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Harvard Forest Symposium Abstract 2016

  • Title: An Update on the Sustainable Working Landscape Project
  • Primary Author: Brian Donahue (Brandeis University)
  • Additional Authors: Jason Aylward (Harvard Forest); David Foster (Harvard University)
  • Abstract:

    The newly established Sustainable Working Landscape Program (SWL) at Harvard Forest, headed by Drs. Brian Donahue and David Foster seeks to establish demonstration projects highlighting integrated landscape management and long-term studies through stewardship science across New England at six to eight signature landscapes that are composed of wildlands, woodlands, and farmlands. At each of these signature landscapes, we will establish long-term monitoring plots that explore different facets of the integration of the working landscape and its impacts on water quality, carbon stocks, wildlife habitat, and biodiversity. Through this exploration we are aiming to advance research and education for the development of sustainable resource production across New England, through sound management practices that find a balance between resource production and environmental integrity.

    During out initial year, we have set up a series of deer exclosures in Weston Massachusetts to monitor changes in plant diversity and growth in woodlands that have high abundancies of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). This set of exclosures is spread across Weston to represent the different forest types that the town owns and manages. A unique opportunity presented itself this year when a light intensity fire burned the east side of Flint’s pond in Walden Woods. We established a small-scale experiment in this recent burn, where we have three exclosures and controls in each of the burned and un-burned areas. The initial plant surveys for the herbivory work are scheduled for the summer of 2016. Completed a large (~300mx60m) plot in a Hemlock stand (Tsuga Canadensis), that had been treated with root injections of Impaclopriod in 2009. Tree height, crown health, crown class, DBH, and placement within the plot, were all collected for all trees 8 cm in diameter and greater. Mapping and data analysis are in process. Canopy height and depth will be collected during the field season 2016.

    The 2016 season, we plan on establishing long-term monitoring plots in both forested and open-lands at four more signature landscapes: Walden Woods in Concord and Lincoln, Massachusetts, Appleton Farm in Ipswich, Massachusetts, Merck Family Forest in Rupert, Vermont, and the Blue Hills Foundation in Exeter, New Hampshire.

  • Research Category: Conservation and Management