Mode of Program Participation
Academic Scholarship
Participation Type
Paper
Presentation #1 Title
How old is the old-growth? Dendrochronological Assessments to Protect Unique Appalachian Forest
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Eastern old-growth forests are the fragmented and illusive remains of once large tracks of intact, complex forest ecosystems, and encompasses diverse threatened ecological communities and species. These remnant stands remain priceless pieces of natural heritage by serving as habitat for biodiversity, as sources of nutrient retention and carbon sequestration, as well as records of land use, climatic, and natural disturbances. The definition of eastern old-growth remains vastly undefined, old-growth associated vegetation is understudied due to funding constraints, and old-growth forests are under constant threats due to invasive species as well as climate and land-use change. Dendrochronological techniques, tree-ring analysis, in conjunction with additional ecological and topographical analysis were used to delineate old-growth sites throughout Maryland. Over one-hundred and fifty trees were cored across nineteen sites in the Ridge and Valley and thirteen sites in Allegheny Plateau physiographic provinces. Species composition of the canopy included white oak (Quercus alba) with cores aging up to 366 years, chestnut oak (Quercus prinus) with cores aging up to 280 years, and pitch pine (Pinus rigida) with cores up to 222 years. Species ages at each site were compared to the maximum age of the species to quantify and further protect the stand as old-growth. Additional delineation criteria included gap dynamics and coarse-woody-debris analysis. Clarifying the definition of old-growth through quantitative and qualitative measures reduces subjectivity and increases protection of these fragmented sites. Dendrochronological inventories of old-growth on National Forest and State Lands could add an extra element of protection from anthrophonic impacts across Appalachia.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Karen E. Johnson is a graduate student in the Applied Ecology and Conservation Biology Program at Frostburg State University. Raised in the Appalachian Mountains of Maryland her research focuses on old-growth delineation and documentation of non-timber forest products.
Laura Smith is from Allegany County, Maryland and is a research associate at Frostburg State University. She received a BS degree in Ethnobotany and an MS in Applied Ecology and Conservation Biology as well as through-hiked the Appalachian Trail.
Sunshine L. Brosi, PhD is an associate professor of forest ecology and ethnobotany at Frostburg State University. She coordinates the only Bachelor's-level program in the US focused on Ethnobotany: peoples’ interactions with plants and focuses her research on rare, threatened and endangered Appalachian cultural keystone species.
How old is the old-growth? Dendrochronological Assessments to Protect Unique Appalachian Forest
Eastern old-growth forests are the fragmented and illusive remains of once large tracks of intact, complex forest ecosystems, and encompasses diverse threatened ecological communities and species. These remnant stands remain priceless pieces of natural heritage by serving as habitat for biodiversity, as sources of nutrient retention and carbon sequestration, as well as records of land use, climatic, and natural disturbances. The definition of eastern old-growth remains vastly undefined, old-growth associated vegetation is understudied due to funding constraints, and old-growth forests are under constant threats due to invasive species as well as climate and land-use change. Dendrochronological techniques, tree-ring analysis, in conjunction with additional ecological and topographical analysis were used to delineate old-growth sites throughout Maryland. Over one-hundred and fifty trees were cored across nineteen sites in the Ridge and Valley and thirteen sites in Allegheny Plateau physiographic provinces. Species composition of the canopy included white oak (Quercus alba) with cores aging up to 366 years, chestnut oak (Quercus prinus) with cores aging up to 280 years, and pitch pine (Pinus rigida) with cores up to 222 years. Species ages at each site were compared to the maximum age of the species to quantify and further protect the stand as old-growth. Additional delineation criteria included gap dynamics and coarse-woody-debris analysis. Clarifying the definition of old-growth through quantitative and qualitative measures reduces subjectivity and increases protection of these fragmented sites. Dendrochronological inventories of old-growth on National Forest and State Lands could add an extra element of protection from anthrophonic impacts across Appalachia.
