bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic Impacts of Timber Harvest Regulations in the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway
Authors: Stier Jeffrey C. , Martin A. Jeff
Published: August 2019

In 1989 the State of Wisconsin created the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway, a new and unique institution to preserve and protect the aesthetic and environmental quality of the Riverway corridor. Performance standards that were developed for the Riverway include restrictions on timber harvesting. The debate over this intrusion into the management decisions of private forestland owners has sparked controversy and calls for compensation. We examined the range and severity of the economic impact of the harvest regulations on forestland owners by simulating several restricted and unrestricted timber management scenarios. What one considers a "cost" of the regulations depends critically upon what it is assumed landowners would do in the absence of the regulations. We estimated these costs by measuring returns from regulated management against returns from two possible "benchmarks," one involving a diameter limit harvest and the other a selectively marked thinning. The economic impact is greater for the diameter limit alternative, and greater in the Bluff Zone along the ridge line where visual impacts are more easily seen from the river, than along the hillsides. The impact typically fell below the threshold of 20% of property value that is incorporated into most compensation proposals currently being debated in the state and federal legislatures. Two timber harvests that were exempt from the regulations came very close to meeting the performance standards. While the focus has been on the issue of compensation, the controversy basically is rooted in the deeper underlying differences in philosophy about where the balance lies between actions to promote the public interest and the rights of property owners to pursue their own interests. Measures of the cost of regulations cannot be expected to resolve these fundamental differences. North. J. Appl. For. 14(3):126-134.
Long-Term Growth of Crop Trees After Release in Northern Hardwoods
Authors: Leak William B. , Solomon Dale S.
Published: August 2019

Diameter growth of crop trees of paper birch, sugar maple, yellow birch, white ash, beech, and red maple was remeasured for 31 yr following a heavy release, light release, species removal, and control applied to an evenaged 25 yr old northern hardwood stand in New Hampshire. Under all regimes, final dbh of sampled crop trees was positively related to initial dbh. White ash showed no significant or consistent increase in final dbh in response to treatment, expressed in terms of residual basal area per acre. Paper birch, beech, and red maple had final average diameters up to about 2 in. larger due to heavy release as compared with the control. Sugar maple showed a gain of up to 1 in. in final dbh over the 3l yr period, while yellow birch showed a similar, though nonsignificant, gain. The study shows the long-term effects of release treatments, and the importance of releasing larger trees and responsive species. North J. Appl. For. 14(3):147-151.
Thinning New England Oak Stands to Enhance Acorn Production
Authors: Healy William M.
Published: August 2019

Acorns are recognized as an important food for wildlife in New England oak forests, but information on managing stands to enhance acorn production is scarce. Thinning oak stands in central Massachusetts to promote the growth of quality sawtimber did not diminish acorn production per hectare. During 3 successive yr, mean number of sound acorns ranged from 30,000 to 155,000/ha for unthinned stands and from 58,000 to 220,000/ha for thinned stands. Releasing individual oaks increased acorn production per tree. The differences between thinned and unthinned trees and stands were greatest during years when acorn production was lowest. The positive effect of thinning during years of generally poor acorn production is a potentially important benefit for wildlife. Thinning oak stands to enhance acorn production may be an attractive option for landowners with an interest in wildlife. North. J. Appl. For. 14(3):152-156.
Regional Examination of Red Oak Lumber Price Trends
Authors: Luppold William G.
Published: August 2019

Nearly 25% of the eastern sawtimber inventories are of species classified as red oak. Over the last 20 yr, red oak has become the most commonly used hardwood in the production of furniture, kitchen cabinets, and millwork. However, differences in subspecies and growing conditions produce variations in color and texture of red oak lumber produced from timber grown in Northern, Appalachian, and Southern regions. In the late 1980s, users of hardwood lumber began to pay higher prices for red oak lumber from the Northern hardwood region. By 1995, grade 1 Common Northern red oak was selling at prices nearly 40% higher than for similar Southern red oak. This paper examines Northern, Appalachian, and Southern green and air-dried prices for three major grades of red oak lumber, and relates these changes to regional differences in the red oak resource and growing conditions and changes in the industries that use red oak lumber. The results of this analysis should be useful in evaluating the profitability of precommercial thinning and other short-term management practices used to increase the value of red oak sawtimber. North. J. Appl. For. 14(4):173-177.
Decaying Logs as Germination Sites in Northern Hardwood Forests
Authors: McGee Gregory G. , Birmingham John P.
Published: August 2019

While several authors have noted tree regeneration on decaying logs, the role that "nurse logs" play in maintaining tree diversity in eastern North American forests has remained unquantified. We sampled small seedling (≤ 5 cm high) densities of seven tree species on and directly adjacent to logs in two northern hardwood stands in the Adirondack mountains of New York. Polar ordination of 42 microsite plots revealed distinctly different small seedling communities on logs vs. forest floor. Yellow birch and red spruce densities were 24 times and 5 times greater on logs than forest floor, while those of sugar maple and striped maple were 8 times and 4 times greater on the forest floor. Maintaining a natural level (~5% ground cover) of well distributed logs can supplement site preparation techniques such as soil scarification to provide regeneration sites for yellow birch and red spruce, particularly in heavily stocked northern hardwood stands. North. J. Appl. For. 14(4):178-182.
Tree Height Tarifs and Volume Estimation Errors in New Brunswick
Authors: Magnussen Steen
Published: August 2019

Height tarifs are used as proxies for actual tree heights in the volume compilations of the New Brunswick Forest Inventory. In stands selected for volume sampling, the most appropriate of four height tarifs to use is decided from a small (three to five trees) sample of measured heights and diameters on dominant and codominant trees. Increasing the number of height tarifs from 4 to 17 by simple interpolations appears to be the best strategy for lowering the volume estimation errors. This increase was shown to reduce the volume estimation bias by over 50%. Further increases in the number of tarifs did little to lower the overall bias due to the persistent bias from rounding diameters and heights. North. J. Appl. For. 15(1):7-13.
Assessing Forest Wildlife Diversity in Pennsylvania
Authors: Cleveland Helene M. , Finley James C.
Published: August 2019

Forest managers require tools to rapidly assess the effects of management activities on wildlife habitat. Most wildlife habitat evaluations can be costly and time consuming, resulting in few practical assessments for nonindustrial private forest landowners. Using vegetation type, its structure, and the resulting wildlife habitat as indicators of wildlife diversity, this article presents the beginnings of a practical assessment. We have developed a habitat-based procedure for deriving species richness of wildlife communities, at the stand level, by associating identified structural habitat characteristics with groups of wildlife species. Two formats are available: a manual format using a matrix and functional (species) groups that are eliminated if their required structural features are not found in the stand, and a computer format that eliminates individual, not grouped, species. Both formats provide a list of potential species and can be used to predict species changes based on proposed activities. This provides a manager the opportunity to determine if uncommon or critical habitat features will be eliminated before conducting a proposed management activity. North. J. Appl. For. 15(2):77-85.
Some Relationships Between Silvicultural Treatments and Symmetry of Stem Growth in a Red Pine Stand
Authors: Larson Bruce C. , Moser W. Keith , Mishra Vijay K.
Published: August 2019

Variations in spacing and the distribution of removed trees have been assumed to affect the pattern of growth on tree boles. Changing crown shapes were believed to affect the symmetry of the stems. This study examined the change of growing space resulting from differential species' growth in a mixed stand. A red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.) plantation in southern New Hampshire was planted at 2 × 2 m spacing in 1917. At one end of the stand every second row was planted with white pine (Pinus strobus L.), whereas the other end of the stand was pure red pine. In the mixed portion of the stand, the red pine outgrew the white pine, overtopping and often killing it. The mixed stand was thinned in the 1970s and the pure stand in the 1980s for a variety of products which opened more crown room for some of the trees.

We compared growth increments along perpendicular axes to determine if asymmetry was consistent at different bole heights. The study did not show asymmetric boles at age 50 and did not have asymmetric growth patterns attributable to the earlier history up to stand age 70. When current crown shape was compared to current growth there was no relationship between asymmetric crowns and asymmetric growth. Provided the asymmetry is not maintained throughout the entire rotation, silvicultural treatments which greatly affect the stand spatial pattern may not have a lasting effect on the symmetry of the boles. North. J. Appl. For. 15(2):90-93.
Thinning Increases Diameter Growth of Paper Birch in the Susitna Valley, Alaska: 20 Year Results
Authors: Graham Jeff S.
Published: August 2019

A uniform stand of paper birch, age 44 yr, in the Susitna Valley, Alaska, was thinned to four spacings: control (6.4 ft), 16 ft, 20 ft, and 24 ft. After 20 yr, survival of crop trees was 99%. Diameter growth was positively related to spacing. Height growth was apparently unaffected by spacing. Height to the first branch and other outward indicators of stem quality were unaffected by spacing. Cubic foot volume per acre was highest for the unthinned control, but volume per tree increased following thinning. Recommendations about spacing for paper birch in Alaska will depend on the type of forest outputs sought. North. J. Appl. For. 15(3):113-115.
Regeneration Potential of Six Habitat Types Common to North-Central Wisconsin
Authors: Bakken Peter N. , Cook James E.
Published: August 2019

The arboreal regeneration of 24 mature, fully stocked forests distributed among 6 common habitat types (Kotar et al. 1988) in north-central Wisconsin were studied. Nineteen of the stands were inventoried in 1992 and 1993; in 1993 an additional 5 stands were included. The density and composition of small (<25 cm) and large (25-150 cm) seedlings were determined, and the relationships of the understory and overstory were investigated. No significant (P < 0.05) differences were found for seedling densities of either size class among habitat types. This was due, in part, to the large variation within most habitat types; this in turn is primarily a function of the temporally variable nature of seedlings. The average densities per habitat type ranged from 3,125-20,200/ha for large seedlings and from 20,208-152,083/ha for the small seedlings. Red and sugar maple strongly dominated the regeneration. Red maple was the most common (88-96%) species in the small seedling size class on the three driest habitat types, and sugar maple (88-99%) on the two most mesic habitat types. In the middle of the site quality gradient, the two maples shared dominance with northern red oak. The level of maple dominance was lower in the large seedling class, ranging from 53-93%. The small seedling size class was significantly related to the amount of maple basal area each year, but the strength of this relationship weakened from 1992 to 1993. The widespread domination by red and sugar maple is a function of their regeneration ecology, shade tolerance, fire suppression, and deer browsing. The seedling composition and densities have important implications for the management of these forests. The regeneration and overstory characteristics suggest that it would be easiest to direct the composition one of several ways on the PMV and AVVib habitat types. Fairly heavy overstory treatments, in conjunction with seedbed preparation, are probably necessary to regenerate significant amounts of species other than sugar maple on the two most mesic habitat types. North. J. Appl. For. 15(3):116-123.
CONESYS: A Data Collection, Database, and Decision Support System for Making Insect Pest Management Decisions in Seed Orchards
Authors: de Groot Peter , Schnekenburger Frank , Fleming Richard A. , Turgeon Jean J.
Published: August 2019

This paper provides an overview of CONESYS, a computer software package designed to assist seed orchard managers to collect, process, and store information about the quality and quantity of seed orchard crops. CONESYS also contains a database on cone and seed insects, registered pest control products and their efficacy, and a decision support program that determines the costs and benefits of various pest management options. North. J. Appl. For. 15(3):154-157.
Compliance with Forestry Best Management Practices in West Virginia
Authors: Egan Andrew F. , Whipkey Robert D. , Rowe John P.
Published: August 2019

A study of compliance with West Virginia's Best Management Practices (BMPs) for logging was conducted from May 1995 to November 1996. Practices were divided into those that influence haul roads, skid roads, and landings. For those practices that may be reliably compared, results of this study generally indicated improvements in compliance over studies conducted in previous years. In addition, this statewide field survey found higher levels of compliance with most practices on forest industry sites than on nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) sites. Other states in the region interested in assessing the degree to which BMPs for logging are followed may benefit from the methodological approaches and results of this study. North. J. Appl. For. 15(4):211-215.
Practical Field Methods of Estimating Canopy Cover, PAR, and LAI in Michigan Oak and Pine Stands
Authors: Buckley David S. , Isebrands J. G. , Sharik Terry L.
Published: August 2019

With the increased use of variables such as canopy cover, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and overstory leaf area index (LAI) in forestry research, relationships between these variables and traditional forestry variables must be defined before recommended levels of these research variables can be achieved by forestry practitioners on the ground. We measured basal area, canopy cover, Ozalid percent full light, PAR, and overstory LAI in thinned and unthinned plots within oak and pine stands with the objectives of: (1) determining the relationships between these variables in two common forest types, (2) investigating the feasibility of using basal area to estimate and achieve recommended levels of canopy cover, PAR, and LAI in the field, and (3) examining the possibility of using direct canopy cover and Ozalid light measurements for estimating PAR and LAI. Very strong relationships (r² > 0.90 and P < 0.0001) were indicated between basal area and canopy cover, PAR, and LAI. Direct canopy cover and Ozalid light measurements were also strongly related to PAR and LAI. It is likely that the even-aged structure of the stands studied contributed to these results. The strength of the relationships between the measures examined suggest that practical variables such as basal area could potentially be used by forestry practitioners to estimate and achieve recommended levels of canopy cover, PAR, and LAI in similar oak and pine stands. The possibility also exists for strong relationships between these variables in other stand types that resemble those studied in terms of overstory structure. North. J. Appl. For. 16(1):25-32.
Study Area Specification in Forestry Economic Impact Analysis: Modifying County-Level Secondary Data
Authors: Leatherman John C. , Marcouiller David W.
Published: August 2019

One of the important objectives of forest management planning is to enhance the beneficial economic impacts of resource policy decisions. Input-output is one of the common tools planning analysts use to assess economic impacts. This paper presents procedures whereby the county data files for the Micro-IMPLAN input-output modeling system can be adjusted to create economic models at a finer level of geographic specificity than county-based models. Models specified to the minor civil division level can permit closer evaluation of resource policy impacts on regions defined by resource-base rather than administrative or political boundaries. North. J. Appl. For. 16(3):129-136.
A Mathematically Tractable Stem Profile Model for Jack Pine in Ontario
Authors: Zakrzewski W. T.
Published: August 2019

A new model was derived to describe the inside bark cross-sectional area of tree stems. It is a rational function. The inputs required by the model are outside bark tree diameter at breast height (DBH) and total tree height (H). Knowledge of a species-specific bark thickness at 1.3 m expressed in terms of input variables is also needed. Defining the model involves estimating two regression coefficients using either nonlinear or linear regression (after linearization of the model). The formula is analytically integrable and thus provides analytical inside bark volume estimates for any stem section defined by height limits. The model is analytically solvable for a stem height location at any given inside bark diameter, so that stem sections can be defined by the required inside bark diameter limits. The new model can be calibrated using either section diameter or section volume data. It is suggested that involving the ratio H/DBH in the model accounts for the influence of stand density on stem profile. The formula was calibrated for jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) in Ontario. Wider applicability of the model is supported by results obtained for sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) in Ontario and Scots pine (Pinus silvestris L.) in Finland. Comparing volume estimates from the new model with those generated by Honer's formula confirms the advantages of the new model. North. J. Appl. For. 16(3):138-143.
The Impact of Forest Management Restrictions on Aspen Harvest Levels and Forest Structure in Itasca County, Minnesota
Authors: Nichols Joan M. , Rose Dietmar W. , Husain Syed A.
Published: August 2019

Potential management policies of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) designed to enhance nontimber values were examined to estimate their impact on permissible harvest levels, forest composition and spatial attributes of aspen in Itasca County, Minnesota. An allowable cut equal to the Long Run Sustained Yield (LRSY) was estimated and used as the target harvest level for each management policy. Results were analyzed in a number of ways including Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The study illustrates that the selection of specific management policies can have significant impacts on timber supply as well as forest structures. Therefore, any suggested policy should always be reviewed for its potential impacts and associated trade-offs before implementation. North. J. Appl. For. 16(4):177-184.
Growth of Coniferous Seedlings on a Drained and Mounded Peatland in Central Alberta
Authors: Takyi Sam K. , Hillman Graham R.
Published: August 2019

Artificial reforestation experiments compared survival and growth of five species of coniferous containerized seedlings, and seedling browsing by ungulates on a clearcut, drained, and mounded peatland in the boreal forest. Six to seven growing seasons after planting, 91% of all seedlings had survived. Height and diameter growth in five species were ranked as follows: Siberian latch (Larix sibirica Ledeb.) > lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engelm.) > tamarack (Larix laricina [Du Roi] K. Koch) > black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] B.S.P.) = white spruce(Picea glauca [Moench] Voss). Overall, tamarack height and diameter growth was twice that of either spruce species. Height and diameter growth of tamarack, black spruce, and white spruce planted in the spring was 65% to 97% greater than that of the more robust seedlings for the same species planted in the fall of the same year. Repeated winter browsing by ungulates did not affect survival and growth of the five species. In an experiment where survival and growth of tamarack and black spruce seedlings planted on the mounds were compared with that of seedlings planted on the flat areas between mounds, there were no differences in survival, height, or root collar diameter growth between the two planting sites. In the event that suitable peatlands are used to augment existing timber supplies, lowering the water table through ditching, combined with mound-planting, is a feasible method of reforesting timber-harvested, boreal wet sites with Siberian latch, lodgepole pine, and white spruce. Tamarack and black spruce, however, survive and grow well on drained peatlands without mound-planting. North. J. Appl. For. 17(2):71-79.
Seasonal Susceptibility of Boreal Plants to Glyphosate I. Blue-Joint Grass and Black Spruce
Authors: Bell F.Wayne , Pitt Douglas G. , Mallik Azim U. , Hollstedt Christine
Published: August 2019

Seasonal susceptibility and posttreatment recovery of blue-joint grass (Calamagrostis canadensis [Michx.] Beauv.) to glyphosate (N-[phosphonomethyl] glycine) were examined in a young black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] B.S.P.) plantation. In 1990, two rates of the herbicide (1.1 and 1.7 kg ae/ha) were applied on July 19, August 1, 15, and 29, and September 10 and 29 using a backpack sprayer. Although differences between rates were marginal, time of application strongly influenced post-treatment cover of blue-joint grass. Compared to the untreated control, glyphosate applied between August 1 and September 10 significantly reduced cover of blue-joint grass for 3 yr after treatment and increased growth of black spruce for at least 5 yr. The optimum period of glyphosate efficacy corresponded to the end of blue-joint grass's full flowering and beginning of aboveground senescence. North. J. Appl. For. 17(4):141–148.
Utilization of the Eastern Hardwood Resource by the Hardwood Sawmilling Industry
Authors: Luppold William , Baumgras John , Barrett George
Published: August 2019

The eastern hardwood resource contains numerous species that differ in grain, color, texture, and workability. Because the value of hardwoods is derived from appearance, these variations in physical attributes can cause the price for identical grades of hardwood lumber to vary by as much as 600% between species. As a result, there is incentive for primary processors to harvest certain species more intensively than others, which could affect long-term forest composition. This article introduces the concept of relative utilization to augment the infrequently published annualized growth-to-drain ratio and examines the relative utilization of 13 eastern hardwood species on a national and regional basis. An analysis of relative utilization coefficients developed from primary and secondary data showed that black cherry, red oak, hard maple, and yellow-poplar were relatively overutilized, while the gums, hickory, and beech were underutilized. Relative utilization has varied by species over time due to changes in furniture styling and the ability of industry to substitute species. Shade-tolerant species such as hard and soft maple are regenerating faster than shade- intolerant species, resulting in increased long-term supply even if current sawtimber volumes are relatively overutilized. North. J. Appl. For. 18(2):37–41.
Ten-Year Response of Sugar Maple–Yellow Birch–Beech Stands to Selection Cutting in Québec
Authors: Bédard Steve , Majcen Zoran
Published: August 2019

Experimental blocks were established in five regions of southern Québec to determine the response of hardwood stands to selection cutting. The blocks contain five control stands (no cut) and five treated stands, composed mainly of sugar maple in association with yellow birch and American beech. Treated stands were harvested using single tree selection to a residual density varying from 16.8 to 21.2 m2. Results obtained 10 yr after treatment demonstrate that the annual gross growth rate was not significantly different between treated and control stands. However, net annual growth rate was higher in four out of five cut stands, because the annual mortality rate was less in these stands than in controls. Cutting significantly enhanced the growth of stems with an initial diameter at breast height (dbh) of 10 to 28 cm and favored the development of sugar maple saplings in all blocks and yellow birch saplings in three blocks. North. J. Appl. For. 18(4):119–126.
Field Note—Timber Marking Costs in Spruce-Fir: Experience on the Penobscot Experimental Forest
Authors: Sendak Paul E.
Published: August 2019

In the application of partial harvests, time needs to be allocated to marking trees to be cut. On the Penobscot Experimental Forest located in Maine, eight major experimental treatments have been applied to northern conifer stands for more than 40 yr. Data recorded at the time of marking were used to estimate the time required to mark trees for harvest. A simple linear regression equation is presented that estimates labor hours per acre marked from data on volume marked per acre.
Computer Corner—Spreadsheet Stocking Diagrams for the Central Hardwoods
Authors: Larsen David R.
Published: August 2019

Stocking diagrams are useful tools in forest management. Spreadsheets available on the world wide web plot both the Reineke style and the Gringrich style stocking diagrams. This paper presents the location of this web site and an explanation of the uses and backgrounds of the diagrams.
Crop Tree Release Increases Growth of Mature Red Oak Sawtimber
Authors: Ward Jeffrey S.
Published: August 2019

Crop tree thinning plots were established in five stands of mature red oak (Quercus rubra, Q. velutina, and Q. coccinea) sawtimber in 1995. Initial stand ages ranged from 74 to 94 yr old with mean crop tree diameters ranging from 10.9 to 15.4 in. Growth of crop trees was monitored for the next 6 yr. The upper age limit at which oaks respond to crop tree management (high thinning) is at least 90 yr old. Although there was no significant difference in diameter growth between released and unreleased trees for the first 2 yr after release, diameter growth of released trees was significantly greater during each of the subsequent 4 yr. Crop tree release increased diameter growth of sawtimber red oak by 53%. Annual volume growth (International 1/4) increases ranged from 95% for 11 in. trees to 25% for 20 in. trees. Growth of crop trees has not decreased, relative to control trees, 6 yr after release. Formation of new epicormic branches on the butt log was largely limited to the slowest growing trees. Crop tree management should be considered as a method of managing sawtimber oak stands where maintaining high forest cover and noncommodities attributes are important considerations.
Compatible Tree Volume and Taper Functions for Pitch Pine
Authors: Green Edwin J. , Reed David D.
Published: August 2019

Individual tree taper, volume ratio, and total volume equations are presented for pitch pine. The volume ratio equations may be used to determine merchantable volume to any height or upper stem diameter. The equations are compatible and are based on a recommended taper curve. Examples of how to employ the equations are presented. North J. Appl. For. 2:14-16, Mar. 1985.
Species Trials for Biomass Production on Abandoned Farmland
Authors: Laing Frederick M. , Sendak Paul E. , Aleong John
Published: August 2019

As part of a nationwide study of the potential for woody crops to supply biomass for energy use, we evaluated seven hardwood tree species and six hybrid poplar clones on four different sites in Vermont, with three fertilizer treatments on some sites. Not all species were evaluated on all sites. Plots containing 25 trees were replicated three or four times at each site. Trees were planted at a spacing of 0.6 x 0.6 m or 0.9 x 0.9 m and grown for 3 years. The application of fertilizer did have significant effect on height, diameter, and stem weight. Species with high yields (about 16 oven-dry t/ha/year) included four of the hybrid poplars. Silver maple, black locust, and the other two hybrid poplars yielded about 10 oven-dry t/ha/year. Based on growth alone, these species and clones were recommended for short-rotation intensive culture in areas with similar climate and growing sites.

North J. Appl. For. 2:43-47, June 1985.
Regional Economic Impacts of Timber-Based Activities: A User's Guide
Authors: Canham Hugh O.
Published: August 2019

Foresters are being asked to provide estimates of the regional economic impact of forest-related activities. Impact can be measured in several ways; both direct and indirect impacts should be considered. This paper outlines the regional timber-based system, defines measures of direct impact, and reviews models for estimating regional multipliers and their data requirements. A field study conducted in New York shows an example of a small area impact study. North J. Appl. For. 2:71-75, Sept. 1985.
Principles to Keep in Mind in Negotiating Oil and Gas Leases
Authors: LaBar Robert J.
Published: August 2019

Foresters who manage lands are occasionally called upon to negotiate oil and gas leases on behalf of the landowner. It is important in these situations to understand the negotiation process and the typical lease provisions that are encountered so that they can be tailored to provide maximum protection and economic returns to the owner. Some of the do's and don'ts that should be considered are outlined. North J. Appl. For. 2:76-78, Sept 1985.
Best Density and Structure for Uneven-Aged Northern Hardwood Management in New England
Authors: Leak William B.
Published: August 2019

Choice of the best residual density (basal area per acre) and structure (diameter distribution) for uneven-aged management of northern hardwoods is a complex decision that depends on the manager's decision rules, product objectives, site conditions, and—perhaps most important—current stand conditions. In contrast to other recommendations on residual density and structure, growth information from a study in New Hampshire shows that a residual basal area of 60–80 ft2/ac coupled with a sawtimber basal area as low as 25–35 ft2/ac (equivalent to a q-ratio of 1.5–2.0) may result in adequate 10 yr board-foot growth responses in previously unmanaged stands on mediocre northern hardwood sites. North. J. Appl. For. 20(1):43–44.
A Historical Review of Forest Property Taxes in Pennsylvania: Implications for Special Forestland Tax Programs
Authors: Jacobson Michael , McDill Marc
Published: August 2019

Since the late 19th century, many states have offered tax relief to forest owners. Pennsylvania has had three special forest tax programs. The first, passed in 1887, was a rebate to forest landowners and was intended to slow forest exploitation. In 1906, a county court ruled that the rebates violated the state's constitution. In 1913, the state passed a yield tax law to encourage second-growth timber management. In 1939, this tax was also declared unconstitutional. Regardless of their constitutionality, few acres were ever enrolled in either program because of administrative barriers to participation, landowners' fears of giving up too much control of their land, lack of publicity, and lack of clear benefits to landowners. The current law, passed in 1974, allows for current use assessment for farm and forestland. This program, known as Clean and Green, is intended to protect open space. Although there were 2,350,123 ac of forestland in 29 counties enrolled in the Clean and Green program in 2000, and in spite of changes made in the late 1990s, concerns remain about the effectiveness and fairness of the program. Attempts to modify both past and current programs have failed to address the program's most significant problems. Perhaps it is time to rethink our entire approach to forestland taxation. North. J. Appl. For. 20(2):53–60.
Artificial Oak Regeneration in Historic Woodlots at Gettysburg National Military Park
Authors: Larrick David S. , Bowersox Todd W. , Storm Gerald L. , Tzilkowski Walter M.
Published: August 2019

To restore woodlots at Gettysburg National Military Park (GNMP) to Civil War condition, in which oak was the dominant vegetation, the effects of woodlot, canopy treatment, and fencing treatment on the survival and height of northern red oak (Quercus rubra) direct-seeded seedlings, planted seedlings, and planted saplings were examined. Three 0.20 ha circular canopy treatments (closed canopy, partially open canopy, and completely open canopy) were assigned within each of three woodlots. Each treatment was replicated three times within each woodlot. Within each canopy treatment unit, two paired fenced and unfenced plots were established. At each pair of plots, 40 acorns, eight 2-0 bareroot seedlings, and six 4-0 bareroot saplings were planted. Foraging damage by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and small mammals was monitored during the second and fourth growing seasons after canopy treatment. At the end of the second and fourth growing seasons, survival and height were recorded for each of the three sources of regeneration. Four-year survival of direct-seeded seedlings and planted seedlings was maximized on fenced plots. Planted sapling 4 yr survival and height were greatest in the partially or completely open canopy. To maximize 4 yr height of direct-seeded seedlings and planted seedlings, the completely open canopy, fence treatment combination was recommended. All three sources of northern red oak had potential for regenerating GNMP woodlots. Due to rapid height growth, either direct-seeded seedlings or planted seedlings may be preferred. North. J. Appl. For. 20(3):131–136.
Early Regeneration Following the Presalvage Cutting of Hemlock from Hemlock-Dominated Stands
Authors: Brooks Robert T.
Published: August 2019

Live overstory hemlock were cut from three hemlock hardwood stands on the watershed of the Barkhamsted Reservoir in northwestern Connecticut. The presalvage cuttings occurred during a hemlock looper outbreak and in anticipation of hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) infestation. All merchantable and accessible hemlock trees were cut, as were a smaller quantity of other species. The stands were harvested in 1992, 1994, and 1995–96. Over- and understory vegetation were surveyed in the harvested stands and in three nearby uncut, control stands in 1996. Findings suggest that the cut stands will regenerate to hardwoods in the near term. Hemlock regeneration was minimal and insufficient to replace harvested trees. Presalvage cutting of hemlock from hemlock-dominated stands, which typically lack sufficient advance hemlock regeneration, will contribute to the loss of the cover type due to HWA-caused mortality.
Harvest Impacts in Uneven-Aged and Even-Aged Missouri Ozark Forests
Authors: Dwyer John P. , Dey Daniel C. , Walter William D. , Jensen Randy G.
Published: August 2019

Forest managers are concerned about the potential damage to residual trees and site from cyclic harvest re-entries into the same forest stand. This study summarizes logging and felling damage resulting from the harvesting of silvicultural treatments on a large landscape experiment in southern Missouri that is designed to compare impacts of even-aged, uneven-aged and no management on a wide array of ecosystem components. Although damage levels to bole and crown of leave trees was low for all treatments, the individual tree selection (uneven-aged) treatment did show: (1) higher levels of surface area skidder impact; (2) higher percentage of leave trees with one or more bole wounds; (3) higher number of bole wounds; (4) higher percentage of wounded trees in the dominant and co-dominant crown classes; and (5) the highest percentage of leave trees impacted by logging activity. Preharvest planning that involves the layout and discussion with the skidder operator(s) will reduce the area impacted by skidding to less than 12%. Also, the probability of a bole wound to a residual tree can be reduced to less than 5% if skid trails are kept 30 ft or more from the leave tree. North. J. Appl. For. 21(4):187–193.
A Comparison of Seedling Growth and Light Transmission among Tree Shelters
Authors: Sharew Hailu , Hairston-Strang Anne
Published: August 2019

Survival, height, and diameter growth of seedlings were evaluated for three years after planting using five types of tree shelters and seven species: green ash (Fraxinus pennylvanica), northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.), pin oak (Q. palustris), American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), black walnut (Juglans nigra L.), flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), and eastern white pine (Pinus strobus). Differences in shelter environments were measured, including: light transmission measured as percent photosynthetic photon flux, ratio of red:far red (r:f-r) light from the red and far-red wavelengths, and air temperature inside the tubes. The differences seen in seedling survival were not significant (p < 0.05) for the presence or type of tree tube, with an average survival of 96% for all but two species. For most species, seedlings grown in high light-transmitting tubes with proportional r:f-r ratio light showed superior height growth (e.g., Miracle Tube, Tree-Pro, and Protex). Diameter growth generally decreased in shelters. Sycamore showed no significant benefit from the use of tubes. The lowest diameter increments were seen using Tubex brown and Mesh Guard shelters, which had low light transmission with high r:f-r ratio and mechanical damage, respectively. Light transmission in translucent tree tubes was within the ranges found in open canopy forest, but the proportion of growth-promoting far-red wavelength was generally lower. In tubes with higher light transmission, r:f-r ratio is closer to natural ranges for that light level. For tubes with lower light transmissivity, this information suggests that seedling height growth might be improved if red wavelengths were blocked more strongly.North. J. appl. For. North. J. Appl. For. 22(2):102–110.
Plant Community Structure After Wildfire in the Subarctic Forests of Western Labrador
Authors: Simon Neal P.P. , Schwab Francis E.
Published: August 2019

We compared western Labrador (Canada) plant communities on 12 10-ha plots representing five forest ages (2, 18, 40, 80, and 140 years) on subhygric sites and two 140-year-old sites on an atypical, moist, well-drained soil. Species richness was less variable and lower on the 80-year-old sites, and conifers did not dominate a site until 40 to 80 years after a disturbance. Herbs were dominant on 2- and 18-year-old sites, whereas woody shrubs were common across all successional stages. Cladina spp. were most abundant on our 40-year-old sites but were replaced by pleurocarpous mosses on our ≥80-year-old sites. Our results are consistent with others who found a delay in conifer establishment that may have resulted from poor seed beds due to the accumulation of unburned duff and inhibitory chemicals from Cladina spp. If these factors are inhibiting conifer establishment, this may conflict with the objectives of forest managers considering emulating natural disturbance in forest operations.North. J. Appl. For. 22(4):229–235.
The Impact of Timber Harvesting Guidelines and Timber Sale Attributes on Stumpage Bidding Behavior
Authors: Kilgore Michael A. , Blinn Charles R.
Published: August 2019

Twenty-seven public timber tracts were auctioned in Minnesota where bidders were required to submit two sealed bids for a tract–one with and the other without the use of timber harvesting guidelines. After the auctions, bidders were mailed a questionnaire requesting information about their logging business, the sources of information consulted in developing their bids, and perceptions of how various tract- and sale-specific factors and guidelines influenced their bidding behavior. The majority of responding timber harvesters did not consult any special sources and only one-half visited the tract before submitting their bids. Although bidding behavior was influenced by several factors, a tract's physical characteristics (e.g., volume of merchantable timber) had a greater influence on their bidding behavior than did any guidelines. Of the guidelines evaluated, those that required leaving merchantable trees (e.g., for wildlife or visual purposes) were reported to have the greatest influence on stumpage bids. Sale-specific variables (e.g., timber harvester's need for timber) had only a minimal to moderate influence on bidding behavior. The findings suggest that timber sale design can help mitigate the cost associated with implementing forest management guidelines.North. J. Appl. For. 22(4):275–280.
Vegetation Management Improves Early Growth of White Spruce More Than Mechanical Site Preparation Treatments
Authors: Macadam Anne , Kabzems Richard
Published: August 2019

The Inga Lake trial was one of a series of site preparation trials established in the northern interior of British Columbia during the 1980s to determine effective means of establishing conifer plantations on sites with severe vegetation competition and unfavorable soil conditions. Vegetation control, burned windrows, high-speed mixing, bedding plow, breaking plow, and disk trenching treatments were evaluated on a site with high brush potential, relatively dense soils, and average nutrient availability. This article summarizes impacts of treatments on soil density, soil chemical properties, and tree nutrition 5, 10, and 15 years after treatments and on the growth of planted white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench] Voss) after 15 growing seasons. Mixing, bedding plow, and disk trenching treatments decreased soil density and improved nutrient availability relative to no treatment, and effects were still significant after 15 years. Soil carbon and nitrogen increased substantially over time in treatments where there was a vigorous re-establishment of the plant community after disturbance. Although vegetation control did not improve soil physical or chemical properties relative to no treatment, it ranked among the top four treatments, with burned windrows, mixing, and breaking plow, in terms of white spruce growth after 15 years.
Crop Tree Release Improves Competitiveness of Northern Red Oak Growing in Association with Black Cherry
Authors: Schuler Thomas M.
Published: August 2019

In 1993, a crop tree study was established in a pole-sized stand consisting of black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.) and northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.). Black cherry was the predominant species in the stand and appeared to be on the verge of virtually eliminating northern red oak based on its greater height growth potential. To assess crop tree management for maintaining the competitiveness of oak in this situation, the stand was compartmentalized into treated and untreated areas and crop trees were selected. In the treated areas, crop trees received a three- or four-sided crown-touching release. Individual tree characteristics were measured following the growing seasons of 1993 and 10 years later. Crop tree release resulted in slowing the height growth of codominant black cherry, but not northern red oak. Ten-year mean height growth of northern red oak exceeded that of released black cherry, but not that of unreleased black cherry crop trees. Crown expansion and diameter at breast height (dbh) growth also increased as a result of crop tree release for both species, but black cherry clear stem development was suppressed. Based on increment core analysis, dbh growth of released northern red oak crop trees in 2003 was about twice that of unreleased northern red oak, although black cherry treatment related differences in radial growth were no longer present. Ten years after crop tree release, northern red oak crown class distribution improved and black cherry crown class distribution was unchanged. These results suggest crop tree management will improve northern red oak competitiveness in pole-sized stands when growing in association with black cherry and, perhaps, other fast growing species.
Control of Hay-Scented Fern by Mowing
Authors: de la Crétaz Avril L. , Kelty Matthew J.
Published: August 2019

Hay-scented fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) is a native species that can invade and dominate the forest understory, after thinning and intensive deer browsing. Fern colonies form a dense cover 60 to 80 cm high that intercepts light and inhibits tree seedling regeneration. Hay-scented fern can be controlled with herbicides, but some landowners (both public and private) seek alternative methods. We investigated mowing as a possible method of fern control. We tested different mowing schedules and measured the response of ferns (frond length and density) and of natural regeneration and planted seedlings. Mowing the ferns twice in one growing season (first in June when the fern fronds had reached their full height and again in August) led to a significant reduction in frond length during the next two growing seasons compared to untreated controls. Mowing four times over 2 years reduced both length and density of ferns. Mean density of naturally established tree seedlings was four times greater on these treatment plots compared to controls, but with great variability among plots. Red oak (Quercus rubra) and sugar maple (Acer saccharum) seedlings planted the year after mowing showed greater survival and height growth compared to controls.
Short-Term Effects of Silvicultural Treatments on Microsite Heterogeneity and Plant Diversity in Mature Tennessee Oak-Hickory Forests
Authors: Jackson Samuel W. , Harper Craig A. , Buckley David S. , Miller Bradley F.
Published: August 2019

Growing emphasis on sustainability has increased the demand for information on effects of forest management on species diversity. We investigated the hypothesis that plant diversity is a function of microsite heterogeneity by documenting plant diversity and heterogeneity in canopy cover, light, and soil moisture produced by four silvicultural treatments during the first growing season following treatment: prescribed burning, wildlife retention cut with prescribed burning, wildlife retention cut, and shelterwood cutting. Treatments and controls were randomly assigned within four relatively undisturbed, 70–90-year-old oak-hickory stands. Heterogeneity in canopy cover and photosynthetically active radiation was greatest after shelterwood cutting, whereas the wildlife retention cut resulted in less removal of canopy trees and a smaller increase in heterogeneity of these factors. The addition of prescribed burning enhanced the effects of the wildlife retention cut. Prescribed burning alone had the least impact on heterogeneity of these factors. Soil moisture variability appeared to be independent of treatments. Shelterwood cutting increased first-year herbaceous plant diversity, and this increase was likely due, in part, to increased heterogeneity in canopy cover, light, and seedbed condition. These first-year results partially support the hypothesis that plant diversity is a function of microsite diversity in these forests. Long-term monitoring is underway.