Response of northwestern chipmunks (Tamias amoenus) to variable habitat structure in young lodgepole pine forest

2000 ◽  
Vol 78 (2) ◽  
pp. 283-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas P Sullivan ◽  
Walt Klenner
Keyword(s):  
Pinus Contorta ◽  
Habitat Structure ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Lodgepole Pine ◽  
Volume Index ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
South Central ◽  
Tamias Amoenus

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that large-scale habitat alteration by stand thinning over a range of densities would increase the abundance and related population dynamics of northwestern chipmunks (Tamias amoenus) in young lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) forest. Replicate study areas were located near Penticton, Kamloops, and Prince George in south-central British Columbia, Canada. Each study area had three stands thinned to densities of approximately 500 (low), 1000 (medium), and 2000 (high) stems/ha, with an unthinned young pine stand and an old-growth pine stand for comparison. Chipmunk populations were sampled intensively in thinned stands from 1989 to 1991 and in the unthinned and old-growth stands from 1990 to 1991. Habitat structure was sampled in all stands in 1990. For herbs and shrubs, the crown volume index values were similar among stands; for trees, this index was lowest for the low-density stands, with the index for all three thinned stands being lower than that for the unthinned stands. Species diversity and the structural diversity of vegetation were similar among stands. The abundance of chipmunks was significantly higher in low-density than in high-density thinned stands at Penticton (1.3-1.9 times higher) and Prince George (2.4-3.8 times higher) but not at Kamloops. Chipmunks were less abundant in old-growth stands than in the other four treatment stands. Breeding performance and recruitment followed the same pattern as abundance. Chipmunk survival was generally similar among stands. There were heavier chipmunks in the low-density stands in some years at Penticton. Northwestern chipmunks appear to prefer "open" habitats generated by heavy thinning of young lodgepole pine stands. This result was achieved in three different forest ecological zones and may enhance the overall forest ecosystem.

Influence of repeated fertilization on forest ecosystems: relative habitat use by snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus)

2006 ◽  
Vol 36 (9) ◽  
pp. 2080-2089 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas P Sullivan ◽  
Druscilla S Sullivan ◽  
Pontus MF Lindgren ◽  
Douglas B Ransome
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Pinus Contorta ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Lodgepole Pine ◽  
Structural Diversity ◽  
Lepus Americanus ◽  
Volume Index ◽  
South Central ◽  
Crown Volume ◽  
Snowshoe Hares

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that large-scale precommercial thinning (PCT) and repeated fertilization of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. var. latifolia Engelm.) would enhance relative habitat use by snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus Erxleben) in managed stands. Study areas were located near Summerland, Kelowna, and Williams Lake in south-central British Columbia, Canada. Each study area had nine treatments: four pairs of stands thinned to densities of 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 stems/ha, with one stand of each pair fertilized five times at 2-year intervals, and an unthinned stand. Understory vegetation and relative habitat use by snowshoe hares were measured annually from 1999 to 2003, 6–10 years after the onset of treatments. Mean crown volume index of herbs was significantly higher in fertilized than unfertilized stands, but density had no effect. Shrub volume was not affected by either treatment. Mean crown volume index of trees was significantly greater in the fertilized and high-density stands. Mean total richness of vascular plants was significantly reduced by fertilization. Mean total structural diversity of vegetation was highest in the low-density stands but was not affected by fertilization. Relative habitat use by hares, based on fecal pellet counts, was highest in the 2000 stems/ha and unthinned stands in summer. This pattern also occurred in winter when hare use was higher in fertilized than unfertilized stands. Overall, fertilized 2000 stems/ha stands provided habitat for hares to a degree comparable with unthinned stands of lodgepole pine.

Influence of repeated fertilization on forest ecosystems: relative habitat use by mule deer and moose

2006 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 1395-1406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas P Sullivan ◽  
Druscilla S Sullivan ◽  
Pontus M.F Lindgren ◽  
Douglas B Ransome
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Pinus Contorta ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Lodgepole Pine ◽  
Mule Deer ◽  
Odocoileus Hemionus ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Winter Habitat ◽  
South Central ◽  
Mature Stands

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that large-scale precommercial thinning (PCT) and repeated fertilization of young lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. var. latifolia Engelm.) stands would enhance relative habitat use by mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus Rafinesque) and moose (Alces alces L.) in summer and winter periods, compared to that in mature and old-growth stands. Replicate study areas were located near Summerland, Kelowna, and Williams Lake in south central British Columbia, Canada. Each study area had a range of PCT densities, with and without fertilization, and mature and old-growth stands. Habitat use in summer and winter was measured by pellet-group counts of deer and moose from 1999 to 2003, 6–10 years after the onset of treatments. During summer months, habitat use by deer was enhanced by PCT with fertilization, and the 1000 stems/ha fertilized stands experienced greater use than the unthinned or mature stands. Winter habitat use by deer was similar in the 1000 stems/ha fertilized stands and old-growth stands. In both summer and winter, moose preferred fertilized to unfertilized stands and low-density to high-density stands. Intensive management of young lodgepole pine forests has considerable potential to develop summer and winter ranges for these ungulates.

scholarly journals Long-term influence of stand thinning and repeated fertilization on forage production in young lodgepole pine forests

2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (8) ◽  
pp. 1123-1130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pontus M.F. Lindgren ◽  
Thomas P. Sullivan ◽  
Douglas B. Ransome ◽  
Druscilla S. Sullivan ◽  
Lisa Zabek
Keyword(s):  
Pinus Contorta ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Bos Taurus ◽  
Lodgepole Pine ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Stand Age ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
South Central ◽  
Stand Thinning

Integration of trees with forage and livestock production as silvopastoralism is another potential component of intensive forest management. Stand thinning and fertilization may enhance growth of crop trees and understory forage for livestock. We tested the hypothesis that large-scale precommercial thinning (PCT) (particularly heavy thinning to ≤1000 stems·ha−1) and repeated fertilization, up to 20 years after the onset of treatments, would enhance production of graminoids, forbs, and shrubs as cattle (Bos taurus L.) forage. Results are from two long-term studies: (1) PCT (1988–2013) and (2) PCT with fertilization (PCT–FERT) (1993–2013) of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. var. latifolia Engelm.) stands in south-central British Columbia, Canada. Mean biomass estimates of graminoids, forbs, total herbs, and shrubs were not affected by stand density. However, fertilization enhanced mean biomass estimates of graminoids, forbs, and total herbs, but not shrubs. Thus, the density part of our hypothesis was not supported, but the nutrient addition part was supported at least for the herbaceous components. Biomass of the herbaceous understory was maintained as a silvopasture component for up to 20 years (stand age 13 to 33 years) in fertilized heavily thinned stands prior to canopy closure.

Long-term responses of mammalian herbivores to stand thinning and fertilization in young lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) forest

2010 ◽  
Vol 40 (12) ◽  
pp. 2302-2312 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas P. Sullivan ◽  
Druscilla S. Sullivan ◽  
Pontus M.F. Lindgren ◽  
Douglas B. Ransome
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Pinus Contorta ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Stand Structure ◽  
Lodgepole Pine ◽  
South Central ◽  
Commercial Thinning ◽  
Snowshoe Hares ◽  
Understory Shrubs

Snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus Exrleben, 1777), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus (Rafinesque, 1817)), and moose (Alces alces (L., 1758)) commonly occur in young coniferous forests. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that large-scale pre-commercial thinning (PCT) and repeated fertilization 15–20 years after the onset of treatments in young lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engelm. ex S. Wats.) stands would enhance relative habitat use by hares, deer, and moose compared with unmanaged stands. Study areas were located in south-central British Columbia, Canada. Habitat use was measured by fecal pellet and pellet-group counts. Understory vegetation and coniferous stand structure were measured in all stands. Habitat use by deer and moose was highest in heavily thinned stands, probably due to the higher levels of forage and cover provided by understory shrubs and conifers in thinned stands. Habitat use by snowshoe hares was highest in high-density stands, but also in lower-density (≤1000 stems·ha–1) stands where an increase in understory conifers provided essential cover for hares. Managers should consider the long-term nature of understory development in young stands managed for timber production. Heavy thinning (≤1000 stems·ha–1) will generate suitable understory habitat for these herbivores sooner than conventional PCT at higher stand densities.

scholarly journals Silviculture and Wildlife: Snowshoe Hare Abundance across a Successional Sequence of Natural and Intensively Managed Forests

ISRN Ecology ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas P. Sullivan ◽  
Druscilla S. Sullivan ◽  
Pontus M. F. Lindgren ◽  
Douglas B. Ransome
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Pinus Contorta ◽  
Stand Structure ◽  
Lodgepole Pine ◽  
Bimodal Distribution ◽  
Managed Forests ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
South Central ◽  
Intensively Managed ◽  
Stand Attributes

We tested the hypotheses H1 that relative habitat use by snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) would have a bimodal distribution with the highest abundance in young lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) stands (both managed and unmanaged), minimal numbers in mature forests, and moderate abundance in old-growth forests and H2 that habitat use would increase in response to enhanced stand attributes from PCT (precommercial thinning) and fertilization treatments. Habitat use was measured by counts of fecal pellets of hares from 1999 to 2003 in forest stands in south-central British Columbia, Canada. Our results did not support the bimodal distribution of hares among coniferous stands, such that old-growth stands, at least in our region, do not provide sufficient habitat for hare populations. High-density (5000 to 13000 stems/ha) unthinned young lodgepole pine stands provide optimum habitat for hares in terms of overstory and stand structure. Thinned and fertilized stands may also provide habitat, particularly at densities ≤1000 stems/ha, and over time as understory conifers develop. Managed stands provided habitat for hares at the same level as mature stands, at 6–10 years after PCT. Maintenance of a range of managed and unmanaged stands in a landscape mosaic would be ideal for integration of silvicultural and wildlife management goals.

Plant community attributes 12 to 14 years following precommercial thinning in a young lodgepole pine forest

2006 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
P M.F Lindgren ◽  
D B Ransome ◽  
D S Sullivan ◽  
T P Sullivan
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Plant Community ◽  
Pinus Contorta ◽  
Lodgepole Pine ◽  
Structural Diversity ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Precommercial Thinning ◽  
Tree Layer ◽  
Moss Layer ◽  
Pine Stands

We investigated plant community responses (abundance, species diversity, and structural diversity) to a range of precommercial thinning densities in young lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. var. latifolia Engelm.) stands 12 to 14 years after thinning, with both unthinned and old-growth stands for comparison. Abundance of understory plants, especially herbs, appeared to increase dramatically in the thinned stands. The moss layer was significantly more abundant in old-growth stands than in the young pine stands. Of a total of 108 species sampled, only three were introduced species, all of which occurred more frequently in the low-density stands than in any of the other stands. Thinning treatments appeared to increase the abundance of late-seral species. Our results suggest that by disrupting canopy closure, thinning decreased the dominance of tall trees and increased the abundance of herbs, shrubs, and trees in the understory height classes. As a result, thinning to low densities significantly increased the structural richness of the tree layer and caused an increase in total structural diversity, which, although only marginally significant (p = 0.06), was likely biologically important. Our results suggest that thinning will enhance the abundance, species diversity, and structural diversity of the plant community 12 to 14 years postthinning.

A New Formulation and Reduced Rates of Carbary for Protecting Lodgepole Pine from Mountain Pine Beetle Attack

1987 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 114-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick J. Shea ◽  
Mark McGregor
Keyword(s):  
Pinus Contorta ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Mountain Pine Beetle ◽  
Lodgepole Pine ◽  
Mountain Pine ◽  
Pine Beetle ◽  
Pine Trees ◽  
Large Scale Field ◽  
Lodgepole Pines ◽  
New Formulation

Abstract A large-scale field experiment was conducted on the Flathead National Forest, Montana, to evaluate the efficacy of 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% formulations of Sevimol® and Sevin brand XLR® for protecting individual lodgepole pines (Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engelm.) from attack by mountain pine beetles (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopk.). All concentrations and formulations were highly effective (>95%) in protecting lodgepole pine trees from lethal attack by mountain pine beetle for 1 year, and the 1% and 2% concentrations were effective (>90%) for 2 years. West. J. Appl. For. 2(4):114-116, October 1987

Planting stock performance: Site and RGP effects

1995 ◽  
Vol 71 (6) ◽  
pp. 739-742 ◽  
Author(s):  
David G. Simpson ◽  
Alan Vyse
Keyword(s):  
Root Growth ◽  
Picea Glauca ◽  
Pinus Contorta ◽  
Lodgepole Pine ◽  
Field Performance ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Growth Potential ◽  
Root Growth Potential ◽  
South Central ◽  
Interior Spruce

Douglas-fir [Pseudotsuga menziesii var glauca (Beissn.) Franco], interior spruce [Picea glauca Moench (Voss), Picea engelmannii (Parry) and their naturally occurring hybrids] and lodge-pole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl.) seedlings were planted on several forest sites in south central British Columbia. At planting, root growth potential (number of newly elongated roots longer than 10 mm per seedling) was determined. Trees were assessed for survival and height for at least five years. Survival of Douglas-fir and growth of all three species was affected by planting site, probably reflecting moisture and growing season temperature differences among sites. High (> 70%) survival, but not total height or mean annual relative growth rate was associated with root growth potential levels greater than 10 new roots per seedling in interior spruce and lodgepole pine. Survival and growth of Douglas-fir were not related to root growth potential. Fertilization of interior spruce seedlings at planting decreased survival 18% over seven growing seasons, and did not affect growth of surviving seedlings. Key words: reforestation, root growth potential, seedling quality, Douglas-fir, interior spruce, lodgepole pine, field performance

Selection for height growth and Pilodyn pin penetration in lodgepole pine: effects on growth traits, wood properties, and their relationships

1999 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 434-445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tongli Wang ◽  
Sally N Aitken ◽  
Philippe Rozenberg ◽  
Michael R Carlson
Keyword(s):  
Wood Density ◽  
Pinus Contorta ◽  
Growth Traits ◽  
Lodgepole Pine ◽  
Large Diameter ◽  
Wood Properties ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Stem Volume ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Selection For

The effects of selection using indices of height growth and wood density based on Pilodyn pin penetration (PIN) and the relationships among growth traits and wood properties were investigated in lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. var. latifolia Engelm.). Four subpopulations were constructed by selecting 10 open-pollinated families in each of four categories: (i) fast height growth and high wood density, (ii) slow height growth and high density, (iii) fast height growth and low density, and (iv) slow height growth and low density. Eleven-year growth, PIN, and wood-density traits generated from X-ray densitometry were analyzed. We found that selection of subpopulations using indices of height and PIN resulted in significant differences among subpopulations in most growth and wood-density parameters. However, PIN underestimated the wood density of families with large diameter. Disk density was found to be moderately negatively correlated with diameter growth, weakly negatively correlated with stem volume, but not significantly correlated with height. Selection for latewood proportion to improve wood density in lodgepole pine is likely to result in a reduction in growth and biomass production; however, selection for total latewood volume or simply height has the potential to increase both growth and wood density.

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