Future Outlook and Management Recommendations

One feature that will surely have an impact on how our site may look in 100 years from now is an Eastern White Pine stand that runs through the middle of our hectare. This stand occupies a large portion of our hectare and is composed of very tall eastern white pine trees. Although, they dominate all other species in terms of height and shade out other species growing in the understory the regeneration of eastern white pine within our plot is very poor. Over time it seems likely that as the white pines pass away and the regeneration of a new age class fails to transpire the forest will gradually succeed back to a northern hardwood community. Other changes within our hectare may be influenced by the vernal pool on our site. Already it has significantly influenced the type of vegetation and wildlife species found within its range. Whether it continues to remain, fades away, or expands the vernal pool will certainly affect the surrounding forest in terms of forest structure and species diversity.

Since our hectare is located within Niquette Bay State Park which is primarily used by the public for recreation it is probably safe to assume that park managers will be managing for wildlife and recreation purposes. This being the case my management recommendations for our hectare is to not change much if anything at all. In my opinion, one of the most unique aspects of our site is the vernal pool which provides great habitat for certain species of wildlife such as frogs, salamanders, and insects. In addition, the presence of barbed wire and low stone walls offers some insight into the unique land use history of our site which park management may also be interested in preserving.

Additional Resources:
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Understanding Natural Communities
Vermont Fish and Wildlife The Physical Setting
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Wetland, Woodland, Wildland