scholarly journals Influence of Forest Management and Sylvicultural Treatments on Abundance of Snags and Tree Cavities in Mountain Mixed Beech Forests

Environments ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 55
Author(s):  
Farzam Tavankar ◽  
Francesco Latterini ◽  
Mehrdad Nikooy ◽  
Rachele Venanzi ◽  
Ramin Naghdi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Forest Management ◽  
Species Diversity ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Beech Forests ◽  
Single Tree ◽  
Hyrcanian Forests ◽  
Tree Cavities ◽  
Single Tree Selection

In this study the influence of forest management on the characteristics of snags and tree cavities in the Hyrcanian forests of Iran was investigated. In particular, the effect of two sylvicultural treatments (shelter wood and single-tree selection) was assessed in comparison to protected stands. The abundance, diameter, height, and degree of decay of snag species, and the characteristics of birds excavated and natural cavities (number and height from the ground level) were measured by systematic plots in each stand. The results showed that the abundance, species diversity, and size of snags in both of the sylvicultural treatments were significantly lower than the protected stands. The number of birds excavated and natural cavities on thicker snags with moderate decay was significantly higher than other decay classes. Abundance, species diversity, size of snags, and number of tree cavities in the single-tree selection stands were significantly higher than sheltered-wood stands.

scholarly journals Preferences for Northern Hardwood Silviculture among Family Forest Owners in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander C Helman ◽  
Matthew C Kelly ◽  
Mark D Rouleau ◽  
Yvette L Dickinson
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Hardwood Forests ◽  
Family Forest Owners ◽  
Forest Owners ◽  
Upper Peninsula ◽  
Northern Hardwood Forests ◽  
Family Forest ◽  
Northern Hardwood ◽  
Single Tree ◽  
Single Tree Selection

Abstract Managing northern hardwood forests using high-frequency, low-intensity regimes, such as single-tree selection, favors shade-tolerant species and can reduce tree species diversity. Management decisions among family forest owners (FFO) can collectively affect species and structural diversity within northern hardwood forests at regional scales. We surveyed FFOs in the Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan to understand likely future use of three silvicultural treatments—single-tree selection, shelterwood, and clearcut. Our results indicate that FFOs were most likely to implement single-tree selection and least likely to implement clearcut within the next 10 years. According to logistic regression, prior use of a treatment and perceived financial benefits significantly increased the odds for likely use for all three treatments. Having received professional forestry assistance increased likely use of single-tree selection but decreased likely use of shelterwood. We discuss these results within the context of species diversity among northern hardwood forests throughout the region.

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

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

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

scholarly journals Effects of mixed beech and hornbeam stands on soil properties and plant species diversity indices in Hyrcanian forests of Iran

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Simin Marefat ◽  
Javad Eshaghi Rad ◽  
Ameneh Khanalizadeh
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Forest Management ◽  
Species Diversity ◽  
Species Composition ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Environmental Variables ◽  
Herb Layer ◽  
Hyrcanian Forests ◽  
Tree Layer ◽  
Layer Composition

Revealing the effect of mixed beech and hornbeam stands on herb layer diversity is essential for sustainable forestry and biodiversity conservation since little is known in Hyrcanian forests. So, we studied the effects of such stands on understory diversity and soil physico-chemical properties in Hyrcanian forests of Iran. Forty sampled plots were established by random systematic sampling method with a regular 100 m × 200 m grid. At each sample point we recorded species identity and percent cover of each tree layer and herb layer species within plots of size 400 m2 (20 m × 20 m) and 100 m2 (10 m ×10 m) respectively. Soil samples were taken from 0 cm -10 cm and 10 cm - 30 cm soil depths. Cluster analysis was used to classify the samples based on the floristic composition data. Also detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) method was employed to assess the relationship between vegetation and environmental variables. There was no significant difference in terms of species richness, and diversity between mixed beech stands and hornbeam stands, but cluster analysis indicated that these stands were separated in two different groups based on herb layer species composition. DCA results showed that litter thickness, soil texture, total nitrogen, and organic carbon in the first layer were considered effective environmental variables in the distribution of sample plots in two stands. We observed that tree layer composition and soil characteristics were crucial contributors to variations of understory species composition which may be changed by forest management approaches over time. Tree layer composition and soil attributes can be considered effective factors for controlling and assessment of understory plant species composition. These findings could provide guidelines for conserving plant species diversity within any framework of sustainable forest management in Hyrcanian forests.

Influence of temperature on maternity roost selection by noctule bats (Nyctalus noctula) and Leisler’s bats (N. leisleri) in Białowieża Primeval Forest, Poland

2006 ◽  
Vol 84 (6) ◽  
pp. 900-907 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ireneusz Ruczyński
Keyword(s):  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Data Logger ◽  
Primeval Forest ◽  
Tree Cavities ◽  
Roost Selection ◽  
Pregnancy And Lactation ◽  
Maximum Temperatures ◽  
Białowieża Primeval Forest ◽  
Nyctalus Noctula

This study tests whether the temperature of tree cavities determines their selection by bats in Białowieża Primeval Forest (BPF), eastern Poland. Using a data logger, I simultaneously measured the temperature in cavities selected by bats as roosts and the temperature in available but unselected cavities. The maternity roosts chosen by noctule bats, Nyctalus noctula (Schreber, 1774), and Leisler’s bats, N. leisleri (Kuhl, 1817), during late pregnancy and lactation were warmer than unoccupied cavities, but temperature ranges in the two types of cavity did not differ. A logistic regression model showed that the mean cavity temperature during the night (2200–0400) and the minimum cavity temperature over a 24 h period were crucial for roost selection. This suggests that female noctule and Leisler’s bats selected roosts that promoted juvenile growth and used tree cavities that could save them energy while they were active because the cavity temperatures were close to the lower critical temperature of their thermoneutral zone. I also suggest that selection of warmer cavities minimized the bats' energy expenditure prior to emergence from the roost and that passive rewarming inside the cavity was an important factor in minimizing energetic costs of roosting by bats in BPF. Mean and maximum temperatures recorded near tree trunks increased with the height at which the temperature was measured (ground level, 10, 20, and 30 m), suggesting that bats can gain thermal benefits from insolation of the trunk by selecting highly placed cavities, as was observed in BPF.

scholarly journals Brown Creeper (Certhia americana) demographic response to hardwood forests managed under the selection system

2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 499-507 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel M. Geleynse ◽  
Erica Nol ◽  
Dawn M. Burke ◽  
Ken A. Elliott
Keyword(s):  
Site Selection ◽  
Group Selection ◽  
Nest Survival ◽  
Forested Wetlands ◽  
Timing Of Breeding ◽  
Yellow Birch ◽  
Single Tree ◽  
Single Tree Selection ◽  
Foraging Site ◽  
Brown Creeper

The Brown Creeper (Certhia americana Bonaparte, 1838) has been identified as one of the most sensitive passerines to partial forest harvest in North America. The effect of selection logging on Brown Creeper density, nest timing, nest survival, and nest and foraging site selection was examined in five silviculture treatments (intensive group selection, typical group selection, old single-tree selection, recent single-tree selection, and control forests) of Algonquin Provincial Park, Canada. As Brown Creeper nests under the bark of large, decaying trees, we hypothesized that Brown Creeper density, timing of breeding, nest survival, and nest and foraging site selection would be negatively affected by silviculture through the removal of large, decaying trees as part of providing safe conditions for loggers. We monitored 101 nests of Brown Creeper during the 2010 and 2011 breeding seasons, mapped territories to estimate density, and conducted foraging surveys. Brown Creeper density was reduced by about 42% in logged stands compared with control stands. Despite that, silviculture did not significantly alter timing of breeding or nest survival. However, the loss of large trees through partial harvesting meant that Brown Creeper nested closer to adjacent, small forested wetlands and often in balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) in treated stands. In control stands, Brown Creeper nested further from forested wetlands, disproportionately in greater numbers in upland hardwoods, and preferentially in the bark of snags of yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britton). The change in the species of tree used for nesting and the general forest type as a result of logging also resulted in consequences for the selection of foraging substrates. To maintain higher densities of Brown Creeper in logged stands in Algonquin Park, we recommend retaining larger diameter yellow birch, both snags and live trees, preferably within strategically located uncut reserves based on habitat supply planning, that maintains patches roughly the size of Brown Creeper territories (10 ha).

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

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

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

Plant Community Structure and Composition in Uneven-aged Stands of Loblolly-Shortleaf Pine at Four Basal Area Levels

1995 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 84-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip A. Tappe ◽  
Michael D. Cain ◽  
T. Bently Wigley ◽  
Derik J. Reed
Keyword(s):  
Community Structure ◽  
Plant Community ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Plant Community Structure ◽  
Shortleaf Pine ◽  
Single Tree ◽  
Single Tree Selection ◽  
Four Levels

Abstract The effects of overstory pine basal area on plant community structure and composition were assessed in uneven-aged stands of loblolly and shortleaf pines (Pinus taedaL. and P. echinata Mill.) in southern Arkansas. Basal area treatments were 40, 60, 80, and 100 ft2/ac for the merchantable pine component (>3.5 in. dbh) and were maintained on a 6 yr cutting cycle using single-tree selection. Assessments of plant communities were made 10 yr after a single hardwood control treatment. The four levels of pine basal area had no effect on percent ground cover of most plants <3 ft tall, but ground cover from graminoids decreased as pine basal area increased. Vertical cover above loft height increased 33% as overstory basal area increased from 40 to 100 ft2/ac, but basal area had no effect on horizontal cover in height zones between 0 and 10ft. It is concluded that uneven-aged stands of loblolly-shortleaf pine with merchantable basal areas of from 40 to 100 ft²/ac may support similar plant species in the understory and consequently probably provide similar habitat requirements for a variety of game and nongame wildlife. South. J. Appl. For. 19(2):84-88.

A 10-Year Evaluation of Prescribed Winter Burns in Uneven-Aged Stands of Pinus-Taeda L and P. Echinata Mill - Woody Understorey Vegetation Response

1993 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
MD Cain
Keyword(s):  
Pinus Taeda ◽  
Prescribed Burning ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Vegetation Response ◽  
Understorey Vegetation ◽  
Single Tree ◽  
Pine Regeneration ◽  
Single Tree Selection ◽  
Pinus Taeda L

The effects of burning cycles and pine basal area levels were assessed on natural pine regeneration and hardwood development in uneven-aged stands of loblolly and shortleaf pines (Pinus taeda L. and P. echinata Mill.). The treatments included an unburned control and prescribed winter burns at 3-, 6-, and 9-yr intervals. Basal area treatments were 9, 14, 18, and 23 m2 ha-1 for the merchantable-pine component and were maintained on a 6-yr cutting cycle using single-tree selection. Ten years after the study was initiated, density and quadrat stocking of pine regeneration were negatively correlated with overstorey basal area. The 6-yr burning cycle had higher pine density and better quadrat stocking of pine regeneration compared with any other bum treatment mainly because the 6-yr burning cycle coincided with a bumper pine seedcrop and the 6-yr cutting cycle. Recurring fires tended to result in reduced size of hardwood competition but had less impact on hardwood density. When considering a prescribed burning program in uneven-aged stands of loblolly and shortleaf pines, more attention should be given to density, quadrat stocking, and size of established pine regeneration and to expected seedcrops rather than to the prosecution of rigid burning schedules.

scholarly journals Does scientific forest management promote plant species diversity and regeneration in Sal (Shorea robusta) forest? A case study from Lumbini collaborative forest, Rupandehi, Nepal

2015 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Awasthi ◽  
S. K. Bhandari ◽  
Y. Khanal
Keyword(s):  
Forest Management ◽  
Species Diversity ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Plant Species Diversity ◽  
Natural Forests ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Shorea Robusta ◽  
Sal Forest

Scientific forest management is an emerging need for managing existing natural forests of Nepal on the basis of silvicultural intervention. The study was carried out in Lumbini Collaborative Forest at Rupandehi District of Nepal, where Sal (Shorea robusta) forests are being managed under Irregular Shelterwood System with eighty years of cutting cycle since 2011–2012. The study was purposed to find out the intial effects of silvicultural intervention on plant species diversity and regeneration of Sal forest. The vegetative sampling was done using quadrate method based on the principle of simple random sampling both in the managed as well as the unmanaged parts of forest. The study found out remarkable increase in regeneration as well as decrease in plant diversity in the managed first and second-year stands (Block I and Block II respectively) as compared to the unmanaged stand (Block III) at its initial level of implementation. The mean value of diversity, richness, evenness, dominance index and regeneration of S. robusta varied significantly (p?0.05) between the managed blocks (stands). The seedling density of S. robusta was found higher in the managed blocks (Block I and Block II) as compared to the unmanaged one (Block III) in terms of height class. The study recommends implementation of Irregular Shelterwood System for managing the existing degraded Sal forests of the Terai region of Nepal, however, its long term effects on plant species diversity should be further studied in detail.Banko Janakari, A Journal of Forestry Information for NepalVol. 25, No. 1Page: 20-29

scholarly journals Spectral Heterogeneity Predicts Local-Scale Gamma and Beta Diversity of Mesic Grasslands

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 458 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Polley ◽  
Chenghai Yang ◽  
Brian Wilsey ◽  
Philip Fay
Keyword(s):  
Optical Properties ◽  
Species Diversity ◽  
Spatial Heterogeneity ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Silty Clay ◽  
Least Squares Regression ◽  
Β Diversity

Plant species diversity is an important metric of ecosystem functioning, but field assessments of diversity are constrained in number and spatial extent by labor and other expenses. We tested the utility of using spatial heterogeneity in the remotely-sensed reflectance spectrum of grassland canopies to model both spatial turnover in species composition and abundances (β diversity) and species diversity at aggregate spatial scales (γ diversity). Shannon indices of γ and β diversity were calculated from field measurements of the number and relative abundances of plant species at each of two spatial grains (0.45 m2 and 35.2 m2) in mesic grasslands in central Texas, USA. Spectral signatures of reflected radiation at each grain were measured from ground-level or an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Partial least squares regression (PLSR) models explained 59–85% of variance in γ diversity and 68–79% of variance in β diversity using spatial heterogeneity in canopy optical properties. Variation in both γ and β diversity were associated most strongly with heterogeneity in reflectance in blue (350–370 nm), red (660–770 nm), and near infrared (810–1050 nm) wavebands. Modeled diversity was more sensitive by a factor of three to a given level of spectral heterogeneity when derived from data collected at the small than larger spatial grain. As estimated from calibrated PLSR models, β diversity was greater, but γ diversity was smaller for restored grassland on a lowland clay than upland silty clay soil. Both γ and β diversity of grassland can be modeled by using spatial heterogeneity in vegetation optical properties provided that the grain of reflectance measurements is conserved.

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