|A combination of second growth and retrospective old–growth sampling is being employed to collect baseline information on growth rates and mechanisms and patterns of regeneration throughout the range of CWHvh forest types. There are few second-growth, poor cedar – hemlock stands available to sample and thus stem analysis of old-growth stands is required to establish baseline growth rates. We are focussing on the growth of regeneration under full light (recent clearcuts), partial light (old-growth canopy gaps, a few partial cuts) and full shade (old-growth) conditions. Within sample plots, the height, diameter, and rooting substrate of all trees, saplings, and seedlings is measured. Stem analysis is performed on trees and saplings.|
For the high productivity forest, we will have a complete chronosequence, from plantation to old-growth, which establishes a baseline of regeneration and productivity for full light and partial light conditions. For the low productivity forests to the bog woodlands, we will have partial components of a chronosequence, lacking information on productivity and performance under plantation conditions. Growth for these missing components will be projected using the premise that the pattern of regeneration and productivity across the chronosequence in the high productivity forest will also be similar for the low productivity forests.
|Stem analysis sampling of old-growth forests at the Diana Lake, Smith Island and Oona River sites has been completed. Sampling of a 1975 partial cut in the nearby Lachmach drainage has also been completed. These data are being combined with samples from second growth study sites to better characterize the growth potential of these forests. Future sampling will be concentrated in second growth stands throughout the TSA.|
Stem Analysis Component
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