Gina FinnelGina Finnel212016-05-01T16:51:00Z2016-05-01T16:51:00Z34882786236326815Description of the Project: To begin this project, I first contacted and met with the landowner, Jim Guex, in order to obtain permission and learn more about the land being studied. I gathered information such as the dates and process of the thinning process, when certain sections were originally planted, and tree species that were common before the thinning process. I decided to evaluate a variety of sections in order to better understand how clear-cutting has impacted short-term tree species diversity. Tree species were recorded in various sections of the forest I chose to evaluate. Two sections of the main forest that had been clear cut were examined. Next, I examined two pine plantation sections that had been clear-cut. I also examined several plots throughout the forest that had been left undisturbed. I recorded the number and variety of tree species in these six sections by following the steps listed below:Researched characteristics of trees common to temperate forests in WI Chose a rectangular section of forest, and measured the length and width to determine total area in yards.Recorded information relating to light availability (examples include: edge of section next to a field or large opening; light blocked by adjoining dense forest).Chose several 10 yard by 10 yard plots within the chosen section and recorded the following data from each plot:Number of each type of tree speciesIf individual trees were new growth or had been present before the thinningNumber of cut trees (This was recorded for the pine section only, because tree stumps only remained in these sectionsCompiled information into Excel worksheet and evaluated resultsMAIN FOREST CLEAR-CUTSection: 1Description: 120 yards by 60 yards. Fairly open light availability. All new growth was Populus (Poplar).PlotPopulus145242352455535648Average46Total3324Section: 2Description: 120 yards by 60 yards. Fairly open light availability. All new growth was Populus (Poplar) or Acer (Maple).PlotPopulusAcer183027103700452156226603Average661Total477672PINE CLEAR-CUTSection: 1 Description: Originally planted in 1970. 200 yards by 20 yards. 11 rows, each approximately 2 yards apart. Majority of transplants/new growth found in first 4 rows, most likely due to increased light availability.Plot (10X10 yards)New GrowthOld GrowthCut133157222168330186Average28167Total (entire section)1133653280Section: 2Description: Originally planted in 1970. 200 yards by 20 yards. 11 rows, each approximately 2 yards apart. Parallels field, allowing increased light availability to the first 4 rows.Plot (10X10 yards)New GrowthOld GrowthCut162108Total2480400320UNDISTURBEDSection: Various plots chosen throughout forest.Description: Plots chosen randomly. Fairly constant light availability throughout forest. Trees observed: Betula (Birch), Cedrus (Cedar), Fraxinus (Ash), Populus (Poplar), Prunus (Cherry), Ostrya (Ironwood), Acer (Maple).PlotBetulaCedrusFraxinusPopulusPrunusOstryaAcerTotal14218000152060810015302011116400461001151023205136001642013