Canopy gap dynamics of second-growth red spruce-northern hardwood stands in West Virginia

James S. Rentch; Thomas M. Schuler; Gregory J. Nowacki; Nathan R. Beane; W. Mark Ford

doi:10.1016/j.foreco.2010.08.043

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Canopy gap dynamics of second-growth red spruce-northern hardwood stands in West Virginia

Informally Refereed

Authors:

James S. Rentch, Thomas M. Schuler, Gregory J. Nowacki, Nathan R. Beane, W. Mark Ford

Year:

2010

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Northern Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2010.08.043

Source:

Forest Ecology and Management. 260: 1921-1929.

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Abstract

Forest restoration requires an understanding of the natural disturbance regime of the target community and estimates of the historic range of variability of ecosystem components (composition, structure, and disturbance processes). Management prescriptions that support specific restoration activities should be consistent with these parameters. In this study, we describe gap-phase dynamics of even-aged, second-growth red spruce-northern hardwood stands in West Virginia that have been significantly degraded following early Twentieth Century harvesting and wildfire.

Keywords

forest restoration, stand dynamics, disturbance regime, canopy turnover rate, Allegheny Mountains

Citation

Rentch, James S.; Schuler, Thomas M.; Nowacki, Gregory J.; Beane, Nathan R.; Ford, W. Mark. 2010. Canopy gap dynamics of second-growth red spruce-northern hardwood stands in West Virginia. Forest Ecology and Management. 260: 1921-1929.