FMAN: 212 FOREST ECOLOGY SPRING 2006

Burns, R. and Honkala, B. H. (eds.) 1994. Silvics of North America, USDA Forest Serv. Ag. Handbook 654. (available on line <http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/silvics_manual/table_of_contents.htm/>

Trimble, G. R., Jr. 1975. Summaries of some silvical characteristics of several Appalachian hardwood trees. USDA Forest Serv. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-16. 5 pp.

Soil Survey of Marion and Monongalia Counties, West Virginia, USDA. NRCS.

US Geologic Survey. Topographic maps. Available from the West Virginia Geol. Survey, Monte Chateau.

Bailey, R. G. 1996. Ecosystem Geography. Springer Verlag, New York, 204 pp.

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PREREQUISITES

FOR 205

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COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is an introduction to the concepts of ecology in forested ecosystems, with a focus on deciduous hardwoods. The lecture will examine the role of environment in determining the performance of an ecosystem and the inter-relationships among the organisms that inhabit it. The lab will involve an "ecological inventory" of two contrasting sites. Calculations of meaningful statistics will be done and a report is required as a final project.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

This course is intended to provide students with exposure to and understanding of basic ecological concepts. These concepts will be applied to forest ecosystems and should give students the background for silviculture. Subjects such as silvical characteristics, regeneration, competition, parasitism, nutrient cycling, disturbance, etc., will be covered. The forest environment will be examined and the effects of climate, physiography, soils and anthropogenic factors will be discussed. The lab project will involve an ecological analysis of two contrasting forest site. Field methods will be employed to obtain data. Analysis of data will include development of analyses for species importance, diameter and height relationships, diversity, etc. A report detailing methods and findings will be required.

METHODS OF PRESENTATION

Lectures will cover the important concepts of forest ecology. Projection equipment and the blackboard will be the primary lecturing tools. Students are encouraged to ask questions in class and Dr. Hicks is available at other times to answer questions. The Lab will consist of inventory, ecological analysis and comparison of two contrasting forested sites. Students will examine species composition, diameter and height distributions as well as calculated measures of diversity and importance values for the various species present. They will determine the density of trees, by species and canopy position, and the age of overstory trees. They will complete a report that presents methods and results and includes a write-up on the probably history and likely future changes of the stands and will compare and contrast the two stands ( see Lab Report Outline).

GRADING AND EVALUATION

There will be two lecture tests ( a mid-term and “Silvical characteristics” test) and a final exam. The final exam will be weighted double and will be comprehensive. A final lab exam and a final lab report will be the basis for the lab grade. The report will be 7% of the lab grade and the lab final 25%. Lecture will be 75% of the course grade and lab 25%.

The tentative exam schedule is as follows:

Lecture Mid-Term: February19, 2007

Silvical Characteristics: April 13, 2007

Lab Report Due: “Dead Week” (April 23-April 27, 2007)

Final: Tuesday, April 30, 2007, 8:00 AM

SOCIAL JUSTICE STATEMENT

West Virginia University is committed to social justice. I concur with that commitment and expect to maintain a positive learning environment based upon open communication, mutual respect, and non-discrimination. Our University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, disability, veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, color or national origin. Any suggestions as to how to further such a positive and open environment in this class will be appreciated and given serious consideration.

If you are a person with a disability and anticipate needing any type of accommodation in order to participate in this class, please advise me and make appropriate arrangements with Disability Services (293-6700).

LECTURE SCHEDULE

Week 1-2

General Concepts

Hicks 107-, 112 / Barnes et al, Ch. 1

Week 3

Ecosystem Classification/Mapping

Hicks p 38-73, Barnes Ch. 2,3; Bailey 1-83

Week 4

General Concepts

Hicks p 75-77; Barnes Ch. 4

Week 5-6

Environmental Factors (light)

Hicks p 112-118, Barnes Ch. 7, 8

Week 7

Environmental factors (heat)

Hicks p 38-48, Barnes Ch. 9

Week 8

Environmental Factors (Physiography)

Hicks p 6-22, Barnes Ch. 10

Week 9

Environmental Factors (Soil)

Hicks p 22 -34, Barnes Ch. 11

Week 10

SPRING RECESS

Week 11

Environmental Factors (site)

Hicks p 34-38, Barnes Ch. 13

Week 12

Anthropogenic Factors

Hicks Ch. 2, p 106

Week 13

Forest Communities

Hicks p 107-112, 302-306, Barnes Ch. 14-15

Week 14

Ecosystem Dynamics

Hicks p 119-123, Barnes Ch. 16

Week 15

Forest Disturbances

Hicks p 119-123, Barnes Ch. 16

Week 16

Review

NOTE: You will be responsible for reading and learning information in Hicks’ Chapter 4 (Silvical Characteristics of the Major Central Hardwood Species). The “silvical characteristics” exam will focus on this information, especially that contained in Table 10, Chapter 4.

LAB SCHEDULE

DATE

ACTIVITY

LOCATION

Week 1

Intro to Project

317 Percival Hall

Week 2

Inventory Planning

White Park

Week 3- 5

Data Collection

White Park

Week 6

Orientation to Fatm Woods

Farm Woodlot

Week 7-9

Data Collection, Farm Woods

Farm Woodlot

Week 10

SPRING RECESS

Ft. Lauderdale, Cancoon, Beckley, etc.

Week 11

Data entry

Computer Lab, Percival Hall

Week 12

Data entry/ interpretation

Computer Lab, Percival Hall

Week 13-15

Interpret Data, Write report

On your own

Week 16

Turn in report

337 Percival Hall

LAB REPORT OUTLINE

I Introduction

II Purpose

III Study Sites

1. White Park Woods

1. Location, size

2. History

3. Cover types

2. WVU Farm Woodlot

1. Location, size

2. History

3. Cover types

IV Methods

1. Field

2. Data Management/Analysis

V Results (each stand)

1. Overstory

1. Aspect, site quality, age, etc.

2. Species composition, importance values

3. Canopy stratification

4. Diameter distribution

5. Age, site quality, species diversity

2. Regeneration

1. Abundance

2. Interfering vegetation

VI Conclusions

1. Future species dominance

2.. Reasons for change

VII References and Sources

VIII Appendices

1. Maps of are showing internal subdivisions

2. List of species found by tract and subdivision