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Author: Hanusia Higgins Publisher: ISBN: Category : Emerald ash borer Languages : en Pages : 0
Book Description
As non-native forest pests disperse across the United States, the emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis (EAB), has emerged as one of the most costly and destructive invaders. In response to EAB, forest management practices, including pre-salvage logging, "phloem reduction" (large ash removal), and strategies to improve future ash regeneration, have been implemented to meet economic, ecological, cultural, and safety objectives. Although many studies have quantified the impacts of EAB on mortality of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.), less is known about the short- and long-term ecological impacts of forest management in response to this pest. In summer 2020, we measured forest structure and composition at sites across New England that included white ash harvests motivated by the threat of EAB impacts. Management responses varied from selective ash removals to capture potential economic losses to group selection harvests designed to recruit new ash cohorts. Informed by our findings, we modeled three approaches to ash management under three potential future climate regimes, along with EAB and natural wind disturbance for a 100-year period in northern Bennington County, Vermont. This dual approach allowed us to examine both the immediate aftermath of forest management responses to EAB, and the future outcomes of these management practices on ash trees and their natural communities, in the context of other important drivers of forest dynamics such as climate change. In our observational study, we found a lower proportion of white ash basal area in harvested study sites compared to unharvested control sites. However, white ash regeneration at the seedling and sapling stages was higher in harvested than in unharvested plots. In addition, our modeling of ash management practices projected more white and black ash biomass present in 2120 forests when harvests and chemical treatments prioritizing ash retention and regeneration were implemented compared to typical current practices, and less ash biomass in 2120 following more aggressive salvage and pre-salvage harvests removing white ash. Climate also played a significant role in next-century forest composition, as more drastic climate projections compared to current conditions favored warmer-adapted species in the region. Our findings indicate that forest management practices that align with ash species' silvics, such as the greater light availability needed to successfully recruit new white ash cohorts, can bolster ash regeneration and perpetual presence in New England forests. Although EAB remains a significant threat, our work confirms the importance of implementing a variety of management approaches, supported by recent findings that ash survival and resistance to EAB is more prevalent, and more variable, than previously thought. This work will help inform future management decisions in response to this invasive pest that ensure long-term ecological and economic options are maintained on site.
Author: Hanusia Higgins Publisher: ISBN: Category : Emerald ash borer Languages : en Pages : 0
Book Description
As non-native forest pests disperse across the United States, the emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis (EAB), has emerged as one of the most costly and destructive invaders. In response to EAB, forest management practices, including pre-salvage logging, "phloem reduction" (large ash removal), and strategies to improve future ash regeneration, have been implemented to meet economic, ecological, cultural, and safety objectives. Although many studies have quantified the impacts of EAB on mortality of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.), less is known about the short- and long-term ecological impacts of forest management in response to this pest. In summer 2020, we measured forest structure and composition at sites across New England that included white ash harvests motivated by the threat of EAB impacts. Management responses varied from selective ash removals to capture potential economic losses to group selection harvests designed to recruit new ash cohorts. Informed by our findings, we modeled three approaches to ash management under three potential future climate regimes, along with EAB and natural wind disturbance for a 100-year period in northern Bennington County, Vermont. This dual approach allowed us to examine both the immediate aftermath of forest management responses to EAB, and the future outcomes of these management practices on ash trees and their natural communities, in the context of other important drivers of forest dynamics such as climate change. In our observational study, we found a lower proportion of white ash basal area in harvested study sites compared to unharvested control sites. However, white ash regeneration at the seedling and sapling stages was higher in harvested than in unharvested plots. In addition, our modeling of ash management practices projected more white and black ash biomass present in 2120 forests when harvests and chemical treatments prioritizing ash retention and regeneration were implemented compared to typical current practices, and less ash biomass in 2120 following more aggressive salvage and pre-salvage harvests removing white ash. Climate also played a significant role in next-century forest composition, as more drastic climate projections compared to current conditions favored warmer-adapted species in the region. Our findings indicate that forest management practices that align with ash species' silvics, such as the greater light availability needed to successfully recruit new white ash cohorts, can bolster ash regeneration and perpetual presence in New England forests. Although EAB remains a significant threat, our work confirms the importance of implementing a variety of management approaches, supported by recent findings that ash survival and resistance to EAB is more prevalent, and more variable, than previously thought. This work will help inform future management decisions in response to this invasive pest that ensure long-term ecological and economic options are maintained on site.
Author: Randall K. Kolka Publisher: MDPI ISBN: 3038971642 Category : Electronic books Languages : en Pages : 297
Book Description
This book is a printed edition of the Special Issue "Understanding and Managing Emerald Ash Borer Impacts on Ash Forests" that was published in Forests
Author: Wendy S. Klooster Publisher: ISBN: Category : Languages : en Pages : 204
Book Description
Abstract: Invasions by exotic insect pests and pathogens have been devastating North American forests for decades. Presently, emerald ash borer (EAB; Agrilus planipennis) is devastating populations of native ash (Fraxinus species) trees throughout eastern North America. Disturbances, such as canopy gap formation due to EAB-induced ash mortality, alter availability of resources including light, water, and mineral nutrients, potentially resulting in shifts in plant community composition. Following the loss of nearly all reproductively mature trees, ash regeneration was effectively eliminated, and the "orphaned cohort" of ash in the seedling layer represents the potential for persistence of ash in EAB-impacted forests. Hemispherical photographs, used to calculate percent gap fraction, were taken at a height of 1.5 m to determine how loss of ash was affecting radiant energy resources available to the understory vegetation. Variation among gap fraction values indicated high heterogeneity in light reaching the forest understory. Percent gap fraction was negatively correlated with percent plant cover within the 2 - 5 m and> 5 m layers, suggesting that while gaps may have formed in the canopy layer, light was intercepted before reaching the forest understory. Plant abundance and composition within the forest understory did not change dramatically during the course of the study, nor was there a direct connection between species abundance or diversity and gap fraction. Plant communities were slightly differentiated by the soil hydrological conditions, and less diverse communities occurred in mesic and xeric sites than in hydric sites. Growth of invasive and native species in the understory was not influenced by percent gap fraction; invasive species typically outgrew native species regardless of light level and soil hydrological condition. In a comparison of emergence and survival of Lonicera maackii and Rosa multiflora under various native and invasive leaf litters we found no difference in establishment success for either invasive species under the different leaf litters over two or three growing seasons. However, leaf litter from ash and many of the invasive species contained similarly high concentrations of Ca and P, suggesting some degree of functional overlap, which may play an important ecological role if ash species are eliminated from North American forests following EAB-induced mortality and if invasive species increase in abundance. In EAB-infested forests, plant community responses to ash mortality will be based on the hierarchical structure of what plant species are able to grow in the climate, soil conditions, and topography within the impacted sites, as well as the stochastic nature of which species are poised to colonize gaps following canopy tree mortality. As EAB infestation continues to spread throughout North American forests, fewer vegetation patches will include ash as an important component, potentially altering the overall mosaic of habitat and ecosystem function across the landscape. The results of these studies did not conclusively answer the question of how forests will change following EAB-induced ash mortality; however, these data will provide an excellent baseline for future research on long-term impacts of EAB on northern forests.
Author: Randall Kolka Publisher: ISBN: 9783038971658 Category : Languages : en Pages :
Book Description
The emerald ash borer (EAB) is rapidly spreading throughout Eastern North America and devastating ecosystems where ash is a component tree. This rapid and sustained loss of ash trees has already resulted in ecological impacts on both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and is projected to be even more severe as EAB invades ash dominated wetlands of the western Great Lakes region. We propose a Special Issue that will address current research documenting ecological impacts of EAB in forest ecosystems, as well as management approaches to mitigate those impacts. Prospective authors are invited to contribute original researches to this Special Issue of Forests. Topics may include, but are not limited to: Managements of ash forests and potential replacements, nutrient and vegetation dynamics, greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration and cycling, hydrologic impacts, and pre or post-infestation silvicultural approaches or management strategies.
Author: Constance Elizabeth Hausman Publisher: ISBN: Category : Ash (Plants) Languages : en Pages : 162
Book Description
The introduction of exotic species is the inevitable consequence of an expanding global society that relies heavily on international trade of goods and services. These introduced species have negative effects on biodiversity and disrupt native communities. In fact, the spread of non-native species is the second greatest threat to the loss of biodiversity next to habitat destruction. The emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Buprestidae), is a recent example of an exotic forest pest species. EAB completes its life cycle on ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) including larvae feeding on cambium tissue which interferes with water and nutrient translocation. Once ash trees become infested with EAB, mortality is>99%. This dissertation was initiated after EAB was discovered and attempts to understand how EAB affects long-term forest community dynamics in order to provide practical applied conservation strategies. These research projects are designed to identify the ecological impacts of EAB and to determine long-term community changes to native deciduous forests. The research objectives are: (1) to identify consequences of EAB eradication efforts, (2) to determine altered community composition under different disturbance intensities (tree removal management recommendations) and (3) to design effective ex situ conservation protocols for future ash tree preservation. EAB causes a disturbance to native forest by creating large light gaps through ash tree dieback; yet, EAB eradication efforts magnified the scale of disturbance through time and space which facilitated the establishment of invasive plant species. The tracked vehicles used during eradication also caused significant soil compaction. Management efforts applied to EAB-infested forests should prioritize appropriate tree removal techniques to minimize the disturbance to the surrounding community. Ash stands in close proximity to roads or edges, or near established invasive populations may benefit from proactive removal of invasive species. This research contributes to ash conservation efforts by providing a guideline for ex situ collection methods. By understanding diversity and spatial genetic structure of green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), a seed collection protocol has been constructed that optimizes the likelihood of capturing all alleles in a population while minimizing collection efforts. This cumulative research provides effective forest management recommendations and prioritizes ash conservation.
Author: Annemarie Smith Publisher: ISBN: Category : Emerald ash borer Languages : en Pages : 244
Book Description
Abstract: Emerald ash borer (EAB) (Agrilusplanipennis Fairmare) is an exotic, wood- boring beetle that has killed millions of ash trees (Fraxinus species) in southeastern Michigan. If not contained and eradicated this invasive insect has the potential to devastate ash throughout North America causing substantial economic and ecological consequences. The objectives of this research were to (1) determine if community composition, diversity, and stand structure influence susceptibility of forests to EAB invasion, and (2) determine how EAB-induced ash mortality may influence forest community composition. Plots were established during the summers of 2004 and 2005 in 31 forest stands within the Huron River watershed in southeast Michigan that were categorized as xeric (N = 11), mesic (N = 11) or hydric (N = 9). Overstory, understory and seedling tree species composition were quantified in three replicated plots along a transect within each stand. Each ash tree was closely inspected for signs of EAB colonization and degree of dieback. Stem density, basal area, Shannon diversity (H'), relative dominance of ash, relative density of ash, ash importance value, and percent canopy cover were quantified for each stand. EAB has caused significant mortality in all stands across the study area. Dieback of black ash (F. nigra) was more advanced than that of white (F. americana) and green ash (F. pennsylvanica). Percent mortality, percentage of infested stems, and EAB attack frequency were also higher in black ash than the other two species. This difference could be the result of the insect's preference, differences in the physiology of phloem tissue, or an edge effect inherent in riparian and marshy sites to which black ash is adapted. There were no relationships between EAB-induced dieback or mortality and species diversity, stand density, stand basal area, ash basal area, ash density, relative dominance of ash or relative density of ash. Distance from the putative epicenter of the invasion was the only variable that was negatively correlated with all measures of EAB impact. This suggests that it is only a matter of time until all stands suffer complete mortality of Fraxinus species. Widespread loss of ash due to the EAB invasion will initiate changes in community composition and structure in all three forest types. Maple (Acer spp.) and elm (Ulmus spp.) were common on xeric and mesic stands and will likely experience an increase in importance as numerous saplings fill canopy gaps. However, as elms saplings grow they will become susceptible to Dutch elm disease (Chryphonectria parasitica), which is common in the study area. Maple and cherry were over represented in the understory of hydric stands where they should increase in importance. Oaks were poorly represented in the understory layers of all stands and will likely decrease in dominance over the long term. Ash species were common in the sapling layer and were the most abundant species in the seedling layer in all stand types. The high density of juvenile ash may prolong the EAB invasion by providing host material after mature trees are killed. This project documents the initial stages of the invasion of North American forests by EAB. The high susceptibility of all ash species and stands provides clear evidence that EAB has the potential to extirpate ash in North America with ecological impacts similar to those inflicted by Dutch elm disease and chestnut blight. This study also provides baseline data of the community composition of the Huron River watershed at the time of initial EAB colonization, which will facilitate long-term studies of ecological impacts and successional trajectories resulting from of wide-spread gap formation caused by EAB-induced ash mortality.
Author: Thomas P. Holmes Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media ISBN: 1402043708 Category : Technology & Engineering Languages : en Pages : 424
Book Description
by Peter J. Roussopoulos, Director, Southern Research Station The world and its ecosystems are repeatedly punctuated by natural disturbances, and human societies must learn to manage this reality Often severe and unp- dictable, dynamic natural forces disrupt human welfare and alter the structure and composition of natural systems Over the past century, land management ag- cies within the United States have relied on science to improve the sustainable management of natural resources Forest economics research can help advance this scientifc basis by integrating knowledge of forest disturbance processes with their economic causes and consequences As the twenty-frst century unfolds, people increasingly seek the goods and services provided by forest ecosystems, not only for wood supply, clean water, and leisure pursuits, but also to establish residential communities that are removed from the hustle and bustle of urban life As vividly demonstrated during the past few years, Santa Ana winds can blow wildfres down from the mountains of California, incinerating homes as readily as vegetation in the canyons below Hurricanes can fatten large swaths of forest land, while associated foods create havoc for urban and rural residents alike Less dramatic, but more insidious, trees and forest stands are succumbing to exotic insects and diseases, causing economic losses to private property values (including timber) as well as scenic and recreation values As human demands on public and private forests expand, science-based solutions need to be identifed so that social needs can be balanced with the vagaries of forest disturbance processes
Author: Allison Winmill Publisher: ISBN: Category : Languages : en Pages :
Book Description
Urban forestry is a concept applied to many cities, municipalities, and communities around the world. It is the practice of managing the interface between urban infrastructure and environmental green spaces. An invasive insect known as the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) has been devastating urban forests in southern Ontario since 2002. Larval feeding on ash (Fraxinus spp) can kill a tree in 3-5 years. Emerald ash borer (EAB) has been moving northward eliminating trees by the thousands, and was discovered in the City of Barrie in 2014. In order to manage for EAB, it is crucial to know where the ash trees are located. The City of Barrie has an inventory of publicly owned trees, but not of those on private property. In addition, the public may not be fully aware of the devastating effects of EAB on the urban forest and the associated management strategies. Obtaining the private ash tree inventory depends on residents to self-report on signs of EAB. Current aerial imagery for the City of Barrie was converted into a format suitable for common smart devices. It can be used as a visual aid in communicating the threat of EAB, and to highlight high risk areas. A pilot project of an urban forest health volunteer network was conducted successfully in the Town of Oakville in 2014. The same process of community engagement and urban forest management was demonstrated through a sample inventory in the City of Barrie. The data combined with the imagery is a crucial aid in developing an early detection rapid response management plan for the City. Future possibilities resulting from this thesis project could be the creation of an online database where members of the public can access the digital imagery, self-report on private trees, and remain informed on urban forest management strategies.
Author: Lawrence Charles Long Publisher: ISBN: Category : Languages : en Pages : 154
Book Description
Abstract: Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) (Agrilus planipennis Fairmare) is an exotic invader in North American forests. The buprestid wood borer has killed millions of ash trees since its discovery in southeastern Michigan in 2002. Because North American ash trees lack an evolutionary history with EAB, it has the potential to functionally extirpate the genus Fraxinus from the North American continent. Widespread, simultaneous ash mortality is likely to initiate a cascade of direct and indirect ecological effects. Forest infestation by EAB and subsequent loss of ash trees may lead to altered habitat and food availability for native insectivores such as birds. The objectives of this research were to: (1) determine utilization of EAB as a food resource by non-migratory bark-gleaning birds, (2) quantify forest regeneration in response to EAB-induced ash tree mortality and (3) determine the impact of EAB-induced regeneration on forest bird communities.
Author: Hanusia Higgins
Author: Hanusia Higgins
Author: Randall K. Kolka
Author: Wendy S. Klooster
Author: Randall Kolka
Author: Constance Elizabeth Hausman
Author: Annemarie Smith
Author: Thomas P. Holmes
Author: Allison Winmill
Author: William R. Jacobi
Author: Lawrence Charles Long