Forest Decline on Camels Hump, Vermont

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Abstract
Mature forests on Camels Hump mountain in northern Vermont were studied at 60 m intervals along a transect from 550 m-1160 m elevation in 1965, 1979 and 1983. Significant declines in density (live trees .gtoreq. 2 cm) were observed in sugar maple [Acer saccharum], beech [Fagus grandifolia], striped maple, mountain maple and red spruce [Picea rubens]. Density of trees in the hardwood (550-730 m) and transitional forests (extending from 730-850 m.) declined significantly, while the montane zone (850-1160 m.) remained relatively constant with respect to density. Significant biomass declines occurred in red spruce, balsam fir [Abies balsamea] and mountain maple. Total above ground tree biomass estimates declined significantly in the montane forest (above 850 m) since 1965. Reproduction, as determined by net changes in the estimated numbers of stems < 2 cm dbh, showed significant losses for red spruce, mountain maple, sugar maple and beech while striped maple increased over the study period.