Treesearch

This manual provides background information and instructions on the use of a spreadsheet-based program for Bedload Assessment in Gravel-bed Streams (BAGS). The program implements six bed load transport equations developed specifically for gravel-bed rivers. Transport capacities are calculated on the basis of field measurements of channel geometry, reach-average slope, and bed material grain size. Calculations are carried out using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), and the output is stored on individual spreadsheets. In addition to step-by-step instructions in software operation, the...

This primer accompanies the release of BAGS, software developed to calculate sediment transport rate in gravel-bed rivers. BAGS and other programs facilitate calculation and can reduce some errors, but cannot ensure that calculations are accurate or relevant. This primer was written to help the software user define relevant and tractable problems, select appropriate input, and interpret and apply the results in a useful and reliable fashion. It presents general concepts, develops the fundamentals of transport modeling, and examines sources of error. It introduces the data needed and...

The stunt nematode, Tylenchorhynchus claytoni, was found to cause a reduction in root volume (cm3) of loblolly pine at population densities equivalent of 125 nematodes/100 cm3 (6 in3) soil and greater. The results of a host range test conducted in containers under controlled conditions determined that buckwheat cultivar (Fagopryum esculentum 'Mancan'), velvetbean (Mucuna pruriens), Kobe lespedeza (Lespedeza striata 'Kobe'), bicolor lespedeza (Lespedeza bicolor), and purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus) are suitable hosts for the stunt nematode. Previous container studies concluded that pearl...

Production of container longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) seedlings for reforestation and restoration plantings exceeds that of bareroot production, but information on container production techniques has been slow to develop. Because success of those outplantings requires quality seedlings, interim guidelines were proposed in 2002 to assist nursery managers and tree planters in developing and using the best stock possible. The guidelines were intended to be updated as new information was generated. During the past 6 years, additional studies have confirmed most provisions of the interim...

Moisture levels in acorns before storage are critical. Two years after being dried before storage, water oak (Quercus nigra) acorns had 17% to 25% germination, while cherrybark oak (Q. pagoda) acorns were dead. Acorns stored fully hydrated faired far better after 2 years in storage, with germination ranging from 48% to 53% in water oak acorns, and from 67% to 76% in cherrybark oak acorns. Survival of acorns in the field was also dependent on moisture. The moderating effects of high relative humidity and rainfall throughout the collection period of the second experiment led to higher...

To understand the effects of removal of non-native plants and fuels on wildlife in the riparian forest of the Middle Rio Grande in New Mexico, we monitored snakes from 2000 to 2006 using trap arrays of drift fences, pitfalls, and funnel traps. We recorded 158 captures of 13 species of snakes from 12 study sites. We captured more snakes in funnel traps than in pitfalls. The most frequent captures were Common Kingsnakes (Lampropeltis getula), Gopher Snakes (Pituophis catenifer), Plains Black-headed Snakes (Tantilla nigriceps), and Plains Hog-nosed Snakes (Heterodon nasicus). We did not...

Remotely sensed aerial and satellite sensor imagery is widely used for classification of vegetation structure and health on industrial and public lands. More intensively than at any other time in the life of a planted tree, its health and status will be maintained and monitored while under culture in a bareroot or container nursery. As a case in point, inventories to track seedling root-collar diameter, height, bud development, and merchantability at the University of Idaho Center for Forest Nursery and Seedling Research greenhouses are conducted and discussed bi-weekly. Plant moisture and...

Nursery cultural practices during germination can be highly variable between existing production facilities. Although nursery guidebooks suggest keeping seeds moist, there are no known scientific answers indicating what sufficient moisture levels are. This study objective was to characterize differing irrigation regimes and grit color choices on different germination parameters (Germination Capacity, GC; Peak Value Germination, PV; Germination Value, GV; and Germination Rate, GR50) using seedbed temperature and soil matric water potential (Ψ) measurements. No significant differences were...

Culminating 20 years of breeding efforts, in spring 2008, The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) delivered its first 500 chestnuts to the USDA Forest Service for testing on National Forest lands. The expectation is that these seedlings will be more resistant to chestnut blight (Cryphonectria parasitica) than are pure American chestnut trees (Castanea dentata). Greater numbers of seeds will be distributed in coming years, as more trees start producing nuts and as these trees become larger. Meanwhile, the breeding program at TACF continues, incorporating different sources of resistance and...

North Carolina Department of Forest Resources F.H. Claridge Nursery in Goldsboro, was founded as the Little River Nursery in 1954, and was one of five nurseries in the Forest Resources Division at the time. The early focus of the nursery was on southern yellow pine species, predominantly loblolly (Pinus taeda) and longleaf (P. palustris) pines.