Abstract Detail

Ecological Section

Campbell, Alicia [1], Keiffer, Carolyn [2].

Successional Chronosequence of Woody Restoration in Strip Mined Land at The Wilds in Zanesville, Ohio. .

Strip mining has had a large impact on the natural successional progression of plant species. This study creates a chronosequence comparing the woody vegetation found on remnant forest patches and reclaimed lands of differing ages. The project was completed at The Wilds, a former strip mine located near Zanesville, Ohio. The goal of this study is to develop a reforestation plan for unreclaimed mined land. Six sites, representing three ages: remnant, pre-1966 and 1966-1973 were studied. Trees > 1 inch DBH were sampled using the point quarter method along eight 100 meter transects. Preliminary results indicated that the species with the highest importance values in the remnant forest are Quercus rubra, Acer saccharum and Pinus strobus. Ailanthus altissima, Robinia pseudoacacia and Acer saccharinum have the highest importance values in the 1966-1973 sites. In the pre-1966 sites, Liriodendron tulipifera, Pinus strobus, Betula nigra, and Acer saccharinum had the highest importance values. Invasive shrubs Elaeagnus umbellata and Rosa multiflora are abundant in the two mined sites, while native shrubs Lindera benzoin and Rubus occidentalis were only found in the remnant sites. Generally, the mined sites contain many invasive and pioneer, r species, while the remnant sites contain native, hardwood, K species. The remnant forest sites have, on average, a greater abundance and diversity of trees than both mined sites. The largest diameter tree in each transect and an additional 16 trees will be cored during February, 2012 in order to compare growth rates amongst the stands. Soil compaction data from each stand is also being collected and analyzed in order to provide more detailed recommendations for future reforestation efforts.

Broader Impacts:

1 - 5274 Bentwood Dr, Mason, OH, 45040, USA
2 - Miami University, Botany, 700 E High St, Oxford, Ohio, 45056, United States

Keywords:
restoration
succession
Chronosequence.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Grand Salon A - D/Riverside Hilton
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2013
Time: 5:45 PM
Number: PEC005
Abstract ID:257
Candidate for Awards:Ecological Section Best Graduate Student Poster