The Response of Plant Species to Low-Level trampling Stress on Hurricane Island, Maine

R.E. Leonard; P.W. Conkling; J.L. McMahon; J.L. McMahon

doi:10.2737/NE-RN-327

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The Response of Plant Species to Low-Level trampling Stress on Hurricane Island, Maine

Informally Refereed

Authors:

R.E. Leonard, P.W. Conkling, J.L. McMahon, J.L. McMahon

Year:

1985

Type:

Research Note

Station:

Northern Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2737/NE-RN-327

Source:

Res. Note NE-327. Broomall, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. 6 p.

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Download (PDF 401 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/21607.pdf

Abstract

In 1981, a study was initiated to measure the effects of low-level trampling (100 to 200 tramples) on selected vegetation on Hurricane Island, Maine. Low levels of trampling are representative of general recreational use patterns on most Maine islands. The study was designed to compare percent survival of common island species when subjected to low-level trampling, to observe treadway formation, and to monitor recovery. The quadropod photographic technique was used to monitor changes in area coverage of species. Climatic conditions on Hurricane lsland appear to favor rapid plant recovery. Most species were able to withstand low levels of trampling stress if allowed a recovery period of 1 year. The most resistant species were Picea rubens and Cladina spp. The woody shrubs Empetrum nigrum, Myrica pensylvanica, and Juniperus horizontalis and the tall herbaceous species Solidago rugosa and Aralia nudicaulis were the least resistant to trampling stress. Recovery of these species was relatively slow.

Citation

Leonard, R.E.; Conkling, P.W.; McMahon, J.L. 1985. The Response of Plant Species to Low-Level trampling Stress on Hurricane Island, Maine. Res. Note NE-327. Broomall, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. 6 p.