Canopy Gap Dynamics in a Second-Growth Appalachian Hardwood Forest in West Virginia

Abstract

ABSTRACT We examined canopy gaps on the 3,100 ha West Virginia University Research Forest (WVURF), a 70–80 year-old, second-growth, Appalachian hardwood forest near Morgantown, West Virginia. The objectives of this study were: (a) to describe gap characteristics (size, age, fraction, regeneration and gap-makers) of the forest as a whole, and (b) to assess whether gap characteristics varied by slope position (cove, midslope, ridge), slope aspect (NE, NW, SE, SW), and forest type (cove hardwood, mesic oak, xeric oak). Sixty transects were established, with a total length of 22,043 m. Eighty canopy gaps were identified. Average gap size was 98.6 (±134.17) m2. Gap age ranged from 2–29 years old with a mean age of 16.4 (±6.3) yrs. Overall, 2.7% of the forest was composed of gaps. There were no differences in gap size by aspect or slope position. Cove hardwoods had larger gap sizes than mesic and xeric oak forests. There were no differences in gap age based on slope position, aspect, or forest type. Gap fractio...