Ohio Journal of Science: Volume 108, Issue 2 (April, 2008)

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https://kb.osu.edu/handle/1811/48360

Front Matter
pp. 0
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Influence of Flood Connectivity on Bottomland Hardwood Forest Productivity in Central Ohio
Anderson, Christopher J.; Mitsch, William J. pp. 2-8
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Impact by North American Beaver (Castor canadensis) on Forest Plant Composition in the Wilds, a Surface-Mined Landscape in Southeastern Ohio
Voelker, Bryan W.; Dooley Jr., James L. pp. 9-15
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Distribution and Changes in Abundance of Ailanthus altissima (Miller) Swingle in a Southwest Ohio Woodlot
Espenschied-Reilly, Amanda L.; Runkle, James R. pp. 16-22
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Back Matter
pp. 999
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    Front Matter
    (2008-04)
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    Influence of Flood Connectivity on Bottomland Hardwood Forest Productivity in Central Ohio
    (2008-04) Anderson, Christopher J.; Mitsch, William J.
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    Impact by North American Beaver (Castor canadensis) on Forest Plant Composition in the Wilds, a Surface-Mined Landscape in Southeastern Ohio
    (2008-04) Voelker, Bryan W.; Dooley Jr., James L.
    The impacts of Castor canadensis Kuhl (American beaver) on local ecosystems through foraging and dam construction activities have been well documented. Here we examined beaver foraging activity in the Wilds, an ecosystem in southeastern Ohio that was most recently subjected to surface mining between the late 1960s and the middle 1980s. Our objective was to make detailed observations of recent and past foraging patterns with the aim of better assessing the impact beaver might have on the recovery of forests in this altered landscape. One active site, a site downstream of the active impoundment and two recently abandoned beaver dam sites were chosen as study sites. At all sites, terrestrial foraging by beaver was generally concentrated within 20 m of water's edge and declined sharply beyond 40 m. Foraging activity was concentrated on, but did not seem to be limiting, the dominant standing species. Thus, there was little indication that foraging activity might be directly altering the nature of forest development in this community. However, other less direct impacts such as consequences arising from damming activities may well yet yield important and long-term effects in this recovering ecosystem.
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    Distribution and Changes in Abundance of Ailanthus altissima (Miller) Swingle in a Southwest Ohio Woodlot
    (2008-04) Espenschied-Reilly, Amanda L.; Runkle, James R.
    This study describes the population structure and dynamics of Ailanthus altissima within the Wright State University woodlot near Dayton, Ohio. This 80 ha woodlot contains both old growth and secondary stands. Ailanthus altissima populations were measured first in 1980 and again in 2001 and 2002. We examined changes in A. altissima demographics and patterns of occurrence by examining secondary environmental factors that could have influenced invasion and survival. Ailanthus altissima was found in 13.5% of the plots (500m2 each) and had a density of 198.4 stems/ha, an increase from 1980. Although usually at low densities within the interior, occasional high density patches occurred. Tree cores dated the initial invasion of A. altissima before 1940. e number of A. altissima stems and the basal area of A. altissima decreased with increased distance from the woodlot edge. Percent annual survivorship was 42% overall and survivorship was negatively correlated with distance from the woodlot edge. Surviving understory stems have the potential to enter the canopy in the future. The presence of A. altissima along the woodlot perimeter was not related to aspect. Ailanthus altissima successfully invaded both the old and secondary growth sections of the woodlot, with its biggest influence on the woodlot edge, where it frequently dominated areas. A smaller presence in the woodlot interior is maintained presumably due to seedling success in canopy gaps and the formation of persistent clumps of clonal sprouts around canopy trees.
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    Back Matter
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