Northeast Vulnerability and Habitat Measures
A Microsoft Access application that evaluates scenario tables exported from the Landscape Management System (LMS) http://lms.cfr.washington.edu/ and rates the projected landscape according to a variety of habitat and disturbance vulnerability measures. Specific ratings include:
Spruce Budworm Vulnerability
Ratings are adapted from MacLean, D.A. 1982. Predicting the risk of spruce budworm damage using hazard and vulnerability rating. USDA Forest Service GTR NE, 1985(99):113-120. Volume classes (1-10, based on cuft volume/100 with a max of 10) of balsam fir and white spruce are multiplied by their maturity classes of 1, 2, or 3 (in this case determined by heights <30, <60, and >60). Volume classes for red and black spruce are added to this value. Values <8 are assigned “low”, <16 “moderate”, <24 “severe”, >=24 “very severe”.
Stand Structure Classes
Structure classes are adapted from the Spaulding, Griffin, and Shumaker and the Moore and George classification schemes (FTY 477, Spring 2003). The categories are single strata small (ss|s), single strata medium (ss|m), single strata large (ss|l|), multi-strata medium (ms|m), and multi-strata large (ms|l). Stands are assigned based on number of strata detected (>1, multi-strata) and the height of dominant trees (largest 50 tpa height: small <30, medium <70, large>=70).
Deer Wintering Area Structure
Deer wintering area (DWA) structure is acceptable when snow intercepting tree species (BF, RS, WS, BS, WC, EH) meet certain requirements (mean height > 25, canopy closure > 50%, and Basal area > 70).
Hemlock Wooly Adelgid Vulnerabilty
Hemlock wooly adelgid (HWA) vulnerability is the proportion of total stand basal area that is in hemlock.
American Marten Habitat
American marten habitat is acceptable when stands have a mean height of dominant trees (largest 50 tpa) greater than 40 feet and a basal area greater than 50.
Wind Vulnerability
Wind vulnerability is based on dominant height and dominant height to diameter ratios (H/D ratios <65 low, <85 moderate, >=85 severe. Dominant height <20 low, <60 moderate, >=60 severe).
Tree Species Dominance
Type reflects species dominance of basal area. H = hardwood ba > 70% total ba, S = softwood ba > 70% total ba, otherwise M (mixed wood).
Contact: Jeremy_Wilson@umenfa.maine.edu