques: classical plant breeding, biotechnology tools and techniques, and reduction of fungal virulence.
While restoration of the American chestnut focuses primarily on incorporating disease resistance into a founding population, it has also facilitated the ex situ and in situ conservation of remnant populations. Conservation of American chestnut germplasm significantly increases genetic diversity and local adaptation among remaining populations, which in turn can contribute genes to disease resistant founder populations. Any plan to achieve complete species restoration in the long-term must also conserve diverse and locally adapted sources of American chestnut in the near-term.
Through a combination of traditional plant breeding methods, efforts of citizen scientists, and other means, preservation of genetic diversity of remaining American chestnut populations has become a priority for restoration work. Decades-long improvement programs have incorporated range-wide diversity and adaptations into the species’ disease-resistant stock, developed germplasm conservation orchards and collections, and inventoried and monitored remaining wild individuals and small populations. With chestnut reintroduction trials now underway, and a transgenic chestnut in need of population diversification, the focus on understanding the diversity of the species, as well as the pathogen, has gained new momentum. Improvements in genomic technologies have provided new tools for assessing species diversity and are guiding restoration efforts. Presented by Kendra Collins, The American Chestnut Foundation at the 2020 SAF Virtual Convention.
Overstory and Understory Woody Plant Characteristics of Reforested Sites in Lexington, Kentucky
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Open to view video.
This study surveyed overstory trees and understory woody plants in a 20-year chronosequence of urban tree plantings in Lexington, Kentucky. Preliminary results suggest that these sites establish a diverse native community, but consistent observations of problematic invasive species highlight the need for ongoing management. Presented by Kiernan Comer, University of Kentucky at the 2020 SAF Virtual Convention.
Quantifying Photosynthesis, Stomatal Conductance and Transpiration of Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) in Response to Flooding
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
To examine the physiological response of Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) to flooding at different CO2 settings, saplings were placed into flood simulation tanks for a two week flooding period followed by a three week dry-down/recovery period repeatedly for two flood cycles. Net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate at 400, 500, 600, 700, and 800ppm CO2 settings were measured both in flood and recovery periods using a portable photosynthesis system (LICOR-6400). Using SPSS software, data were analyzed with Independent T-tests, as well as TUKEY and LSD multiple comparisons to detect any significant difference between the saplings under flooding treatment and those under control at each CO2 level, between flood and recovery period, as well as between two flood cycles. This paper reports the major findings that could be used in urban forest management. Presented by Zhu Ning, Southern University at the 2020 SAF Virtual Convention.
Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change: Initial Structural and Compositional Outcomes in Northern Hardwood Forests
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Open to view video.
Forest managers are in need of regionally relevant strategies for retaining forest integrity in the face of climate change. The Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change (ASCC) network examines silvicultural strategies to address these changes. We present here early structural and compositional outcomes of ASCC treatments in New England northern hardwood forests. Presented by Jessica Wikle, University of Vermont at the 2020 SAF Virtual Convention.
Structural and Compositional Outcomes of Adaptive Silvicultural Systems on Northern New England Forests
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
Northern New England faces numerous threats from climate change which are compounded by its mixed-ownership landscape. This research uses the LANDIS-II landscape simulation model to explore adaptive silvicultural strategies for maintaining ecosystem services in the region. Presented by Jennifer Santoro, University of Vermont at the 2020 SAF Virtual Convention.
Managing Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica L), an Invasive Species on Forest Ecosystems in the Gulf Coast
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica Beauv L), family, Poaceae, is an invasive, rhizomatous, aggressive C4 perennial grass. It is ranked the seventh invasive plant species in Florida and become one of the most invasive species in other Gulf Coast States from Alabama to east Texas. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the average annual cost of managing cogongrass in Florida is $70 million by federal, state and local governments. Cost to Non-Industrial Private Land Owners is said to be about $35 million dollars annually. For Home Owners and Limited Resource Land Owners not much information that is currently available. In situ and ex situ has studies have been conducted over the past fifteen to twenty years on the invasiness of cogongrass, performance of selected native citrus maden cane, muhly grass and switchgrass following herbicidal treatment and rhizome production in potted studies. Others include the application of chemicals on a large acreages that are cogongrass infested. In one such studies, a unique situation was observed where cogongrass rhizome perforated and traversed the rhizome of citrus maiden cane. In another study it was revealed that there was a reduction of cogongrass populations when grown in a combination with other amenity native grass species, thereby indicating that these native plant species could reduce the invasiveness of cogongrass in forest ecosystems and other natural habitats. Presented by Oghenekome Onokpise, Ovoland Associates, LLC at the 2020 SAF Virtual Convention.
Multi-faceted Interactions between Prescribed Fire and Bark Beetles in Loblolly and Longleaf Pine Ecosystems
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
Conifer-dominated ecosystems in the southern U.S. are subjected to frequent and low severity prescribe burning, in addition to other silvicultural activities. The southern pine forests are highly valuable ecologically and economically since they provide many ecosystem services and billions of dollars of timber market as the “wood basket” of the world. Prescribe fire is an important disturbance agent as it reduces hardwood competition and enhances nutrient cycling which positively affects pine tree health. Conversely, fire may also cause tree injury and damage that can result in colonization by bark beetles and their associated fungi that further stresses the trees. Since prescribe burning is on a 2-3 year interval in the southern forests, little information is available about: 1) how bark beetle (Ips spp.) outbreaks may respond to the changes in fire regimes; and 2) whether restoration of fire-suppressed longleaf pine forests, by reintroducing prescribe fire, may positively or negatively affect bark beetle populations and communities? We provide two case studies on the variable interactions among an abiotic disturbance (prescribe fire), and biotic agents (bark beetles, and host loblolly and longleaf pine trees) in southern ecosystems. The main goal of these projects is to guide management decisions under a natural disturbance regime for enhancing long-term forest sustainability and conservation. Presented by Kamal Gandhi, University of Georgia at the 2020 SAF Virtual Convention.
Post-Wind Disturbance Salvage Logging and Prescribed Fire Effects on Pinus palustris Stand Development
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
Strategies to manage naturally disturbed forests are critical to support the sustained provisioning of ecosystem goods and services. In frequent-fire forests, catastrophic wind disturbance can challenge the continued application of low-intensity prescribed fires. Despite the global use of post-wind disturbance salvage logging, its effects on subsequent prescribed fire application remain uncertain. We assessed the impacts of operational-scale prescribed fire on Pinus palustris (longleaf pine) stand development in areas differentially impacted by an EF3 tornado and salvage logging operation. Twenty 0.04-ha permanent plots were systematically established in mature, wind-disturbed, and salvage-logged sites (n = 60) to monitor woody plant development and surface fuel dynamics before and after prescribed fire. Post-fire fine fuel reductions, mineral soil exposure, and sapling density reductions were recorded throughout the treatment area. Deadwood extraction on salvage-logged sites did not have noticeable impacts on prescribed fire effects, likely because low-intensity fires, scheduled to avoid extreme weather conditions, do not typically consume larger (i.e. merchantable) pieces of deadwood. Contrary to hardwood saplings, which exhibited marked post-fire density reductions, P. palustris saplings were more fire-resistant and exhibited increased post-fire densities on wind-disturbed and salvage-logged sites. However, P. palustris seedling densities were substantially reduced after prescribed fire, which contrasted with a strong resprouting response observed among top-killed hardwoods. Results of this study indicated that salvage logging did not have negative ecological consequences with respect to woody plant development and that prescribed fire effectively enhanced post-disturbance P. palustris woodland recovery. Presented by Jonathan Kleinman, University of Alabama at the 2020 SAF Virtual Convention.
Community Actions towards Reducing Urban Tree Risk
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
This research examined municipal management of urban tree hazards and community perceptions of risk shaping those actions. In studying how cities balance tree canopy protection and the safety of their residents, this project employs a socio-ecological resilience framework to analyze the association between communities and tree risk management. Presented by Abbie Judice, University of Georgia at the 2020 SAF Virtual Convention.
Crafting SMART Goals in Urban and Community Forestry
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
Foresters have long championed the credo “you can’t manage what you can’t measure” and adoption of this maxim has become common among urban forestry practitioners. While historic urban tree management was limited to risk management, aesthetics, and the maintenance of public infrastructure, many communities are beginning to manage urban trees for the myriad of environmental and social benefits that they provide -- from improvements in human health outcomes to stormwater mitigation. Additionally, urban foresters have gained access to more tools and technology, from tree inventories to urban tree canopy assessments, to evaluate the impacts and benefits that community forests provide. As a result, local governments have increasingly adopted aspirational urban forestry goals and campaigns to promote urban forests and plant trees across the United States.
Yet, it is not always clear how goals are developed, progress is measured, or if these goals are the best metric of the desired community objectives. In 2016, the US Forest Service and the Davey Institute published “The Sustainable Urban Forest: a Step by Step Approach.” Over the last few years, this and other resources have supported several community efforts in the development of meaningful urban forestry metrics and the creation of strategies to advance local goals. This talk uses case studies from across the United States to (1) articulate steps and considerations to develop community urban forestry goals, (2) craft key metrics to measure progress, and use these factors to design strategies to accomplish local objectives. Presented by Lee Mueller, Davey Resource Group, Inc. at the 2020 SAF Virtual Convention.
Current Status of Designed Soils for the Integration of Pavement and Urban Tree Longevity
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
A key aspect of urban tree canopy and urban forest management centers on trees in urban core planting sites living to a designed, or intended canopy volume. Secondarily, once to size, there needs to be a better understanding of service life or longevity in the urban context. This talk briefly scans the state of the research in designed soils used to integrate both pavement support engineering needs and urban tree root zone biological needs. From this overview, the case study of McCarren Park Brooklyn NCY is used as example of current understanding, and needed next steps, now that we have a 22 year old experiment entering it's next 20 year phase. Presented by Jason Grabosky, Rutgers SEBS DEENR at the 2020 SAF Virtual Convention.
Growth Rates of Street Trees in Urban Areas of Central New Jersey
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Open to view video.
This study was to assess whether trees growing in an urban environment had a different growth rate based on the planting design. Four different site types were identified, lawns, pits, small strips, and large strips. Lawns were classified as areas with unlimited root growth in all directions. Pits were areas that were limited in root growth in all directions. Strips were areas with unlimited growth in two directions 180 degrees from one another. Strips were divided into large strips, between 4 and 12 feet in the limiting directions, and small strips, less than or equal to 4 feet in the limiting direction. Ten species were selected for this study based on planting frequency.
The area of interest was urban areas of central New Jersey. This area was defined as a combination of the 2010 US Census definition of urban area and the Piedmont level 3 ecoregion. This was done to merge the concept of an urban area, political borders, and ecological borders.
The parameter assessed for growth rate was basal area increment (BAI). A resistance drill was used to measure internal mechanical resistance of the wood on each tree. The peaks in the output of the resistance drill were each corresponded to a ring. The number of peaks was determined to be the approximate age of the tree.
Once the age of each tree was determined, a hierarchical linear model was implemented to determine the significance of the slopes of each regression line. These slopes correspond with the growth rate of each species within each site type. Understanding how site type influences growth rate can allow us to better employ the concept of the right tree for the right site and can allow us to explore traditional forestry concepts, such as rotation, and their application within an urban context. Presented by Richard Leopold, Rutgers at the 2020 SAF Virtual Convention.
Innovative Approaches in Urban Forestry to Enhance the Environmental and Community Health Around the World
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
Urban Forest ecosystems around the world are providing significant ecological, environmental, and health benefits. However, they are increasingly under stress from anthropogenic and natural stressors.
Many innovative and science-based approaches are being utilized to better manage these precious ecosystems to enhance their capacity to remediate environmental problems related to soil, eater, and air. In addition, sustainable management approaches are being employed to increase diversity, productivity and longevity of these systems.
Human health around the world has been positively impacted through innovative green infrastructure and urban forest management.
The result of this assessment provides many innovative approaches and strategies in optimizing the environmental and community health benefits from properly managed urban forest ecosystems.
This presentation will provide a comprehensive science-based summary of many selected innovative approaches in Urban Forestry for enhancing the environmental and community health around the world. Many diverse urban forest ecosystems will be presented, and innovative practices to remediate soil, water, and air pollutions will be discussed. The impact of innovative urban forestry practices to improve human health will be presented and discussed. Presented by Kamran Abdollahi, Southern University at the 2020 SAF Virtual Convention.
Species and Nursery Production Method Affect Street Tree Growth and Economic Return
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
As urban greening efforts continue, it is important to assess whether decisions to intensify street tree planting are meeting intended goals of improving urban canopy cover and increasing ecosystem services. Benefits of the urban forest take many forms, from ecological and economic to social and cultural, and are frequently cited in support of street tree planting. However, it is unknown to what extent factors such as species or nursery production method affect the ability of trees to successfully establish and provide ecosystem services in the urban environment. Two species of oak trees produced from balled and burlapped, container grown, and in-ground fabric nursery systems were planted roadside during Spring 2014. Growth in caliper at six inches, diameter at breast height, and total tree height from Fall 2014 to Fall 2018 were modeled to determine whether species and/or nursery production method influenced street tree establishment and growth. Economic benefits were examined using a novel approach, whereby the breakeven point of costs to purchase and plant the trees and returns via the ecosystem services they generated was identified. Results indicated that both species and nursery production method influenced the success of these trees, in terms of both growth and benefits provided, achieving a return on investment by year 2018. Given increased attention to urban and community forests throughout the US, this information is relevant to tree wardens, urban foresters, and arborists tasked with street tree planning and maintenance, who must work within the confines of limited budgets in an environment that poses many challenges for trees. Presented by Tierney Bocsi, University of Wisconsin-Madison at the 2020 SAF Virtual Convention.
Thirty-two Years of Change in an Old-growth Urban Forest
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
The Old Forest State Natural Area in Memphis, Tennessee is a 126-acre old-growth urban forest famous for its role in the United States Supreme Court decision (CPOP v. Volpe) blocking the construction of Interstate 40 through Overton Park in Memphis. This remnant forest tract is isolated by an urban area and within a 20-minute drive of approximately one million people. As such, it is subject to high levels of urban stressors such as overuse, invasive species, edge effects, disrupted regeneration dynamics, and conflicting management objectives. Despite these stressors, the forest retains overstory trees greater than 185 years old, with diameters up to 72 inches, and 165 feet tall creating a unique opportunity for urban residents to experience an old-growth mixed mesophytic forest. In 2019, a forest survey was completed replicating the 1987 work of Dr. James Guldin from the Department of Forest Resources at the University of Arkansas (currently with the USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station) allowing a rare chance to examine 32 years of change in a remnant urban forest ecosystem. By comparing changes in composition and structure, this project will allow managers the ability to develop management strategies to perpetuate the old-growth characteristics of the forest. In addition, this work can be used to engage the community in the management of a neighborhood forest. Given the community nature of this site, the current project focused heavily on collaboration which included Mississippi State University, Overton Park Conservancy, Rhodes College, Christian Brothers University, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Park Friends, Inc., University of Mississippi, and the USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station. The unique challenges of managing old-growth urban forests will be highlighted along with future directions of this project and research opportunities. Presented by Lee Bridges, Mississippi State University at the 2020 SAF Virtual Convention.
Urban Street Palms - A Story of Lack of Diversity and Risks from Introduced Pests
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
High street palm abundance in southern and western states put urban forests at risk should a palm-killing pest be introduced. We modeled the street palm abundance estimate potential losses to state and local governments. We estimate that there are ~4 million street palms in the US mainland, with most in Florida (~63%). Presented by Mark Ambrose, NC State University at the 2020 SAF Virtual Convention.