Maria Hemphill Harris
Bachelor of Science, May 2006
Executive
Summary
Species that
depend on early successional habitat (ESH) are experiencing
population declines across the Ecologists argue that In order to
stabilize and maintain ESH-dependent species populations, active management
strategies aimed at increasing the area of ESH area
through disturbance are thought to be required. necessary
(eg. Litvaitis,1993). In addition, rRecent
studies have stressed the importance of
accounting for effects of land use history when forming habitat conservation
plans for a region, including plans for ESH
management. This study examines the land cover history of the Big River
Management Area (BRMA), a 3,500 hectare (8,600 acre) tract of Rhode
Island state-owned land currently targeted for ESH management.
Historical land cover and land cover change is determined from aerial photographs
and historic maps and documents, and analyzed using GIS.
The land use
history of the BRMA is largely agricultural, although agriculture was
relatively unproductive on the area’s well-drained soils.
Since 1939, total transitional forest area has decreased from191 to 113
hectares in 1970 and to 92 hectares in 1997. It is unclear whether the state RI
DEM’s management goal of 20% seedling-sapling forest cover
represents any past historical condition on the BRMA
of the BRMA. In planning
future ESH management of the BRMA, it is important to the RI DEM must
weigh and balance the goal of raising the populations of ESH
species in the area with the need to account
for land use history. This study
illustrates the importance of researching the specific local land cover history
of areas targeted for management if.
Land managers across the Northeast who seek to make informed ESH
management decisions are to be made.would be well served
to research land use history on a local scale.
Variations in
rates and patterns of reforestation on sites targeted for management should
also be accounted for in ESH management plans. This study examines reforestation
patterns and rates on 19 Big River ESH patches targeted for management by the
RI DEM. The results of field sampling provide support for a gradual form of
invasion of sample sites by white pines and pitch pines. Yearly mowing would be
unnecessary to prevent reforestation by pines after initial management, but
could be required every 8-9 years if open habitat maintenance is desired.