Abstract
Red spruce (Picea rubens) was historically an important and dominant timber species in the central Appalachian mountain range. The tree species is now found in a small fraction of its original home range. Threatened and endangered organisms such as the Cheat Mountain Salamander (Plethodon nettingi) rely on red spruce associated forests for survival. This review provides a background on the history of forest management of red spruce in the central Appalachian region. A meta-analysis was conducted on recent literature (published 2000 or later) of red spruce in the central Appalachian region to highlight key management and conservation concerns. In particular, forest health concerns related to air pollution and climatic stress also are addressed. Approaches to examine the impact of environmental factors on red spruce site productivity are covered. This review also provides sustainable management options for restoration of red spruce in the central Appalachian mountain range.
Highlights
IntroductionMountains but is found in only a small portion (estimated to be as low as 7 percent) of its distributional range compared to the past [1] (Figure 1)
Red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) was once very common in the central AppalachianMountains but is found in only a small portion of its distributional range compared to the past [1] (Figure 1)
Adoption of newly developed site index curve for central Appalachian red spruce may be beneficial in making decisions about restoration activities and eliminate the need to rely on site index curves that were created with data collected primarily from northern or southern red spruce populations
Summary
Mountains but is found in only a small portion (estimated to be as low as 7 percent) of its distributional range compared to the past [1] (Figure 1). Considering the climatic shifts that are occurring, restoration approaches that target adaptation, promotion of resiliency, and mitigation of effects, all share a common goal of maintaining target species but use different management techniques to meet the goal [4,5]. Silviculture treatments such as thinnings and release harvests have proven to be effective in promoting the growth of many species throughout North America. This review related to sustainable management of red in spruce in the Appalachian central Appalachian region. Appalachian ecoregion ecoregion [11]
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