bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inventory of Wood Residues in Southern West Virginia
Authors: Grushecky Shawn T. , McGill David W. , Bruce Anderson R.
Published: August 2019

Logging residues were inventoried in a 14-county region of southern West Virginia during the summer of 2002. A total of 70 sites that were harvested in 2000–2001 were sampled. The average overall weight of wood residue left after harvest in the region was 10.4 tons per acre (T/ac). Oak (Quercus spp.) was the most prevalent species group by weight, averaging 5.0 T/ac over the study area. Miscellaneous hardwoods, yellow-poplar, and maple species (Acer spp.) followed the oaks with 2.7, 1.2, and 1.2 T/ac, respectively. The average large-end and small-end diameter of the pieces measured on intensive lines was 9.2 and 4.9 in., respectively. The average length of all logging residue was 20.4 ft. Wood residue loads after timber harvesting in West Virginia continue to be substantial. Although yellow-poplar and other soft hardwood residues alone do not provide an adequate fiber resource to supply new engineered wood products facilities, these residues can supplement current needs. Attention should be given toward increasing the use of these residues in West Virginia, especially in attracting industry that can use oak and mixed hardwood logging residues in a sustainable fashion.
Dynamics of American Beech Regeneration 10 Years following Harvesting in a Beech Bark Disease-Affected Stand in Maine
Authors: Farrar Amanda , Ostrofsky William D.
Published: August 2019

Root sprouting following harvesting of American beech has resulted in the development of dense, slow-growing thickets in many stands throughout Maine and the northeastern United States. The problem is compounded by the presence of beech bark disease, as most sprouts arise from roots of disease-susceptible genotypes. Ten-year post-harvest regeneration conditions were examined in a central Maine beech stand harvested in both winter and summer with partial cutting and clearcuts. Initially, sprouts in winter cuts survived longer than those in summer cuts. After 10 years, we found that beech regeneration survival in the winter treatments continued to be higher than in the summer treatments. Disease-resistant American beech of high vigor left in clearcuts without the protection of surrounding trees were highly susceptible to decline and death from exposure. Leaving a small buffer of unharvested trees around resistant beech is recommended.
When Is Pin Cherry (Prunus pensylvanica L.) a Problem in Allegheny Hardwoods?
Authors: Ristau Todd E. , Horsley Stephen B.
Published: August 2019

Pin cherry (Prunus pensylvanica L.) has important effects on early stand development when it occurs at high densities. We used data describing the first 15 years of stand development in eight clearcuts and used plots that had at least 25 black cherry or 100 desirable seedlings at age 3, as well as different levels of pin cherry stocking. Our findings identified seven pin cherry >5 ft tall at age 3 on 6-ft-radius plots as the threshold for negative effects on stocking of seedling-origin trees of desirable species at age 15. We incorporated these finding into the regeneration followup chart used as part of the Silviculture of Allegheny Hardwoods (SILVAH) decision support framework. Of eight stands used in this study, four had a pin cherry interference problem, and four did not. By age 15, there were one-third as many desirable seedling-origin stems, mostly black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.), in stands with pin cherry above the critical threshold density. We suggest some silvicultural options for addressing the problem.
Forestland Parcelization in Upstate New York Despite Economic Stagnation and a Declining Population
Authors: Germain René H. , Brazill Kevin , Stehman Stephen V.
Published: August 2019

Nonindustrial private forestlands (NIPFs) account for a majority of the forested working landscape in the eastern United States. Throughout the United States, NIPF average ownership sizes continue to decline. Smaller parcel sizes create declining economies of scale for forest managersand timber harvesters, threatening the viability of the forested working landscape and, in turn, wood supply. This study documents the parcelization of NIPF holdings in a central New York State county during the last 25 years of the 20th century. The findings indicate the average parcel sizeof NIPFs decreased from 36 to 24 ac over the study period, despite a decline in population in the county. Although average parcel size is declining, a large percentage of the rural forestland remains in acreage classes suitable for forest management, as long as the forest products industrycan adapt to changes on the landscape. North. J. Appl. For. 23(4):280–287.
The Combined Effects of Defoliation and Modified Timber Stand Improvement on Hardwoods in the Tug Hill Region of New York
Authors: Wink Robert A. , Allen Douglas C.
Published: August 2019

A 2×2 factorial analysis of variance was used to assess the combined effects of defoliation by forest tent caterpillar, Malacosoma disstria (Hub.), that occurred from 1991 through 1993 and concurrent modified timber stand improvement (TSI) treatments on sugar maple [Acersaccharum (Marsh.)] and black cherry [Prunus serotina (Erhr.)] in the Tug Hill region of New York state. Defoliation significantly reduced growth of both overstory sugar maple and black cherry. Defoliation significantly increased both mortality and crown dieback ofoverstory sugar maple. TSI treatments made during the outbreak significantly increased mortality and crown dieback of suppressed sugar maple. Defoliated stands where TSI occurred had lower mortality of overstory sugar maple, and residual overstory sugar maple recovered more rapidly from defoliationcompared with untreated defoliated stands. For the first time, red maple (Acer rubrum L.) is reported as a host for forest tent caterpillar.
Characterizing Canopy Fuels to Predict Fire Behavior in Pitch Pine Stands
Authors: Duveneck Matthew J. , Patterson William A.
Published: August 2019

Destructive sampling of 31 pitch pine (Pinus rigida P. Mill) trees ranging in dbh from 2.7 to 42.5 cm and in height from 4.1 to 23.8 m provided a complete inventory of needles and small-diameter branch weights used to characterize canopy fuels to predict fire behavior in pitch pine stands. Regression equations using dbh as an independent variable predict canopy bulk density with an r2 > 0.93. The results provide managers with a method of evaluating the effectiveness of thinning operations in reducing crown fire potential in well-stocked stands. To demonstrate the application of the method, we calculated the wind speed (Crowning Index [CI]) needed to sustain an active crown fire in thinned and unthinned pitch pine stands in Montague, Massachusetts. Thinning to 2.8 m2/ha basal area increased the CI from 34 to 98 km/hour.
Plant Abundances after Clearcutting and Stripcutting in Central Labrador
Authors: Elson Leanne T. , Simon Neal P.P.
Published: August 2019

We compared plant abundances between clearcuts (n = 10) and stripcuts (n = 6) on former Picea mariana sites harvested in the mid-1970s and mid-1990s in central Labrador, Newfoundland, and Labrador, Canada. Redundancy analysis (RDA) found logging methodsan important determinant of conifer abundance for 1990s logging, showing P. mariana associated with clearcuts and Abies balsamea associated with stripcuts. Our RDA of the years combined found logging methods unimportant, but the year of logging was the most important factor followedby pH and drainage. The size distribution of trees, with the exception of Alnus rugosa, increased with stand age. Geocaulon lividum and Cladina arbuscula were associated with 1970s logging and coarse woody debris, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, and Cornus canadensis were associated with 1990s logging. Sphagnum spp. was positively associated with imperfectly drained sites and high pH, and Pleurozium schreberi was positively associated with moderately drained sites. Our results suggest only a short-term effect of logging methods on regeneration, and similarities may have resulted from the small opening sizes and irregular shapes of our clearcuts. We suggest that stripcutting to promote P. mariana regeneration may offer little, if any, benefit over clearcutting when distances between forest canopies within clearcuts are typically 300 m or less.
Crop-Tree Release Increases Growth of Black Birch (Betula lenta L.) in Southern New England
Authors: Ward Jeffrey S.
Published: August 2019

Black birch (Betula lenta L.) has become an increasingly important component of northeastern forests in recent decades. In 1996ߝ97, plots were established in five stands to examine diameter and volume growth response of black birch to crop-tree release. The stands were from 20 to 99 years old, and mean crop-tree diameters ranged from 4.8 to 13.8 in. Growth of crop trees was monitored for 8 years. Over the 8-year period, diameter and volume growth of completely released poles (4.6ߝ10.5 in. in diameter) were twice that of unreleased poles. Increased growth was noted the 1st year after release and showed no indication of decreasing after 8 years. Release did not affect diameter growth of small sawtimber crop trees (10.6ߝ13.5 in. in diameter) until the 3rd year after release. However, after 8 years, diameter and volume growth were nearly 40% greater than for unreleased trees. Release had negligible effect on diameter and volume growth of medium sawtimber crop trees (more than 13.5 in. in diameter). If crop-tree management was initiated in young stands of black birch poles (mean diameter of upper canopy trees was 4.5 in.), then the time required to grow those trees to diameters of 13.5 in. could be reduced by nearly 50%.
Site and Stand Conditions Associated with Pine False Webworm Populations and Damage in Mature Eastern White Pine Plantations
Authors: Mayfield Albert E. , Allen Douglas C. , Briggs Russell D.
Published: August 2019

The influence of site and stand conditions on pine false webworm (Acantholyda erythrocephala [L.], Hymenoptera: Pamphiliidae) population densities and host damage was evaluated in 22 eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) stands in northern New York State. Mean pine false webworm density was positively related to stand size (ha) and inversely related to soil silt content (A-horizon) after holding stand size constant. Percent radial growth loss (during the first five years after defoliation began) was inversely related to soil carbon content (B-horizon) and inversely related to fine sand content (A-horizon) after holding B-horizon carbon constant. Severe radial growth suppression (missing or discontinuous growth rings) and white pine mortality were inversely related to live crown ratio. The frequency of trees with missing growth rings was inversely related to soil nitrogen (A-horizon) after holding live crown ratio constant. Stands located on sandy glacial lake shoreline/delta deposits had more coarsely textured soils with lower levels of organic matter and nitrogen and had slower height growth rates, lower tree diversity, greater relative dominance of white pine, and higher levels of pine false webworm defoliation than stands on adjacent landforms. These results may be useful to foresters managing eastern white pine stands in areas where similar site and stand conditions predominate and pine false webworm occurs.
Artificial Regeneration of Hardwoods in Early Successional Shrub Communities Using Two Clearing Intensities and Herbicide Application
Authors: Fournier Aude , Bouchard André , Cogliastro Alain
Published: August 2019

In southern Quebec, returning abandoned farmland to forest production presents a management opportunity. The shrub communities, which naturally colonize abandoned agricultural land, could be enriched by planting hardwood species that occurred in the precolonial forests. This study examines the growth of four hardwood species (Acer saccharum, Fraxinus americana, Prunus serotina, and Juglans nigra) planted on former pastures now covered by shrubby vegetation. Retaining part of this shrubby vegetation may produce improved growth in the planted trees. The experimental plantations were established in 1998 in two sites with different soil conditions and consisted of various treatments to control competition. Analyses seek to determine the effect of these treatments on (i) the light conditions, (ii) the cover of competing vegetation, and (iii) the growth and vigor of planted trees. Results show that increasing shrub clearing intensity has reduced the cover of tall competing vegetation after 5 years. However, light conditions and the cover of low competing vegetation around planted trees no longer vary significantly among treatments after 5 years. Strip clearing (SC) improved the growth of white ash and total clearing improved the growth of black walnut, with respect to site considered. Herbicide use was beneficial for the majority of species. SC presents a useful alternative for hardwood plantations. However, low competing vegetation control remains an important factor for increasing planted tree productivity in these managed shrub communities.
Accuracy of Regeneration Surveys in New England Northern Hardwoods
Authors: Leak William B.
Published: August 2019

Four 5-ac demonstration harvests were initiated in 1951 on the Bartlett Experimental Forest, New Hampshire: light selection, moderate selection, diameter limit, and liquidation. In 1952 and 1959, regeneration surveys were conducted that measured several different attributes of the seedlings and saplings in the cutover stands. In 2005, the stands were remeasured to determine the relationships of the various regeneration measures to current species composition of the pole-timber portion of the stands. Although predictions were somewhat variable and imperfect, the best measures for shade-tolerant species were those that took account of the sapling layer, and measures based on the dominant stem per small plot were best for less-tolerant species. Combining both attributes, these results suggest that the best approach would be a small-plot survey (milacre or slightly larger) that simply records the dominant stem per plot including stems up through the sapling size classes (less than 4.5-in. dbh). This could be taken before harvest, to predict the effects of a light partial cut, or 5–7 years after harvest, to predict future species composition after any harvest intensity.
The Absence of Glyphosate Residues in Wet Soil and the Adjacent Watercourse after a Forestry Application in New Brunswick
Authors: Adams Gregory W. , Smith Troy , Miller J. David
Published: August 2019

A successful ground application of glyphosate for competition control was made on an 11-ha site planted with white spruce. During the application, monitoring was conducted of the buffer-protected stream before treatment and intensively after treatment. No herbicide was found in the adjacent waters. In addition, samples were taken of water-saturated soil at several locations on the site, frozen, and analyzed for glyphosate. Under the application and weather conditions that prevailed, no glyphosate was detected 24 hours after treatment with a trace amount detected in one replicate sample after 1 year. Warm temperatures at the time of and in the season before the application are thought to explain the fast degradation rate in the water-saturated soil samples.
Thinning Northern Hardwoods in New England by Dominant-Tree Removal—Early Results
Authors: Leak William B.
Published: August 2019

Commercial thinning is a widely accepted practice in northern hardwood stands of New England. Commercial thinning guidelines for eastern hardwoods generally recommend releasing selected crop trees or the removal of trees in less-than-dominant crown classes unless they are of poor health or quality. However, many northern hardwood stands in New England have a dominant crown class with a high proportion of paper birch and aspen. These species mature at an early age (50–70 years) and usually are marketable in stands of that age. In this study, most of the paper birch and aspen (the largest trees) in a 69-year-old northern hardwood stand were removed in a thinning operation, leaving a medium- to well-stocked stand of longer-lived species. Analysis of 4 years of subsequent diameter growth showed that the thinned residual trees (1) grew faster than the unthinned ones, (2) generally responded as well as trees after a range of earlier precommercial treatments, and (3) generally responded as well as residual trees after a more conventional thinning conducted in 1936, indicating that potential growth after thinning has not changed materially over the last 60+ years.
Application and Effectiveness of Forestry Best Management Practices in West Virginia
Authors: Wang Jingxin , Goff William A.
Published: August 2019

The application and effectiveness of forestry best management practices (BMP) was assessed on 33 harvested sites with streamside management zones (SMZ) throughout West Virginia, which coincided with 116 sites of statewide BMP compliance assessment. The sampled sites either showed evidenceof activity in the SMZ or showed evidence of a stream crossing caused by the harvest. Four checklists derived from the West Virginia BMP guidelines were used to assess 27 BMPs on haul roads, skid trails, at landings, and in SMZs. Rankings were analyzed statistically to examine the differencesof BMP application and effectiveness among forester involvement, ownership, harvest, and stream type. The overall BMP application and effectiveness on sites with SMZs averaged 85 and 80% in West Virginia. Results also indicated that the BMP application and effectiveness rates were higheron industry-owned lands or with forester involvement than on private lands or without forester involvement. The findings should be useful to aid in future assessments of application and effectiveness of BMP across West Virginia or in the region.
Estimating Ownerships and Parcels of Nonindustrial Private Forestland in Massachusetts
Authors: Kittredge David B. , D'Amato Anthony W. , Catanzaro Paul , Fish Jennifer , Butler Brett
Published: August 2019

Woodland ownership for three regions of Massachusetts is estimated using property tax assessor data. These data are nonspatially explicit and are based on commercial, industrial, residential, or other activity rather than actual land cover. A heuristic was used to aggregate similar parcels to provide an estimate of actual landownership. The estimated average statewide ownership is 17.9 ac, and when properties less than 10 ac are excluded, the average rises to 42.5 ac. The median ownership varies from east to west in the state across the spectrum of suburban development radiating from the metropolitan Boston area, with the median being 4.8, 7.8, and 8.6 ac in the eastern, central, and western part of the state, respectively. These results are compared with ownership estimates generated by the US Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis.
Contrasting Release Approaches for a Mixed Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera)–Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) Stand
Authors: Zenner Eric K. , Puettmann Klaus J.
Published: August 2019

Early release from competitors can be used to influence the species composition, quality, and rate of development of young stands. Release strategies can vary in intensity, ranging from complete removal of competitors and infrequent future entries (early, heavy, infrequent [EHI]) to lighter entries that are repeated more frequently (early, light, often [ELO]). It is unclear, however, which strategy is more successful for producing high-quality birch sawtimber (Betula papyrifera Marsh.) in mixed stands with aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.). We evaluated the effects of various release intensities on the growth and mortality of a 16–18-ft-tall natural aspen–paper birch stand in Minnesota following density reductions from 1,500–3,000 trees ac−1 (trees per acre [TPA]) to 750 (ELO750), 500 (EHI500), and 250 (EHI250) TPA. After 6 years, paper birch was overtopped by aspen and contributed only 14% of basal area in control plots, but it occupied all diameter classes and contributed 77–87% of basal area in release plots. The basal area and volume of all paper birch and of only paper birch crop trees (100 largest TPA) were highest in lightly released ELO750 and lowest in control plots. Growth of mean quadratic diameter, basal area, and volume of paper birch was 2–3 times higher in release plots but independent of release intensity. Early release is necessary to maintain paper birch dominance, but there is no short-term advantage among treatment intensities. Long-term growth simulations using the Forest Vegetation Simulator suggest that merchantable timber production was unaffected by release strategy but that the EHI250 strategy produced the most birch sawtimber (40 times as much as in ELO750).
Validation of Spruce Budworm Outbreak History Developed from Aerial Sketch Mapping of Defoliation in New Brunswick
Authors: Taylor Sarah L. , MacLean David A.
Published: August 2019

Aerial sketch mapping (ASM) of annual defoliation provides a means to quantify spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana Clem.) outbreak histories, but accuracy is affected by factors such as navigation and weather conditions. We used ground-based defoliation estimates from 123 permanent sample plots (PSP) in New Brunswick and increment core growth data from a subset of PSPs, to validate ASM estimates of defoliation. From 1985 to 1993, 85% of 332 cases were correctly classified by aerial estimates as nil–light (0–30%) or moderate–severe (31–100%), with the proportion correct varying by measurement year, defoliation severity, and host species. Growth indices generated from 81 visually cross-dated and verified balsam fir (Abies balsamea [L.] Mill.) tree-ring series in 23 PSPs were significantly negatively correlated with aerial-derived cumulative defoliation for 87% of the PSPs, and correlation increased when aerial estimates were combined with ground survey data. We conclude that aerial surveys provide a reasonable estimate of defoliation history to estimate growth reduction.
Regional Analysis of Hardwood Lumber Production: 1963–2005
Authors: Luppold William , Bumgardner Matthew
Published: August 2019

Between 1963 and 2005 hardwood lumber production in the eastern United States increased by more than 50%. Production more than doubled in the northeastern and north central regions while increasing by less than 25% in the southeastern and south central regions. Increased lumber production in the northern regions was facilitated by an expanding sawtimber inventory, relative high volumes of select oak species and hard maple, an expanding kitchen cabinet industry, increased exports, and increased lumber demand by the pallet industry. Hardwood lumber production in the south central region was correlated with hardwood flooring production. When flooring production declined between 1963 and 1982, south central lumber production declined. After 1982 flooring production increased and hardwood lumber production in the south central region followed. By contrast, lumber production in the southeastern region has been tied to the fortunes of the wood and upholstered furniture industries. As furniture imports increased, the demand for lumber by these industries first stagnated and then declined. As a result, lumber production in this region declined between 1982 and 2005. Today, much of the commodity product portions of hardwood-demanding industries are facing international competition. By contrast, a driver of growth in hardwood lumber demand seems to be smaller manufacturers producing custom and semicustom products. These new industries tend to purchase higher-quality lumber but can use a variety of species. Therefore, states or regions with high volumes of timber and a broad composition of species have the greatest potential for future growth in hardwood lumber production.
Dating Tree Mortality Using Log Decay in the White Mountains of New Hampshire
Authors: Fast Andrew J. , Ducey Mark J. , Gove Jeffrey H. , Leak William B.
Published: August 2019

Coarse woody material (CWM) is an important component of forest ecosystems. To meet specific CWM management objectives, it is important to understand rates of decay. We present results from a silvicultural trial at the Bartlett Experimental Forest, in which time of death is known for a large sample of trees. Either a simple table or regression equations that use diameter, species group, and decay class can be used to predict time since mortality for a given log.
New Developments in Biological Control of Mile-a-Minute Weed
Authors: Hough-Goldstein Judith , Lake Ellen
Published: August 2019

The introduced invasive vine mile-a-minute weed Persicaria perfoliata (formerly Polygonum perfoliatum) is continuing to spread throughout the Mid-Atlantic states and beyond, from its initial site of introduction near York, Pennsylvania. This weed frequently interferes with forest regeneration and until recently had few natural enemies attacking it in its introduced range. In 2004, a permit for field release of a host-specific Asian weevil Rhinoncomimus latipes was obtained, and the weevil has since been released in five states. The weevil has established well and is beginning to impact growth and development of the weed.
Quantifying the Risk of Mortality and Damage to Advance Regeneration within the Path of Harvesting Equipment
Authors: Peck JeriLynn E. , Zenner Eric
Published: August 2019

Given the challenges to regenerating white pine, thinning the overstory to release natural advance regeneration has obvious advantages. However, we document here that harvesting traffic poses a substantial threat to advance regeneration, with an 85% chance of mortality for trees in the path of harvesting equipment. Tree size and vigor had no impact on the chance of survival and trees up to 16 ft in height were lost. The risks of mortality or damage did not increase with proximity to harvested trees but did drop off sharply with distance from harvesting equipment tracks. The results indicate that losses due to felling alone were minor and that logging damage to advance regeneration during an overstory harvest could be reduced if harvesting traffic was better contained.
Northern White-Cedar Ecology and Silviculture in the Northeastern United States and Southeastern Canada: A Synthesis of Knowledge
Authors: Hofmeyer Philip V. , Kenefic Laura S. , Seymour Robert S.
Published: August 2019

Sustainability of the northern white-cedar (Thuja occidentalis L.) resource is a concern in many regions throughout its range because of regeneration failures, difficulty recruiting seedlings into sapling and pole classes, and harvesting levels that exceed growth. Management confusion has resulted from the scarcity of research on northern white-cedar ecology and silviculture, particularly because northern white-cedar is an anomalous tree species. This article synthesizes recent and historical northern white-cedar literature, with a focus on ecology, regeneration, cedar-wildlife interactions, and silviculture. Although a number of past studies have produced contradictory findings, some generalizations of use to the practitioner can be made: northern white-cedar is of small stature, slow growing, decay prone except on cliff sites, and found in both early- and late-successional stands. Northern white-cedar appears to be a highly variable species that can adapt to a wide range of environmental stresses. Because management of this resource has proven difficult, northern white-cedar silvicultural guidelines are needed throughout its range.
Diameter-Limit Harvesting: Effects of Residual Trees on Regeneration Dynamics in Appalachian Hardwoods
Authors: Deluca Travis , Fajvan Mary Ann , Miller Gary
Published: August 2019

Ten-years after diameter-limit harvesting in an Appalachian hardwood stand, the height, dbh, and basal area of sapling regeneration was inversely related to the degree of “overtopping” of residual trees. Black cherry and red maple were the most abundant saplings with 416.5 ± 25.7 and 152.9 ± 16.8 stems per acre, respectively. Models of black cherry height and diameter showed significant negative relationships (P < 0.05) with residual tree basal area. In addition, height, diameter, and basal area of dominant and codominant black cherry and black birch saplings were inversely related to residual tree basal area (P < 0.05), as was the basal area of red maple saplings. Alternatively, red maple sapling diameter had a significant positive relationship (P < 0.05) with residual basal area, and height was not significantly affected. Findings suggest that overall stand conditions were most favorable for the development of shade-tolerant red maple, with shade-intolerant species developing well in open areas. However, the long-term development of black cherry may be jeopardized by side shade and canopy cover. Removal of residual trees and subsequent cleaning operations are recommended to increase growth rates of shade-intolerant sapling regeneration.
Foresters' Perceptions of Windthrow Dynamics in Northern Minnesota Riparian Management Zones
Authors: Steil Jeremy C. , Blinn Charles R. , Kolka Randy
Published: August 2019

A survey was mailed to foresters in northern Minnesota to identify their perceptions of what conditions result in higher incidence of windthrow in riparian management zones (RMZ) where the upland has been clearcut. Results indicate that foresters think many variables impact windthrow, often interacting in complex ways. Foresters considered topographic exposure, species, soil moisture, and aspect as the more important factors to consider when trying to mitigate windthrow in RMZs. In general, perceptions and rankings of windthrow factors by foresters are in agreement with the published literature. Based on foresters' perceptions, recommendations are provided to assist forest resource managers in making decisions about retaining trees within streamside RMZs.
Expected Rates of Value Growth for Individual Sugar Maple Crop Trees in the Great Lakes Region: A Reply to John E. Wagner's Comment
Authors: Pickens James B. , Johnson Dean L. , Orr Blair D. , Reed David D. , Webster Charles E. , Schmierer James M.
Published: August 2019

This article is a reply to the comment of Wagner (2009) concerning our article in this issue (Webster et al. 2009). We believe that our use of rate of value growth (RVG), which is analogous to internal rate of return, is acceptable and even preferred for the situation we address. We agree with Wagner that maximization of net present value (NPV) is generally a preferred criterion if certain general conditions exist. As documented in the article, we recommend calculating the RVG and then comparing that value to the relevant threshold interest rate, as selected by the decisionmaker, to make the decision whether to retain a high-quality sugar maple crop tree for another cutting cycle. It is the threshold interest rate that is a true interest rate and that includes, among other things, a risk adjustment premium appropriate for this investment; the RVG was not represented as an interest rate in Webster et al. (2009). We believe RVG is a more appropriate criterion for several reasons: it is widely used by practitioners, closely related previous literature relied on similar measures, take and leave decisions are identical to the NPV criterion for interest rates 4% and above, and the perfect capital markets assumption that leads to NPV being the superior criterion is not satisfied.
Tracking Forest Change and Development Using Low-Cost Remote Sensing Imagery and GIS Integration
Authors: Briggs Nathan A. , Sader Steven A.
Published: August 2019

Conversion of forestland to other uses is occurring in Maine as growing human populations and desire for second homes are exerting development pressures on privately owned forestland. This study was performed to assess forest cover change and conversion to developed uses in a 636,000-hastudy area in Maine. A three-date time series (2000, 2002, and 2006) of Landsat Thematic Mapper data was analyzed to detect forest cover losses, and overall mapping accuracy was determined to be 91%. Forest cover losses (percentage per year) were aggregated for 81 townships and reported foreach time sequence. Rates of forest cover loss differ among townships and for the same township in different time periods. Visual interpretation of forestland conversion using high-resolution images for a subsample of 24 townships showed that 305 of 4,716 harvested forest hectares (6.47%)was converted to developed uses. The study demonstrates the practical use of low-cost remote-sensing imagery and routine interpretation methods for accurate tracking of forest change and quantification of land use conversion. The methods are adaptable to other states to assist decisionmakersin assessing regional and local land use and planning forest conservation measures.
Northern Red Oak, White Oak, and Black Walnut Diameter Growth for the First 3 Years after Thinning in a Mixed Planting
Authors: Gauthier Martin-Michel , Jacobs Douglass F.
Published: August 2019

We established a study to investigate short-term morphological responses of northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.), white oak (Quercus alba L.), and black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) to a 43% basal area reduction in a mixed planting. Although the effect was not statistically confirmed, thinned northern red oak showed a 23% gain in relative diameter growth and a 25% gain in relative crown surface area expansion compared with nonthinned trees; white oak showed gains of 15 and 10%, respectively. Similar trends were found in percentage of basal area increase for northern red oak (45%) and white oak (37%). Black walnut did not appear to respond to thinning and may have been under less competition from first-tier neighbors than the oaks were. Both northern red oak and white oak were in intermediate and suppressed crown classes, whereas black walnut was in a codominant position. Trends from this study suggest that northern red oak and white oak may respond favorably to thinning when found in lower crown classes where the amount of competition from neighboring trees is high.
Sawtimber Yield Tables for Pennsylvania Forest Management Planning
Authors: Gilabert Horacio , Manning Phillip J. , McDill Marc E. , Sterner Steve
Published: August 2019

Models to predict gross and net sawtimber volume per acre for even-aged stands were calibrated for Pennsylvania forests as part of a continuing forest management planning project for Pennsylvania's 2.1 million acres of state forestland. Because of the requirements of the models and limitations of the planning data, the main variable driving the yield models was age. Binary variables were used to shift the sawtimber volume predictions up or down to differentiate yields for 3 site classes, 2 stocking classes, 7 forest types, and 10 ecological regions within the state. The models were fitted using plot-level observations from a continuous forest inventory that has been carried out by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry since the 1960s. To apportion the total volume into species groups, proportions were derived of the total sawtimber volume per acre for seven different species groups by forest type and site class for four macro-regions aggregated from the ecological regions within Pennsylvania.
Developing a Stand Hazard Index for Oak Decline in Upland Oak Forests of the Ozark Highlands, Missouri
Authors: Fan Zhaofei , Fan Xiuli , Spetich Martin A. , Shifley Stephen R. , Moser W. Keith , Jensen Randy G. , Kabrick John M.
Published: August 2019

Black oak (Quercus velutina Lam.) and scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea Muenchh.)—two major components (44% of total stand basal area) of upland oak forests—are suffering severe decline and mortality in the Ozark Highlands, Missouri. However, factors influencing their survival (mortality) are not well understood. In this study we quantified how stand and tree-level predisposing factors are associated with survival of black and scarlet oaks. Sixteen-year monitoring data from the Missouri Ozark Forest Ecosystem Project (MOFEP) indicated that overall annual mortality of black and scarlet oaks averaged 2.2 and 1.7%, respectively, three to five times higher than expected (around 0.5%) for white oak, a common associate. For the first 8 years of the study (1990‐1998), survival rates of black and scarlet oaks were similar. Thereafter, the survival rate of black oak declined relative to scarlet oak. Using the classification and regression tree (CART) method we classified black oak and scarlet oak trees into seven and nine risk groups, respectively, that differed significantly in rates of tree mortality. Groups were distinguished based on tree diameter, crown class, and size relative to competitors. An oak decline and mortality hazard index was thus developed as the weighted means of risk group mortality, which can help managers prescribe species-specific silvicultural treatments to help mitigate oak decline and associated mortality.
Composition of Oak Stands in the Illinois Ozark Hills 2 Decades following Light Harvesting and No Cutting
Authors: Holzmueller Eric J. , Groninger John W. , Ruffner Charles M. , Ozier Trevor B.
Published: August 2019

Light harvesting and no cutting are two common management regimes in oak-dominated forests in the Ozark Hills of southern Illinois. We compared changes in overstory stand composition between 1980 and 2000 among forest inventory plots that were lightly harvested after initial sampling and plots that were uncut during the same time period. Total white oak (Quercus alba L.) basal area increased for both management regimes. Black oak (Quercus velutina Lam.) overstory density decreased, and sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) and American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.) density increased for both management regimes. Although overall density of oak was maintained by both management regimes, species and diameter class-specific response varied. Additional silvicultural activities may be necessary to sustain oak in both lightly harvested and uncut plots, with light harvesting providing opportunities to at least partially offset costs.
Effects of Cutting Time, Stump Height, and Herbicide Application on Ash (Fraxinus Spp.) Stump Sprouting and Colonization by Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis)
Authors: Petrice Toby R. , Haack Robert A.
Published: August 2019

Efforts to eradicate or slow the spread of emerald ash borer (EAB) (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire [Coleoptera: Buprestidae]) include cutting infested and nearby uninfested ash (Fraxinus spp.) trees. However, ash trees readily sprout after they have been cut, providing potential host material for EAB. In 2004–2005, we conducted studies to determine how different cutting times (midspring, late spring, and late summer), different cutting heights (0–5, 10–15, and 20–25 cm above the ground), and triclopyr (44% active ingredient) stump treatment of green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh.) trees affected subsequent stump sprouting and colonization by EAB. We also cut white ash (Fraxinus americana L.) and black ash (Fraxinus nigra Marsh.) trees 20–25 cm above the ground in late spring. Some stumps of each ash species tested sprouted and were colonized by EAB. All green ash stumps treated with triclopyr died and were not colonized by EAB. Stump sprouting was significantly lower for stumps cut in late spring compared with stumps cut in midspring or late summer. Stump sprouting did not vary significantly among cutting heights. None of the green ash stumps cut in midspring or cut 0–5 cm above the ground were colonized by EAB; however, the frequency of stump colonization by EAB did not vary significantly among cutting times or cutting heights.
Improving the Composition of Beech-Dominated Northern Hardwood Understories in Northern Maine
Authors: Nelson Andrew S. , Wagner Robert G.
Published: August 2019

The natural regeneration that develops following the shelterwood and selection harvesting of northern hardwood stands across the Northeast is often plagued by an overabundance of American beech infected with beech bark disease. This regenerating beech typically dominates and interferes with the regeneration of more desired hardwood species (sugar maple, yellow birch, and red maple), lowering the productivity and value of future stands. We tested factorial combinations of glyphosate herbicide (Accord Concentrate) rate and surfactant (Entrée 5735) concentration to identify an optimal treatment that would maximize beech control while minimizing sugar maple injury. Third-year posttreatment results revealed that glyphosate rate was a more important factor than surfactant concentration in reducing beech abundance and preserving sugar maple. The optimal treatment (0.56‐1.12 kg/ha of glyphosate plus 0.25‐0.5% surfactant) selectively removed 60‐80% of beech stems, whereas sugar maple control was less than 20%. The five dominant hardwood species differed substantially in their susceptibility to the treatments in the following decreasing order: beech > striped maple > yellow birch > red maple > sugar maple. Similar results produced using a backpack mistblower suggested transferability of treatment effects to operational applications using a tractor-mounted mistblower. Our findings indicate that this relatively low-cost and effective treatment can substantially improve the understory composition of northern hardwood stands.
Management Perceptions of Off-Highway Vehicle Use on National Forest System Lands in Appalachia
Authors: Pierskalla Chad D. , Schuett Michael A. , Thompson Katherine A.
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of issues related to off-highway vehicle (OHV) use and management tactics among US Forest Service District Rangers on National Forests in the Appalachian region. We determined the differences in perceptions of District Rangers based on different concentrations of OHV managed trails on Ranger Districts. We surveyed 42 District Rangers on 14 National Forests using a modified Dillman mail-back method that resulted in a response rate of 69.1%. The questionnaire was modified from a previous study. Managers with high levels of OHV trail concentrations reported using more varied and additional management tactics to deal with ecological impacts and social issues. Unauthorized trail creation was reported consistently across both levels of OHV trail concentrations. When we compared our findings to earlier results, there were some differences in what managers reported. For example, closing or limiting use was more frequently reported as a management tactic in this study, whereas use of personal contacts was more often selected in the California study.
Economics of Coharvesting Smallwood by Chainsaw and Skidder for Crop Tree Management in Missouri
Authors: Becker Peter , Bilek E.M. (Ted) , Cunningham Terry , Bill Michael , Calvert Marty , Jensen Jason , Norris Michael , Thompson Terry
Published: August 2019

Forest improvement harvests using individual-tree and group selection were conducted in four oak or oak-hickory stands in the Missouri Ozarks with conventional equipment (chainsaw and skidder). Volumes (and revenues) for different timber classes (sawlogs and smallwood from topwood and small trees) and hours of machine use were recorded to calculate production rates. Multiplying these by estimated hourly machine costs and adding loading and transportation costs plus stumpage yielded harvest plus delivery costs. Loggers kept machine costs low by operating old equipment with low capital costs and by owner servicing. Coharvesting of sawlogs and smallwood provided $240‐$340/person-day in net operating revenues to loggers. Smallwood harvest yielded positive net revenues because loggers paid little or nothing for this material. Nevertheless, loggers could continue to generate positive net operating revenues if they paid a modest fee of $4‐$5/ton for smallwood (as occurred in a subsequent salvage harvest). The cost of implementing best management practices (water bars and other erosion-control structures) with a skidder was affordable (≤2% of logger's net operating revenue). Overall, the results supported crop tree management as a financially rational alternative across a variety of sites and showed that smallwood harvest does not always require subsidy.
A Volume Estimation System for Four Northern Hardwood Species
Authors: Richards Carolyn H. , Reed David D.
Published: August 2019

A volume estimation system based on Schumacher's total volume equation is developed for four commercially important northern hardwood species in Upper Michigan: sugar maple, red maple, yellow birch, and aspen. Given diameter at breast height and a measure of height, then total tree volume, volume to any height or upper stem diameter limit, and upper stem diameter at any height (for determining product class) can be estimated. Coefficients are given for estimating diameter or volumes either inside or outside bark as are examples illustrating the techniques and potential uses of the volume estimation system.

North. J. Appl. For. 3:25-28, Mar. 1986.
Timber and Squirrels: Forecasting and Evaluating the Options
Authors: Shifley Stephen R. , Brand Gary J. , Ohmann Lewis F.
Published: August 2019

TWIGS, an individual-tree-based forest growth projection model, was coupled with a gray squirrel habitat suitability model. The combination of timber forecasting models with wildlife habitat models provides a powerful tool for multiple-use decision-making. The linked models allow forest managers to simultaneously forecast and evaluate the effect of alternative management strategies on timber yield, financial return, and quality of gray squirrel habitat. The linked models were used to evaluate two management options for 9 stands comprising a 258-acre tract on the Hoosier National Forest in southern Indiana. Results for this tract indicated that, for most interest rates, the management option that provided the best squirrel habitat had a lower present net value ($/ac). North. J. Appl. For. 3:46-49, June 1986.
Tree Volume Equations for Plantation Grown Japanese Larch in Pennsylvania1
Authors: Shipman Robert D. , Fairweather Stephen E.
Published: August 2019

Individual tree inside-bark merchantable volume equations are developed for plantation grown Japanese larch in Pennsylvania. Predictor variables can be dbh2, dbh2 and total height, or dbh2, total height, and merchantable height. The equation using dbh2 and total height gave results similar to an equation of the same form developed using data from a Vermont study. North. J. Appl. For. 3:58-60, June 1986.
Planting Northern Red Oak in the Missouri Ozarks: A Prescription
Authors: Johnson Paul S. , Dale Charles D. , Davidson Kenneth R. , Law Jay R.
Published: August 2019

A 4-step prescription for planting northern red oak is presented that calls for: (1) controlling undesirable woody understory vegetation with a herbicide applied before planting; (2) creating a medium density shelterwood; (3) under-planting large-diameter nursery stock with clipped tops; and (4) removing the shelter-wood 3 growing seasons after planting. By applying this prescription, 1/3, to 1/2 of planted trees can be expected to be successfully established 2 years after the shelter-wood is removed. North. J. Appl. For. 3:66-68, June 1986.
Construction and Installation of Homemade Dendrometer Bands
Authors: Cattelino Peter J. , Becker Charles A. , Fuller Leslie G.
Published: August 2019

Dendrometer bands are common tools used when accurate measurement of tree-diameter growth or basal-area growth is desired. This common type of dendrometer consists of a metal band placed around the stem of the tree with reading scales scribed on the overlapping portions of the band. Homemade dendrometer bands can be made and installed efficiently and economically. Complete instructions together with a description of materials necessary for the construction and placement of dendrometer bands are presented. Evaluation of dendrometer bands in a field setting is also discussed. North. J. Appl. For. 3:73-75, June 1986.