Canopy structural complexity in old-growth hemlock-hardwood forests
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Canopy structural complexity plays an important role in the functioning of forested ecosystems, but the factors that contribute to its development (including responses to disturbance and management) have gone largely unstudied. Structural complexity has been shown to be an important factor in driving forest productivity, may play a strong role in maintenance of productivity in old forests, and affects the resistance and resilience of forest productivity to disturbance.
The aim of the proposed research is to investigate factors that influence canopy structural complexity in old-growth hemlock-hardwood forests and the impact that this complexity has on maintenance of productivity in these forests. A combination of long-term plot data and LiDAR-based data on canopy structural complexity will be utilized to address these aims at the Huron Mountain Club property and the nearby Dukes RNA and Experimental Forest. CollaboratorsDr. Kerry Woods - Bennington College
Alex Fotis - Ohio State University (Ph.D. student) Dr. Anthony D'Amato - University of Minnesota Dr. Brian Palik - USDA Forest Service |
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Funding
Huron Mountain Wildlife Foundation
Publications
Fahey, R.T., A. Fotis, and K. Woods. (In prep). Drivers of canopy structural complexity in old-growth forests. For submission to Ecological Applications.
Presentations
Huron Mountain Wildlife Foundation
Publications
Fahey, R.T., A. Fotis, and K. Woods. (In prep). Drivers of canopy structural complexity in old-growth forests. For submission to Ecological Applications.
Presentations
