Distribution and extent of tree mortality in North Central hardwood forests

Abstract

Forest inventory data shows that biophysical agents and human causes account for annual losses of more than a half-billion ft³ of timber in North Central hardwood forests. This paper reports on an analysis of forest inventory data to determine the extent and distribution of tree mortality in four forest types - Aspen-Birch, Elm-Ash-Cottonwood, Maple-Beech-Birch and Oak-Hickory. Eight states were included - Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas. Plot and tree measurement records were examined to characterize tree mortality; estimate the area affected by occurrences of higher-than-average mortality; to evaluate the proportion of timber lost to various causal agents and to explain differences in mortality due to location and stand conditions.

Citation

Vasievich, J. Michael; Hobrla, Sharon L.; Hansen, Mark H. 1997. Distribution and extent of tree mortality in North Central hardwood forests. In: Pallardy, Stephen G.; Cecich, Robert A.; Garrett, H. Gene; Johnson, Paul S., eds. Proceedings of the 11th Central Hardwood Forest Conference; Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-188. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station: 117