Effects of nitrogen on temporal and spatial patterns of nitrate in streams and soil solution of a central hardwood forest

Author

• Gilliam, Frank S.
• Adams, Mary Beth.

Year Published

2011

Source

ISRN Ecology. 2011: 1-9.

Abstract

This study examined changes in stream and soil water NO₃^- and their relationship to temporal and spatial patterns of NO₃^- in soil solution of watersheds at the Fernow Experimental Forest, West Virginia. Following tenfold increases in stream NO₃^- concentrations over a 13-year period (1969-1981) on untreated WS4, concentrations have declined through 2006. Following fourfold increases in stream NO₃^-on treatment WS3 from pretreatment levels to a 1998 maximum, concentrations have declined through 2006, despite additions of N. Concentrations of soil water NO₃^- were consistently lower for WS4 compared to WS3. Data for soil water NO₃^-on WS3 versus WS4 followed patterns of net mineralization and nitrification for these watersheds. Nitrogen additions to WS3 decreased spatial heterogeneity of N processing, which was largest in the pretreatment year and decreased significantly to a minimum by 2000-2001. Concurrently, soil water NO₃^-increased on WS3 from 1.3mg NO₃^--N L^-1 in pretreatment 1989 to a maximumof 6.4mg NO₃^--N L^-1 in 2001. Spatial heterogeneity in soil water NO₃^- on WS4 remained high during this period. Data suggest that temporal patterns of stream NO₃^- may be influenced by spatial heterogeneity of watershed processes which vary over time in response to N availability.

Citation

Gilliam, Frank S.; Adams, Mary Beth. 2011. Effects of nitrogen on temporal and spatial patterns of nitrate in streams and soil solution of a central hardwood forest. ISRN Ecology. 2011: 1-9.

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https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/39692

Land application of hydrofracturing fluids damages a deciduous forest stand in West Virginia

Author

• Adams, Mary Beth.

Year Published

2011

Source

Journal of Environmental Quality. 40: 1340-1344.

Abstract

In June 2008, 303,000 L of hydrofracturing fluid from a natural gas well were applied to a 0.20-ha area of mixed hardwood forest on the Fernow Experimental Forest, West Virginia. During application, severe damage and mortality of ground vegetation was observed, followed about 10 d later by premature leaf drop by the overstory trees. Two years after fluid application, 56% of the trees within the fluid application area were dead. Fagus grandifolia Ehrh. was the tree species with the highest mortality, and Acer rubrum L. was the least affected, although all tree species present on the site showed damage symptoms and mortality. Surface soils (0-10 cm) were sampled in July and October 2008, June and October 2009, and May 2010 on the fluid application area and an adjacent reference area to evaluate the effects of the hydrofracturing fluid on soil chemistry and to attempt to identify the main chemical constituents of the hydrofracturing fluid. Surface soil concentrations of sodium and chloride increased 50-fold as a result of the land application of hydrofracturing fluids and declined over time. Soil acidity in the fluid application area declined with time, perhaps from altered organic matter cycling. This case study identifi es the need for further research to help understand the nature and the environmental impacts of hydrofracturing fl uids to devise optimal, safe disposal strategies.

Citation

Adams, Mary Beth. 2011. Land application of hydrofracturing fluids damages a deciduous forest stand in West Virginia. Journal of Environmental Quality. 40: 1340-1344.

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https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/38308

Contrasts in carbon and nitrogen ecosystem budgets in adjacent Norway spruce and Appalachian hardwood watersheds in the Fernow Experimental Forest, West Virginia

Author

• Kelly, Charlene
• Schoenholtz, Stephen
• Adams, Mary Beth

Year Published

2011

Publication

In: Medley, C.N.; Patterson, Glenn; Parker, M.J., eds. Observing, studying and managing for change -- Proceedings of the fourth interagency conference on research in the watersheds. Scientific Investigations Rep. 2011-5169. Reston, VA: U.S. Department of Interior, Geological Survey: 121-126.

Abstract

We constructed watershed mass-balance budgets of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) and measured seasonal net N mineralization in an attempt to account for nearly 40 years of large discrepancies in stream NO_3-N export in two adjacent, gauged watersheds at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service's Fernow Experimental Forest, WV. These watersheds have similar management histories, varying primarily by vegetation cover, where one watershed is a monoculture of Norway spruce (Picea abies) and the other has regenerated to native Appalachian hardwoods. Long-term stream chemistry indicates that the hardwood watershed has approached N-saturation, with relatively high stream export of nitrate-N (15 kg N0₃^--N/ha/yr), whereas the spruce watershed exports virtually no nitrate-N.

Keywords

• Fernow Experimental Forest
• Norway spruce
• carbon
• nitrogen

Citation

Kelly, Charlene; Schoenholtz, Stephen; Adams, Mary Beth. 2011. Contrasts in carbon and nitrogen ecosystem budgets in adjacent Norway spruce and Appalachian hardwood watersheds in the Fernow Experimental Forest, West Virginia. In: Medley, C.N.; Patterson, Glenn; Parker, M.J., eds. Observing, studying and managing for change -- Proceedings of the fourth interagency conference on research in the watersheds. Scientific Investigations Rep. 2011-5169. Reston, VA: U.S. Department of Interior, Geological Survey: 121-126.

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https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/39483

Nocturnal activity patterns of northern myotis (Myotis septentrionalis) during the maternity season in West Virginia (USA)

Author

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• Johnson, Joshua B.
• Edwards, John W.
• Ford, W. Mark.

Year Published

2011

Source

Acta Chiropterologica. 13(2): 391-397.

Abstract

Nocturnal activity patterns of northern myotis (Myotis septentrionalis) at diurnal roost trees remain largely uninvestigated. For example, the influence of reproductive status, weather, and roost tree and surrounding habitat characteristics on timing of emergence, intra-night activity, and entrance at their roost trees is poorly known. We examined nocturnal activity patterns of northern myotis maternity colonies during pregnancy and lactation at diurnal roost trees situated in areas that were and were not subjected to recent prescribed fires at the Fernow Experimental Forest, West Virginia from 2007 to 2009. According to exit counts and acoustic data, northern myotis colony sizes were similar between reproductive periods and roost tree settings. However, intra-night activity patterns differed slightly between reproductive periods and roost trees in burned and non-burned areas. Weather variables poorly explained variation in activity patterns during pregnancy, but precipitation and temperature were negatively associated with activity patterns during lactation.

Keywords

• Anabat
• bats
• Myotis septentrionalis
• night-roosting
• northern myotis
• West Virginia

Citation

Johnson, Joshua B.; Edwards, John W.; Ford, W. Mark. 2011. Nocturnal activity patterns of northern myotis (Myotis septentrionalis) during the maternity season in West Virginia (USA). Acta Chiropterologica. 13(2): 391-397.

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https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/40116

Detecting the effects of forest harvesting on streamflow using hydrologic model change detection

Author

• Zegre, Nicolas P.
• Som, Nicholas A.

Year Published

2011

Publication

In: Fei, Songlin; Lhotka, John M.; Stringer, Jeffrey W.; Gottschalk, Kurt W.; Miller, Gary W., eds. Proceedings, 17th central hardwood forest conference; 2010 April 5-7; Lexington, KY; Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-78. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 389-397.

Abstract

Knowledge of the effects of forest management on hydrology primarily comes from paired-catchment study experiments. This approach has contributed fundamental knowledge of the effects of forest management on hydrology, but results from these studies lack insight into catchment processes. Outlined in this study is an alternative method of change detection that uses a simple rainfall-runoff model to generate hypotheses about the impact of forest harvesting on streamflow processes. We develop and apply our approach in a managed headwater catchment in the Fernow Experimental Forest in West Virginia. Monte-Carlo simulations are used to generate hydrologic model parameter distributions prior to and following clearcut harvesting. Differences in the distributions of pre- and post-harvest models are proxy for changes in the catchment processes involved in streamflow generation. Changes in model parameters show that harvesting increased the volume of water contributed to catchment storage, thereby increasing basefl ow volume, decreasing the time for the catchment to drain, and increasing stormflow response. The change detection approach presented in this study is a useful way to advance our understanding of catchment processes and the effects of disturbance on hydrology.

Citation

Zegre, Nicolas P.; Som, Nicholas A. 2011. Detecting the effects of forest harvesting on streamflow using hydrologic model change detection. In: Fei, Songlin; Lhotka, John M.; Stringer, Jeffrey W.; Gottschalk, Kurt W.; Miller, Gary W., eds. Proceedings, 17th central hardwood forest conference; 2010 April 5-7; Lexington, KY; Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-78. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 389-397.

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https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/38077

Fernow Experimental Forest: Research History and Opportunities

Author

• Adams, Mary Beth
• Edwards, Pamela J.
• Ford, W. Mark
• Schuler, Thomas M.
• Thomas-Van Gundy, Melissa
• Wood, Frederica.

Year Published

2012

Publication

Experimental Forests and Ranges EFR-2. Washington, D.C: USDA Forest Service. 26 p.

Abstract

The Fernow Experimental Forest (39.03° N, 79.67° W) is located in north-central West Virginia near the community of Parsons, in the Allegheny Mountain section of the mixed mesophytic forest (Braun 1950). Named after Bernhard Fernow, an early forestry research pioneer, the Fernow Experimental Forest (Fernow) was established in 1934 from land originally purchased as the first tract for the Monongahela National Forest (Monongahela). The Fernow was set aside to "make permanently available for forest research and the demonstration of its results a carefully selected area representing forest conditions that are important in Northeastern West Virginia." The Fernow Establishment Order, dated March 28, 1934, and on file at the Timber and Watershed Laboratory, Parsons, WV, was signed by Arthur A. Wood, supervisor of the Monongahela, and E.H. Frothingham, director of the Appalachian Forest Experiment Station, who, in the order, described the forest at the time and detailed working relationships between the Monongahela and the Appalachian Forest Experiment Station.

Keywords

• Fernow
• EFR
• Experimental Forest and Range
• silviculture
• interdisciplinary research
• Appalachians

Citation

Adams, Mary Beth; Edwards, Pamela J.; Ford, W. Mark; Schuler, Thomas M.; Thomas-Van Gundy, Melissa; Wood, Frederica. 2012. Fernow Experimental Forest: Research History and Opportunities. Experimental Forests and Ranges EFR-2. Washington, D.C: USDA Forest Service. 26 p.

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https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/41145

Roost networks of northern myotis (Myotis septentionalis) in a managed landscape

Author

• Johnson, Joshua B.
• Ford, W. Mark
• Edwards, John W.

Year Published

2012

Source

Forest Ecology and Management. 266: 223-231.

Abstract

Maternity groups of many bat species conform to fission-fusion models and movements among diurnal roost trees and individual bats belonging to these groups use networks of roost trees. Forest disturbances may alter roost networks and characteristics of roost trees. Therefore, at the Fernow Experimental Forest in West Virginia, we examined roost tree networks of northern myotis (Myotis septentrionalis) in forest stands subjected to prescribed fire and in unmanipulated control treatments in 2008 and 2009. Northern myotis formed social groups whose roost areas and roost tree networks overlapped to some extent. Roost tree networks largely resembled scale-free network models, as 61% had a single central node roost tree. In control treatments, central node roost trees were in early stages of decay and surrounded by greater basal area than other trees within the networks. In prescribed fire treatments, central node roost trees were small in diameter, low in the forest canopy, and surrounded by low basal area compared to other trees in networks. Our results indicate that forest disturbances, including prescribed fire, can affect availability and distribution of roosts within roost tree networks.

Keywords

• fission-fusion
• graph theory
• Myotis septentrionalis
• roosting
• social groups
• West Virginia

Citation

Johnson, Joshua B.; Ford, W. Mark; Edwards, John W. 2012. Roost networks of northern myotis (Myotis septentionalis) in a managed landscape. Forest Ecology and Management. 266: 223-231.

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https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/39845

Effects of acoustic deterrents on foraging bats

Author

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• Johnson, Joshua B.
• Ford, W. Mark
• Rodrigue, Jane L.
• Edwards, John W.

Year Published

2012

Publication

Res. Note NRS-129. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 5 p.

Abstract

Significant bat mortality events associated with wind energy expansion, particularly in the Appalachians, have highlighted the need for development of possible mitigation practices to reduce or prevent strike mortality. Other than increasing turbine cut-in speed, acoustic deterrents probably hold the greatest promise for reducing bat mortality. However, acoustic deterrent effectiveness and practicality has not been experimentally examined and is limited to site-specific case studies. Accordingly, we used a crossover experimental design with prior control period to show that bat activity was reduced 17.1 percent by the deployment of ultrasonic deterrents placed around gauged watershed weir ponds on the Fernow Experimental Forest in West Virginia. We caution that while our results should not be extrapolated to the scope of a typical wind energy production facility, the results warrant further research on the use of acoustic deterrents to reduce bat fatalities.

Keywords

• acoustic
• Anabat
• bats
• Fernow Experimental Forest
• West Virginia
• wind energy

Citation

Johnson, Joshua B.; Ford, W. Mark; Rodrigue, Jane L.; Edwards, John W. 2012. Effects of acoustic deterrents on foraging bats. Res. Note NRS-129. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 5 p.

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https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/40553

Effects of forest management on running buffalo clover (Trifolium stoloniferum Muhl. Ex A. Eaton) distribution and abundance in the Fernow Experimental Forest

Author

• Burkhart, J.Q.
• Rentch, J.R.
• Schuler, T.M.

Year Published

2013

Source

Natural Areas Journal. 33(2): 156-162.

Abstract

Identifying habitat preferences of species of concern is fundamental to the practice of conservation, but disturbances and other environmental processes can substantially affect suitability. Trifolium stoloniferum, or running buffalo clover, is a federally endangered plant species that occurs on the Fernow Experimental Forest in West Virginia. Previous work and extensive anecdotal evidence suggests that this species is maintained in part by periodic disturbances to its habitat. In the Fernow Experimental Forest, this disturbance is in the form of intermittent logging activities. We investigated the role of forest harvesting practices and environmental variables in fostering T. stoloniferum at the stand level. Censuses have been conducted on T. stoloniferumoccurrences in the Fernow since 1994, and occurrences are grouped by subcompartment or watershed, which are the basic management units within this experimental forest. Site characteristics and disturbance history were assessed for their impact upon T. stoloniferum presence and density. Classification tree analysis identified total number of forest harvest events in a subcompartment since 1948 as the most important predictor of T. stoloniferum presence or absence. Regression tree analysis identified aspect as important in determining T. stoloniferum abundance, with west-facing compartments supporting larger populations. This study confirms the importance of disturbance in maintaining T. stoloniferum populations. However, site characteristics independent of disturbance history are also predictors of T. stoloniferum presence and abundance, suggesting that managers attempting to restore or create habitat for T. stoloniferum should account for the interaction between disturbance history and site characters in determining suitability of habitat for T. stoloniferum.

Keywords

• disturbance
• endangered plant
• non-equilibrium coexistence
• timber harvesting

Citation

Burkhart, J.Q.; Rentch, J.R.; Schuler, T.M. 2013. Effects of forest management on running buffalo clover (Trifolium stoloniferum Muhl Ex A Eaton) distribution and abundance in the Fernow Experimental Forest. Natural Areas Journal. 33(2): 156-162.

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https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/43379

Nightly and yearly bat activity before and after white-nose syndrome on the Fernow Experimental Forest in West Virginia

Author

• Johnson, Joshua B.
• Rodrigue, Jane L.
• Ford, W. Mark.

Year Published

2013

Publication

Res. Pap. NRS-24. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 17 p.

Abstract

In the central Appalachians, conservation concern about bat communities and their population status has become increasingly more significant with the advent and spread of white-nose syndrome (WNS). However, managers often are hampered in their response to WNS by the lack of information on pre-WNS local distribution, abundance, or activity patterns for most bat species. At the Fernow Experimental Forest (FEF), Tucker County, WV, where bat research has been conducted since the mid-1990s, we acoustically monitored bat activity a total of 20 nights each at four sites for 4 years—3 years before and 1 year after WNS was detected—to better assess those local patterns. Within sampling nights, activity of northern myotis (Myotis septentrionalis) and big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) peaked directly after sunset and declined throughout the night, whereas activity of little brown myotis (Myotis lucifugus) and Indiana myotis (Myotis sodalis) had a unimodal distribution that peaked in the middle of the night. Activity of many bat species differed among sample sites and was highest at a small, artificial pond located on a dry ridgetop. Activity of little brown myotis, northern myotis, and Indiana myotis was lower post-WNS than pre-WNS, consistent with the species' precipitous declines previously reported in WNS-affected areas in the Northeast and upper portions of the Mid-Atlantic.

Keywords

• Anabat
• Geomyces destructans
• bats
• foraging
• riparian

Citation

Johnson, Joshua B.; Rodrigue, Jane L.; Ford, W. Mark. 2013. Nightly and yearly bat activity before and after white-nose syndrome on the Fernow Experimental Forest in West Virginia. Res. Pap. NRS-24. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 17 p.

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https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/44877