Reconstructing canopy-disturbance history and recruitment patterns to inform management decisions at the lost 40 in the Chippewa national forest, northern Minnesota

• Old-growth eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) and red pine (Pinus resinosa) dominate the forest canopy but not the understory of the Lost 40 Scientific and Natural Area in northern Minnesota. Our objectives were to (1) analyze stand structure and species composition, (2) examine the tree-ring record to determine the frequency and magnitude of canopy disturbances, (3) characterize recruitment patterns to provide information for a science-based management plan, and (4) compare the canopy-disturbance history of the Lost 40 to the average decadal rate of disturbance in similar forests. Average canopy disturbance from 1880-1999 was 2.6-8.2 percent per decade for three 0.1-ha plots. The average disturbance rate of 5.9 percent is similar to decadal rates in other temperate forests of the northeastern United States. Managing the Lost 40 to regenerate pine would require intense effort because the species composition, age structure, disturbance regime, high stand density, possibility of disease, and potential future climate do not promote natural recruitment of pines in this setting. © 2011 by Gamma Theta Upsilon.

Ämnesord

LANTBRUKSVETENSKAPER  -- Lantbruksvetenskap, skogsbruk och fiske -- Skogsvetenskap (hsv//swe)

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES  -- Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries -- Forest Science (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

environmental disturbance; forest canopy; forest fire; forest management; historical perspective; reconstruction; recruitment (population dynamics); understory

Chippewa National Forest; Minnesota; United States

Pinus resinosa; Pinus strobus

Publikations- och innehållstyp

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