Submitted by Rob York on
This project has conducted experimental treatments and is ready to measure and assess the effects of treatments. Over the past 5 years, three treatments have occurred in riparian zones of mixed conifer forests: Control, thinning+surface fuel reduction, and thinning+surface fuel reduction+canopy gap creation. Treatments are replicated along stretches of fish-bearing streams at Blodgett Forest Research Station. Prior to treatments, all alder trees within the study area were tagged and measured. Post treatment measurements (2 to 3 years post) are now ready to measure and analyze. The hypothesis is that alder, which is a disturbance dependent species, has grown more in the treated areas than in the controls. This increased growth is a sign of increased vigor. Across the mixed conifer forest, alder have been declining because of the lack of appropriate disturbances, mostly frequent fires. The response of alder trees is a critical component of this study, which was originally funded by the California Board of Forestry (the funding has been depleted at this point).
This is an ideal project for two students, who can car pool to Blodgett in the fall semester and conduct measurments in 1 or 2 weekends. One student can analyze growth data and the other can analyze the existing long-term plots from Blodgett in order to quantify long-term decline of Alder. With mentoring, the students will collect data in the field and conduct statistical analysis. If interested, they can also co-author a paper. I have done this many times with undergraduates in the past, as I primarily work with undergraduates an Masters students.
EMF major, preferably professional track.
Forestry Camp field studies course required.
Statistics class preferred.