Harvard Forest Research

Long-term vegetation dynamics in hemlock forests of southern New England

Principal Investigator: David Orwig
Harvard Forest: Jun 01 2009 - Oct 15 2009:

Abstract:
Since the arrival of Hemlock woolly adelgid into New England in the early 1980s, this invasive insect has exhibited a latitudinal pattern of spread and associated forest damage. Permanent plots established throughout central Connecticut have provided critial information concerning the rate of hemlock decline, vegetation and ecosystem function changes associated with those declines, and some estimates of HWA population changes over time. We propose to establish 20 x 20 m permanent plots at 6 to 8 additional sites throughout our mapped hemlock study region in Central Massachusetts, and in unmapped regions of southern NH and VT. These plots will complement the plots in Connecticut and will allow us to examine vegetation dynamics in forests located near the HWA invasion front that experience colder average winter temperatures. :