Presettlement Forests of the Phelps and Gorham Purchase in Western New York

Abstract

SEISCHAB, F. K. (Dept. of Biol., Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY 14623). Presettlement forests of the Phelps and Gorham Purchase in western New York. Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 117: 27-38. 1990.-Forests of the Phelps and Gorham Purchase in western New York were of two major types. Beech/Maple Forest, primarily on the Till Plains of the Central Lowlands Province, averaged 32% beech (Fagus grandifolia), 18% sugar maple (Acer saccharum), 12% basswood (Tilia americana), and 11% white oak (Quercus alba). The Allegheny Plateau portion of the tract supported Hemlock/White Pine/Northern Hardwood Forest averaging 19% beech, 12% sugar maple, 11% hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), 11% white pine (Pinus strobus), 10% white oak, and 9% red and black oak (Q. rubra and Q. velutina). Secondary community types of the Allegheny Plateau included beech/maple/white pine/ hemlock, oak, oak/hickory (Carya), and pitch pine (Pinus rigida). Those on the Till Plains were principally beech/maple/hemlock/basswood and silver maple (Acer saccharinum)/black ash (Fraxinus nigra)/elm (Ulmus).