Sandstone Protected Backslope Forest

Description

This state is native oak forest dominated by white oak with a structurally diverse understory and an abundant forest ground flora. Maximum tree age was likely 150 to 300 years. These sites were subject to occasional disturbances from wind and ice, which periodically open the canopy up by knocking over trees or breaking substantial branches of canopy trees. Such canopy disturbances allowed more light to reach the ground and favor reproduction of the dominant oak species. Long disturbance-free periods allowed an increase in both the density of trees and the abundance of shade tolerant species.

Two community phases are recognized in the reference state, with shifts between phases based on disturbance frequency. Reference states are rare today. Many sites have been converted to non-native pasture (State 3). Others have been subject to repeated, high-graded timber harvest coupled with domestic livestock grazing (State 4). Fire suppression has resulted in increased canopy density, which has affected the abundance and diversity of ground flora (State 2).

Submodel

Description

Unmanaged reference states that have experienced, occasional logging, a lack of natural disturbance, and woody invasion for 30 or more years will transition to this state. With a lack of disturbance, woody species such as northern red oak, hickory species, and eastern hophornbeam will begin to increase. Logging and woody invasion decreases the overall age (50 to 80 years) and average diameter (most canopy trees – less than 20 inches in diameter) of the forest.

Submodel

Description

Conversion of other states to non-native cool season species such as tall fescue and red clover has been common in this area. Occasionally, these pastures will have scattered oaks. Long term uncontrolled grazing and a lack of grassland management can cause significant soil erosion and compaction and increases in less productive species such as Kentucky bluegrass and weedy forbs such as ironweed. A return to the reference state may be impossible, requiring a very long term series of management options.

Submodel

Description

Wooded sites subjected to repeated, high-graded timber harvests and uncontrolled domestic grazing transition to this State. This state exhibits an over-abundance of hickory and other less desirable tree species, and weedy understory species such as buckbrush, gooseberry, poison ivy and Virginia creeper. The vegetation offers little nutritional value for cattle, and excessive stocking damages tree boles, degrades understory species composition and results in soil compaction and accelerated erosion and runoff.

Submodel