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Northern & Eastern Silviculture and Forest Ecology Bundle
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Enjoy this curated set of on-demand presentations that captures silviculture and forest ecology within the northern and eastern United States. This bundle will be updated as new content becomes available.
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Presentations
2016
Benefits of Mixedwood Management: Reduced Spruce Budworm Impacts in Acadian Spruce-Fir Hardwood Forests - David MacLean, University of New Brunswick
Forest Understory Vegetation Exhibits Increased Diversity and Structural Variation Under Residue Removals - Michael Premer, Michigan Technological University
Long-term Biomass Dynamics across a Range of Oak-Pine Mixedwood Conditions in Southern Maine - Justin Waskiewicz, University of Vermont
Long-term Regeneration Dynamics in Northern Hardwood Forests of the Northeast - Nicole Rogers, University of Vermont
Maintaining the Softwood Component in Yellow Birch-Conifer Stands of Eastern Canada: A Great Challenge - Patricia Raymond; Quebec Ministry of Forest, Wildlife and Parks
Northern Red Oak Regeneration: 25-year Results of Cutting and Prescribed Fire in Michigan Oak and Pine Stands - Joshua Granger, University of Tennessee
2017
Assimilation of Tree Ring and Repeat Census Data to Model Past Forest Dynamics and Drought Responses - Malcolm Itter; Department of Forestry, Michigan State University
Do Different Selection System Strategies Insure Long-term Sustainable Growth of Northern Hardwood Stands? - Sarita Bassil, SUNY-ESF
Exotic Larch: A Proven Winner for the North - David Maass, Independent Consultant
2018
Assessing the Performance of Nine Future Climate-Adapted Species in Northern Minnesota - Jacob Muller, University of Minnesota
Impact of Dwarf Mistletoe and Alternative Silvicultural Treatments in Black Spruce in Minnesota - Raychel Skay, University of Minnesota
Regeneration in Irregular Shelterwoods: Changes over a 25-Year Chronosequence and Legacy Effects - Jessica Wikle, Yale University
2019
Allegheny Forest Health Collaborative: History and Silviculture Outcomes - Susan Stout; USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station Emerita
Is Infestation Predictable? Risk Factors Associated with Eastern Dwarf Mistletoe Infestation in Lowland Black Spruce - Ella Gray, University of Minnesota
Managing Forests for the Long Term: Lessons From 65 Years of Study in Maine - Maren Granstrom, University of Maine
Oak and Hickory Mortality Patterns in Mature Low-Disturbance Forests of Appalachian Ohio - Don C. Radcliffe, Ohio State University
Reasons to Protect: Characterizing Hocking's Hemlock Resource - Stephanie Downs, ODNR Division of Forestry
Stakeholder Perceptions of White Oak Supply in Kentucky: A SWOT-AHP Analysis - William Thomas, UK Department of Forestry and Natural Resources
Using Advance Regeneration to Inform Appropriate Silviculture Techniques for Northern Hardwoods - Laura Reuling, University of Minnesota
2020
Crown and Stem Form of Regeneration Improves with Reduced Deer Pressure - Autumn Sabo, Penn State Beaver
Effects of Management on Stand Structure and Understory Development in Lowland Conifer Forests in Minnesota - Laura Reuling, University of Minnesota
Rehabilitating the Northern Forest for Economic and Climate Change Resilience - Jessica Charpentier, University of New Hampshire
Six Decades of Financial Returns and Stand Dynamics in a Silviculture Experiment in Northern Hardwoods - Maeve Draper, Michigan Technological University
2022
Changes in Forest Structure and Composition Over a Century of Urbanization and Development: Thain Family Forest, New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY - Eliot Nagele, The New York Botanical Garden
Using a Multidisciplinary Approach to Increase Understanding of Lowland Conifer Systems in the Upper Great Lakes - Laura Reuling, University of Minnesota
Monitoring Disturbance in the Northern Forest: Development of a Regional Change Detection and Attribution Tool - Madeleine Desrochers, SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry
Competing Vegetation Treatments Provide Little Short-Term Benefit in Northcentral Appalachian Forests - Autumn Sabo, Penn State
Modeling Potential Changes in Forest Wildlife Habitat from Planned Timber Harvesting on Minnesota DNR Lands - Tyler Gifford, University of Minnesota
Foresters Approach to Sugarbush Management - Mark Isselhardt, University of Vermont Extension
2023
Evaluating Indicators For Forest Recovery On Disturbed Eastern Hardwood Sites - Ian Kennedy, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Differences in Stand Dynamics between Conventional Aspen and White Spruce-Aspen Mixedwood Forests in Northern Minnesota - Chelsea Semper, University of Minnesota
Forest Composition and Red Oak (Quercus sp.) Response To Elevation Gradients Across Managed Greentree Reservoirs - Cassandra Hug, University of Arkansas at Monticello
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Benefits of Mixedwood Management: Reduced Spruce Budworm Impacts in Acadian Spruce-Fir Hardwood Forests
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
Spruce-fir stands with higher hardwood content sustain lower defoliation, growth reduction, and mortality during spruce budworm outbreaks. We are testing the mechanism, whether higher parasitism and/or greater larval dispersal losses, in an outbreak that began in 2013 near Amqui, Quebec. Optimum hardwood level depends on severity of budworm attack. Presented by David MacLean, University of New Brunswick
Forest Understory Vegetation Exhibits Increased Diversity and Structural Variation Under Residue Removals
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
Logging residue derived nutrients can influence vegetation community patterns and long-term site productivity. We investigated vegetation characteristics across a commercial rotation in Upper Michigan. Results indicate that residues can increase understory species diversity and variance in species proportional representation, and that these patterns may be attributed to increased site disturbance. Presented by Michael Premer, Michigan Technological University
Long-term Biomass Dynamics across a Range of Oak-Pine Mixedwood Conditions in Southern Maine
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
This research emphasizes the influence of species mixture on the response of trees and forests to stressors such as insect defoliation and drought events. Results will inform forest managers seeking strategies for managing mixed species stands to minimize the impacts of projected changes in climate and disturbance regimes. Presented by Justin Waskiewicz, University of Vermont, Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources
Long-term Regeneration Dynamics in Northern Hardwood Forests of the Northeast
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
This research emphasizes the importance of considering regeneration in selection of sustainable silviculture for uneven-aged and even-aged northern hardwood stands. Results will be informative for forest managers and also provides insight into long-term forest dynamics not available from shorter-term studies. Presented by Nicole Rogers, University of Vermont
Maintaining the Softwood Component in Yellow Birch-Conifer Stands of Eastern Canada: A Great Challenge
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
Managing mixed productions of hardwoods and softwoods is challenging because of the diversity of species and their ecological characteristics to consider when designing silvicultural prescriptions. We will present results of two experiments showing that despite important silvicultural efforts, regenerating conifers remains challenging in these rich sites, especially for red spruce. Presented by Patricia Raymond, Quebec Ministry of Forest, Wildlife and Parks
Northern Red Oak Regeneration: 25-year Results of Cutting and Prescribed Fire in Michigan Oak and Pine Stands
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
Northern red oak regeneration was documented for 25 years in cutting and burning treatments established in Michigan oak and pine stands. Beneficial effects of competition control were reduced in certain treatments by deer browsing and frost damage. Overall, oak regeneration was more successful in pine stands than in oak stands. Presented by Joshua Granger, University of Tennessee
Assimilation of Tree Ring and Repeat Census Data to Model Past Forest Dynamics and Drought Responses
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
We combine tree-ring and forest census data in a state-space model to improve understanding of the role of forest dynamics in shaping forest responses to climatic water deficit. The analysis allows for identification of forest stand structures and thinning regimes that minimize forest sensitivity to drought events. Presented by Malcolm Itter, Department of Forestry, Michigan State University.
Do Different Selection System Strategies Insure Long-term Sustainable Growth of Northern Hardwood Stands?
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
The long-term consistency and sustainability in the outcomes of various approaches to single-tree selection system in northern hardwood stands were previously studied via simulations and modeling techniques. The current study uses long-term empirical data from stands managed under different intensities of single-tree selection system to assess their long-term structural stability. Presented by Sarita Bassil, SUNY-ESF.
Exotic Larch: A Proven Winner for the North
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
Exotic larch (Larix decidua, L. leptolepis and their hybrid) have been tested in the Northeast US and the Lake States since the 1930s. Operational trials demonstrate that hybrid larch can grow at 17 m3/ha/yr, roughly 5x faster than natural regeneration. This presentation summarizes studies to date and outlines unknowns. Presented by David Maass, Independent Consultant.
Assessing the Performance of Nine Future Climate-Adapted Species in Northern Minnesota
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
Future climate change is expected to impact the health and productivity of mixed-pine forests in northern Minnesota. Forest managers and planners face increasing challenges to sustaining forests in the face of high uncertainty associated with response to climate change. The Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change (ASCC) project was developed to provide operational-scale research opportunities to assess, demonstrate, and test adaptive forest management approaches. The first of five ASCC installations is located on the Cutfoot Experimental Forest-Chippewa National Forest. Based on predicted suitable habitats under projected future climates, nine tree species were selected for planting as part of the ASCC treatment design. Seedlings were planted under two canopy conditions, a thinned matrix (60-80 ft2/ac) and gap openings (0-15 ft2/ac). We were interested in initial seedling performance between species functional groups (gymnosperms & angiosperms) with an emphasis on understanding how changes in overstory canopy conditions (matrix vs. gaps) and understory vegetation density affect species performance. To study this, we monitored 60 plots (30 matrixes and 30 gaps) over the course of two growing seasons, taking three measurements (Fall 2016, Spring 2017, & Fall 2017) of basal diameter growth and survival, as well as estimates of understory vegetation density. This study has revealed interspecific and intraspecific variations in seedling growth and survival between and among planted seedlings. Additionally, our results show evidence of strong variations in species performance across functional groups and overstory and understory conditions. This presentation will highlight the differences in species growth and survival and those factors influencing seedling performance. Presented by Jacob Muller, University of Minnesota.
Impacts of Dwarf Mistletoe and Alternative Silvicultural Treatments in Black Spruce in Minnesota
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
Of Minnesota’s 17.4 million acres of forested land, 1.6 million acres are considered to be in the black spruce (Picea mariana) cover type. The black spruce forest type is incredibly important to state, federal, and private landowners as a winter pulpwood source as it is one of the few trees that can survive in the lowland forests. The black spruce cover type is also an important ecological resource to the state. Despite its importance, little is known about black spruce’s response to alternative silvicultural treatments and its response to the common parasitic pathogen, dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium pusillum). Conventional management for black spruce is a clearcut system with subsequent aerial seeding. In this study, we used methods from dendrochronology to examine the yearly growth rings of black spruce to multiple silvicultural treatments on the Big Falls Experimental Forest in northern Minnesota. We have found an increase in increment growth following strip clearcuts, patch clearcuts, and shelterwood treatments. Additionally, we looked at the stand dynamics of black spruce at varying levels of infection with dwarf mistletoe. Although dwarf mistletoe in black spruce is a native pest and is a part of the natural disturbance regime, it can and does cause huge losses in stands managed for timber. In this part of the study we collected and analyzed data exploring the relationship between mistletoe infection levels and black spruce stand structure and composition. Results from this study will aid in developing alternative management methods which provide ecological and economic benefits. Presented by Raychel Skay, University of Minnesota
Regeneration in Irregular Shelterwoods: Changes over a 25-Year Chronosequence and Legacy Effects
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
Forest managers are faced with meeting a broad variety of societal demands such as wildlife habitat and aesthetic considerations while still providing monetary value to landowners through harvesting timber. Strategies such as irregular shelterwoods can offer alternatives to traditional regeneration methods that help to meet these goals. These techniques often involve diversifying age-class and leaving more standing structure in the form of legacy trees. This study examines a 25-year chronosequence of 34 irregular shelterwoods, ranging in amount of structure, all designed to regenerate oak in southern New England. In each shelterwood we measured all legacy trees in a 50 m radius overstory plot, and measured seedling and sapling regeneration in 18 subplots. We used ANOVA to compare the differences across age classes, both in total and relative growth, as well as to compare differences in regeneration growth based on variation in overstory basal area. Over time, regeneration followed known stand dynamics patterns, with self-thinning occurring in all regeneration. Black birch self-thinned the most through time, with the saplings that survived retaining a high and more discretely defined position in the canopy as compared to the other species. Red oak self-thinned most slowly, and by its third decade, it was increasing its growth rate compared to the other species. As overstory basal area increased, relative growth of red oak slowed, with 5 m2/ha of overstory basal area as a limiting threshold. Resource managers should consider the tradeoff between increasing legacy trees and decreases in growth of oak regeneration. Presented by Jessica Wikle, Yale University
Allegheny Forest Health Collaborative: History and Silviculture Outcomes
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
In 2017, the Allegheny National Forest initiated a Forest Health Collaborative. The goal was to bring imagination, commitment, local knowledge and science together to respond to forest health challenges in northwestern Pennsylvania. These challenges, affecting all lands, included invasive plants, insects, diseases, and changes in the ecology of regional forests. Representatives from more than 60 organizations and agencies worked for 9 months in 2017. They identified the most important threats to ecosystem services and values; prioritized these forest health challenges; and began work developing integrated and adaptive strategies to mitigate them. The Collaborative continues to work together. This presentation will summarize the challenges identified by the Collaborative and focus on the activities of its Silviculture Working Group. This group has developed a systematic, quantitative approach to setting priorities in a disturbed landscape and to writing appropriate restoration prescriptions for stands selected for treatment. Presented by Susan Stout, USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station Emerita, at the 2019 SAF National Convention, Louisville, KY.
Is Infestation Predictable? Risk Factors Associated with Eastern Dwarf Mistletoe Infestation in Lowland Black Spruce
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
Black spruce (Picea mariana) is an important tree species in southern boreal forests, occupying a unique economic and ecological niche. In northeastern Minnesota, there are relatively few disturbance agents of black spruce, but eastern dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium pusillum Peck) is the most widespread and persistent. A native parasitic plant, eastern dwarf mistletoe infestations result in declines in growth and eventual mortality (within 15 – 20 years) in black spruce. Despite the long history of eastern dwarf mistletoe infestation in Minnesota, little is known about factors affecting stand susceptibility to this pest. To better inform forest management planning, an increased understanding of the risk factors and long-term effects of eastern dwarf mistletoe infestations is needed. In this study, we used random forests modeling and on-the-ground field sampling to assess potential environmental and stand structural characteristics that may serve as predictors of risk of infestation. Identification of risk factors will assess forest management trade-offs and assist managers in prescribing silvicultural prescriptions to meet desired goals and objectives. Presented by Ella Gray, University of Minnesota, at the 2019 SAF National Convention, Louisville, KY.
Managing Forests for the Long Term: Lessons From 65 Years of Study in Maine
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
While forest managers once sought primarily to produce sustainable revenue from harvests, there is now growing value placed on non-timber products like wildlife habitat, aesthetics, and carbon storage. When deciding how to manage land for the future, foresters and landowners must assess the many outcomes of forestry activities and be aware of the tradeoffs among achieving different goals. We examined effects of over 65 years of even- and uneven-aged silviculture and exploitative harvesting practices on a variety of silvicultural and ecological outcomes, using a long-term U.S. Forest Service study at the Penobscot Experimental Forest in Maine, USA. We found that while some treatments achieved their original objectives, changes in markets and growing awareness of ecological values (e.g. habitat provision and carbon storage) influenced our assessment of these outcomes today. Even-aged shelterwood treatments, despite regenerating desired species and providing financial returns, reduced species and structural diversity, making those stands less ecologically resilient and more vulnerable to changes in timber markets. Uneven-aged single-tree selection treatments achieved goals of increasing large, valuable trees, but reduced prevalence of snags and deadwood. Exploitative harvesting treatments, including commercial clearcutting and fixed diameter-limit cutting, greatly reduced the quality and value of the standing timber, limiting options for silvicultural rehabilitation. By using empirical data to illustrate the many tradeoffs that forest managers face, this work provides justification for sound decision making, and encourages management that looks to the long term and seeks to meet multiple forest management goals. Presented by Maren Granstrom, University of Maine, at the 2019 SAF National Convention, Louisville, KY.
Oak and Hickory Mortality Patterns in Mature Low-Disturbance Forests of Appalachian Ohio
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
Mature oak (Quercus spp.) and hickory (Carya spp.) trees across the eastern U.S. are gradually being replaced by more shade tolerant tree species, thus studying oak and hickory mortality is crucial to developing understanding about the longevity of the many economic and wildlife benefits these trees provide. We used a permanent plot study to explore factors associated with background mortality rates of five oak and one hickory species in mature second-growth forests. We sampled 86 1/20th hectare plots in the Wayne National Forest in southeastern Ohio, once in 1993-1995, and once in 2018, so that we had a 23-25 year time window for analysis. Each stand was at least 70 years old at the beginning of sampling and had experienced no major disturbances. We calculated mortality rates by species, and modelled the relationship of mortality probability with nine a priori landscape, edaphic, stand-structure, and individual tree covariates, using mixed effects logistic regression. We found that all species of the red oak subgenus (Erythrobalanus) had higher mortality rates (41.0% of stems), than all species of the white oak subgenus rate (22.2%), and that the red oak subgenus was less common. Our models showed that northern red oak (Quercus rubra) mortality was associated with more mesic topographic positions, shallower solum, and older stands, while chestnut oak mortality was associated with higher basal area. Our data suggest that loss of the red oak subgenus may be a concern in areas of mature forest, and that northern red oak vulnerability may vary across the landscape. Presented by Don C. Radcliffe, Ohio State University, at the 2019 SAF National Convention, Louisville, KY.
Reasons to Protect: Characterizing Hocking’s Hemlock Resource
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) is a limited forest cover type in Ohio. Its native range stretches into the eastern half of the state, but its distribution is patchy, and primarily occurs in areas with sandstone gorges and cool microclimates. Nearly half of the state’s eastern hemlock forests occur in the Hocking Hills region of southeastern Ohio, where they play important ecological and economic roles. Eastern hemlock forests provide wildlife habitat, cool water stream ecosystems, bank stabilization in gorges, and microclimates not found in other forest types. The Hocking Hills State Park has the greatest annual visitation of all of Ohio’s state parks. Visitors are drawn to these areas for sandstone cliffs, steep gorges, and towering hemlocks. Other recreational areas in the region include state forests and state nature preserves. Long Hollow (Hocking State Forest) was chosen as a representative forest stand to assess the local importance of eastern hemlocks. This is a recreational area that encompasses the natural features of Twin Falls and Chapel Cave, smaller recess caves and waterfalls, and offers horseback riding and hiking trails. While this forest area is less known than more popular natural attractions located several miles to the south, it boasts large, old eastern hemlock trees that provide the many benefits of the cover type. Unfortunately, hemlock woolly adelgid was discovered in this area in 2018, necessitating active management to protect the ecosystem. Treatments of large trees (19.1” and larger DBH) began fall of 2018, and individual tree characteristics were studied in spring of 2019. Presented by Stephanie Downs, ODNR Division of Forestry, at the 2019 SAF National Convention, Louisville, KY.
Stakeholder Perceptions of White Oak Supply in Kentucky: A SWOT-AHP Analysis
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
Growing demand for white oak (Quercus alba) timber and difficulties in regenerating white oak point toward future supply issues. Implementing forest policy and management interventions to support its long-term supply will be necessary. To increase the probability that these actions will be successful, it is advisable to consider perceptions of stakeholders who are most likely to be involved with and impacted by those decisions. The combined Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, and Threat (SWOT) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique used in this study facilitated independent capturing and ranking of perceptions from three key stakeholder groups (woodland owners, forest industry, and distilling industry) regarding long-term supply of white oak. The results of this study suggest implementing forest policy and management decisions that: (1) encourage and incentivize forest management, and (2) address poor harvesting practices have the most support among stakeholders to ensure long-term supply of white oak. Presented by William Thomas, UK Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, at the 2019 SAF National Convention, Louisville, KY.
Using Advance Regeneration to Inform Appropriate Silviculture Techniques for Northern Hardwoods
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
For over 60 years northern hardwood stands across the Great Lakes region have been primarily managed using single-tree selection, in which a thinning is applied uniformly across a stand to reach a desired target basal area and diameter distribution. While this form of silviculture can create high-quality, shade-tolerant trees, it can also create stands that lack diversity of both structure and function. Increasingly, foresters are looking to manage northern hardwood stands for greater diversity and increased resilience to stressors such as climate or insect outbreaks. Using group selection and modified-shelterwood silvicultural systems to increase diversity of structure and function have been proposed for northern hardwood stands, but few studies of these systems exist. In 2007, three northern hardwood stands across Wisconsin were selected to compare tree regeneration outcomes from group selection, modified-shelterwood, and single-tree selection treatments. At 10 years post-harvest, tree regeneration results highlight correlations of stocking success and the size, composition, and abundance of advance regeneration at the time of harvest. Overall, the results underscore the importance of stand assessment, including the advance regeneration conditions in concordance with desired future condition of the regeneration layer, in selecting the appropriate silvicultural technique and attaining stand diversity objectives and goals. Presented by Laura Reuling, University of Minnesota, at the 2019 SAF National Convention, Louisville, KY.
Crown and Stem Form of Regeneration Improves with Reduced Deer Pressure
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
Forests worldwide are facing a variety of stressors that impact the diversity, quantity and quality of their natural resource stocks. Overabundant white-tailed deer and forest harvesting legacies are two key factors affecting America’s northern hardwood forests. Our field experiment in a mature second-growth stand demonstrated that white-tailed deer exclusion and the creation of canopy gaps were effective treatments for combating low abundance and species richness in the tree regeneration layer. However, we still knew little about how deer pressure and canopy conditions affected the quality of individual trees. Thus, we assessed the stem and crown forms of seedlings (30 cm tall < 0.5 cm DBH), and the stem form of saplings (0.5 < 10 cm DBH). We focused on less shade tolerant species including ash (Fraxinus spp.), bitternut hickory (Carya cordiformis) and yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), which are promoted through the creation of large canopy gaps (group selection) in closed canopy maple (Acer spp.)-dominated forests. As expected, seedlings accessible to deer averaged lower quality crowns than those protected within fences. However, we saw no overall differences in seedling crown form with canopy condition, and seedling stems did not differ between deer or canopy treatments (from closed canopy to 380 m2 gaps). In the sapling layer, we found a greater proportion of trees with straight stems inside versus outside exclosures, especially among ash. Given the length of the experiment, many of our seedlings may have germinated after treatments were applied but the majority of the saplings were likely present in the understory as advanced regeneration since treatments were established. Our research demonstrates that deer management is a useful tool for encouraging the production of well-formed trees, that its utility varies by tree species, and that seedling quality might be a poor predictor of eventual sapling shape. Presented by Autumn Sabo, Penn State Beaver at the 2020 SAF Virtual Convention.
Effects of Management on Stand Structure and Understory Development in Lowland Conifer Forests in Minnesota
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
Lowland conifer forest types (mostly black spruce, Picea mariana, and tamarack, Larix laricina) make up approximately 3 million acres (17%) of Minnesota’s 16 million acres of forest land. These species are an important timber resource and black spruce is the second-most harvested pulpwood species (by volume) in the state. Minnesota’s lowland conifer forests also play an integral role in hydrology and water filtration as well as being home to rare and threatened wildlife and plant species. The effects of management on these unique and highly variable ecosystems are largely unknown, especially in Minnesota. Our research looks to explore how stand structure, understory shrubs, and the herbaceous community develop at different points in time after active management for three cover types within the lowland conifer system (productive black spruce, stagnant black spruce, and tamarack). We used a chronosequence approach, selecting stands in four age classes: less than 10 years old, 15-30 years old, 40-80 years old, and greater than 100 years old. By selecting four replicates of each cover type and age class combination, we created a network of 48 study sites across northern Minnesota. At each site, we evaluated overstory and understory stand structure, including spatial distribution, as well as the composition of the herbaceous layer. The differences in these structural and compositional elements will be compared among cover types as well as through time (via chronosequence) in order to understand the effects of past management on these unique systems and provide recommendations for management into the future. Presented by Laura Reuling, University of Minnesota at the 2020 SAF Virtual Convention.
Rehabilitating the Northern Forest for Economic and Climate Change Resilience
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
Recent research has shown that a history of exploitative harvesting practices has resulted in one-third of New Hampshire’s 4.8 million acres of forest existing in a “degraded” condition when considering commercial timber prospects. Private forest lands in particular have the most acreage in a degraded condition. For New Hampshire, the implications are great in terms of potential economic impact on the $2.8 billion forest-based timber and recreation industry. These degraded forests have a significantly reduced potential for producing valuable commercial timber products without silvicultural intervention in the near term. Additionally, these degraded forests could also lack the capacity to provide essential ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, may be more susceptible to forest health threats such as invasive species, and could be less resilient to the impacts of climate change. Silviculture with the specific objective of rehabilitating forest stands for economic, ecological, and climate resilience is necessary to overcome the widespread degradation that is now present in New Hampshire’s forests. The goal of this research is to define and test actionable pathways for foresters and landowners to achieve the rehabilitation of degraded forests. The objectives of rehabilitation are to: 1) improve the growth of acceptable growing stock; 2) increase the proportion of desirable species and; 3) increase stand value. The practical outcome provides guidance, now lacking, to forest managers on rehabilitating degraded forest stands to better provide ecological and economic benefits, including potential financial implications for landowners wishing to participate in regulatory or voluntary carbon offset markets. Presented by Jessica Charpentier, University of New Hampshire at the 2020 SAF Virtual Convention.
Six Decades of Financial Returns and Stand Dynamics in a Silviculture Experiment in Northern Hardwoods
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
The Cutting Methods Study at the Ford Forestry Center in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan was established in 1956 and has been continuously measured and maintained on a 10-year cycle, with the most recent harvest in 2018. The purpose of the study is to evaluate long-term financial returns, stand dynamics, and quality development in managed, sugar-maple dominated, northern hardwoods forests. The methods applied in the study consist of four different diameter limit and four single tree selection silvicultural treatments. Analysis of financial return and value among these treatments shows a 16 in. diameter limit cut and a selection cut to 50 sq. ft./ac residual basal area result in the greatest managed forest value, a measure of future returns and long-term viability in silvicultural systems. However, both the 12 in. and 16 in. diameter limit treatments resulted in the greatest net present value, evaluated at the beginning of the study period. In 2018 after 61 years of management, all four selection treatments had larger percentages of grade 1 sawtimber than the diameter limit treatments, with the 50 sq. ft./ac residual basal area selection treatment having the greatest percent increase of grade 1 sawlog trees over the study period. The same 50 sq.ft/ac treatment had a higher percentage of grade 1 and 2 sawlog trees than both the 70 and 90 sq. ft./ac residual selection treatments. As currently applied in the Lake States, most single-tree selection management follows the Arbogast (1957) guide with the recommendation to reduce basal area to around 90 sq. ft./ac. Recognizing that cutting to lower residual basal areas may provide greater financial returns and higher average quality could have implications for northern hardwood stands managed with single-tree selection. Presented by Maeve Draper, Michigan Technological University at the 2020 SAF Virtual Convention.
Changes in Forest Structure and Composition Over a Century of Urbanization and Development: Thain Family Forest, New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY
Select the "View Video" button to begin. | 26 minutes
Select the "View Video" button to begin. | 26 minutes
The 50-acre Thain Family Forest in NYC contains one of the oldest urban forest inventory datasets in the US. Our presentation highlights findings from our current study assessing the composition and structure of this forest over a century of growth and development. Presented by Eliot Nagele, The New York Botanical Garden at the 2022 SAF National Convention in Baltimore, MD.
Using a Multidisciplinary Approach to Increase Understanding of Lowland Conifer Systems in the Upper Great Lakes
Select the "View Video" button to begin. | 17 minutes
Select the "View Video" button to begin. | 17 minutes
We utilized a multidisciplinary framework to increase understanding of an understudied forest system: lowland conifer forests in the Lakes States. We explored how forest stand structure and composition, hydrology, and avian communities interact with each other and develop at different points in time after active management in these unique systems. Presented by Laura Reuling, University of Minnesota at the 2022 SAF National Convention in Baltimore, MD.
Monitoring Disturbance in the Northern Forest: Development of a Regional Change Detection and Attribution Tool
Select the "View Video" button to begin. | 22 minutes
Select the "View Video" button to begin. | 22 minutes
Landscape scale forest monitoring is essential for growing and sustaining forest's role as natural climate solutions, and these tools are underdeveloped for the Northern Forest. Our work seeks to create an efficient and accurate monitoring tool for identifying and attributing forest disturbance and its causal agents in the Northern Forest. Presented by Madeleine Desrochers, SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry at the 2022 SAF National Convention in Baltimore, MD.
Competing Vegetation Treatments Provide Little Short-Term Benefit in Northcentral Appalachian Forests
Select the "View Video" button to begin. | 23 minutes
Select the "View Video" button to begin. | 23 minutes
Across five commercial stands in central Pennsylvania, mowing and spraying herbicide were effective at reducing competing vegetation but did not stimulate tree seedling regeneration or increase understory species richness over two to four years. We will monitor for longer-term effects but may need to consider other limiting factors. Presented by Autumn Sabo, Penn State Beaver at the 2022 SAF National Convention in Baltimore, MD.
Modeling Potential Changes in Forest Wildlife Habitat from Planned Timber Harvesting on Minnesota DNR Lands
Select the "View Video" button to begin. | 23 minutes
Select the "View Video" button to begin. | 23 minutes
This presentation details the use of a large simulation effort to quantify the effects of planned sustainable timber harvesting by the Minnesota DNR over a 10-year horizon on forest wildlife habitat for 172 wildlife species in Minnesota. Presented by Tyler Gifford, University of Minnesota at the 2022 SAF National Convention in Baltimore, MD.
Foresters Approach to Sugarbush Management
Select the "View Video" button to begin. | 32 minutes
Select the "View Video" button to begin. | 32 minutes
This presentation includes results from a recent survey of professional foresters in the northeast U.S. and highlights their approaches and challenges to successful sugarbush management. Presented by Mark Isselhardt, University of Vermont Extension at the 2022 SAF National Convention in Baltimore, MD.
Evaluating Indicators for Forest Recovery on Disturbed Eastern Hardwood Sites
Select the "View Video" button to begin. | 24 minutes
Select the "View Video" button to begin. | 24 minutes
This presentation examines 7 factors of ecosystem structure and function, including, but not limited to, overstory regeneration, canopy cover, and decomposition rate. Each factor was examined for potential use as a metric for ecosystem health, function, and recovery on heavily disturbed eastern hardwood sites. Presented by Ian Kennedy, University of Tennessee, Knoxville at the 2023 SAF National Convention in Sacramento, CA.
Differences in Stand Dynamics Between Conventional Aspen and White Spruce-Aspen Mixedwood Forests in Northern Minnesota
Select the "View Video" button to begin. | 24 minutes
Select the "View Video" button to begin. | 24 minutes
In Northern Minnesota, interest in creating mixedwood forests is increasing due to their increased ecological resilience and economic benefits compared to monoculture stands. Analysis of white spruce (Picea glauca) and trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) mixedwood stands revealed differences in early growth dynamics of these ecosystem types. Presented by Chelsea Semper, University of Minnesota at the 2023 SAF National Convention in Sacramento, CA.
Forest Composition and Red Oak (Quercus sp.) Response to Elevation Gradients Across Managed Greentree Reservoirs
Select the "View Video" button to begin. | 21 minutes
Select the "View Video" button to begin. | 21 minutes
Green Tree Reservoirs provide ecosystem services as well as duck hunting opportunities and timber harvesting. By understanding forest composition, across elevation gradients, research outcomes can be provided to landowners to inform management decisions that will promote a healthy and sustainable Green Tree Reservoir in Arkansas and across the region. Presented by Cassandra Hug, University of Arkansas at Monticello - Monticello, AR at the 2023 SAF National Convention in Sacramento, CA.