Frigid Mixed Sedimentary Upland
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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- Transition T1 - 2 More details
- Restoration pathway R2 - 1 More details
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
The reference forest state is most likely a combination of several vegetation communities within the Central and Southern Appalachian Montane Oak Forest as defined by NatureServe (NatureServe 2009). Above 3000 feet (914m) the vegetation remains dominated by oak, particularly northern red oak and white oak, but individuals may be stunted or wind-flagged. At one time, American chestnut may have been a prominent species, but its importance has been dramatically reduced by chestnut blight. Due to the heterogeneity of this provisional ecological unit, they are not intended to cover every situation nor the full range of conditions and species.
Submodel
Mechanism
Logging followed by natural regeneration. In general, fire suppression allows fire sensitive species like tuliptree, red maple, and birches to out compete oak seedlings in the understory. However, it is not clear what role fire has played in these high elevation and frigid soil sites.
Mechanism
Control of understory to allow oak seedling recruitment. Prescribed fire may further advance the growth of oaks over fire sensitive species, but it is not clear what role fire has played in these high elevation and frigid soil sites.
The following conservation practices from the Natural Resources Conservation Service Field Office Technical Guide could be considered for restoration efforts (FOTG-USDA): Brush Management-314; Forest Stand Improvement-666; Herbaceous Weed Control-315; Upland Wildlife habitat management-645; Prescribed burning-338.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
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Brush Management |
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Prescribed Burning |
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Upland Wildlife Habitat Management |
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Forest Stand Improvement |
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Herbaceous Weed Control |
Model keys
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