Catastrophic wind disturbance in an old-growth hemlock–hardwood forest, Wisconsin

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Abstract
On July 4, 1977, the Flambeau River Hemlock-Hardwood Scientific Area (Sawyer County, Wisconsin) was leveled by a downburst of hurricance-force winds. Preblowdown and postblowdown composition were documented in a 61-ha portion of a state Scientific Area. Total stand basal area after the blowdown was reduced to 6% of prestorm levels. Total seedling density increased greatly following the blowdown, especially that of Betula alleghaniensis Britt. Acer saccharum Marsh. continued to dominate the relatively unaffected sapling layer. A dense shrub layer of Sambucus pubens Michx. developed. Such massive blowdowns do not appear uncommon in northern Wisconsin. Implications for forest regeneration and structure are discussed.
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