Articles tagged with Forestry
Researchers found that forests on shale bedrock store 25% more live aboveground carbon and grow 55% faster than those on sandstone bedrock, making them ideal for conservation and carbon sequestration.
A seven-year field experiment found no discernible difference in Oregon slender salamanders on recently harvested tree stands compared to older stands. The study highlights the importance of downed wood in detecting both species.
Researchers tracked pine martens in Wales, finding they settled more rapidly when released near neighbors. This behavior allows for efficient territory creation, influencing their mobile range of approximately 9.5 km2. The presence of pine martens also affects grey squirrels' behavior, forcing them to alter their ranging patterns.
A new prediction tool developed by University of Nevada, Reno researchers can help manage forests in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The tool, designed to focus on water quantity, predicts how different approaches to thinning impact snowpack accumulation in Lake Tahoe.
Scientists at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture have discovered that host contact rates and habitat structure significantly impact the transmission of Bsal among eastern newts. Adding habitat complexity and reducing population density can curtail transmission rates, similar to COVID-19 mitigation strategies.
The new monograph presents a total of 2,999 valid extant species belonging to 82 genera and features extensive colour illustrations. The publication provides detailed species distributions, host-parasitoid associations, and summary of available DNA barcodes, offering a comprehensive reference for researchers and biocontrol practitioners.
A team of researchers from the University of Montana has identified critical forest areas in Malaysian Borneo that require protection. The study found that these priority forests store large amounts of carbon, support threatened rainforest animals and plants, and are crucial for conserving biodiversity.
Two research collections showcase new tools using genetic analysis and geospatial technology to detect and track invasive species. The collections provide insights into the practical implications of these innovative solutions for improved management of invasive species.
The University of Guam and CNMI officials exchanged expertise and challenges in watershed management, identifying gaps in resources and encouraging collaboration. The NSF INCLUDES program funded the workshops, which aimed to promote sustainable living and conserve unique biodiversity in the Marianas.
A recent study published in PNAS found that fires have a significant impact on plant survival and distribution, often exceeding the effects of climate change. The research highlights the importance of considering other environmental factors, such as human land use practices, in understanding biodiversity.
Researchers from Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies argue that the IPCC guidelines need improvement to accurately calculate and report greenhouse gas emissions. They suggest using satellite imagery and machine-learning tools to expedite quantitative synthesis and address data gaps.
A study by TUM found that higher biodiversity increases economic value, but only up to a certain point. Adding more species beyond this threshold doesn't produce significant benefits. Instead, a medium level of biodiversity is often most beneficial for ecosystem functionality and risk diversification.
Researchers investigate how smoke plumes develop and travel from prescribed burns, aiming to create more accurate models for fire managers. They partner with experts in fire management and conduct field experiments to refine their understanding of the complex interactions between fire, topography, and vegetation.
A study in Scientific Reports found that wildfire severity can increase bat diversity and richness, while pyrodiversity enhances occupancy rates for certain species. The authors suggest that bats may be resilient to increasing wildfires, which could impact conservation strategies.
A five-year study by Oregon State University found that deer and elk can play a key role in controlling broadleaf vegetation that competes with Douglas-fir seedlings. In some cases, the presence of large herbivores promotes crop tree survival and growth.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has partnered with The Nature Conservancy to manage its forested research properties under the highest standards for forest management. Through this partnership, UT will sell carbon credits to benefit society and fight climate change, while also promoting sustainable forestry practic...
A new study predicts that wildfires in Oregon's southern Blue Mountains will become more frequent and severe due to climate change. By the end of the century, high-elevation species may be replaced by more fire-resistant ones, leading to a less resilient landscape.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Health are developing a web-based pain management program using the PainTRAINER platform to help cancer survivors manage persistent pain without opioids. The study aims to test the effectiveness of this approach in improving coping strategies and reducing pain medication use.
The researchers propose a strategic approach to conservation, focusing on keystone ecosystems that support large numbers of dependent species. This mega-conservation approach has the potential to enhance biodiversity and facilitate effective global-scale conservation efforts.
Timothy Young, a professor at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, has been named a Fellow by the International Academy of Wood Science. This international honor recognizes his significant contributions to wood science and research globally.
Existing fire blanket technology can shield isolated buildings from short wildfire attacks, but technological improvements are required for severe fires and high-housing-density areas. Further research is necessary to develop more effective materials and deployment methods.
Scientists recommend policy approaches that expedite collaboration and capacity-building in fire management. Innovative projects across the US demonstrate effective partnerships between land managers, communities, and organizations, such as the Rio Grande Water Fund and California's Fire MOU Partnership.
A new study in Science demonstrates a hopeful strategy for conserving plant and animal species in fragmented habitats. By connecting small, restored patches of savanna via habitat corridors, researchers found an annual increase in plant species within fragments and a drop in species extinction rates.
A study found that climate change could cause the maple syrup season to shift one month earlier, with eastern North America potentially losing production capacity. The research suggests that areas like Quebec will see increased production, while others may experience declines.
A new statistical approach revealed that forest fires in 19th and 20th centuries were man-made, driven by changes in forest management and vegetation. This finding highlights the need for adaptive forestry practices to address climate change.
Researchers at the University of Seville studied the pine forests in the Iberian Peninsula to understand factors that make conservation successful. They found that climate, radiation, and temperature influenced the success of translocation, and recommended planting in winter or spring with proper watering.
A Stanford-led study found that incorporating traditional techniques into current fire suppression practices could help revitalize American Indian cultures, economies, and livelihoods. The approach increased the production of high-quality stems needed to make culturally significant items up to 10-fold compared with untreated shrubs.
The Ecological Society of America donates over $13,800 to Louisville Grows to support its urban agriculture and forestry programs. The organization's efforts prioritize inclusion and diversity in promoting sustainable communities.
Researchers discovered that resistant poplar trees have higher levels of defense hormones and lower cytokinins. Hormone changes in response to insect feeding are also inherited, providing a model for pest management.
A new collaboration between scientists and indigenous tribes in Northern California aims to develop resistance measures for sudden oak death, which poses a threat to the region's cultural heritage. The study published in Phytopathology highlights the importance of involving diverse stakeholders in disease management.
A study found that fish die-offs in Wisconsin lakes are strongly linked to heat waves and warmer surface water temperatures. By mid-century, fish kills are expected to double, and by 2100, they will quadruple.
Scientists have described two new species of parasitic wasps found at high altitudes in Tibet, revealing their unusual habitat and characteristics. The newly named Microplitis paizhensis and Microplitis bomiensis are part of the microgastrine wasp group known for their parasitism.
A new study by University of Vermont researchers found that older forests are less vulnerable to climate change, particularly for carbon storage, timber production, and biodiversity. The research analyzed 18,500 forest plots across the eastern US and Canada, identifying priority regions for forest climate adaptation efforts.
A new study from the University of Gothenburg found that forest thinning can benefit threatened wood-living beetles, with an increase of over one-third in species numbers. The research, part of the Swedish Oak Project, compared two management alternatives and showed that conservation thinning had a positive effect on these insects.
Researchers used an interactive model, Tangible Landscape, to engage forest stakeholders in managing sudden oak death. The model allows participants to explore scenarios and factor in budgets for disease management, providing valuable insights for sustainable solutions.
Researchers found that removing invasive shrubs restores native understory plant growth, with an unexpected ability and vigor to recolonize open spots. Native plants can thrive in areas previously occupied by invasive species, taking over with minimal additional effort.
A study by Cambridge University Press found that native plant regeneration exceeded expected growth in areas where invasive shrubs were removed. After seven years, researchers observed a significant increase in plant diversity and abundance among both understory species and small trees.
A new detection tool has been developed to identify quarantine tree pathogens, reducing analysis time and enabling prompt reactions. The tool can be used by non-scientists and is crucial in preventing the spread of devastating pathogens like Xylella fastidiosa, Ceratocystis platani, and Phytophthora ramorum.
A two-year study found that wild bees thrive in areas with moderate to severe forest fires, which creates a favorable environment for their survival. The researchers detected a significant increase in bee populations and diversity in these zones, highlighting the importance of fire severity as a predictor of bee habitat.
A new study explores the reasons behind declining northern spotted owl populations, forecasting future habitat conditions and species interactions. Researchers suggest a two-fold approach to manage spotted owl survival: short-term barred owl removal and long-term forest preservation.
A Rutgers-led study found that protecting small forests does not maintain the diversity of birds they support over time. The study suggests that monitoring and managing protected areas is crucial for conservation goals.
The University of Seville researchers propose that forest fires can be an opportunity for ecosystem recovery, particularly in degraded areas with single-species pine plantations. By favoring more resilient natural vegetation, ecosystems can adapt to new climate conditions and recover lost natural values.
A University of Illinois study using machine learning confirms that farmer cooperatives directly benefit both forest health and farmers, unlike state-managed forests. The algorithm evaluated over 200 forest management regions in Kangra, India, covering a 14-year period.
A new approach using environmental big data helps identify effective conservation methods for managing natural capital, including forests and ponds. The study shows that measures to reduce chemicals used by farmers will be particularly effective in protecting freshwater environments in northern Britain.
Researchers found that certain endangered owl species continued to persist and even flourish after large forest fires, with stable occupancy rates observed. The study suggests that fire may enhance conditions for rodent populations, which are a crucial prey source for the owls, offsetting any negative effects on nesting habitat.
Researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno used satellite imagery to analyze changes in snowpacks in the Great Basin. The study found that topography plays a role in determining snowpack duration and that warmer temperatures are leading to more ephemeral snowpacks.
Researchers used drones equipped with thermal cameras to detect European nightjar nests in a pilot study. The method proved effective, allowing for accurate location of nests without disturbing the birds. This technology could have wider applications for detecting warm-blooded species.
A study by Yale scientists reveals that native species dominate New York City's natural areas, containing over 5 million trees, rather than just street trees. This finding highlights the need for conservation policies and management strategies focused on these spaces to manage biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Three University of Montana researchers are developing new tools to predict tree recruitment declines in Western semi-arid forests. They will use a combination of NASA Earth observation data, forest inventory data, and a coupled ecohydrologic model to simulate drought stress and lethal surface temperatures for conifer seedlings.
A study by an international research group found that diverse and old forests are best able to perform multiple ecosystem services, including regulating climate and storing carbon. Foresters should focus on specific forest attributes to promote desired services, as no single 'perfect forest' exists.
The HOMED project aims to develop a full panel of scientific knowledge and practical solutions for managing emerging native and non-native pests and pathogens threatening European forests. Forest health will be considered broadly, including trees in forests, nurseries, urban, and rural areas.
Researchers from OSU and international partners have established a roadmap for understanding the role of managed conifer forests in pollinator conservation. The agenda focuses on three themes: establishing baseline patterns, assessing forest management impacts, and quantifying effects of natural disturbances.
Researchers aim to combat white-nose syndrome, a deadly fungus affecting bat populations, by exploring the use of ultra-violet light to clean cave environments. The study, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, could potentially enhance bat survival rates, supporting critical ecosystem services.
Historically, 4-12% of western US land burned annually, while current trends underestimate future risks. Climate-driven drying and excess vegetation have led to low wildfire rates, shifting assessment towards inevitable future fires. The authors highlight the need for more widespread effective management strategies.
A new study published in Nature found that sustainable forest management can only provide modest, local benefits rather than a significant impact on the global climate. Forests themselves will need to be adapted to climate change to sustain their ecological and social services.
UBC researchers have discovered an internal messaging system in plants that regulates cell growth and division, enabling them to survive harsh conditions and compete successfully under favorable conditions. The system is driven by a protein called CLASP, which plays a crucial role in cell growth and division.
Research finds 73% of tree species have shifted westward, largely associated with changes in moisture availability. Climate change impacts are more near-term and related to moisture availability than temperature changes.
Treevia's SmartForest system uses wearable devices and electronic sensors to monitor tree growth, quality, and health in real-time. This allows for more efficient and data-driven forest management decisions.
A new study found that Finnish forest management guidelines do not adequately protect old growth forests where flying squirrels live. The guidelines were compared to the recently amended Forest Act and resulted in an extremely low occurrence of female flying squirrels, highlighting a large gap between science and policy.
Researchers call for active woodland management to create a 'mosaic' of trees with varied ages and sizes. Dormouse numbers are falling in Britain due to changes in climate and habitat composition, with more broadleaf woodland needed to support the species.