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FORESTRY GRADUATE SEMINAR SERIES


Location: Room 303, Forestry & Geology, UNBF
Credits: 3
FORESTRY GRADUATE SEMINAR SERIES
DATE: Wednesday, April 8th 2008
TIME: 1:00 p.m.
PLACE: Room 303 - Forestry & Geology Bldg.
MODERATOR: Mark Roberts

Luke J.Amos-Binks, MScF Candidate

Title: Stand dynamics of mixedwood stands in northwest New Brunswick

Abstract: Mixed hardwood-softwood forests (mixedwoods) contain a diversity of tree species and conditions that provide a variety of ecological values. Conversion of mixedwoods to agricultural fields, the northern migration of white-tailed deer, Eastern spruce budworm outbreaks and forestry practices have all contributed to a reduction in area occupied by mixedwood forest in the Acadian forest. To improve the management of mixedwood forest in this region, a better understanding of the long term stand dynamics is required. The objectives of this project are: 1) to determine patterns of change in species composition in selected mixedwood stands and 2) to relate patterns of change in species composition to past disturbance and subsequent stand growth response. Photo-interpretation of a sequence of aerial photos (1946, 1966, 1982 and 2006) was performed to quantify species composition of sample stands. Stands were grouped into 5 stand development classes that represented patterns of change in species composition from 1946-2008. Increment cores were extracted from trees within sample stands during the summer of 2008 and measured for growth analysis. There was high variability in temporal patterns of species composition, with a general shift towards increased hardwood content. Estimation of severity and duration of spruce budworm outbreaks, tree establishment and understory recruitment was determined using growth analysis information. Noticeable periods of tree establishment and recruitment were present in stand development classes but differed in their proportions and species. The influence of interacting natural disturbances and subsequent stand replacement are the driving mechanisms influencing mixedwood composition over time.