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Restoration of Coniferous Forest and Myodes gapperi: Responses to Thinning, Fertilization, and Succession over a 45-Year Period Sullivan, Thomas P.; Sullivan, Druscilla S.
Abstract
Research Highlights: We report a 45-year time-line of forest restoration after harvesting and responses of red-backed voles (Myodes gapperi), an indicator species of closed-canopy forests. Background and Objectives: We have a unique long-term window to test four hypotheses that evaluated the relationship of M. gapperi with old forest structural attributes. Materials and Methods: The study began in old-growth lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) through clearcutting, regeneration, stand thinning, fertilization, and growth to mature forest (1979 to 2024) in southern BC, Canada. Populations of red-backed voles were monitored in all phases of forest restoration. Results: Clearcutting resulted in the extirpation of M. gapperi followed by small (≤2 voles/ha) populations in young (13–23 years) thinned and fertilized stands. At age 33, the mean annual abundance of M. gapperi (6.5 to 8.7/ha) was highest in the heavily thinned and old-growth stands. At age 43, mean numbers of M. gapperi ranged from 2.7 to 4.2/ha in these same stands. Heavily thinned stands had large trees, multi-layered canopies of conifers, and understory patchiness. Conclusions: This is the first report of long-term responses of M. gapperi to the restoration of mature forest. M. gapperi is a suitable species for monitoring the recovery of some old forest structural features.
Item Metadata
Title |
Restoration of Coniferous Forest and Myodes gapperi: Responses to Thinning, Fertilization, and Succession over a 45-Year Period
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Creator | |
Publisher |
Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
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Date Issued |
2025-01-11
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Description |
Research Highlights: We report a 45-year time-line of forest restoration after harvesting and responses of red-backed voles (Myodes gapperi), an indicator species of closed-canopy forests. Background and Objectives: We have a unique long-term window to test four hypotheses that evaluated the relationship of M. gapperi with old forest structural attributes. Materials and Methods: The study began in old-growth lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) through clearcutting, regeneration, stand thinning, fertilization, and growth to mature forest (1979 to 2024) in southern BC, Canada. Populations of red-backed voles were monitored in all phases of forest restoration. Results: Clearcutting resulted in the extirpation of M. gapperi followed by small (≤2 voles/ha) populations in young (13–23 years) thinned and fertilized stands. At age 33, the mean annual abundance of M. gapperi (6.5 to 8.7/ha) was highest in the heavily thinned and old-growth stands. At age 43, mean numbers of M. gapperi ranged from 2.7 to 4.2/ha in these same stands. Heavily thinned stands had large trees, multi-layered canopies of conifers, and understory patchiness. Conclusions: This is the first report of long-term responses of M. gapperi to the restoration of mature forest. M. gapperi is a suitable species for monitoring the recovery of some old forest structural features.
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Subject | |
Genre | |
Type | |
Language |
eng
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Date Available |
2025-02-04
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Provider |
Vancouver : University of British Columbia Library
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Rights |
CC BY 4.0
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DOI |
10.14288/1.0447968
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URI | |
Affiliation | |
Citation |
Forests 16 (1): 126 (2025)
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Publisher DOI |
10.3390/f16010126
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Peer Review Status |
Reviewed
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Scholarly Level |
Faculty; Researcher
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Rights URI | |
Aggregated Source Repository |
DSpace
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Item Media
Item Citations and Data
Rights
CC BY 4.0