Due to the increasing spread of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB; Agrillus planipennis) across the commonwealth of Massachusetts and elsewhere in New England, we will establish permanent plots in ash-dominated forests to examine the long-term vegetation dynamics associated with the decline and loss of ash directly due to EAB and indirectly due to pre-emptive or salvage cutting. Plots will be established in forests with and without EAB and also in areas formerly containing ash that have been harvested recently. This will complement ongoing pest and pathogen studies associated with LTER 5 and 6, including long-term studies of HWA and hemlock dynamics and the re-occurrence of gypsy moth dynamics within the region. Plots will be examined for understory and overstory vegetation dynamics at periodic intervals. Study areas include sites on DCR property, Mass. Fish and Wildlife property, Harvard Forest, Land Trusts and potentially private property as well.