|
|
- Info
The development of forest islands in exurban central New York State
| Author: |
Nyland, R.D.; Zipperer, W.C.; Hill, D.B. |
| Date: |
1986 |
| Periodical: |
Landscape and Urban Planning. Masterdam: Elsevier Science Publishers B.V. |
| Abstract: |
Onondaga County in central New York State was extensively cleared for agricultural use, so that by 1930 only 8% of the area maintained small and highly fragmented forest islands. Subsequent natural re-forestation in exurban parts of the county increased the forest cover to 40% of the total land area by 1980. New stands formed around many residual forest islands, and natural reforestation often consolidated two or more small parcels previously separated by open fields. At present, some forests cover as much as 3000 ha each, and even-aged stands less than 50 years old make up 80% of the total forest area. These stands are generally devoid of appreciable woody under story vegetation, and have an elevated and tight crown canopy. Tree species composition is less diverse than in the residual islands which were never cleared for protracted agricultural use. Sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) and white ash (Fraxinus americana L.) predominate in most new forest stands on the better-drained soils. Red maple (Acer rubrum L.), elms (Ulmus) and white ash are most common on poorly drained sites. Overall, available data suggest the prevalence of fairly homogeneous structural conditions across most forest stands. Information from resource statistics also indicates that similar conditions may dominate much of the forested area in rural southwestern New York State and even greater areas of Northeastern United States. Development of existing seedling stands and new natural re-forestation should further consolidate the forest cover and bring increased structural homogeneity throughout the region. |
|
