Forests of the Harvey N. Ott Preserve

Abstract

Quantitative data for trees, saplings, tree seedlings, shrubs, herbs, and environmental characteristics were collected in seven forest stands in the Harvey N. Ott Preserve., Calhoun Co., Michigan. Two lowland stands were sampled utilizing standing dead elms and live trees only to assess the impact of Dutch elm disease. Surveyors' records were examined to reconstruct the presettlement vegetation. A two- dimensional ordination, based on the densities and basal area per acre of 13 tree species, was used to illustrate canopy structure, and frequency values for 12 shrub species and 29 herb species were used to demonstrate subcanopy structure. The presettlement upland vegetation was oak savanna whereas the present upland vegetation is second-growth oak forests. The effect of past and recent fires, soil water retaining capacity, and pH on forest development is discussed. Larix laricina had a broader range in the lowland vegetation during presettlement times than at present. Ulmus americana is now rapidly disappearing due to Dutch elm disease. Changes in the lowland vegetation are correlated with changes in drain- age patterns, depth to water table, and disease.