Forest Composition and Structure

Transcription

1 C H A P T E R 3 Forest Composition and Structure North Shore Highlands, Toimi Uplands, and Laurentian Uplands Subsections 3.1 Forest cover types on DNR lands Map Forest cover types on DNR lands Charts 3.2 a d 3.3 Age classes for DNR lands Charts 3.3 a d 3.4 Trends in the extent of forest land, forest type, and age-classes for DNR lands (comparison between 1989 and 2 CSA forest inventory data) Charts 3.4 a d 3.5 Old growth forests Tables 3.5 a c 3.6 Historical forest composition compared to today s forest an estimate Table 3.6 A note about the charts in this section Charts referring to all three subsections (North Shore Highlands /Toimi Uplands/ Laurentian Uplands) are indicated by an a after each chart designation (e.g. Chart 3.2a) Charts referring to the North Shore Highlands Subsection only are indicated by a b after each chart designation (e.g. Chart 3.2b) Charts referring to the Toimi Uplands Subsection only are indicated by a c after each chart designation (e.g. Chart 3.2c) Charts referring to the Laurentian Uplands Subsection only are indicated by a d after each chart designation (e.g. Chart 3.2d) North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands 3.1

2 Map 3.1 Maps may be viewed as separate PDF files on the North Shore - Subsection Forest Resource Management Plan (SFRMP) web site at North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands

3 Map 3.1 (continued) Maps may be viewed as separate PDF files on the North Shore - Subsection Forest Resource Management Plan (SFRMP) web site at North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands 3.3

4 Table 3.2 a State Timberland Cover Type by Age Class 1-22 (North Shore Highlands, Toimi Uplands, and Laurentian Uplands Subsections (Combined) Age Class COVER TYPE TOTAL Ash ,914 Lowland Hardwoods Aspen 9,656 15,715 6,128 3,959 3,954 5,798 1,371 9,12 3,64 1, ,216 Balm of Gilead ,157 Birch ,59 6,623 11,561 6,32 1,77 1,215 29,93 Northern Hardwoods ,425 2,298 1,635 2,9 3,144 1,163 14,343 Oak White Pine ,178 Norway Pine 1,591 2,235 1,973 1, ,526 Jack Pine 1, ,227 Scotch Pine 6 6 Balsam Fir 267 1,436 1,184 1, ,13 2,387 2,368 1, ,224 White Spruce 1,199 3,557 3,871 1, ,574 Norway Spruce 5 5 Tamarack ,519 Larch, Upland Black Spruce, Upland ,27 Black Spruce, Lowland 1,832 1, ,33 1,253 1,24 2,741 4,421 4,283 2,62 3,378 2,795 29,54 Cedar ,231 3,647 1,256 16,724 Cutover Area Total 17,448 26,655 15,854 1,63 8,96 13,528 26,789 34,277 2,422 13,167 15,29 16,41 218,197 1 Forestry and Wildlife Administered Lands Includes No Harvest Stands 3.4 North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands

5 Table 3.3 a Comparison of State Timberland Cover Type 1 Between 1989 and 22 North Shore Highlands, Toimi Uplands, and Laurentian Uplands Subsections (Combined) Percent Cover Type Percent Percent Change Ash/Lowland Hardwoods 4,887 2% 7,581 3% 55% Aspen/Balm of Gilead 58,982 29% 7,373 32% 19% Birch 32,98 16% 29,93 14% -9% Northern Hardwoods/Oak 11,466 6% 14,498 7% 26% Norway Pine 6,834 3% 8,526 4% 25% White Pine 1,4 1% 2,178 1% 56% Jack Pine 3,941 2% 5,227 2% 33% Black Spruce, Upland 3,447 2% 3,27 1% -7% Balsam Fir 15,477 8% 12,224 6% -21% White Spruce 12,254 6% 12,574 6% 3% Black Spruce, Lowland 26,965 13% 29,54 13% 8% Tamarack 3,624 2% 5,519 3% 52% White Cedar 14,988 7% 16,724 8% 12% Cut Over Area 2 4,833 2% 56 % -88% Total 22,6 % 218,175 % 8% 1 All State Forestry and Wildlife Administered Lands 2 Cutover Area: A site that was harvested within the last three years with no timber species present or visible when the site was last inventoried. Usually, the site is in the process of regeneration. This code is used less frequently than in the past. Now, stands are usually classified according to the best estimate of what the regeneration species will be on the site. The inventory data is updated upon completion of the first regeneration field survey, usually one, three, or five years after harvest. Acreage changes for cover types are primarily due to acquired lands, updates to the CSA forest inventory, harvesting, planting or seeding to a different cover type, forest health (e.g., spruce budworm damage to balsam fir and early 199s drought effects on birch), and the old age of some stands resulting in natural succession to another cover type. Based on the forest inventory, there was an eight percent increase in state-administered timberland acres between 1989 and 22 in the three subsections. The 218,175 acres of state timberlands in 22 is approximately nine percent of the land in the three subsections. Charts 3.4a1 3.4a13 compare age-class distribution by cover type for state-administered timberlands for the years 1989 and 22. They provide a general look at how the cover type composition of state forest lands has changed over the past 13 years. North Shore Highlands/Toimii Uplands/Laurentian Uplands 3.5

6 Chart 3.4a1 All Timberland Cover Types and 22 Age Class Distribution North Shore Highlands, Toimi Uplands, and Laurentian Uplands This chart shows the age-class distribution in 1989 and 22 for all state timberland cover types combined in the three subsections. Based on the forest inventory, there was an eight percent increase (22,6 to 218,175 acres) in state-administered timberland acres between 1989 and 22 in the three subsections. This would account for some of the increases in age-class acreage in 22. Other reasons for changes include updates to the CSA forest inventory, harvesting, and the continued aging of forest stands. 3.6 North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands

7 Chart 3.4a2 Ash/Lowland Hardwoods and 22 Age Class Distribution North Shore Highlands, Toimi Uplands, and Laurentian Uplands In 1989, these cover types were two percent (4,887 acres) of the state timberlands and in 22 they are three percent (7,581 acres). Very little clear-cut harvesting has occurred in ash and lowland hardwoods cover types, as indicated by the low acreage in the -1 age class. Some partial cut harvesting has occurred which would not set the age-class for the stands back to -1. Reasons for changes include acquisition of additional lands, updates to the forest inventory, harvesting, and the continued aging of forest stands. North Shore Highlands/Toimii Uplands/Laurentian Uplands 3.7

8 Chart 3.4a3 Aspen/Balm of Gilead and 22 Age Class Distribution North Shore Highlands, Toimi Uplands, and Laurentian Uplands In 1989, the aspen and balm of Gilead cover types were 29 percent (58,982 acres) of the state timberlands and in 22 they are 32 percent (7,373 acres). Increases in the younger age-classes are due to increased timber harvesting in these cover types over the past 2 years. Other reasons for increases include acquisition of additional lands, updates to the forest inventory, natural regeneration to aspen following harvest of some stands of balsam fir or other cover types, and the continued aging of forest stands. The chart shows an increase in the number of acres in age-classes beyond 7 years. It also shows the impending decrease in available harvest acres, as indicated by fewer acres in the 31-5 age-classes. 3.8 North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands

9 Chart 3.4a4 14 Birch and 22 Age Class Distribution North Shore Highlands, Toimi Uplands, and Laurentian Uplands In 1989, the paper birch cover type was 16 percent (32,98 acres) of the state timberlands and in 22 it is 14 percent (29,93 acres). Low acreage in the younger age classes is due to difficulties in regenerating birch because of deer browsing, brush competition, old age of the cover type, and the low stocking of some stands because of mortality following the late 198s to early 199s drought, birch decline, and bronze birch borer damage. Poorly stocked birch stands and merchantable stands that have been harvested have often been converted to other species as plantations of white spruce and pine. Much of the birch cover type originated after forest fires in the early 19s as can be seen in the large acreage greater than 7 years old. Other reasons for changes include updates to the CSA forest inventory and the acquisition of additional lands. North Shore Highlands/Toimii Uplands/Laurentian Uplands 3.9

10 Chart 3.4a5 35 Northern Hardwoods/Oak and 22 Age Class Distribution North Shore Highlands, Toimi Uplands, and Laurentian Uplands In 1989, the northern hardwoods and oak cover types were six percent (11,466 acres) of the state timberlands and in 22 they are seven percent (14,498 acres). Very little clearcut harvesting has occurred in these cover types, as indicated by the low acres in the -1 age class. Some partial cut harvesting has occurred which would not set the age-class for the stands back to -1. Reasons for changes include acquisition of additional lands, updates to the forest inventory, harvesting, and the continued aging of forest stands. 3.1 North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands

11 Chart 3.4a6 White Pine and 22 Age Class Distribution North Shore Highlands, Toimi Uplands, and Laurentian Uplands In 1989, the white pine cover type was.7 percent (1,4 acres) of the state timberlands and in 22 it is one percent (2,178 acres). Even though the cover type percent in the subsections remained relatively the same, there was a 56 percent increase in the white pine cover type acres. The large increase in the 1-1 age-class is due primarily to more planting and seeding of white pine in recent years, mostly on sites that were previously other cover types. An effort to more fully identify white pine cover type acres in the forest inventory has also increased the acreage. Little clear-cut harvesting has occurred in this cover type in the past 1 years, so most of the increase in young acres has been through conversion from other cover types such as balsam fir and paper birch. Other reasons for changes include the acquisition of additional lands and the continued aging of the cover type. North Shore Highlands/Toimii Uplands/Laurentian Uplands 3.11

12 Chart 3.4a7 Norway Pine and 22 Age Class Distribution North Shore Highlands, Toimi Uplands, and Laurentian Uplands In 1989, the Norway (red) pine cover type was three percent (6,834 acres) of the state timberlands and in 22 it is four percent (8,526 acres). The primary reason for the large acreage increase in the -4 age-classes is due to planting Norway pine on sites that were previously other cover types over the past 5 years. Little clear-cut harvesting has occurred in this cover type in the past 1 years in these subsections, as indicated by the slight changes in the older age classes. When Norway pine stands are clear-cut, the sites are usually planted back to Norway pine. Much of the harvest in the Norway pine cover type occurs through periodic thinning of stands, which would not have a significant effect on changes in cover type age classes. Other reasons for changes include acquisition of additional lands, updates to the forest inventory, and the continued aging of forest stands North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands

13 Chart 3.4a8 Jack Pine/Upland Black Spruce and 22 Age Class Distribution North Shore Highlands, Toimi Uplands, and Laurentian Uplands In 1989, the jack pine and upland black spruce cover types were four percent (7,388 acres) of the state timberlands and in 22 they are four percent (8,434 acres). The 14 percent increase in acres is primarily in the 1-1 year age-class as a result of natural regeneration, planting, or seeding of jack pine and black spruce after harvest of jack pine, upland black spruce, and other types. Other reasons for changes include acquisition of additional lands, updates to the forest inventory, and the continued aging of forest stands. North Shore Highlands/Toimii Uplands/Laurentian Uplands 3.13

14 Chart 3.4a9 Balsam Fir and 22 Age Class Distribution North Shore Highlands, Toimi Uplands, and Laurentian Uplands In 1989, the balsam fir cover type was eight percent (15,477 acres) of the state timberlands and in 22 it is six percent (12,224 acres). The 21 percent decrease in cover type acres is primarily due to re-inventorying of stands where the balsam fir component died due to spruce budworm attack and the reclassification to another cover type, or salvage harvest of dead and dying balsam fir with later conversion to pine or spruce. Other reasons for changes between 1989 and 22 include acquisition of additional lands, updates to forest inventory, harvesting, and the continued aging of forest stands. Balsam fir continues to be a common understory species or component in other cover types North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands

15 Chart 3.4a1 White Spruce and 22 Age Class Distribution North Shore Highlands, Toimi Uplands, and Laurentian Uplands In 1989, the white spruce cover type was six percent (12,254 acres) of the state timberlands and in 22 it is six percent (12,574 acres). Very little clear-cut harvesting has occurred in this cover type during the past 1 years. The large acreage increase in the -3 age-classes is due to planting white spruce on sites that were previously other cover types. Other reasons for changes between 1989 and 22 include acquisition of additional lands, updates to forest inventory, and the continued aging of forest stands. North Shore Highlands/Toimii Uplands/Laurentian Uplands 3.15

16 Chart 3.4a11 Lowland Black Spruce and 22 Age Class Distribution North Shore Highlands, Toimi Uplands, and Laurentian Uplands In 1989, the lowland black spruce cover type was 13 percent (26,965 acres) of the state timberlands and in 22 it is 13 percent (29,54 acres). Reasons for changes in age classes include acquisition of additional lands, updates to the forest inventory, harvesting, regeneration, and the continued aging of forest stands North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands

17 Chart 3.4a12 Tamarack and 22 Age Class Distribution North Shore Highlands, Toimi Uplands, and Laurentian Uplands In 1989, the tamarack cover type was two percent (3,624 acres) of the state timberlands and in 22 it is three percent (5,519 acres). Reasons for changes include acquisition of additional lands, updates to the forest inventory, harvesting, and the continued aging of forest stands. Less acreage in 22 in the -1 age-class is primarily due to reduced demand and harvest of tamarack during the past 1 years. North Shore Highlands/Toimii Uplands/Laurentian Uplands 3.17

18 Chart 3.4a13 Cedar and 22 Age Class Distribution North Shore Highlands, Toimi Uplands, and Laurentian Uplands In 1989, the white cedar cover type was seven percent (14,988 acres) of the state timberlands and in 22 it is eight percent (16,724 acres). Very little timber harvesting has occurred in this cover type. Reasons for changes include acquisition of additional lands, updates to the forest inventory, and the continued aging of forest stands North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands

19 Table 3.2b State Timberland Cover Type 1 by Age Class - 22 North Shore Highlands Subsection AGE CLASS COVER TYPE TOTAL Ash ,267 Lowland Hdwds Aspen 5,152 11,296 4,55 3,5 2,938 3,785,6,658 6,391 2,117 1, ,693 Balm of Gilead ,122 Birch ,53 5,513 9,44 5,157 1, ,256 Northern Hdwds ,415 2,149 1,581 2,691 2,868 1,163 13,531 Oak White Pine ,98 Norway Pine 591 1,368 1, ,658 Jack Pine ,257 Scotch Pine 6 6 Balsam Fir ,675 1, ,48 White Spruce 752 2,51 2,737 1, ,517 Black Spruce, Upland Black Spruce, Lowland ,78 1,877 1, , ,911 Tamarack ,251 Larch, Upland Cedar ,59 2,698 9,135 14,189 Cutover Area TOTAL ACRES 8,499 17,495 9,579 7,31 5,615 8,175 18,248 24,822 14,29 9,378 1,642 12, ,22 1 Forestry and Wildlife Administered Lands, Includes No Harvest Stands North Shore Highlands/Toimii Uplands/Laurentian Uplands 3.19

20 Table 3.3b Comparison of State Timberland Cover Type 1 Between 1989 and 22 North Shore Highlands Subsection Cover Type Percent Percent Percent Change Ash/Lowland Hardwoods 4,382 3% 6,9 5% 57% Aspen/Balm of Gilead 38,312 29% 47,815 33% 25% Birch 26,259 2% 24,256 17% -8% Northern Hardwoods/Oak 1,919 8% 13,686 9% 25% Norway Pine 4,51 3% 4,658 3% 15% White Pine 625 % 1,98 1% 76% Jack Pine 825 1% 1,257 1% 52% Black Spruce, Upland 1,34 1% 947 1% -27% Balsam Fir 11,174 8% 8,48 6% -28% White Spruce 8,722 7% 8,517 6% -2% Black Spruce, Lowland 8,719 7% 1,911 7% 25% Tamarack 2,29 2% 3,251 2% 42% White Cedar 12,65 9% 14,189 1% 13% Cut Over Area 3,819 3% 472 % -88% Total 134,6 % 146,5 % 9% 1 All State Forestry and Wildlife Administered Lands 2 Cutover Area: A site that was harvested within the last three years with no timber species present or visible when the site was last inventoried. Usually, the site is in the process of regeneration. This code is used less frequently than in the past. Now, stands are usually classified according to the best estimate of what the regeneration species will be on the site. The inventory data is updated upon completion of the first regeneration field survey, usually one, three, or five years after harvest. Acreage changes for cover types are primarily due to acquired lands, updates to the CSA forest inventory, harvesting, planting or seeding to a different cover type, forest health (e.g., spruce budworm damage to balsam fir and early 199s drought effects on birch), and the old age of some stands resulting in natural succession to another cover type. Based on the forest inventory, there was a nine percent increase in state-administered timberland acres between 1989 and 22 in the subsection. Charts 3.4b1 3.4b14 compare age-class distribution by cover type for stateadministered timberlands for the years 1989 and 22 in the North Shore Highlands Subsection. 3.2 North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands

21 Chart 3.4b1 All Timberland Cover Types and 22 Age Class Distribution North Shore Subsection Age Class -Years This chart shows the age-class distribution in 1989 and 22 for all state timberland cover types in the North Shore Highlands Subsection. Based on the forest inventory, there was a nine percent increase (134,6 to 146,5 acres) in state-administered timberland acres between 1989 and 22 in this subsection. This would account for some of the increases in age-class acreage in 22. Other reasons for changes include updates to the CSA forest inventory, harvesting, and the continued aging of forest stands. North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands 3.21 SFMRP Assessment (Draft)

22 Chart 3.4b2 Ash/Lowland Hardwoods and 22 Age Class Distribution North Shore Subsection In 1989, the ash and lowland hardwood cover types were three percent (4,382 acres) of the state timberlands. In 22, it is five percent (6,9 acres). Very little clear-cut harvesting has occurred in ash and lowland hardwoods cover types, as indicated by the low acreage in the -1 age class. Some partial cut harvesting has occurred which would not set the age-class for the stands back to -1. Reasons for changes include acquisition of additional lands, updates to the forest inventory, harvesting, and the continued aging of forest stands North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands

23 Chart 3.4b3 Aspen/Balm of Gilead and 22 Age Class Distribution North Shore Subsection In 1989, the aspen and balm of Gilead cover types were 29 percent (38,312 acres) of the state timberlands. In 22, it is 33 percent (47,815 acres). Increases in the younger ageclasses are due to increased timber harvesting in these cover types over the past 2 years. Other reasons for increases include acquisition of additional lands, updates to the forest inventory, natural regeneration to aspen following harvest of some stands of balsam fir or other cover types, and the continued aging of forest stands. The chart shows an increase in the number of acres in age-classes beyond 7 years. It also shows the impending decrease in available harvest acres, as indicated by fewer acres in the 31-5 age-classes. North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands 3.23 SFMRP Assessment (Draft)

24 Chart 3.4b4 Birch and 22 Age Class Distribution North Shore Subsection In 1989, the paper birch cover type was 2 percent (26,259 acres) of the state timberlands. In 22, it is 17 percent (24,256 acres). Low acreage in the younger age classes is due to difficulties in regenerating birch because of deer browsing, brush competition, old age of the cover type, and the low stocking of some stands because of mortality following the late 198s to early 199s drought, birch decline, and bronze birch borer damage. Poorly stocked birch stands and merchantable stands that have been harvested have often been converted to other species as plantations of white spruce and pine. Much of the birch cover type originated after forest fires in the early 19s as can be seen in the large acreage greater than 6 years old. Other reasons for changes include updates to the CSA forest inventory and the acquisition of additional lands North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands

25 Chart 3.4b5 Northern Hardwoods/Oak and 22 Age Class Distribution North Shore Subsection In 1989, the northern hardwoods and oak cover types were eight percent (1,919 acres) of the state timberlands and in 22 they are nine percent (13,686 acres). Very little clearcut harvesting has occurred in these cover types, as indicated by the low acres in the -1 age class. Some partial cut harvesting has occurred which would not set the age-class for the stands back to -1. Reasons for changes include acquisition of additional lands, updates to the forest inventory, harvesting, and the continued aging of forest stands. North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands 3.25 SFMRP Assessment (Draft)

26 Chart 3.4b6 White Pine and 22 Age Class Distribution North Shore Subsection In 1989, the white pine cover type was.5 percent (625 acres) of the state timberlands and in 22 it is.75 percent (1,98 acres). Even though the cover type percent in the subsection remained nearly the same, there was a 76 percent increase in the white pine cover type acres. The large increase in the 1-1 age-class is due primarily to more planting and seeding of white pine in recent years, mostly on sites that were previously other cover types. An effort to more fully identify white pine cover type acres in the forest inventory has also increased the acreage. Little clear-cut harvesting has occurred in this cover type in the past 1 years, so most of the increase in young acres has been through conversion from other cover types such as balsam fir and paper birch. Other reasons for changes include the acquisition of additional lands and the continued aging of the cover type North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands

27 Chart 3.4b7 Norway Pine and 22 Age Class Distribution North Shore Subsection In 1989, the Norway (red) pine cover type was three percent (4,51 acres) of the state timberlands. In 22, it is three percent (4,658 acres). The primary reason for the large acreage increase in the -4 age-classes is due to planting Norway pine on sites that were previously other cover types over the past 5 years. Little clear-cut harvesting has occurred in this cover type in the past 1 years in the subsection, as indicated by the slight changes in the older age classes. When Norway pine stands are clear-cut, the sites are usually planted back to Norway pine. Much of the harvest in the Norway pine cover type occurs through periodic thinning of stands, which would not have a significant effect on changes in cover type age classes. Other reasons for changes include acquisition of additional lands, updates to the forest inventory, and the continued aging of forest stands. North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands 3.27 SFMRP Assessment (Draft)

28 Chart 3.4b8 Jack Pine and 22 Age Class Distribution North Shore Subsection In 1989, the jack pine cover type was.6 percent (825 acres) of the state timberlands. In 22, it is.9 percent (1,257 acres). The 52 percent increase in acres is primarily in the 1-1 year age-class as a result of natural regeneration, planting, or seeding of jack pine after harvest of jack pine, upland black spruce, and other types. Other reasons for changes include acquisition of additional lands, updates to the forest inventory, and the continued aging of forest stands North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands

29 Chart 3.4b9 Upland Black Spruce and 22 Age Class Distribution North Shore Subsection In 1989, the upland black spruce cover type was one percent (1,34 acres) of the state timberlands. In 22, it is.6 percent (947 acres). The 27 percent decrease in acres is due to upland black spruce sites regenerating to other cover types (e.g., jack pine) after harvest and updates to the forest inventory. North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands 3.29 SFMRP Assessment (Draft)

30 Chart 3.4b1 Balsam Fir and 22 Age Class Distribution North Shore Subsection In 1989, the balsam fir cover type was eight percent (11,174 acres) of the state timberlands. In 22, it is six percent (8,48 acres). The 28 percent decrease in cover type acres is primarily due to re-inventorying of stands where the balsam fir component died due to spruce budworm attack and the reclassification to another cover type, or salvage harvest of dead and dying balsam fir with later conversion to pine or spruce. Other reasons for changes between 1989 and 22 include acquisition of additional lands, updates to forest inventory, harvesting, and the continued aging of forest stands. Balsam fir continues to be a common understory species or component in other cover types. 3.3 North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands

31 Chart 3.4b11 White Spruce and 22 Age Class Distribution North Shore Subsection In 1989, the white spruce cover type was seven percent (8,722 acres) of the state timberlands. In 22, it is six percent (8,517 acres). Very little clear-cut harvesting has occurred in this cover type during the past 1 years. The large acreage increase in the - 3 age-classes is due to planting white spruce on sites that were previously other cover types. Other reasons for changes between 1989 and 22 include acquisition of additional lands, updates to forest inventory, and the continued aging of forest stands. North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands 3.31 SFMRP Assessment (Draft)

32 Chart 3.4b12 Lowland Black Spruce and 22 Age Class Distribution North Shore Subsection In 1989, the lowland black spruce cover type was seven percent (8,719 acres) of the state timberlands. In 22, it is seven percent (1,911 acres). Reasons for changes in ageclasses include acquisition of additional lands, updates to the forest inventory, harvesting, regeneration, and the continued aging of forest stands North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands

33 Chart 3.4b13 Tamarack and 22 Age Class Distribution North Shore Subsection In 1989, the tamarack cover type was two percent (2,29 acres) of the state timberlands. In 22, it is two percent (3,251 acres). Reasons for changes in age-classes include acquisition of additional lands, updates to the forest inventory, harvesting, and the continued aging of forest stands. No acreage in 22 in the -1 age-class is primarily due to reduced demand and harvest of tamarack during the past 1 years. North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands 3.33 SFMRP Assessment (Draft)

34 Chart 3.4b14 Cedar and 22 Age Class Distribution North Shore Subsection In 1989, the white cedar cover type was nine percent (12,65 acres) of the state timberlands. In 22, it is 1 percent (14,189 acres). Very little timber harvesting has occurred in this cover type. Reasons for changes include acquisition of additional lands, updates to the forest inventory, and the continued aging of forest stands North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands

35 Table 3.2c State Timberland Cover Type 1 by Age Class - 22 Toimi Uplands Subsection AGE CLASS COVER TYPE TOTAL Ash Aspen 2,374 2, ,368 2,322 1, ,12 Balsam Fir ,251 Birch , ,95 Black Spruce, Upland Black Spruce, Lowland ,456 Cutover Area Jack Pine Lowland Hardwoods Cedar Northern Hardwoods Norway Pine ,752 Tamarack White Pine White Spruce ,366 TOTAL ACRES 3,614 2,899 1,719 1, ,149 3,826 3,353 1, ,47 23,223 1 Forestry and Wildlife Administered Lands Includes No Harvest Stands North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands 3.35 SFMRP Assessment (Draft)

36 Table 3.3c Comparison of Timberland Cover Type 1 Between 1989 and 22 Toimi Uplands Subsection Cover Type Percent Percent Percent Change Ash/Lowland Hardwoods 287 1% 486 2% 69% Aspen/Balm of Gilead 1,11 48% 11,127 48% 11% Birch 2,44 12% 1,95 8% -2% Northern Hardwoods/Oak 536 3% 522 2% -3% Norway Pine 1,422 7% 1,752 8% 23% White Pine 315 2% 47 2% 49% Jack Pine 146 1% 46 2% 215% Black Spruce, Upland 157 1% 18 1% 15% Balsam Fir 1,19 6% 1,251 5% 5% White Spruce 1,27 5% 1,366 6% 33% Black Spruce, Lowland 2,327 11% 2,456 11% 6% Tamarack 48 2% 539 2% 32% White Cedar 573 3% 628 3% 1% Cut Over Area 18 % 36 % % Total 2,857 % 23,223 % 11% 1 All State Forestry and Wildlife Administered Lands 2 Cutover Area: A site that was harvested within the last three years with no timber species present or visible when the site was last inventoried. Usually, the site is in the process of regeneration. This code is used less frequently than in the past. Now, stands are usually classified according to the best estimate of what the regeneration species will be on the site. The inventory data is updated upon completion of the first regeneration field survey, usually one, three, or five years after harvest. Acreage changes for cover types are primarily due to acquisition of additional lands, updates to the CSA forest inventory, harvesting, planting or seeding to a different cover type, forest health (e.g., spruce budworm damage to balsam fir and early 199s drought effects on birch), and the old age of some stands resulting in natural succession to another cover type. Based on the forest inventory, there was an 11 percent increase in state-administered timberland acres between 1989 and 22 in the subsection. Charts 3.4c1 3.4c14 compare age-class distribution by cover type for state-administered timberlands for the years 1989 and 22 in the Toimi Uplands Subsection North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands

37 Chart 3.4c1 6 All Timberland Cover Types and 22 Age Class Distribution Toimi Uplands Subsection This chart shows the age-class distribution in 1989 and 22 for all state timberland cover types in the Toimi Uplands Subsection. Based on the forest inventory, there was an 11 percent increase (2,857 to 23,223 acres) in state-administered timberland acres between 1989 and 22 in this subsection. This would account for some of the increases in age-class acreage in 22. Other reasons for changes include the acquisition of additional lands, updates to CSA forest inventory, harvesting, regeneration, and the continued aging of forest stands. North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands 3.37 SFMRP Assessment (Draft)

38 Chart 3.4c2 14 Ash/Lowland Hardwoods and 22 Age Class Distribution Toimi Uplands Subsection In 1989, the ash and lowland hardwood cover types were one percent (287 acres) of the state timberlands. In 22, it is two percent (486 acres). Very little clear-cut harvesting has occurred in ash and lowland hardwoods cover types, as indicated by no acreage in the -1 age class. Some partial cut harvesting has occurred which would not set the age-class for the stands back to -1. Reasons for changes include acquisition of additional lands, updates to the forest inventory, and the continued aging of forest stands North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands

39 Chart 3.4c3 4 Aspen/Balm of Gilead and 22 Age Class Distribution Toimi Uplands Subsection In 1989, the aspen and balm of Gilead cover types were 48 percent (1,11 acres) of the state timberlands. In 22, it is 48 percent (11,127 acres). Increases in the younger age-classes are due to increased timber harvesting in these cover types over the past 2 years. Other reasons for changes in age-classes include acquisition of additional lands, updates to the forest inventory, natural regeneration to aspen following harvest of some stands of balsam fir or other cover types, and the continued aging of forest stands. The chart shows the impending decrease in available harvest acres, as indicated by fewer acres in the 21-5 age-classes. North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands 3.39 SFMRP Assessment (Draft)

40 Chart 3.4 c4 Birch and 22 Age Class Distribution Toimi Uplands Subsection In 1989, the paper birch cover type was 12 percent (2,44 acres) of the state timberlands. In 22, it is eight percent (1,95 acres). This is a 2 percent decrease in cover type acres. Low acreage in the younger age classes is due to difficulties in regenerating birch because of deer browsing, brush competition, old age of the cover type, and the low stocking of some stands because of mortality following the late 198s to early 199s drought, birch decline, and bronze birch borer damage. Poorly stocked birch stands and merchantable stands that have been harvested have often been converted to other species as plantations of white spruce and pine. Much of the birch cover type originated after forest fires in the early 19s as can be seen in the large acreage greater than 7 years old. Other reasons for changes include updates to the CSA forest inventory and the continued aging of the cover type. 3.4 North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands

41 Chart 3.4 c5 Northern Hardwoods and 22 Age Class Distribution Toimi Uplands Subsection In 1989, the northern hardwoods and oak cover types were three percent (536 acres) of the state timberlands. In 22, they are 2 percent (522 acres). Very little clear-cut harvesting has occurred in these cover types, as indicated by no acres in the -1 age class. Some partial cut harvesting has occurred which would not set the age-class for the stands back to -1. Reasons for changes include acquisition of additional lands, updates to the forest inventory, and the continued aging of forest stands. North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands 3.41 SFMRP Assessment (Draft)

42 Chart 3.4 c6 White Pine and 22 Age Class Distribution Toimi Uplands Subsection In 1989, the white pine cover type was 1.5 percent (315 acres) of the state timberlands. In 22, it is two percent (47 acres). Even though the cover type percent in the subsection remained relatively the same, there was a 49 percent increase in the white pine cover type acres. The increase in the 1-1 age-class is due primarily to more planting and seeding of white pine in recent years, mostly on sites that were previously other cover types. An effort to more fully identify white pine cover type acres in the forest inventory has also increased the acreage. Little clear-cut harvesting has occurred in this cover type in the past 1 years, so most of the increase in young acres has been through conversion from other cover types such as balsam fir and paper birch. Other reasons for changes may include the acquisition of additional lands and the continued aging of the cover type North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands

43 Chart 3.4 c7 Norway Pine and 22 Age Class Distribution Toimi Uplands Subsection In 1989, the Norway (red) pine cover type was seven percent (1,422 acres) of the state timberlands. In 22, it is eight percent (1,752 acres). The primary reason for the large acreage increase in the -3 age-classes is due to planting Norway pine on sites that were previously other cover types over the past 4 years. Little clear-cut harvesting has occurred in this cover type in the past 1 years in the subsection. When Norway pine stands are clear-cut, the sites are usually planted back to Norway pine. Much of the harvest in the Norway pine cover type occurs through periodic thinning of stands, which would not have a significant effect on changes in cover type age classes. Other reasons for changes include acquisition of additional lands, updates to the forest inventory, and the continued aging of forest stands. North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands 3.43 SFMRP Assessment (Draft)

44 Chart 3.4c Jack Pine and 22 Age Class Distribution Toimi Uplands Subsection In 1989, the jack pine cover type was.7 percent (146 acres) of the state timberlands. In 22, it is two percent (46 acres). The 215 percent increase in acres is primarily in the -1 year ageclass as a result of natural regeneration, planting, or seeding of jack pine after harvest. Other reasons for changes include acquisition of additional lands, updates to the forest inventory, and the continued aging of forest stands North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands

45 Chart 3.4 c9 Upland Black Spruce and 22 Age Class Distribution Toimi Uplands Subsection In 1989, the upland black spruce cover type was.75 percent (157 acres) of the state timberlands. In 22, it is.78 percent (18 acres). Acreage percent remain about the same. Age-class changes are due to harvest and regeneration of upland black spruce, updates to the forest inventory, acquisition of additional lands, and the continued aging of the cover type. North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands 3.45 SFMRP Assessment (Draft)

46 Chart 3.4 c 1 Balsam Fir and 22 Age Class Distribution Toimi Uplands Subsection In 1989, the balsam fir cover type was six percent (1,19 acres) of the state timberlands. In 22, it is five percent (1,251 acres). Reasons for changes between 1989 and 22 include acquisition of additional lands, updates to forest inventory, harvesting, and the continued aging of forest stands. Balsam fir continues to be a common understory species or component in other cover types North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands

47 Chart 3.4 c 11 White Spruce and 22 Age Class Distribution Toimi Uplands Subsection In 1989, the white spruce cover type was five percent (1,27 acres) of the state timberlands. In 22, it is six percent (1,366 acres). Very little clear-cut harvesting has occurred in this cover type during the past 1 years. The large acreage in the -4 age-classes is due to planting white spruce on sites that were previously other cover types. Other reasons for changes between 1989 and 22 include acquisition of additional lands, updates to forest inventory, and the continued aging of forest stands. North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands 3.47 SFMRP Assessment (Draft)

48 Chart 3.4 c12 Lowland Black Spruce and 22 Age Class Distribution Toimi Uplands Subsection In 1989, the lowland black spruce cover type was 11 percent (2,327 acres) of the state timberlands. In 22, it is 11 percent (2,456 acres). Reasons for changes in acres and age-classes include updates to the forest inventory, harvesting, regeneration, acquisition of additional lands, and the continued aging of forest stands North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands

49 Chart 3.4 c13 Tamarack and 22 Age Class Distribution Toimi Uplands Subsection In 1989, the tamarack cover type was two percent (48 acres) of the state timberlands. In 22, it is two percent (539 acres). There was a 32 percent increase in tamarack acres. Reasons for changes in age-classes include updates to the forest inventory, harvesting, acquisition of additional lands, and the continued aging of forest stands. The small acreage in 22 in the -1 age-class is primarily due to low demand and little harvest of tamarack stands during the past 1 years. North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands 3.49 SFMRP Assessment (Draft)

50 Chart 3.4 c14 Cedar and 22 Age Class Distribution Toimi Uplands Subsection In 1989, the white cedar cover type was three percent (573 acres) of the state timberlands. In 22, it is still three percent (628 acres). Very little timber harvesting has occurred in this cover type, for this reason and the difficulties in regenerating white cedar, there is no cedar in the younger age classes. Reasons for changes in age-classes may include updates to the forest inventory, acquisition of additional lands, and the continued aging of forest stands. 3.5 North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands

51 Table 3.2d State Timberland Cover Type 1 by Age Class - 22 Laurentian Uplands Subsection AGE CLASS COVER TYPE TOTAL Ash Aspen 2,13 2,419 1, ,391 1, ,421 Balm of Gilead 1 1 Balsam Fir ,925 Birch , ,724 Black Spruce, Upland ,8 Black Spruce, Lowland 1, ,385 2,156 2,639 1,494 1,713 1,748 15,687 Cutover Area Jack Pine ,51 Cedar ,97 Northern Hardwoods Norway Pine ,116 Norway Spruce 5 5 Tamarack ,729 White Pine White Spruce ,691 TOTAL ACRES 5,335 6,261 4,556 2,137 1,761 3,24 4,715 6,12 5,131 3,238 3,757 2,755 48,952 1 Forestry and Wildlife Administered Lands Includes No Harvest Stands North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands 3.51 SFMRP Assessment (Draft)

52 Table 3.3d Comparison of Timberland Cover Type 1 Between 1989 and 22 Laurentian Uplands Subsection Percent Cover Type Percent Percent Change Ash/Lowland Hardwoods 218 % 195 % -11% Aspen/Balm of Gilead 1,659 23% 11,431 23% 7% Birch 4,29 9% 3,724 8% -12% Northern Hardwoods 11 % 29 1% 2536% Norway Pine 1,361 3% 2,116 4% 55% White Pine 46 1% 61 1% 33% Jack Pine 2,971 6% 3,51 7% 18% Black Spruce, Upland 1,986 4% 2,8 4% 5% Balsam Fir 3,113 7% 2,925 6% -6% White Spruce 2,55 5% 2,691 5% 7% Black Spruce, Lowland 15,919 34% 15,687 32% -1% Tamarack 926 2% 1,729 4% 87% White Cedar 1,81 4% 1,97 4% 5% Cut Over Area 996 2% 52 % -95% Total 47,144 % 48,947 % 4% 1 All State Forestry and Wildlife Administered Lands 2 Cutover Area: A site that was harvested within the last three years with no timber species present or visible when the site was last inventoried. Usually, the site is in the process of regeneration. This code is used less frequently than in the past. Now, stands are usually classified according to the best estimate of what the regeneration species will be on the site. The inventory data is updated upon completion of the first regeneration field survey, usually one, three, or five years after harvest. Acreage changes for cover types are primarily due to updates to the CSA forest inventory, harvesting, planting or seeding to a different cover type, forest health (e.g., spruce budworm damage to balsam fir and early 199s drought effects on birch), acquisition of additional lands, and the old age of some stands resulting in natural succession to another cover type. Based on the forest inventory, there was a four percent increase in state-administered timberland acres between 1989 and 22 in the subsection. Charts 3.4d1 3.4d14 compare age-class distribution by cover type for state-administered timberlands for the years 1989 and 22 in the Laurentian Uplands Subsection North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands

53 Chart 3.4d1 All Timberland Cover Types and 22 Age Class Distribution Laurentian Uplands Subsection This chart shows the age-class distribution in 1989 and 22 for all state timberland cover types in the Laurentian Uplands Subsection. Based on the forest inventory, there was a four percent increase (47,144 to 48,947 acres) in state-administered timberland acres between 1989 and 22 in this subsection. This would account for some of the increases in age-class acreage in 22. Other reasons for changes include updates to the CSA forest inventory, harvesting, and the continued aging of forest stands. North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands 3.53 SFMRP Assessment (Draft)

54 Chart 3.4d2 Ash/Lowland Hdwds and 22 Age Class Distribution Laurentian Uplands Subsection In 1989, the ash and lowland hardwood cover types were.5 percent (218 acres) of the state timberlands. In 22, it is.4 percent (195 acres). Very little clear-cut harvesting has occurred in ash and lowland hardwoods cover types, as indicated by the low acreage in the -1 age class. Some partial cut harvesting has occurred which would not set the age-class for the stands back to -1. Reasons for changes include updates to the forest inventory, harvesting, and the continued aging of forest stands North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands

55 Chart 3.4d3 Aspen/Balm of Gilead and 22 Age Class Distribution Laurentian Uplands Subsection In 1989, the aspen and balm of Gilead cover types were 23 percent (1,659 acres) of the state timberlands. In 22, it is 23 percent (11,431 acres). Increases in the younger age-classes are due to increased timber harvesting in these cover types over the past 2 years. Other reasons for changes in age-classes include acquisition of additional lands, updates to the forest inventory, natural regeneration to aspen following harvest of some stands of balsam fir or other cover types, and the continued aging of forest stands. The chart shows an increase in the number of acres in age-classes beyond 7 years. It also shows the impending decrease in available harvest acres, as indicated by fewer acres in the 31-6 age-classes. North Shore Highlands/Toimi Uplands/Laurentian Uplands 3.55 SFMRP Assessment (Draft)