bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tree Regeneration Response to the Group Selection Method in Southern Indiana
Authors: Weigel Dale R. , Parker George R.
Published: August 2019

Tree regeneration response following the use of the group selection method was studied within 36 group openings on the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division in south central Indiana. Two different aspects and three time periods since cutting were examined. The objectives were to determine whether aspect, age, species group, location within the opening, or their interactions had any influence on the number of stems or average height of the tree regeneration. Among openings up to 20 yr since cutting, yellow-poplar and dogwood were most abundant for stems greater than 2.5 cm diameter at breast height (dbh), and dogwood and cherry-ash-walnut were most abundant for stems less than 2.5 cm dbh. The location×species group interaction also influenced the number of stems greater than 2.5 cm dbh. Stems less than 2.5 cm dbh were influenced by the age×species group and aspect×species group interactions. The north aspect and the oldest openings contained the most stems per hectare less than 2.5 cm dbh. The interaction of age and species group influenced average height for stems greater than or equal to 2.5 cm dbh. Average height increased with age for stems greater than or equal to 2.5 cm dbh. North. J. Appl. For. 14(2):90-94.
Stand Density Management Diagram for Mixed Balsam Fir-Black Spruce Stands
Authors: Sturtevant Brian R. , Bissonett John A. , Long James N.
Published: August 2019

Stand density management diagrams (SDMDs) provide a useful means of predicting the consequences of alternative density management regimes. The specific objectives of this project were to create a SDMD that could (a) be applied to mixed balsam fir-black spruce stands, and (b) allow structural predictions beyond the typical 60 yr pulpwood rotation period. We constructed the SDMD using data from 129 horizontal point samples from 24 stands and 17 permanent sample plot measurements within 9 stands, located in western and central Newfoundland. The model has not been tested with an independent data set, and should therefore be viewed as a first approximation. We further discuss the diagram's applicability, and provide an example of its utility by demonstrating a precommercial thinning treatment versus no treatment scenario. North. J. Appl. For. 15(1):17-22.
Compliance with Forestry Best Management Practices in Maine
Authors: Briggs Russell D. , Cormier Janet , Kimball Alan
Published: August 2019

Compliance with 60 forestry best management practices (BMPs) in Maine was evaluated from a sample of 120 sites randomly selected from areas harvested during the period January 1, 1993 to December 31, 1994. The forestry BMPs were organized into six groups [haul roads, stream crossings, skid roads/trails, putting trails/roads to bed, log yards/landings, and streamside management zones (SMZs)]. Applicability of each practice was assessed at each site and compliance with applicable BMPs rated. Evidence of sediment movement was used as a measure of BMP effectiveness. Compliance with the various BMPs within each of the six groups ranged as follows: haul roads 34%-100%; stream crossings 31%-94%; skid roads/trails 49%-95%; putting trails/roads to bed 25%-88%; log yards/landings 53%-96%; and SMZs 42%-78%. Low levels of compliance per se may overstate the negative impacts in those cases where BMPs are applicable on a small number of sites. For example, compliance with the recommendation that water courses be forded only on hard bottoms and banks was low (54%) but was applicable to only 39 sites, affecting 21 of the 120 sites examined. Overall compliance was greatest for the BMPs related to yards and landings (81%) and was lowest for putting trails/roads to bed (54%). Compliance levels in Maine were similar to those reported in Vermont and Minnesota. Compliance tended to be higher for those BMPs associated with planning and layout of haul roads and skid trails, compared to those dealing with water diversion from long, unobstructed surfaces. Old roads pose a challenge. Many road systems in use today were constructed a decade or more ago by scraping surface soil down to the basal till generating low road surfaces bounded by high banks. Ditches slowly eroded and became ineffective in diverting water from the road surface. Corrective measures are expensive, and new water diversion ditches will disturb more of the area. This study supports the utility and effectiveness of commonly recommended BMPs in reducing erosion and sedimentation in Maine. When BMPs were used, sediment movement was eliminated completely or was largely restricted from surface waters. Numbers of sites at which appreciable sediment delivery to surface waters was associated with noncompliance of individual BMPs within each of the six categories are summarized as follows: haul roads 1-17 sites; stream crossings 0-17 sites; skid roads/trails 0-20 sites; putting trails/roads to bed 9-14 sites; log yards/landings 1-14 sites; and SMZs 1-9 sites. In total, noncompliance with at least one BMP was associated with a downstream sediment trail at 34 sites. North. J. Appl. For. 15(2):57-68.
Comparison of Soil and Vegetation Characteristics of Six Upland Forest Habitat Types in North Central Wisconsin
Authors: Fassnacht Karin S. , Gower Stith T.
Published: August 2019

Habitat type classification is a natural classification system that uses the co-occurrence of ground flora and tree species to formulate taxa that can be used to identify sites which support similar plant communities or associations at climax. In 1988 a habitat type classification was developed for northern Wisconsin forests, but scientists have yet to determine whether important soil and vegetation characteristics are similar within a habitat type and if they exhibit consistent differences among habitat types. We compared the soil and vegetation characteristics of 24 sites from the 6 major habitat types in north central Wisconsin. Total soil nitrogen and organic matter concentrations, soil available potassium, soil silt fraction, and soil water-holding capacity all generally increased in the order: Quercus-Acer/Epigaea (QAE) < Acer-Quercus/Vaccinium (AQV) < Pinus/Maianthemum-Vaccinium (PMV) < Acer/Vaccinium-Viburnum (AVVib) < Acer-Tsuga/Dryopteris (ATD) < Acer/Viola-Osmorhiza (AViO). In addition, we observed positive trends (QAE < AQV < PMV < AVVib < ATD < AViO) in leaf area index (leaf area per unit ground area )and forest net primary productivity, both of which are expressions of total resource availability. North. J. Appl. For. 15(2):69-76.
Plot Size Recommendations for Biomass Estimation in a Midwestern Old-Growth Forest
Authors: Spetich Martin A. , Parker George R.
Published: August 2019

We examine the relationship between disturbance regime and plot size for woody biomass estimation in a midwestern old-growth deciduous forest from 1926 to 1992. Analysis was done on the core 19.6 ac of a 50.1 ac forest in which every tree 4 in. dbh and greater has been tagged and mapped since 1926. Five windows of time are compared—1926, 1976, 1981, 1986 and 1992. The most efficient plot sizes requiring measurement of the least total area range from 0.02 to 1.6 ac. A small plot size was recommended after grazing disturbance, and a large size was recommended when mortality was high and acceptable error was low. North. J. Appl. For. 15(4):165-168.
Effects of Mixed Stand Management to Reduce Impacts of Spruce Budworm Defoliation on Balsam Fir Stand-Level Growth and Yield
Authors: Needham Ted , Kershaw John A. , MacLean David A. , Su Qiong
Published: August 2019

Mixed hardwood-balsam fir stand management has been proposed as one silvicultural technique to reduce spruce budworm damage to balsam fir. An analysis was conducted using published results from New Brunswick, Canada, and northern New England, USA, to assess whether optimum hardwood levels (percent volume) could be determined for various levels of budworm defoliation. The goal was to maximize standing balsam fir volume and to determine trade-offs between reduced damage (hence reduced volumes losses) versus the amount of fir volume lost as a result of allocating growing space to hardwood species. Optimum hardwood levels depended on severity of budworm attack. Below 45% defoliation (5 yr average), the amount of balsam fir volume lost to increased hardwood growing space exceeded the amount of volume protected. As defoliation severity increased above 45%, the optimal hardwood levels increased. At severe levels of defoliation (> 75%) optimal hardwood content was approximately 50% of initial standing volume. The results suggest that mixed stand management can potentially reduce balsam fir volume losses in areas with frequent severe spruce budworm outbreaks. North. J. Appl. For. 16(1):19-24.
Effects of the White Pine Weevil in Well-Stocked Eastern White Pine Stands in Wisconsin
Authors: Pubanz Dan M. , Williams Randy L. , Congos David L. , Pecore Marshall
Published: August 2019

We documented the effects of the white pine weevil, a native insect, on the development of 30-to 80-yr-old white pine in 17 well-stocked plantations in northern Wisconsin and 150-yr-old white pine on the Menominee Indian Reservation in northeastern Wisconsin. Thirty-four plots with unsuppressed white pine were located in these plantations. Of these plots, 79.4% averaged at least 165 white pine crop trees per acre and were considered to be sufficiently stocked with crop trees. A total of 411 trees that satisfied crop tree criteria were evaluated, and 87.3% had identifiable weevil injury. The number of weevil injuries ranged from zero to six in the lower 17 ft of the tree and averaged 2.1 injuries. In 101 dominant/codominant white pines that were 150 yr old, volume lost to crook was 0.1%. The lower 16 ft of these felled trees were sectioned and contained an average of 3.3 weevil injuries. Stocking and management are key to minimizing the effects of white pine weevil on white pine. North. J. Appl. For. 16(4):185-190.
Effect of Crown Growing Space on the Development of Young Hardwood Crop Trees
Authors: Miller Gary W.
Published: August 2019

Crown release of individual crop trees can be used to increase the growth and competitiveness of selected trees in young hardwood stands. Forest managers need information on the response of individual trees to such thinnings to prescribe stand treatments that meet specific management objectives. Codominant northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.), chestnut oak (Quercus prinus L.), black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.), and yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera L.) crop trees in stands 12 to 16 yr old were given a crown-touching release by cutting all adjacent trees that touched the crown of a selected crop tree. A heavier thinning, which entailed cutting all competing trees whose crowns were within 5 ft of the crown of a selected crop tree, was also applied to black cherry and yellow-poplar crop trees on one study site. Stand and individual-tree response was monitored for control and treated plots for 10 yr. Both release treatments increased periodic stand basal area growth and had a negligible effect on the proportion of high-value species among overstory trees. Individual-tree development was affected by total growing space, defined as the initial area occupied by the crop-tree crown plus the area of free growing space resulting from release. As total growing space increased, there was a positive effect on dbh, crown ratio, and crown diameter growth, and a negative effect on clear stem development. Total height growth was reduced by heavy release but not by the more moderate crown-touching release. North. J. Appl. For. 17(1):25-35.
Accuracy and Precision of 10 Year Predictions for Forest Vegetation Simulator—Lake States
Authors: Canavan Seal J. , Ramm Carl W.
Published: August 2019

This study is a followup to the 5 yr validation of the Lake States TWIGS (The Woodsman's Ideal Growth Projection System) projection system by Guertin and Ramm (1996). Accuracy and precision of 10 yr diameter growth, basal area growth and mortality predicted by the Lake States variant of the Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS) were evaluated for seven upland hardwood species in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula. The robustness of FVS predictions was examined by varying projection cycle length and the level of detail of stand and tree-information included in growth projections.The data used in the analysis consisted of individual tree measurements from 44 stands across 10 ecological land type phases in the Manistee National Forest. FVS-Lake States was found to consistently overpredict 10 yr diameter growth across all seven species. Ten year diameter growth was predicted within ±0.5 in. across all projections for nearly all species and size-class combinations for the seven species examined. Basal area and mortality errors were less consistent. Mean errors for trees per acre ranged from -24 for red maple to +14 for white oak. These errors led to a consistent overprediction of basal area per acre for all species combined, while prediction errors for individual species were less than ±8 ft²/ac. Precision was variable, especially for mortality predictions. The most accurate predictions were obtained with longer cycle lengths and with projections using tree diameter, tree height, and crown ratio along with site index and individual tree past diameter growth. North. J. Appl. For. 17(2):62-70.
Five Years of Vegetation Succession Following Vegetation Management Treatments in a Jack Pine Ecosystem
Authors: Pitt D.G. , Morneault Andrée E. , Bunce Philip , Bell F.Wayne
Published: August 2019

Five years of data on vegetation dynamics and succession are provided for six operational release treatments applied to three 2- to 4-yr-old jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) plantations in central Ontario. Treatments included 3 yr of annual noncrop vegetation removal, conventional aerial spray with glyphosate (1.42 kg ae/ha), ground application of glyphosate with a mist blower, basal-bark application of triclopyr, motor-manual cutting (brush saw), and no treatment. Conventional aerial spraying and annual removal resulted in the greatest jack pine crop growth, with trees exceeding 90% crown closure, 7 cm in groundline diameter, and 3 m in height (stem volume index = 5.1 dm³) after 5 growing seasons. The cover of herbaceous plants was highest (30–50%) in the aerial spray plots during the observation period. Deciduous tree, shrub, and fern species remained well represented on these plots, although total cover and height were low (≤ 35% and 1 m, respectively). Mist-blower and brush-saw plots contained mid-sized pine (3.5 dm³) with 69% crown closure. In contrast, untreated and basal-bark plots contained the smallest pine (2.3 dm3 and 31% crown closure), likely caused by heavy competition and herbicide damage, respectively. On mist-blower and basal-bark plots, good height growth was observed on untreated deciduous trees; low-shrub and fern cover remained high (46 and 30%, respectively); and herbaceous cover increased gradually to 22%. On brush-saw plots, recovery of woody cover was rapid, but height growth was relatively slow. Deciduous trees and tall shrubs dominated untreated sites (> 70% cover) by the end of the fifth growing season. Successional trends suggest that aerial spray and annual removal treatments will produce pure jack pine stands at maturity; mist blower, basal bark, and brush-saw treatments may produce mixedwood stands; and untreated plots will likely be dominated by hardwoods. North. J. Appl. For. 17(3):100–109.
Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus) Growth Response to Partial Hardwood Overstory Release
Authors: Puettmann Klaus.J. , Saunders Mike R.
Published: August 2019

We measured the response of white pine (Pinus strobus L.) saplings after partial release of a hardwood overstory on three sites in central Minnesota. Both height and diameter growth increased quickly after release compared to prerelease growth. Diameter growth response was related to prerelease diameter growth, but not to initial size of the sapling (diameter at time of release). On the other hand, height growth response was strongly influenced by the initial height of all trees, but not related to prerelease height growth in the largest saplings (initial heights > 8.76 m). Increased release intensity (i.e., difference between prerelease and postrelease overstory densities) resulted in higher diameter and height growth responses. The height/diameter ratios decreased after release, indicating that stability as well as growth increased after the release. North. J. Appl. For. 17(3):89–94.
A Local Basal Area Adjustment for Crown Width Prediction
Authors: Bragg Don C.
Published: August 2019

Nonlinear crown width regression equations were developed for 24 species common to the upper Lake States of Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Of the species surveyed, 15 produced statistically significant (P < 0.05) local basal area effect coefficients showing a reduction in crown width with increasing stand density. No relation between shade tolerance and crown width was apparent, indicating the species-dependence of this parameter. Using adjusted R2 as a guide, nonlinear crown width models adapted for local basal area (NLCWadj) improved prediction for 20 of 24 species over a model lacking this component (NLCW). The ecological significance of the improvement shown for some species may be minor, but for others the difference was substantial (often 8%). North. J. Appl. For 18(1):22–28.
Developing and Validating Nonlinear Height–Diameter Models for Major Tree Species of Ontario's Boreal Forests
Authors: Peng Changhui , Zhang Lianjun , Liu Jinxun
Published: August 2019

Six commonly used nonlinear growth functions were fitted to individual tree height-diameter data of nine major tree species in Ontario's boreal forests. A total of 22,571 trees was collected from new permanent sample plots across the northeast and northwest of Ontario.The available data for each species were split into two sets: the majority (90%) was used to estimate model parameters, and the remaining data (10%) were reserved to validate the models. The performance of the models was compared and evaluated by model, R2, mean difference, and mean absolute difference. The results showed that these six sigmoidal models were able to capture the height–diameter relationships and fit the data equally well, but produced different asymptote estimates. Sigmoidal models such as Chapman–Richards, Weibull, and Schnute functions provided the most satisfactory height predictions. The effect of model performance on tree volume estimation was also investigated. Tree volumes of different species were computed by Honer's volume equations using a range of diameters and the predicted tree total height from the six models. For trees with diameter less than 55 cm, the six height-diameter models produced very similar results for all species, while more differentiation among the models was observed for large-sized trees (e.g., diameters > 80 cm). North. J. Appl. For. 18:87–94.
Field Note—Changes in Species, Grade, and Structure Over 48 Years in a Managed New England Northern Hardwood Stand
Authors: Leak William B. , Sendak Paul E.
Published: August 2019

Three individual-tree selection harvests over a 48 yr period in a northern hardwood stand in New Hampshire resulted in an increase in the percentage of volume in trees with grade 1 and 2 butt logs from 21% (1952) to 30% (2000) in beech and 40% (1952) to 65% (2000) in sugar maple and other hardwoods. By 2000, 90% of the volume was in tolerant species.
Health of Eastern North American Sugar Maple Forests and Factors Affecting Decline
Authors: Horsley Stephen B. , Long Robert P. , Bailey Scott W. , Hallett Richard A. , Wargo Philip M.
Published: August 2019

Sugar maple (Acer saccharum) is a keystone species in the forests of the northeastern and midwestern United States and eastern Canada. Its sustained health is an important issue in both managed and unmanaged forests. While sugar maple generally is healthy throughout its range, decline disease of sugar maple has occurred sporadically during the past four decades; thus, it is important to understand the abiotic and biotic factors contributing to sugar maple health. Soil moisture deficiency or excess, highway deicing salts, and extreme weather events including late spring frosts, midwinter thaw/freeze cycles, glaze damage, and atmospheric deposition are the most important abiotic agents. Defoliating insects, sugar maple borer (Glycobius speciosus), Armillaria root disease, and injury from management activities represent important biotic factors. Studies of sugar maple declines over the past four decades reveal that nutrient deficiencies of magnesium, calcium, and potassium; insect defoliation; drought; and Armillaria were important predisposing, inciting, and contributing factors in sugar maple declines. Forestland managers can contribute to sustained health of sugar maple by choosing appropriate sites for its culture, monitoring stress events, and examining soil nutrition.
Soil Disturbance and the Potential for Erosion After Mechanical Site Preparation
Authors: Alcázar Jorge , Woodard Paul M. , Rothwell Richard L.
Published: August 2019

Physical soil properties created by three mechanical site preparation treatments (ripper ploughing, disc trenching, and blading) and a control were evaluated to determine the success of these different mechanical site preparation treatments in creating plantable microsites and to estimate the potential for soil erosion created by each treatment. Three sites with fine textured soils and high water contents near Whitecourt, Alberta, Canada), were selected for study. The topography at all sites was similar and characterized by slopes 3.7 to 20% in steepness and approximately 190 to 270 m in length extending from the height of land to stream bottoms. The number of planting sites and the soil characteristics suggest ripper ploughing as the best site preparation treatment in this study, with the hinge microsite as the preferred planting spot. All three treatments significantly improved the physical conditions of the soil compared to the control, although the differences among treatments were small. Soil erosion was observed on areas where blading and ripper ploughing exposed mineral soil. Gullies, which exposed the roots of seedlings, were created by water erosion in the blading treatment area. Sediment deposition in trenches was observed on ripper ploughed areas, and at times, seedlings within this treatment area were partially buried as a result of this soil movement.
Combining Zoning Regulations and Property Tax Relief to Retain Forestland and Promote Forest Management
Authors: Wagner John E. , Davis Craig J. , Roczen Dean E. , Herrington Lee P.
Published: August 2019

Zoning and property tax relief are two mechanisms that may be used to influence the management of privately held forestlands. We use data from the Adirondack Park in northern New York to examine if tax incentives duplicate or complement zoning in (a) satisfying the goal of retaining forestland, and (b) promoting active management of privately owned forestlands. Within the Adirondack Park, the bulk of lands given forestland tax relief also have strict land use zoning. We conclude that the combination of zoning regulations with forest property tax relief is no more effective in achieving the goal of retaining forestland than the Adirondack Park zoning regulations by themselves. We also conclude that combining zoning regulations with forest property tax relief is not effective in meeting the goal of influencing active forest management on private forestlands.
Effect of Overstory and Understory Vegetation Treatments on Removal of Planted Northern Red Oak Acorns by Rodents
Authors: Sharik Terry L. , Buckley David S.
Published: August 2019

We documented patterns in the removal of planted northern red oak (Quercus rubra) acorns by rodents in red pine (Pinus resinosa) stands during a field study of oak regeneration in northern Lower Michigan. Each stand contained four overstory treatments assigned at random: clearcut, 25% cover, 50% cover, and uncut (control). Each level of canopy cover contained four randomly assigned understory treatments: shrub-layer removal, herb-layer removal, litter removal, and a control. Rodents removed acorns from 59% of the seed spots in the uncut control and 12% of the seed spots in the clearcut treatment. This five-fold difference was significant. Acorns were removed from 48% and 40% of the seed spots in the 75% and 50% canopy cover treatments, respectively. Differences in acorn removal between understory treatments were not significant. These results suggest that overstory vegetation treatments can influence the removal of planted acorns by rodents, which has implications for the use of direct seeding for artificially regenerating northern red oak.
Forest Productivity and Commercial Value of Pre-Law Reclaimed Mined Land in the Eastern United States
Authors: Rodrigue J.A. , Burger J.A. , Oderwald R.G.
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of mining practices used prior to the passage of the 1977 Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) on forest productivity and commercial value of reclaimed forest sites. Forest productivity and value of 14 mined and 8 nonmined sites throughout the eastern and midwestern coalfield regions were compared. Forest productivity of pre-SMCRA mined sites was equal to or greater than that of nonmined forests, ranging between 3.3 m3ha-1yr-1 and 12.1 m3ha-1yr-1. Management activities such as planting pine and valuable hardwood species increased the stumpage value of forests on reclaimed mine sites. Rotation-age stumpage values on mined study sites ranged between $3,064 ha-1 and $19,528 ha-1 and were commonly greater than stumpage values on nonmined reference sites. Current law requires that mined land be restored to capability levels found prior to mining. These results should provide a benchmark for reforestation success, potential forest productivity, and timber value for current reclamation activities.
Height-Diameter Equations for Thirteen Midwestern Bottomland Hardwood Species
Authors: Colbert Kenneth C. , Larsen David R. , Lootens James R.
Published: August 2019

Height-diameter equations are often used to predict the mean total tree height for trees when only diameter at breast height (dbh) is measured. Measuring dbh is much easier and is subject to less measurement error than total tree height. However, predicted heights only reflect the average height for trees of a particular diameter. In this study, we present a set of height-diameter equations for 13 riparian tree species using data obtained from bottomland hardwood forests along the Mississippi, Missouri, Illinois, and Des Moines rivers. Nonlinear regression techniques were used to develop the equations. The resulting equations provide a reasonable means of predicting unknown tree heights, given dbh, for these species.
Thinning Mountain Hardwoods with a Truck-Mounted Crane
Authors: Sarles Raymond L.
Published: August 2019

The truck-mounted crane (TMC) is a cable yarder that shows promise for logging thinnings on moderate to steep slopes. A commercial thinning using the TMC yarder on moderate slopes in an overstocked stand of 60-year-old cherry-maple poletimber and small sawtimber showed that a 3-man crew could harvest 51 tons (21.5 cords) of tree-length logs per 8-hour day when extracting stems averaging 10 in dbh. The cost to fell, yard, and deck stems of this size averaged $9.60 per ton ($22.73 per cord), including cost of road construction. Truck-mounted crane yarding results in minimum damage to the residual stand, thus ensuring increased value of future crop trees. The environmental impact is light, because fewer roads are required, and forest soils and stream courses are disturbed less than with conventional logging methods. North J. Appl. For. 2:87-90, Sept. 1985.
Growth and Yield of Red Pine in Central Pennsylvania
Authors: Goss Brian R. , Bowersox Todd W. , Melton Rex E.
Published: August 2019

Reforestation projects of the 1930s established plantations of red pine in central Pennsylvania. When planted in soils of shale or sandstone origin with good internal drainage, these plantations would achieve 65 to 90 ft in average height at 50 years of age. Unthinned stand basal area for trees planted at 6 x 6, 8 x 8, and 10 x 10 ft ranged from 200 to 290 ft² at 42 years of age. Periodic inventories from 16 thinned and 18 unthinned plantations between 15 and 42 years of age were used to determine the importance of original spacing, site index, and thinning on growth and yield. These central Pennsylvania plantations were comparable to natural range stands in accumulated volume and response to thinning, when age and site index were taken into account.

North. J. Appl. For. 2:111-113, Dec. 1985.
Performance of a Tree Survival Model on National Forests
Authors: Buchman Ronald G.
Published: August 2019

Tree survival from 546 re-measured permanent plots on four Lake States national forests was compared to predicted survival obtained using an individual-tree survival model. A survival summary was developed by 1-in diameter class for each of 15 species. For trees 4.5 in and larger the model provided good estimates of the actual survival. For trees 1.0 to 4.5 in the results were mixed, showing overprediction for three species and underprediction for four. These differences are partially attributed to the small samples. The predicted rate for all trees of a species, i.e., the composite, agreed with the field results demonstrating the applicability of the model to these forests.

North. J. Appl. For. 2:114-116, Dec. 1985.
Status and Outlook for Tree Improvement Programs in the Northeast
Authors: Carter Katherine K. , Simpson J. Dale
Published: August 2019

Tree improvement programs have been undertaken by several governmental and industrial organizations in Maritime Canada and the New York-New England region of the United States. Target species vary according to local interests, but at least five are of general interest within these regions: white spruce, black spruce, jack pine, white pine, and the larches. This paper examines the current status of breeding programs for these species and prospects for future development.

North. J. Appl. For. 2:127-131, Dec. 1985.
Effects of Scarification Disturbance on the Seedling and Midstory Layer in a Successional Mixed-Oak Forest
Authors: Lhotka John M. , Zaczek James J.
Published: August 2019

This study investigated whether soil scarification during the presence of abundant white oak (Quercus alba L.) acorns and other mast could be used to increase the density of oak reproduction and reduce competitive midstory species in a mid-successional mixed-oak upland forest. The study was conducted in a 7.3 ha forest with a mature oak overstory and a well-developed midstory of sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) and pawpaw (Asmina triloba Dunal.) in southern Illinois. The soil scarification was conducted in the autumn after acorn dissemination using a crawler tractor with a six-tooth brush rake. One growing season after treatment, significantly higher numbers of oak seedlings, primarily white oak, were present in the scarified plots (5,164 ha-1) compared to the control plots (1,273 ha-1). Seedling density of all other species classes did not differ between treatments. Scarification affected 61% of midstory trees and thus reduced their density and competitive position. Of these trees, 21% of stems were completely removed by the scarification treatment. Results suggest that, in the presence of abundant acorns, scarification may increase the number of new oak germinants in stands lacking advanced oak reproduction. Finally, because scarification increased the density of oak seedlings and reduced competing midstory trees, it can play a role in promoting the establishment of advanced oak reproduction. North. J. Appl. For. 20(2):85–91.
Auger Planting of Oak Seedlings
Authors: Heitzman Eric , Grell Adrian
Published: August 2019

In 2001, we used power augers to plant 1-0 northern red oak (Quercus rubra) and white oak (Q. alba) seedlings in stony soils in Arkansas. After two growing seasons, red oak and white oak survival was 86% and 91%, respectively. Both species had only grown an average of 1 ft in height in 2 yr. North. J. Appl. For. 20(2):92–93.
A Comparison of the Time Required for Two Methods of Selecting Site Trees in Juvenile Stands
Authors: Nigh Gordon D. , Love Bobby A. , Thomas Keith D.
Published: August 2019

In British Columbia, the largest diameter tree is used as a site tree for estimating site index. Some forest practitioners feel that in young stands it would be easier to select the tallest tree as a site tree. To test this hypothesis, we established fifty 0.01 ha sample plots and timed the selection of both the largest diameter tree and the tallest tree in each plot. Although the difference was not statistically significant, it took less time to select the largest diameter tree than the tallest tree, and in both cases it was less than 5 minutes. The slope of the plot influenced the time it took to locate the tallest tree but not the largest diameter tree. In 60% of the plots, the largest diameter tree was also the tallest tree. When the largest diameter tree was not the tallest tree, the estimated site index from the tallest tree was higher than that from the largest diameter tree. Whichever method of selecting site trees is used, it should be applied throughout the life of the stand. North. J. Appl. For. 20(3):101–103.
Ten-Year Results of Tree Shelters on Survival and Growth of Planted Hardwoods
Authors: Ponder Felix
Published: August 2019

The performance of planted northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.), black walnut (Juglans nigra L.), and green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh.), with and without tree shelters, was evaluated 10 yr after planting. Northern red oak was planted in three harvested forest openings, and black walnut and green ash were planted in a cultivated field. Survival of northern red oak with tree shelters was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than northern red oak without shelters only for year 3. Survival differences between tree shelter treatments for black walnut and green ash were not significant. However, overall survival of green ash declined rapidly after year 5. Trees began to exit the 120-cm-tall shelters after 2 yr, but not in large numbers until the fourth year. Sheltered oaks were significantly taller than unsheltered oaks at year 10, and sheltered oaks had more height growth than unsheltered oaks at year 5, but not at year 10. Except for year 1, neither height nor height growth for black walnut was significantly different between tree shelter treatments. Green ash was taller and had more height growth with shelters than without shelters in year 1, but had more height growth without shelters than with shelters in year 5. Diameter growth at breast height did not differ between treatments for any of the three species. The greater height of sheltered northern red oaks compared to unsheltered northern red oaks could increase the opportunity of sheltered oaks to achieve dominant and codominant positions in the developing stands. North. J. Appl. For. 20(3):104–108.
Use of Stand Density Index as an Alternative to Stocking Percent in Upland Hardwoods
Authors: Williams Roger A.
Published: August 2019

Stand Density Index (SDI) equations were developed and presented for upland hardwoods in southern Ohio. The relationship between SDI and stocking percent from upland hardwood stocking charts were developed, and a diagram displaying this relationship is presented. Critical stand density boundaries equivalent to stocking percent on stocking charts were defined: (1) the C-level of stocking (SDI < 125), (2) the B-level of stocking (125 ≤ SDI < 215), and (3) the A-level of stocking (215 ≤ SDI < 250). A fourth boundary—the region where competition-induced mortality begins—was determined through empirical evidence at an SDI = 175, or 81% stocking. How these boundaries can be utilized in various management strategies is presented. North. J. Appl. For. 20(3):137–142.
Logging Sediment Control Act and Forestry Best Management Practices in West Virginia: A Review
Authors: Wang Jingxin , McNeel Joe , Milauskas Steve
Published: August 2019

Best management practices (BMP) for controlling soil erosion and sedimentation are the operational guidelines for logging in the state of West Virginia, which have been revised in 1989, 1995, 1996, 2001, and 2002. The West Virginia legislature passed the Logging Sediment Control Act (LSCA) in 1992. This Act specifically mandates logger licensing, logger certification, harvesting operation notification, and enforcement capability for activities causing erosion and sedimentation on logging sites. Since the first BMP assessment conducted in 1981, the West Virginia Division of Forestry has periodically evaluated compliance with BMP. The evaluations have taken place in 1986, 1991, and 1996 respectively. The state LSCA, BMP, and compliance evaluations were reviewed, and the results indicate a trend of increasing compliance with BMP in West Virginia.
Estimation of Volume Growth Using Zeide's Growth Types: An Updated Evaluation
Authors: Brooks John R. , Wiant Harry V.
Published: August 2019

Zeide's (1993) two-point method for projecting volume growth was used to compare the predicted volume to a current intensive inventory of an Appalachian hardwood forest in northern West Virginia. Results indicate that the calculated growth type was stable and that the 8-year predicted volume was within 2% of the inventory estimate. North. J. Appl. For. 21(3):164–165.
Stand Structures and Height Growth Patterns in Northern White Cedar Stands on Wet Sites in Vermont
Authors: Hannah Peter R.
Published: August 2019

The structure and growth of northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis) was studied in 16 stands on wet sites in Vermont. White cedar and associate species representing the range in diameter were felled for stem analysis. Height growth curves were constructed. Structure of white cedar stands on wet sites in Vermont is often even-aged with a relatively uniform canopy due to restocking of former agricultural land, or two-aged, or multiaged, depending on degree of harvesting and other disturbances. On bog and swamp sites, cedar may reach less than 25 ft in height in 50 years whereas on upland sites wet only a portion of the growing season, they may reach 50 ft or greater in height. On well-drained upland sites, height growth may be greater, but cedar most likely may be displaced by other conifers and hardwoods. Basal area in pure and well-stocked maturing stands may exceed 300 ft2, and volumes can exceed 12,000 ft3/ac. In high-density stands, there is usually little understory. Very small amounts of cedar regeneration were observed in the stands studied. Some of the stands had a distinct browse line, and deer are presumed to have a major impact on cedar regeneration. All cedar stands are recognized as being of great importance as deer wintering areas. On the low-quality swamp and bog sites, minimal and careful harvest of cedar should be done to maintain deer habitat, integrity of the tree canopy, and associated understory vegetation. On sites with less water restrictions than in swamps and bogs, harvesting practices to maintain wildlife habitat and assure regeneration and thinning and pruning to improve growth rate and value of harvested wood should be considered. North. J. Appl. For. 21(4):173–179.
Simple Girdle Kills Small American Beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.)
Authors: Nyland Ralph D.
Published: August 2019

A simple girdle at waist height will kill small understory American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.). Either removing all the bark from within the girdle or cutting two rings into the wood around the circumference using a small saw will suffice. These methods would likely work on other hardwoods as well. North. J. Appl. For. 21(4):220–221.
Early Growth Responses of Naturally Regenerated Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus L.) to Partial Release from Juvenile Aspen and Pathological Pruning
Authors: Zenner Eric K. , Puettmann Klaus J. , Krueger Jerome A.
Published: August 2019

Height, breast height diameter, and basal diameter growth responses of 7- to 12-year-old naturally regenerated eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) to partial release from juvenile (15-year-old) trembling and bigtooth aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx. and Populus grandidentata Michx.) and pathological pruning were monitored over four growing seasons. Pathological pruning is the removal of disease-infected branches before the disease can reach the stem or the removal of lower branches that are most susceptible to infection. Results indicated that seedling growth responses to release and pruning depended strongly on the height stratum to which a seedling belonged. Whereas growth rates of small white pine up to 190 cm tall were significantly reduced by increasing aspen densities and by pruning, growth rates of white pine taller than 190 cm were not significantly affected by either aspen density or pruning. Effects of pruning on small white pine were restricted to the first 2 years after release, after which growth rates were similar between pruned and unpruned individuals. This likely was due to natural crown recession of unpruned white pine, which brought crown lengths and crown ratios closer to those of pruned individuals. Besides affecting natural crown recession rates and growth of small unpruned white pines, release intensity also affected upper stratum aspen, which responded vigorously to release. Findings of this study suggest that early release from upper stratum juvenile aspen should enable the conversion of an aspen cover type to a mixture of aspen and white pine, but may have to be followed up by repeated interventions into the upper canopy stratum. It is, however, questionable if the expense of pruning to prevent blister-rust infections under a partial canopy is warranted. North. J. Appl. For. 22(1):27–34.
A Comparison of Autonomous, WAAS, Real-Time, and Post-Processed Global Positioning Systems (GPS) Accuracies in Northern Forests
Authors: Bolstad Paul , Jenks Andy , Berkin Jon , Horne Kevin , Reading William H.
Published: August 2019

We report on accuracy comparisons among a range of global positioning system (GPS) receivers and configurations when collecting data in the open and below northern forest canopies. We compared recreational receivers in Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) mode, and expensive receivers optimized for spatial data collection (GIS receivers) in autonomous, WAAS, real-time differential, and post-processed differential modes. Data were collected over accurately surveyed open and subcanopy locations. Individual position fixes were logged for varying time periods, and corrected using appropriate methods. Euclidian distance errors were calculated, and analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey's tests, and linear regression were used to identify significant factors and differences. There were significant differences in the mean positional error due to receiver type under forest canopies, but no statistically significant differences under open locations. There was no difference between differentially corrected and uncorrected data when using the GIS receivers. Recreational receiver accuracies were much less consistent than GIS receivers, with higher frequencies of large errors. Subcanopy tests indicate WAAS signals were available between 8 (moving) and 23 (stationary) % of the time for the recreational receivers, and between 22 (moving) and 33 (stationary) % of the time when using GIS receivers. North. J. Appl. For. 22(1):5–11.
Effects of Small Patch Cutting on Sugar Maple Regeneration in New Hampshire Northern Hardwoods
Authors: Leak William B.
Published: August 2019

In many northern hardwood stands in New Hampshire and New England, partial cutting or single-tree selection results in understories with a high proportion of beech and other species with low timber values. Patch cutting, using small openings of about 1/4-ac in size or larger coupled with sufficient logging disturbance, has proved to be an effective way to replace understories of beech and other less valuable species with a new stand containing a high proportion of yellow and paper birch in mixture with other deciduous species. Unless present as well-developed advanced regeneration, sugar maple is seldom common in the new stands produced by small patch cutting. However, when these early successional stands reach 40–50 years of age, understories dominated by sugar maple and with lesser proportions of beech frequently develop, possibly due to the rich leaf-fall, lower proportions of beech litter, and/or changed light conditions. Although small patch cutting may not immediately regenerate abundant sugar maple, it appears as though this technique may help over time to maintain sugar maple as a significant component of northern hardwood forests. North. J. Appl. For. 22(1):68–70.
Interference to Hardwood Regeneration in Northeastern North America: Ecological Characteristics of American Beech, Striped Maple, and Hobblebush
Authors: Nyland Ralph D. , Bashant Amy L. , Bohn Kimberly K. , Verostek Jane M.
Published: August 2019

Several woody species may inhibit regeneration of desirable northern hardwoods. This includes a dense understory of American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.) that commonly occurs in stands infected with beech bark disease. Root injuries during logging and by natural causes alsopromote new suckers that, along with some stump sprouts, often maintain or increase the abundance of beech saplings. Additionally, browsing deer primarily bypass beech in favor of more palatable species. Where any of these factors has resulted in a dense understory of small beech, overstorycutting will promote its development, increase ground-level shading, and lead to a site conversion to beech. Similarly, striped maple (Acer pensylvanicum L.) often interferes with hardwood regeneration after overstory cutting. This species persists in heavy shade, grows rapidly afterrelease, and produces abundant seed. When dense, striped maple may interfere with the regeneration of other species. Hobblebush (Viburnum alnifolium Marsh.), a shrub, reproduces by rhizomes to form thickets when damaged during overstory cutting. Heavy shade by these thickets may preventregeneration of trees. This review summarizes characteristics of these three species with respect to their interference with desirable hardwoods in northeastern North America. It highlights the limited information about striped maple and hobblebush, and the abundance of sources that deal withAmerican beech.
Landowner Satisfaction with Timber Harvesting on West Virginia Forest Stewardship Program Properties
Authors: McGill David W. , Pierskalla Chad D. , Jennings Brian M. , Grushecky Shawn T. , Lilly David
Published: August 2019

We conducted a survey of 3,092 private forest owners enrolled in the West Virginia Forest Stewardship Program to assess program outcomes during its first decade. A component of this assessment was a set of questions designed to bring to light the outcomes of timber harvesting experiences that these landowners may have encountered. Among the 1,672 questionnaires (63% response rate after removing undeliverable addresses) that were returned for our assessment of recommended forestry practices implementation, 445 (27%) respondents indicated that they had conducted a timber sale on their stewardship properties. This article looks at satisfaction ratings among these 445 respondents with regard to the results of their timber transactions. Factors closely associated with satisfaction in the condition of respective forest properties following timber harvesting were satisfaction with the amount of revenue generated from the harvest, whether or not a discussion of best management practices (BMP) took place, and whether a contract was present. This latter variable was negatively related to landowner satisfaction level, but this may be more of a numerical artifact than a finding that would encourage a change in recommendations for contracts.