Quantification of sudden oak death tree mortality in the Big Sur ecoregion of California

Abstract

Big Sur is one of the most ecologically diverse regions in California and well recognized as a biodiversity hotspot for global conservation priority. Currently the region is experiencing substantial environmental change due to the invasion of Phytophthora ramorum, the plant pathogen causing the forest disease known as sudden oak death. First confirmed in 2000, P. ramorum has spread quickly through many canyons in Big Sur killing large numbers of ecologically important oak (Quercus sp.) and tanoak (Lithocarpus densiflorus) trees with little indication of slowing. Despite these impacts detailed data on the current extent and magnitude of tree mortality are lacking yet critically needed to guide management strategies in both impacted and uninfected forests.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the sudden oak death third science symposium

Citation

Shoemaker, Douglas A.; Oneal, Christopher B.; Rizzo, David M.; Meentemeyer, Ross K. 2008. Quantification of sudden oak death tree mortality in the Big Sur ecoregion of California. In: Frankel, Susan J.; Kliejunas, John T.; Palmieri, Katharine M., tech. coords. 2008. Proceedings of the sudden oak death third science symposium. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-214. Albany, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. p 49