ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: We would like to thank John Brooks, Dr. Ken Martis, Mr.Brownie Stewart, Dr. Nancy Hoalst Pullen, Dr. Jay Gatrell, and all the students from Geog 4490 .

Vegetation Dynamics in Chestnut RidgeBy: Corey Hegler, Josh Coates, Cris Lopez, Danny Hagan

Fajvan, Mary A. "The Effects of Partial Cutting Practices on Forest Stand Structure in Appalachian Hardwood Forests." West Virginia University. Web."Fernow Experimental Forest." USDA Forest Service. 1 June 2009. Web.

Schuler, Thomas M. "Large Area Comparisons of Forest Management Practices in West Virginia (1951-Present)." Yale University. 2004. Web.West Virginia Division of Forestry. "Coopers Rock State Forest." WV Forestry. 19 Jan. 2006. Web.

SUMMARY & CONCLUSION

Our vegetation research took place in Appalachia’s Chestnut Ridge area located in central northern West Virginia. For the permanent plot study performed, our location was at N39°40.021, W79°46.248, which was on the side of Lick Run Road in the Coopers Rock State Forest. When performing the permanent plot study, five groups measured out 10x10 meter plots and marked the borders with marker flags. For every plot, each group then accounted for every tree taller than 1.3 meters in each plot. For this study we decided to include all snags and dead trees that were 1.3 meters and taller. Each tree’s position was marked on a graph with its Easting and Northing locations for that plot and then had its DBH (diameter breast height) measured at the 1.3 meter mark. Every tree was tagged with a number and from there each group recorded the number assigned, the species of each number, along with each species DBH and location on the plot. In order to determine each tree’s DBH, a measurement in centimeters was taken and then put into a formula in order to calculate the DBH. After the field research was finished, we then took our data and organized it in order to determine the dynamics of the species observed. The most significant values obtained were the calculated importance values for all species studied. The IV for a species is determined by looking at how commonly a species occurs throughout the forest, the total number of each species, and the area of forest that the species occupy. Finally, all the data from the five plots was organized into a chart in order to show density, dominance, frequency, and importance values.

ABSTRACT RESULTS

Timber Removal for West Virginia Counties (1996)

DISCUSSION

REFERENCE

The vegetation dynamics of the Chestnut Ridge area in the Appalachian Plataeu region was studied through the observational Braun-Blanquet method in order to identify tree species dominance and calculate its importance value in each of the stands observed. The dominance was characterized by the most established tree species at each site. Obvious human and natural disturbances were identified at each stand and determined how they affect the tree species dominance at each particular stand. Furthermore, the trees were observed to determine what species are present compared to which species should be present in relation to each species importance value and how it was influenced by both natural and man made disturbances.

Permanent Plot Data

INTRODUCTION

STUDY AREA & METHODS

The area in and around the Monongahela National Forest revolves around the iron-ore and logging industry. E.L. Braun categorized 4 major associations of deciduous forests such as the mixed mesophytic, beech-maple, oak-hickory, and oak-chestnut to easier classify the forest climaxes. Prior to the timber industry this area was originally an oak-chestnut forest. Many human and natural disturbances have created a shift in the dominance of species in the area. Human disturbances affecting species diversity are from silviculture methods such as clear-cutting, deferment cuts, and shelter-wood cuts, which can also create skid trails. Natural disturbances include the presence of invasive species, the wildfires in the 1900’s, and Chestnut Blight. Occurring constantly throughout the forest among students and scientists are conservation projects and manipulated experimental studies in order to maintain desired species diversity.

The data from the Cooper’s Rock stand shows that the Red Maple is currently the dominant species in this particular area . The data also shows that the oaks are thinning out, which can be linked to the silviculture methods as well as other factors in this region. The clear cutting and disturbance patterns in this area have thus altered the once predominant oak community. This data confirms our presumptions that both natural and human disturbances as well as silviculture methods all play an enormous role in species dominance and their regeneration over a period of time. By studying all of this data collectively we are able to make distinct and accurate assumptions of why certain species dominate certain areas and why others do not. We can also predict why some species once dominated, such as the Chestnut Oak and other oaks, but are now dying out and being dominated by other species. The importance value for the Red Maple is at least twice as large as every other species (118.4) and clearly shows that this species is dominant in this particular region of Cooper’s Rock State Park.

The map below was created with data from the U.S. Forest Service Timber Product Output database for the year 1996. The map shows growing and non growing stock for roundwood products, logging, and other removals. Although Monongalia County is not the largest victim of the timber harvesting for this year, it is still negatively affected by West Virginia’s forestry industry.

Below is a chart that shows all the values that were obtained from the permanent plot study. This data shows every species observed as well as their density, dominance, frequency, and importance values.

The flora species dominance of this region has made a shift from a predominately oak-chestnut forest to a mixed mesophytic forest which is a direct result of the disturbances that have and continue to occur in this area. If this region was not as abundant with natural resources, there would have been much less disturbances resulting in a different forest climax. Manipulation of tree species at specific stands in the forest have a direct relation to its importance value. It is essential to continue research in Chestnut Ridge to help identify and maintain desired species dominance while also preserving the unique diversity of species.

Vegetation Dynamics of Coopers Rock Stand

Code Name Common Name Scientific Name

Den. (#/ha)

Sp.Dens. (#/ha)

Rel.Den. (%)

Dom. (m2/ha)

Rel.Dom. (%)

Freq. (%)

Rel.Freq. (%) IV

Mean DBH

Mean B.A.

ACRU Red Maple Acer rubrum 108 2160 78.8 63301.9 11.8 100 27.8118.4 4.7 29.3

FAGR American Beech Fagus grandifolia 1 20 0.7 13324.8 2.5 20 5.6 8.8 29.1 666.2

LITUTulip (yellow) Poplar

Liriodendron tulipifera 1 20 0.7 32092.0 6.0 20 5.6 12.3 45.2 1604.6

NYSY Black Gum Nyssa sylvatica 1 20 0.7 2298.2 0.4 20 5.6 6.7 12.1 114.9

PRSE Black Cherry Prunus serotina 13 260 9.5 13601.4 2.5 60 16.7 28.7 6.2 52.3

QUAL White Oak Quercus alba 4 80 2.9 191921.8 35.8 20 5.6 44.3 43.4 2399.0

QUPR Chestnut Oak Quercus prinus 3 60 2.2 102556.3 19.1 40 11.1 32.4 46.0 1709.3

QURU Red Oak Quercus rubra 5 100 3.6 110515.6 20.6 60 16.7 40.9 35.8 1105.2

QUVE Black Oak Quercus velutina 1 20 0.7 6519.0 1.2 20 5.6 7.5 20.4 325.9