Origin and early development of northern white-cedar stands in northern Michigan

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-1997

Abstract

Stem analysis was used to reconstruct establishment and development patterns of seven mature northern white-cedar (Thuja occidentalis L.) stands in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Stands originated after single or repeated disturbances, probably timber harvests, that occurred between 1870 and 1935. These disturbances were essential for successful cedar recruitment into the overstory. Stands developed as single or multiple cohorts, depending upon the severity and frequency of disturbance. Duration of the establishment period following single disturbances ranged from less than 10 years to 50 years. Seedlings in some multiple cohort stands established almost continuously for 100 years. Cedar overstory trees, saplings, and seedlings that survived disturbances exhibited highly plastic height growth responses to suppression and release. All study areas developed stand initiation and stem exclusion stages. Only 3% of all stems ≤2.54 cm DBH established after 1945. Cedar germination beneath the mature canopy was abundant, but cedar seedlings taller than 30 cm were completely absent from most sites. Successful cedar establishment and recruitment following the initial wave of timber harvesting contrast with widespread regeneration failures after present-day cutting practices. Factors influencing the cedar recruitment process have apparently changed over the past century.

Publication Title

Canadian Journal of Forest Research

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