Regeneration in Unmanaged Conifer Plantations, Upstate New York

Abstract

This study addresses the secondary succession of abandoned Pinus resinosa (red pine) and Picea glauca (white spruce) plantations in upstate New York. Both red pine and white spruce are not regenerating in the unmanaged plantations. Successful regeneration of hardwood tree species in the white spruce plantations occurred only within the 25-30 years following plant? ing. Higher light levels in the red pine stands have led to a greater degree of subsequent hardwood invasion than in the white spruce stands. The impact of abandoned conifer plantations will have long-term effects, altering the forest species composition for several hundred years. However, the plantations will eventually return to a natural forest composition, and expansion of planted conifers into adjacent undisturbed forests is unlikely.