Private Lands Hold the Key to Oak Sustainability in Eastern U.S. Forests

Cherie LeBlanc Fisher; Lauren S. Pile; Jacob S. Fraser

Treesearch

Private Lands Hold the Key to Oak Sustainability in Eastern U.S. Forests

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Cherie LeBlanc Fisher, Lauren S. Pile, Jacob S. Fraser

Year:

2024

Type:

Miscellaneous Publication

Station:

Northern Research Station

Source:

Rooted in Research

Download (PDF 28.96 MB)

Download (PDF 28.96 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/68733.pdf

Abstract

In the eastern United States, oak ecosystems historically dominated eastern hardwood forests and provided significant ecological, economic, and aesthetic benefits. However, shifts in forest composition—attributed to factors including fire suppression, climate change, land use changes, and management practices—have led to a rise in shade-tolerant, mesophytic species like maples. These shifts have implications for biodiversity and ecosystem function as oaks are gradually replaced by species that have different ecological roles.

Keywords

assisted migration, climate change

Citation

Fisher, Cherie LeBlanc; Pile-Knapp, Lauren; Fraser, Jacob. 2024. Private Lands Hold the Key to Oak Sustainability in Eastern U.S. Forests. Rooted in Research Issue 44, November 2024. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 2 p.