Research
All three model forests have hosted various research projects associated with the relationship between forest management activities and water quality as well as forest management in general. Some of the ongoing research projects include:
- Monitoring forest regeneration following a series of silvicultural treatments.
- Examining the effects of deer browsing on forest regeneration and herbaceous cover through a series of fence exclosures.
- Examining the relationship between coarse woody debris and nutrient cycling.
- 360-degree long-term photo-points have been established within each experimental compartment for the multi-purposes of research, outreach and continuing education.
- The U.S. Forest Service has established long-term Forest Health Monitoring plots within each experimental compartment.
- At the Frost Valley Model Forest, we have joined forces with U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to examine the relationship between silvicultural operations and water quality.
The Research Team completed a study looking at the effects of forest harvesting on stream macro-invertebrates. Preliminary results indicate that stream nitrate levels increased with harvesting while macro-invertebrate numbers remained stable and species diversity decreased.
In a separate study, researchers studied the effect of distributing wood chips derived from logging slash on the forest floor to sequester nitrate following harvesting activities. The practice was proven to be effective in immobilizing nitrogen that might otherwise leach into nearby streams.
Published Research Articles:
Nitrogen immobilization by wood-chip application: Protecting water quality in a northern hardwood forest
by P. Homyak, R.Yanai, D. Burns, R. Briggs and R. Germain
Vernal Nitrogen and phosphorus retention by forest understory vegetation and soil microbes
by J. Tessier, D. Raynal
Partial cutting impacts on macroinvertebrates in ephemeral streams in southern NY
By E.J. Paashaus, R.D. Briggs, N.H. Ringler
