A forest model relevant to red-cockaded woodpeckers (Picoides Borealis)

Abstract

Most forest models are created with timber production as the implied primacy. For many land managers, timber production is less important than production of habitat for wildlife. Red-cockaded woodpeckers (RCW) are one of the priorities for management of the forests at Ft. Benning army installation. To aid management, a model that integrates a red-cockaded woodpecker model with forest dynamics is being produced. This paper describes the forest dynamics part of the model. Foraging habitat for RCW is largely determined by sufficient numbers of larger pine trees, Scarcity of hardwoods in the overstory and midstory, and the presence of an appropriate understory community. A diameter class model seems well-suited for the pine components of the stands. We choose to modify the existing Southpro model. Southern pine decline and root idseases are having a large effect on forests of the installation. The effects of disease will be implemented as a separate knowledge-based model.

Citation

Goelz, J.C.G.; Rewerts, C.C.; Hess, N.J. 2005. A forest model relevant to red-cockaded woodpeckers (Picoides Borealis). In: Strub, M.R.; Cieszewski, C.J. eds. Proceedings of 2^nd international conference on forest measurements and quantitative methods and management and the 2004 southern mensurationists meeting