Changes to the Adirondack Forest: Implications of Beech Bark Disease on Forest Structure and Seed Production

摘要: We assessed forest structure and tree seed production over 14 years in an unmanaged, 250-year-old northern hardwood stand the central Adirondack Mountains. American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.) trees have been affected by Beech Bark Disease (BBD), caused a combination of invasive scale insect fungus that weakens kills tree. Following initial spread BBD 1960s, cascade changes was predicted to occur, including loss large lowered beechnuts, primary hard mast species Adirondacks important wildlife food. Large were indeed lost from forest. However, contrary predictions, more beechnuts produced 1994-2003 than 1988-1993. Since 1994, beechnut cyclical: estimated 391,198-638,690 nuts/ha every even year site. Other due manifested stand. Although very largest died when originally invaded stand, larger (>38cm diameter) continued be lost. The number medium-sized (1538cm stable 14-year period. While sapling abundance increased, these smaller showed advanced progression since 1989. Dominant sugar maples (Acer saccharum Marsh.) >38 cm diameter among several not regenerating. richness shrub layer perhaps as result gaps created fallen canopy trees. Down woody material increased but size. has affect both predictable unexpected ways.