bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing and Evaluating Tree Height-Diameter Models at Three Geographic Scales for Black Spruce in Ontario
Authors: Peng Changhui , Zhang Lianjun , Zhou Xiaolu , Dang Qinglai , Huang Shongming
Published: August 2019

A total of 11,612 black spruce trees were measured from permanent sample plots across the boreal and central regions of Ontario and were used to fit the well-known Chapman-Richards growth model at provincial, regional, and ecoregional scales. The results suggest that the height-diameter relationships of black spruce vary with different geographic regions and scales. There were significant variations in height-diameter relationships for black spruce between boreal and central regions as well as among some of the seven ecoregions. The ecoregion-based height-diameter models presented here will provide more accurate predictions for tree height and, consequently, tree volume than these models developed at both provincial and regional scales. Furthermore, the heterogeneity of tree species should be considered in developing and applying ecoregion-based height-diameter models for predicting local tree height.
Bat Activity in Harvested and Intact Forest Stands in the Allegheny Mountains
Authors: Owen Sheldon F. , Menzel Michael A. , Edwards John W. , Ford W. Mark , Menzel Jennifer M. , Chapman Brian R. , Wood Petra Bohall , Miller Karl V.
Published: August 2019

We used Anabat acoustical monitoring devices to examine bat activity in intact canopy forests, complex canopy forests with gaps, forests subjected to diameter-limit harvests, recent deferment harvests, clearcuts and unmanaged forested riparian areas in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia in the summer of 1999. We detected eight species of bats, including the endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis). Most bat activity was concentrated in forested riparian areas. Among upland habitats, activity of silver-haired bats (Lasionycteris noctivagans) and hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus) was higher in open, less cluttered vegetative types such as recent deferment harvests and clearcuts. Our results suggest that bat species in the central Appalachians partially segregate themselves among vegetative conditions based on differences in body morphology and echolocation call characteristics. From the standpoint of conserving bat foraging habitat for the maximum number of species in the central Appalachians, special emphasis should be placed on protecting forested riparian areas. North. J. Appl. For. 21(3):154 –159.
Avoiding Spurious Conclusions from Forest Service Estimates of Timber Volume, Growth, Removal, and Mortality
Authors: Luppold William , McWilliams William H.
Published: August 2019

Forest inventory statistics developed by the USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) units are useful in examining a variety of economic and biological issues, including forest-industry plant location, biological supplies of specific timber species, forest health, and long-term sustainability of timber resources. In general, these statistics accurately represent the resource, especially at the inventory-unit and state levels. However, several issues related to data collection must be understood to prevent spurious conclusions, especially when examining forest change characteristics such as removals, mortality, net growth, or the growth-removal ratio. Because FIA statistics are developed by sampling procedures, they are subject to sampling error. As the size of the forest area under study decreases, the number of observations used to develop FIA statistics decreases. The number of observations used to calculate FIA statistics can be particularly inadequate when examining net growth, removals, mortality, and growth-removal ratios of specific species for geographical areas smaller than inventory units. North. J. Appl. For. 21(4):194–199.
Short-Term Temperature Response in Forest Floor and Soil to Ice Storm Disturbance in a Northern Hardwood Forest
Authors: Likens Gene E. , Dresser Brian K. , Buso Donald C.
Published: August 2019

Significant changes in the temperature of forest floor and soil of the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest occurred as a result of canopy damage caused by a major ice storm in Jan. 1998. The summertime patterns among open, brush-pile, and reference sites were clear and repeatable: (1) air temperatures at all sites peaked at about the same time each day although the average open-site values were 1 to 4°C higher; (2) the pattern at 2- and 15-cm [0.8- and 5.9-in.] depths was similar to air; (3) the open value was 5 to 9 and 6 to 10°C higher than that in the reference site and brush-pile sites, respectively; (4) there was a lag of ∼0.3 hours for daily peak temperatures between the air and 2-cm depth, and ∼3.3 hours between the daily maximum temperature at 2- and 15-cm depth for the open sites; (5) the open site temperature at both 2- and 15-cm depth was ∼2°C higher than reference and brush-pile temperatures (average daily temperature for the brush-pile site rose to be roughly equal to that in the open site in Aug. 1999 and Aug. 2000, while the reference site remained about 2°C lower); (6) small, but not statistically significant, changes were observed at the 50-cm [19.7-in.] depth where the open site was ∼1°C higher than the brush-pile or reference sites; and (7) regrowth of vegetation in the canopy gaps during the first 3 years reduced forest floor temperatures to or below the temperature at the 2-cm depth in the reference site. These results have potential ecological importance to the northern hardwood forest ecosystem. North. J. Appl. For. 21(4):209 –219.
Long-Term Economic Simulation: Even-Aged and Uneven-Aged Examples from the Missouri Ozark Forest Ecosystem Project (MOFEP)
Authors: Treiman Thomas , Dwyer John , Larsen David
Published: August 2019

Much of the software and many of the algorithms commonly used to simulate forest growth and harvesting activities have been optimized for short-term projections based primarily on larger-sized trees and are focused on even-aged silvicultural systems. Using data on trees 1.5 in. dbh and larger from the Missouri Ozark Forest Ecosystem Project (MOFEP), we have adapted the widely available Landscape Management System (LMS) and Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS) software to make long-term simulations using even and uneven-aged silvicultural management systems. MOFEP is designed to test the long-term effects of even-aged, uneven-aged, and no harvest treatments on a variety of ecosystem attributes. To simulate the economic outcomes of these three treatments, we have written new LMS algorithms that simulate the effects of uneven-aged harvesting. Our results show that in the Missouri Ozarks even-aged and uneven-aged management silvicultural systems yield long-term (100 years) economic outcomes that are not statistically different. This result reinforces the need for land managers or landowners to consider esthetics, nontraditional forest products, and other nonmarket values in their decision matrix. North. J. Appl. For. 22(1):42– 47.
Influence of Cutting Method on Stand Growth in Sawtimber Oak Stands
Authors: Ward Jeffrey S. , Stephens George R. , Ferrandino Francis J.
Published: August 2019

Many upland oak forests in the eastern United States are approaching economic and biological maturity. A study was established in 1981–1984 in three central Connecticut forests to examine the effects of six distinct cutting methods (shelterwood, diameter limit, multiaged crop tree, high grading, silvicultural clearcut, forest preserve) on stand growth and dynamics in sawtimber oak stands. Board-foot volumes (International 1/4) averaged 8.4 mbf/ac before the initial harvest. Sixty-nine percent of sawtimber trees had butt-log grades of 2 or better. Volume growth was significantly lower on high grading plots (36 bf/ac/year) than on the forest preserve, diameter limit, shelterwood, and multiaged crop tree plots (∼214 bf/ac/year) through two cutting cycles. Total board-foot yield (final volumes plus harvested volumes) for the silvicultural clearcut plots (7.3 mbf/ac) was significantly lower than for uncut, shelterwood, and diameter limit cuts, 12.3, 12.5, and 13.0 mbf/ac, respectively. This study showed that three distinct cutting methods: shelterwood, multiaged crop tree, and forest preserve resulted in similar stand volume growth rates in sawtimber oak stands. The first two methods can be used by landowners who wish to generate income to offset expenses. The choice will depend on the aesthetic and regeneration goals of the landowner. Diameter-limit cutting also had similar volume rates, but it was necessary to lower the diameter limits for the second cutting cycle to maintain economically viable harvests. As a consequence, residual stand structure after the second cutting cycle was similar to that for the high grading plots. Although high grading had the highest harvested volume during the first cutting cycle, low quality of residual trees and depressed stand growth rates indicate it is not a viable option for long-term forest management. North. J. Appl. For. 22(1):59–67.
Diameter-Limit Cutting and Silviculture: A Comparison of Long-Term Yields and Values for Uneven-Aged Sugar Maple Stands
Authors: Nyland Ralph D.
Published: August 2019

Computer simulations compared long-term sawtimber yields and values for uneven-aged sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) stands operated repeatedly by diameter-limit or selection system cutting. Findings show that the annualized sawtimber volume production and annualized revenues from selection system cutting exceed those from diameter-limit cutting. Also, present net worth values for selection system cutting exceed that of diameter-limit cutting at a 4, 6, and 8% interest rate. Findings also indicate that diameter-limit cutting in uneven-aged stands will result in less regular and less frequent yields of volume and value. The only advantage of diameter-limit cutting is the short-term financial gain that comes with removing a high volume during the first entry to a well-stocked uneven-aged stand. For sustained management, selection system cutting will prove superior for both sawtimber volume produced and recovered and its value.North. J. Appl. For. 22(2):111–116.
An Assessment of the Red Maple Resource in the Northeastern United States
Authors: Alderman Delton R. , Bumgardner Matthew S. , Baumgras John E.
Published: August 2019

The red maple resource in the northeastern United States has exhibited dramatic gains in the past 3 decades in terms of stem numbers and net volume. Growing stock and sawtimber volumes have displayed extraordinary growth compared to other species, and red maple is replacing important market species that have historically been used in the Northeast. The increase in red maple has salient implications for foresters, primary and secondary manufacturers, and wood technologists. Data from the USDA Forest Service's (USFS) Forest Inventory and Analysis program were used to provide a regional assessment of the red maple resource. The analysis includes the location, concentration, volume, quality, and current utilization of red maple in the USFS's 13-state Northeastern Region. Study results indicate red maple is a significant and increasing component of northeastern forests, with Pennsylvania, New York, and Maine holding the largest volumes of red maple. Red maple, expressed as a percentage of USFS hardwood tree grades, is distributed primarily in grades 3 and lower. Finally, development of innovative markets and novel products, understanding consumers via consumer behavior research, and innovative silvicultural treatments will be required to increase the utilization of red maple.North. J. Appl. For. 22(3):181–189.
The Expense of Private Forestry: Survey Results of Private Practicing Foresters in Massachusetts
Authors: Hersey Charles , Kittredge David
Published: August 2019

There is little information available on the rates and different methods of remuneration associated with various forestry activities. We surveyed 145 Massachusetts-licensed private foresters in the winter of 2004 to determine the method, average, and range of prices that foresters charge landowners for practices such as management plans, timber sales, and other services. The results indicate that foresters charge a wide range of prices, and there are several different ways to pay for the same service.North. J. Appl. For. 22(3):211–212.
State Forest Resource Planning Programs in the Northeast United States
Authors: Kilgore Michael , Salk Raintry , Carpenter Constance , Prichard Teague
Published: August 2019

A survey of state forest resource planning programs in the northeast United States was conducted in 2003. Using a mail-back questionnaire, the lead planners of state forestry agencies provided information on the types of planning processes undertaken, organizational capacity for planning, perceptions of planning effectiveness, planner training needs, adequacy of federal support for state planning efforts, and important barriers to more effective planning programs. Survey results indicate that state forest resource planning continues to evolve in response to important organizational and economic changes, as well as important changes to the state's forest resource base. Each state's forest resource planning program is unique and influenced by such factors as statutory authority and direction, available resources, and political support for planning. Opportunities to improve state forest resource planning include designing more effective and useful planning processes, increasing the visibility of planning efforts and resultant benefits among decisionmakers and interest groups, strengthening the professional capacity of planners to effectively carry out planning processes, and integrating state planning efforts with federal planning initiatives and programs.North. J. Appl. For. 22(4):221–228.
How Much Land is Needed for the Harvest Access System on Nonindustrial Private Forestlands Dominated by Northern Hardwoods?
Authors: Germain René H. , Munsell John F.
Published: August 2019

Harvest access systems (forest roads, skid trails, and landings) account for 90% of the erosion and sedimentation during harvesting activities. A well-planned harvest access system can reduce the surface area disturbed by logging, thereby decreasing the potential for erosion and sedimentation. Most Best Management Practices (BMP) guidelines suggest that the area disturbed by the harvest access system should range from 10 to 15%. We measured surface area disturbance by the harvest access system on 43 harvest sites on nonindustrial private forestlands in northern hardwood cover types in New York State and found that the average area percent disturbed was 6% with a range of 3 to 13%. The quality of BMP implementation was positively associated with the percentage of surface area disturbed, suggesting that harvests with a low percentage of surface area disturbance do not necessarily exhibit high-quality BMP.North. J. Appl. For. 22(4):243–247.
Economic Analysis of Growth Effects of Thinning and Fertilization of Lodgepole Pine in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Ghebremichael Asghedom , Nanang David M. , Yang Richard
Published: August 2019

This study examined the economic profitability of eight combinations of thinning and fertilization treatments applied to 40-year-old natural stands of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. Var. latifolia Engelm) in Alberta, Canada. The eight treatments, consisting of four levels of nitrogen fertilizer application (0, 180, 360, and 540 kg ha−1) and two levels of thinning (thinned and unthinned), were applied in 1984 in a randomized complete block design with factorial treatments and nine replications per treatment. The diameters and heights of all trees on the experimental plots were measured in 1984, 1989, 1994, and 1999. A simple factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the 1984 volume as a covariate showed that both fertilization and thinning increased volume growth significantly. Economic analyses showed that thinning without fertilization was the most profitable treatment combination. The ranking of profitability was based on the soil expectation value and assumed that the thinnings had a commercial value. If thinnings had no market value, then the unthinned treatments were more profitable than their corresponding thinned ones. The profitability ranking was robust for real discount rates of 4 to 10%. To improve economic profitability, fertilization of lodgepole pine should be carried out when the stands are in an optimal stand density range for the site to ensure that the increased growth is concentrated on the most valuable trees with the best growth potential.North. J. Appl. For. 22(4):254–261.
Fifty-Year Impacts of the Beech Bark Disease in the Bartlett Experimental Forest, New Hampshire
Authors: Leak William B.
Published: August 2019

Records from the early 1950s on the Bartlett Experimental Forest in New Hampshire showed that the percentage of American beech trees infected with heavy beech scale and Nectria was up to the 80 to 90% range. An inventory of beech bark disease conditions in three stands in 2004 showed that an older, uneven-aged stand managed by individual tree selection for 50 years had over 70% of the basal area in clean- (or disease-free) and rough-barked trees—trees that showed resistance or partial resistance to the disease; 15% of the basal area was clean. In contrast, an adjacent essentially unmanaged stand had well over 60% of the basal area in Nectria-damaged trees—those with sunken bark because of cambial mortality. A young unmanaged stand had a little over 60% of the basal area in mostly rough-barked trees. Records indicate that the amount of beech was not reduced by the disease in any of the inventoried stands. Apparently, single-tree selection over a 50-year period has substantially improved the disease resistance and merchantable potential of the stand.
Controlling Beech Root and Stump Sprouts Using the Cut-Stump Treatment
Authors: Kochenderfer Jeffrey D. , Kochenderfer James N. , Miller Gary W.
Published: August 2019

Application costs and efficacy were determined for cut-stump treatments applied to American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.) to control root and stump sprouts in central West Virginia. Glyphosate as Glypro (53.8%) was applied to the outer 2 in. of beech stumps from trees >6.0-in. dbh within 1 hour after cutting. In addition to treatment plots, individual beech stumps were treated to determine mortality patterns. The treatments were applied in early September 2001 and evaluated 12 months after treatment. A rating system ranging from 1 to 7 (0 to 100% crown affected) based on visual estimates of symptoms was used to evaluate the efficacy of the treatments. Trees with a rating of 5 (75% crown control or greater) were considered controlled. After 12 months, more than 90% of beech root sprouts ≥1-ft tall to 5.9-in. dbh on treated plots were controlled. Complete control of stump sprouting also was achieved. An average of 93 beech stems was controlled around each treated stump. Mortality around treated stumps declined as the radial distance from stumps increased and stump size decreased. Average application cost (chemical and labor) ranged from $39.43 to 62.34 per acre depending on the basal area and number of stems treated. After two growing seasons, the number of beech root sprouts on more than 90% of the treated regeneration plots remained below levels considered as interfering according to guidelines for Allegheny hardwoods. This study demonstrated that herbicide is readily translocated from the surfaces of freshly cut beech stumps via parent root systems to attached live beech stems. The cut-stump method can be applied in areas where beech is the primary species interfering with the establishment and development of desirable regeneration.
Interference to Hardwood Regeneration in Northeastern North America: Assessing and Countering Ferns in Northern Hardwood Forests
Authors: Engelman Heather M. , Nyland Ralph D.
Published: August 2019

The extremely dense shade cast by spreading ferns, particularly hayscented, New York, and bracken ferns, interferes with the survival and development of tree seedlings in northern hardwood forests. Excessive bracken frond litter and hayscented fern root mats can also prevent adequate germination and seedling development. In addition, the herbaceous cover may harbor detrimental small herbivores, while large ones often preferentially browse seedlings that grow through this layer. Increased understory light levels after an overstory disturbance, abundant soil moisture, fire, and herbivory promote ferns, whereas excessive and repeated cold or drought deter fern development and propagation. The most promising control methods repress ferns until seedlings cast adequate shade to inhibit further development of the fern layer. When ferns cover more than 30% of the understory, well-timed applications of either glyphosate or sulfometuron methyl have successfully controlled hayscented, New York, and bracken ferns. Two carefully timed mowings annually for at least 2 years have also provided long-lasting control on level, accessible sites. Deer populations must be reduced where browsing prevents development of desirable plants.
Indirect Effects of Forest Management on Riparian Zone Characteristics in the Adirondack Uplands of New York
Authors: Dieterich Michael , Woodcock Thomas , Adams Kenneth , Mihuc Timothy
Published: August 2019

Riparian zones are transitional areas between streams and adjacent terrestrial habitats, and they typically have vegetation communities distinct from both. To identify possible effects of forest management within a watershed on riparian plant community structure and riparian zone width,understory vegetation was sampled in three managed and three unmanaged (Forest Preserve) watersheds (250ߝ550 ha) in the Adirondack Park, New York, at three lateral distances (2, 7, and 12 m) from the stream (n = 6). Abundance of herbs was greater at Preserve sites, althoughrichness was not affected by land use. Abundance and richness both decreased with distance from the stream within each land use type, and this decrease was less steep at Forest Preserve sites. Abundance of saplings was greater under management, and saplings did not respond to distance fromthe channel. Binary discriminant analysis demonstrated differences in herb community composition between land uses, although this difference decreased with increasing proximity to the channel. Although none of the riparian areas in this study have been directly logged, this study shows thatindirect effects of management in a watershed (e.g., increased light and evapotranspiration) can alter the riparian herbaceous community, increase the density of saplings, and narrow the riparian zone of small upland streams. North. J. Appl. For. 23(4):273–279.
Trends in Minnesota's Forestland Real Estate Market: Potential Implications for Forestland Uses
Authors: Kilgore Michael A. , MacKay Donald G.
Published: August 2019

Data on nearly 8,000 sales of Minnesota forestland 20 ac or larger from 1989 through 2003 were analyzed to identify important real estate market trends and the implication of these trends on forestland uses. Over this 15-year period, the median sale price of forestland increased, onaverage, 13% per year in nominal terms, with per-acre prices inversely correlated with parcel size. From 1989 to 2003, 57% of all forestland sales were less than 40 ac, with just 3% exceeding 200 ac. The sales data documented an 18% decrease in the average sizeof forestland tracts since 1989, suggesting that forestland parcelization may be occurring. From 1989 to 2003, individuals accounted for 94% of all acreage purchased and 89% of all acreage sold, indicating a slight, but gradual, shift in forestland ownership out of incorporatedinterests to individuals. Although the land's annual income-generating ability compared with its market price fluctuated considerably from 1989 to 2003, Minnesota's forestland capitalization rate was slightly higher in 2003 than in 1989, suggesting that the economic competitiveness of timbermanagement as a land use increased over this period of considerable forestland price appreciation. With the exception of parcelization, these changes will likely have only a modest effect on forestland uses.
Changes in Soil Bulk Density Resulting from Construction and Conventional Cable Skidding Using Preplanned Skid Trails
Authors: Wang Jingxin , LeDoux Chris B. , Edwards Pam
Published: August 2019

A harvesting system consisting of chainsaw felling and cable skidder extraction was studied to determine soil bulk density changes in a central Appalachian hardwood forest site. Soil bulk density was measured using a nuclear gauge preharvest and postharvest systematically across the harvest site, on transects across skid trails, and for a subset of skid trail transects closest to log landing after each of the first ten loaded machine passes. Bulk density was also measured in skid trails after their construction but prior to skidding. Bulk density did not change significantly across the harvest site, because the extraction equipment stayed on the preplanned skid trails. Bulk density increased on the skid trails as a result of construction by crawler bulldozer and during skidding. Bulk density in the skid trail increased by 30% because of construction by a crawler bulldozer. Fifty-five percent of the increase in bulk density attributable to skidding occurred after one loaded pass, and 80% of the bulk density increase was experienced after two loaded passes. Bulk density increased by only 5% between passes five and ten.
Do Improvement Harvests Mitigate Oak Decline in Missouri Ozark Forests?
Authors: Dwyer John P. , Kabrick John M. , Wetteroff James
Published: August 2019

Since the 1970s, oak decline has been a chronic problem throughout the oak-dominated forests of the Missouri Ozarks. Prior research indicates that environmental stress, particularly drought, leads to the onset of oak decline. Consequently, some scientists and managers have advocated thinning and intermediate harvesting to maintain or improve tree vigor and growth, thereby leaving stands less susceptible to pathogens and pests that are frequently the ultimate cause of mortality of declining trees. However, few studies have experimentally evaluated the effectiveness of cutting treatments for mitigating oak decline, and some scientists have cautioned that cutting in declining stands exacerbates the problem. We conducted a replicated, 14-year study in southeastern Missouri to determine if improvement harvests would reduce the severity of oak decline symptoms and increase forest growth compared with untreated stands. Although we found that improvement harvests did not mitigate oak decline, they did not make decline worse and had the benefits of increasing the diameter growth of trees in the residual stand. Even in the absence of the improvement harvests, more than 70% of red oaks that initially exhibited little or no crown dieback remained in the same crown dieback classes during the 14-year study period. We also observed that more than 50% of the red oaks that initially exhibited moderate to severe decline symptoms appeared to improve during the study, regardless of harvest treatment. In contrast, fewer than 18% of declining white oaks improved during the study period.
Effects of Gypsy Moth Defoliation on Softwood and Hardwood Growth and Mortality in New Brunswick, Canada
Authors: Hennigar Chris Richard , MacLean David A. , Norfolk Chris James
Published: August 2019

The first major European gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L.) outbreak occurred in central New Brunswick, Canada, on over 3,000 ha of forestland, from 2001ߝ2003. The outbreak was severe enough to result in considerable landowner concern and a privately funded aerial insecticide spray program to protect trees. Defoliation was unexpectedly severe on several tree species thought to be resistant or immune, as indicated from studies in the northeastern United States. Fifty plots (564 trees) were established and measured for standard mensurational characteristics, defoliation, and annual tree mortality, and after the cessation of defoliation, 44 trees were destructively stem analyzed to determine growth patterns. Balsam fir (Abies balsamea [L.] Mill.) with defoliation of more than 75% sustained specific volume increment reduction averaging 55% and 25% mortality after 2 years of severe defoliation. Red oak (Quercus rubra L.) sustained about 40% growth reduction, similar to results of previous studies. However, white birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.) and trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.), with more than 75% defoliation for 2 years, sustained 43ߝ48% growth reduction, higher than in previous studies, and 4ߝ12% mortality. The gypsy moth range in Canada appears to be gradually expanding beyond previous climatic (cold winter temperature) limitations, and these results will help to predict future impacts.
Influence of Species on Site Selection and Timber Removal: A Case Study for West Virginia
Authors: Luppold William , Alderman Delton
Published: August 2019

Over the last 40 years the composition of West Virginia forests has been changing as selective cutting practices have removed larger-diameter timber of specific species and partial canopy removal has fostered the regeneration of shade-tolerant species such as red maple. However, since the mid-1990s there has been considerable change in the number of markets accepting lower-quality and smaller-diameter roundwood, especially yellow-poplar. These changes have increased the number of roundwood markets and thus have increased the potential for harvesting based on silvicultural objectives or clearcuts. An examination of harvesting and merchandising practices for 28 harvest sites in West Virginia found an average of four merchandising separations or markets per site. Although the presence of new markets may have increased the section of sites containing yellow-poplar and the removal of this species from these sites, the continuation of diameter-limit cutting seems to have the greatest effect on which trees are removed. This pattern of partial harvests continues to favor the regeneration of shade-tolerant species such as red and sugar maple.
Short-Term Responses of Aspen to Fire and Mechanical Treatments in Interior Alaska
Authors: Paragi Thomas F. , Haggstrom Dale A.
Published: August 2019

Fire suppression and limited timber markets presently hinder maintenance of the early successional broad-leaved forest for wildlife habitat near settlements in interior Alaska. During 1999ߝ2003, we evaluated the efficacy of prescribed burning, felling, and shearblading (with and without debris removal) to regenerate quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides). Treatments were conducted largely during the dormant period for aspen: prescribed burns in mid-May and mechanical treatments in late August through early April. Prescribed burns on loess hills produced 40,900ߝ233,000 stems/ha by the second growing season. Low relative humidity, slope of more than 10°, southerly aspect, and juxtaposition to open areas produced fire behavior adequate to ensure top killing and vigorous sprouting response. Felling by chainsaw on loess hills produced 34,800ߝ89,800 stems/ha, whereas dozer shearblading on glacial outwash (loam over gravel) produced 74,200ߝ209,200 stems/ha (cleared portions and windrows combined) and a sandy loam floodplain produced 31,400ߝ64,800 stems/ha. Pushing debris into windrows or scraping thick moss allowed warmer soils and produced greater sprouting on cleared sites relative to sections where debris or moss remained. Mechanical treatments were 25ߝ75% of current prescribed fire costs, but debris accumulation may hinder access by browsing species and attract terrestrial predators of gallinaceous birds.
Effects of Population Pressures on Wood Procurement and Logging Opportunities in Northern New England
Authors: Egan Andrew , Taggart Deryth , Annis Isaac
Published: August 2019

The availability of raw material for harvest and use by wood-consuming mills in northern New England is a concern of the region's forest products community. Shifting populations, as well as shifting priorities for and values of land uses in the region, have placed pressures on landowners to subdivide and sell their forestland, resulting in concern about future wood supply in some areas of the region. Wood procurement managers and professional loggers, key participants in supplying raw material to wood-consuming mills, were surveyed to better understand the relationships between phenomena such as land development and the availability of logging and wood procurement opportunities. Results suggested concern about sprawl among approximately one-half of the logger respondents in the region, particularly in New Hampshire, where 60% of respondents indicated that there will be less logging in their area in 10 years because of sprawl. Three-quarters of procurement managers said that uncertainty about the future of the region's wood supply was an important or very important barrier to maintaining or expanding their businesses, and over one-half of respondents from New Hampshire indicated that too much development was a barrier. In addition, sawmills receiving at least one-half of their raw material from nonindustrial private forests were more concerned about their future wood supply than those that did not. However, stumpage prices and regulations were cited as important factors affecting mills' wood supplies more often than factors related to population pressures, such as sprawl, development, and shrinking woodlot sizes.
A Product Ratio Calculator for Northeastern Tree Species
Authors: Kershaw John A. , Richards Evelyn , Larusic John
Published: August 2019

PRCalc is a stand-alone Microsoft Windows-based program that calculates percent volume of timber products for a given tree list or stand table and product specifications. The program uses Honer's merchantable volume ratios approach. It can be used to assess stand value and to examine effects of varying dimensional species specifications for timber products. PRCalc develops merchantable ratios for both metric and imperial units.
Quick Volume Coefficient Determination for Point Sampling
Authors: Dahl Christopher , Harding Brent , Wiant Harry
Published: August 2019

Grosenbaugh developed a formula for making quick point-sample estimates of sawtimber volume without measuring diameter. Local coefficients were created for a study area in central Pennsylvania hardwoods and were compared with volume estimates using a range of previously published coefficients. Results indicate that a general constant coefficient of 66 produces sawtimber volume estimates that are as good as using species-specific local coefficients for Pennsylvania hardwoods.
Efficacy of Stem Injection Treatments on Striped Maple in Central West Virginia
Authors: Kochenderfer Jeffrey D. , Kochenderfer James N.
Published: August 2019

Hack-and-squirt injection treatments were applied to individual striped maple (Acer pennsylvanicum L.) stems and to the largest stem in sprout clumps in a 25-year-old clearcut in central West Virginia to evaluate seasonal efficacy of imazapyr as Arsenal (28.7%) and glyphosate as Glypro Plus (41.0%) in water carriers. Complete control of injected stems was achieved with all treatments. However, the Arsenal treatments resulted in greater control of basal sprouting, untreated striped maple stems, and sprout clumps. Treatment efficacies were higher in Septemberthan in June. Land managers can use the application methods described here and a 6% solution of Arsenal to effectively control individual striped maple stems and sprout clumps.
Forest Vegetation Simulator Ingrowth Tool: Incorporating Ingrowth Tree Lists into Forest Vegetation Simulator Growth Projections
Authors: Arseneault Justin E. , Kershaw John A. , McCarter James B. , MacLean David A.
Published: August 2019

This article describes the Forest Vegetation Simulator Ingrowth Tool (FVS_IT), software developed in the Python language 5 and tested using the Northeast variant of FVS (FVS-NE). This tool incorporates specified ingrowth tree lists, stored in secondary tree list files, into FVS projections. It functions by retrieving information from an FVS keyword file, which is then modified to project data in a stepwise manner using user-defined time intervals. Between each time step in a simulation, FVS_IT incorporates ingrowth into projections by appending ingrowth tree records to projected tree lists and compiles a new tree list for the next time step. Outputs include both appended tree lists and stand summaries from FVS so that users can conduct further analyses. The FVS_IT application is useful when assessing and calibrating FVS using continuous forest inventory or permanent sample plots where periodic remeasurements include ingrowth trees.
Practical Extension of a Lake States Tree Height Model
Authors: Bragg Don C.
Published: August 2019

By adapting data from national and state champion lists and the predictions of an existing height model, an exponential function was developed to improve tree height estimation. As a case study, comparisons between the original and redesigned model were made with eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.). For example, the heights predicted by the new design varied by centimeters from the original until the pines were more than 25 cm dbh, after which the differences increased notably. On a very good site (50-year base age site index [SI50] = 27.4 m) at the upper end of the range of basal area (BA; 68.9 m2/ha) for the region, the redesigned model predicted a champion-sized eastern white pine (actual measurements: 97.0 cm dbh, 50.9 m tall) to be 51.3 m tall, compared with 38.8 m using the original formulation under the same conditions. The NORTHWDS Individual Response Model (NIRM) individual tree model further highlighted the influence of these differences with long-term simulations of eastern white pine height. On a moderate site (SI50 = 18.7 m) with intermediate (BA = 15 m2/ha) stand density, NIRM results show that the original model consistently predicts heights to be 20–30% lower for mature white pine.
Circular Distribution of Branches from Plantation Grown Black Spruce in Ontario
Authors: Benjamin Jeffrey G. , Chui Ying Hei , Kershaw John A.
Published: August 2019

The literature is not consistent in descriptions related to branch location around a stem and, consequently, few models exist to predict distribution of branch azimuth. The objective of this study was to determine if branches in black spruce are uniformly distributed around the stem at the tree, log, and whorl levels with respect to branch size. Branch size limits were selected to reflect the largest branch per whorl and knot size limits were established by visual grading rules for 2 × 3 and 2 × 4 dimension lumber. Using Rayleigh's test of uniformity, branches are considered to be uniformly distributed around the stem for all branch size limits: between 40 and 80% at the tree level, over 70% at the log level, and virtually 100% at the whorl level. The findings of this study indicate that a simple random assignment (from a uniform distribution) of branches around the stem within each whorl is sufficient to properly describe branch location within black spruce tree growth models.
Financial Incentive Programs' Influence in Promoting Sustainable Forestry in the Northern Region
Authors: Jacobson Michael G. , Straka Thomas J. , Greene John L. , Kilgore Michael A. , Daniels Steven E.
Published: August 2019

Selected forestry officials in each of the 20 northern states were surveyed concerning their opinions on the public and private financial incentive programs available to nonindustrial private forest owners in their state. The officials were asked to name and describe the programs and to assess forest owners' awareness of each one, its appeal among the owners aware of it, its effectiveness in encouraging sustainable forestry and enabling owners to meet their objectives, and the percentage of program practices that remain in place and enrolled acres that remain in forest over time. They also were asked to suggest ways to improve the programs. The Forest Stewardship, Forest Land Enhancement, and Forest Legacy Programs were among the top-rated federal programs, scoring well for all measures and attributes. Programs sponsored by states and private organizations tended to be more narrowly targeted than federal programs and scored well for specific attributes. The forestry officials' suggestions for program improvement centered largely on program visibility and availability, increasing and ensuring long-term consistency in program funding, and simplifying the application and approval processes.
Influence of Soil Site Class on Growth and Decay of Northern White-Cedar and Two Associates in Maine
Authors: Hofmeyer Philip V. , Seymour Robert S. , Kenefic Laura S.
Published: August 2019

Basal area growth of outwardly sound northern white-cedar (Thuja occidentalis L.) was compared with that of balsam fir (Abies balsamea [L.] Mill.) and red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) across site and light exposure class gradients on 60 sites throughout northern Maine. Once adjusted for sapwood area, northern white-cedar basal area growth was not strongly affected by site or light exposure class; growth was similar to that of red spruce but generally lower than that of balsam fir. Site index did not differ appreciably among soil drainage classes for red spruce and northern white-cedar, although small sample size limited analysis on upland site classes. Incidence of central decay was higher in northern white-cedar than balsam fir, which was higher than red spruce. Incidence of decay in outwardly sound northern white-cedar and balsam fir was highest on well-drained mineral soils, and mean proportion of basal area decayed at breast height increased in outwardly sound northern white-cedar as drainage improved from poorly drained to well-drained soils. These data suggest that northern white-cedar on lowland organic and poorly drained mineral soils in Maine have less decay, similar basal area growth, and similar site index relative to upland northern white-cedar communities.
Northern Pin Oak Stump Sprouting Frequency on Scrub Oak Sites of Central Wisconsin
Authors: Mujuri Elijah , Demchik Michael C.
Published: August 2019

Stump sprouts are an important component of the regeneration for northern pin oak on scrub oak sites in Central Wisconsin, but there exists little quantitative information about their actual contribution. This study examines the occurrence of sprouting from northern pin oak stumps remaining after overstory removal in four stands in Central Wisconsin. On average, 85% of all stumps sprouted. Sprouting frequency diminished significantly (P < 0.0001) as stump diameter increased, but even the largest stumps sprouted at rates of 71% or better. With stump sprouting rates this high, coppice regeneration could fill much of the regeneration need for similar scrub oak sites.
Expected Rates of Value Growth for Individual Sugar Maple Crop Trees in the Great Lakes Region
Authors: Webster Charles E. , Reed David D. , Orr Blair D. , Schmierer James M. , Pickens James B.
Published: August 2019

Sugar maple single-stem real value growth was examined using various published models, original data, and recent harvest information. Trees with dbh of 14, 16, and 18 in. were examined, and it was assumed that trained foresters are able to judge the vigor and quality of individual trees and the likelihood of a stem's tree grade improving, staying the same, or declining over the next cutting cycle. Results indicate that a grade 1 tree will return 5.1‐7.8% if it improves to veneer grade, 1.2‐3.7% if it remains grade 1, and −0.2 to −2.6% if it declines to grade 2. Trees have greater rates of return and should be retained to larger diameters on higher quality sites.
Seventy Years of Understory Development by Elevation Class in a New Hampshire Mixed Forest: Management Implications
Authors: Leak William B.
Published: August 2019

New England forest managers are faced with numerous environmental issues, such as global warming, nutrient depletion, and species declines that could influence the choice of appropriate silvicultural techniques and objectives. On the Bartlett Experimental Forest, New Hampshire, 70 yearsof change on more than 400 remeasured cruise plots by elevation classes ranging from 600 to 2,700 ft showed no evidence of environmental impacts. The major, and only dominant, agent of change was natural succession. Time-tested silvicultural approaches remain valid.
Evaluating Height‐Age Determination Methods for Jack Pine and Black Spruce Plantations Using Stem Analysis Data
Authors: Subedi Nirmal , Sharma Mahadev
Published: August 2019

Six height‐age determination methods (Graves, Lenhart, Carmean, Newberry, ratio, and ISSA) were evaluated for their accuracy and sensitivity to sample size in determining height‐age pairs using stem analysis data from plantation-grown black spruce (Picea mariana[Mill.] B.S.P.) and jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) trees from Ontario, Canada. Twenty-three disks (sections) were used from 102 jack pine and 93 black spruce trees each for evaluation. The Graves, ratio, and Newberry methods were unbiased for determining height‐age pairs forboth black spruce and jack pine across the site productivity gradient and different crown classes. However, on the basis of the magnitude of height prediction bias, reconstructed tree profiles, and the amount of information required for height‐age determination, the Graves method withat least 13 stem sections is recommended for height‐age determination.
A Comparison of Residual Stand Damage along Yarding Trails in a Group Selection Harvest Using Four Different Yarding Methods
Authors: Bustos Oscar , Egan Andrew , Hedstrom Warren
Published: August 2019

A study of residual stand damage along yarding trails associated with four harvest methods—harvester/forwarder and cable skidder, tractor, and bulldozer with chainsaw felling—was conducted in a group selection harvest of a mixed hardwood stand in Maine. Tractive yardingmethods were associated with greater numbers of damaged trees per meter of trail length. In addition, the bulldozer method resulted in the largest number of damaged boles per 100 m2 of near-trail space, whereas the smallest number of damaged boles per 100 m2 was associatedwith the forwarder method. The tractor method resulted in the most root damage, and the forwarder method resulted in the largest trail width. These results have implications for equipment selection and the planning of harvests and harvest access systems.
Private Forest Landowner Attitudes toward Off-Highway Vehicle Access: A Minnesota Case Study
Authors: Becker Dennis R. , Wilson Grant L. , Snyder Stephanie A.
Published: August 2019

Off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding has increased dramatically in the past decade, creating challenges for finding suitable places to ride, particularly where access to public lands is limited. This research examines the attitudes and willingness of private forest and seasonal recreationlandowners to provide OHV access. A series of focus groups was conducted to inform a survey questionnaire mailed to a random sample of landowners in north central Minnesota. Results indicate low willingness among landowners to provide public OHV riding opportunities. Approximately 3% of respondentscurrently allow public access, but that increases significantly if OHV riding behaviors are to reflect lowered noise levels, increased age of riders, low speeds, and small group sizes. Results also indicate that landowner attitudes regarding OHV effects and rider behaviors differ when ridersare family and friends versus the public.