Articles tagged with Forestry
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.
New research by the USDA Forest Service suggests that reduced acid rain and warmer temperatures are behind the resurgence of red spruce. The study found that over 75% of red spruce trees exhibited increasing growth since 2001, indicating a positive response to recent climate shifts.
A meta-analysis of 126 case studies from five continents reveals mixed-species forest stands are more ecologically valuable and resilient. These forests also exhibit greater productivity, particularly in areas with favorable water supplies.
A new analysis of the 2013 Douglas Complex fire reveals that young plantation forests experienced higher severity fires than nearby public forests. Daily weather was the most significant driver, but ownership, forest age, and topography also played critical roles.
A Kyoto University researcher has captured the first Yanbaru whiskered bat in Okinawa since its discovery in 1996. The critically endangered species was found to have a range-restricted habitat within the Yanbaru Forest, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
The study found that between 2009 and 2014, tree cover in urban areas declined by 0.7 percent, resulting in the loss of 36 million trees. This decline has significant impacts on air quality, energy costs, noise reduction, and human health. The annual benefits derived from US urban forests are estimated at $18 billion.
New research from Virginia Tech shows that personal outreach to landowners is vital to the success of conservation programs. Landowners who accompanied conservation biologists on site visits had higher trust in the agency and better perceptions of program outcomes. The study highlights the importance of face-to-face interactions in sha...
Researchers developed a framework to assess forest management strategies in Oregon, finding that these approaches increased net ecosystem carbon balance by 72% from 2011-2015. By 2100, the strategies resulted in a 56% increase in NECB, with benefits for water availability and biodiversity.
The study reveals that new WUI area expanded by over 46 million acres, with significant growth in the East region. The expansion poses broad challenges for natural resource management and wildfire management, highlighting the need for effective planning and policy to reduce risk.
A new study finds that reforested areas in the US can absorb significant amounts of carbon, with existing forests capable of sequestering an additional 1-2 billion tons of carbon over 100 years. Researchers analyzed soil profile observations and remote sensing data to determine the rate at which soils absorb carbon.
As climate change raises summer temperatures, research suggests that wetter summers could produce unexpected impacts such as disease outbreaks and crop failures. Subtropical and temperate regions are expected to experience warmer, wetter extremes, threatening ecosystems and human communities.
Climate projections for the Pacific Northwest reveal a warmer future under high greenhouse gas concentrations, with temperatures expected to rise between 1.5 and 7 degrees Celsius. The regional consensus among climate models indicates that the region will become considerably warmer in the next century.
Pennsylvania has developed effective ash-management plans to combat the emerald ash borer, which offers a model for other regions. The plans include tree inventory, monitoring, management tools, and education, tailored to each community's conditions and goals.
Research found that forest density significantly affects near-ground temperatures, with dense forests creating cooler microclimates. The study's maps can aid conservation and land-use planning efforts to protect cold-adapted species.
The researcher will create computer models to evaluate national and regional forest management policies and their impact on ecology, economy, and society. The goal is to provide information for improved forest stewardship in a changing world.
A recent study by UPV/EHU researchers shows that the interaction between the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) controls forestry productivity in the Iberian Peninsula. The research reveals how these climate modes affect droughts, winters, and ecosystem productivity.
A survey of residents near two national parks in Panama found that jaguars deserve increased protection due to human-jaguar conflict. The study suggests that educating stakeholders about the connection between healthy ecosystems and jaguar survival is crucial for effective park management.
Researchers found that old-growth forests with diverse tree sizes and species can buffer the effects of warming temperatures on birds. The study suggests that large trees function as heat sinks during warm periods and multiple canopy layers provide climate buffering effects, supporting stable populations of some bird species.
Researchers found that areas recently treated with controlled burns fared better in the 2013 Rim Fire. The best predictor of fire severity was how severe the area last burned, indicating that reducing initial burn severity can limit future fires.
A new study suggests that dominant forest tree mycorrhizal type affects understory plant invasions, with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) forests more vulnerable to invasive species. This research helps explain the establishment and spread of invasive plants in forests.
Archaeologist Alan Sullivan argues that prehistoric people used fire to promote the growth of edible plants such as amaranth and chenopodium. Lab analysis found ancient pollen from clay pots with only six out of 6,000 grains identified as corn.
The USDA has awarded grants to promote sustainable forest and rangeland management through innovative projects addressing emerging issues in the Western Gulf region and beyond. These projects aim to empower landowners and managers with science-based decision-making tools and resources to achieve conservation and economic goals.
Researchers found that young, managed forests cause higher stress levels and lower survival rates in willow tits due to reduced food availability and increased predation risks. About 92% of the birds sheltering in older trees survived the winter, compared to nearly 73% in younger plantations.
A set of fundamental tactics can be used to combat the challenges brought on by pests in rapidly changing forests. Eight general tactics for improved pest management include growth of practical theory, improved biosecurity, and management plans that anticipate continuing change.
A new study by Virginia Tech researchers tracks land cover changes in the Chobe district of Northern Botswana, providing critical information for governments and nonprofit organizations. The study reveals a long-term trend of decreasing woodland cover and increasing shrubland, with fire being a driving force in land cover change.
A new study reveals that bat wing prints can be used to identify individual bats with high accuracy, similar to fingerprint identification. The technique involves analyzing the unique patterns of collagen-elastin bundles in wing tissue, which remain intact even when wings are damaged.
Researchers found that mechanically thinning and prescribed burns can reduce fire-severity by up to 60% when used optimally. The study's findings have implications for forest management teams across the US, highlighting the importance of fire in ecosystem restoration.
A new study by The Nature Conservancy found that better land management practices can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 11.3 billion tonnes per year, equivalent to halting oil burning. Natural climate solutions could deliver 37% of the emissions reductions needed to hold global warming below 2 degrees Celsius by 2030.
A study led by University of California, Davis found that spotted owls prefer forests with tall trees (over 105 feet) and high canopy cover, rather than dense understory. This discovery could resolve the management dilemma of balancing owl habitat with forest resilience to wildfires and droughts.
Researchers found that indigenous groups intentionally used fire to manage plant-life in temperate rain forests, leaving trees alive and keeping the forest open. The study suggests that this practice has been ongoing for centuries, contradicting traditional views of these forests as 'pristine' and 'untouched'.