Abstract
-Remeasurement of tree and sapling vegetation on permanent plots established at the Ashland Wildlife Research Area in the river hills of central Missouri indicated changes in species composition and dominance over 14 years (1968-1982). Densities of most trees, including those of Quercus spp., declined. Basal area growth of residual Quercus trees generally compensated for losses in numbers, maintaining dominance of the genus (and in particular Quercus alba) in the canopy of upland forests. Importance of two species in the red oak subgenus (Q. velutina and Q. shumardii), however, declined because of canopy tree mortality. Importance of Acer saccharum trees increased, especially in mesic plots. Saplinglayer changes were extensive, with pronounced reductions in total density and density of Quercus saplings, constant or increasing relative density of A. saccharum saplings and growth of individuals of this species into larger sapling size classes. A shift in species composition to that of a more mesic forest is suggested by the data.
Published Version
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