Temporal changes in species composition of mixedwood stands in northwest New Brunswick: 1946–2008

Abstract

Patterns of softwood (SW) – hardwood (HW) change from 1946 to 2006 in 32 unharvested mixedwood (MW) stands in northern New Brunswick were analyzed using aerial photographs (1946, 1966, 1982, and 2006), sampled, and related to disturbance and stand conditions. Five stand development patterns were identified based on 1946 SW content (70%–80%, termed SW versus 30%–60%, termed MW) and change in SW content from 1946 to 2006 (SW-stable, SW-declining, MW-fluctuating, MW-stable, or MW-declining). Species composition was surprisingly changeable over this 60-year period, with change in SW content varying from +18% to –62%. High canopy cover reduction from 1946 to 1966 resulted from balsam fir ( Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) mortality due to old age and a 1950s spruce budworm ( Choristoneura fumiferana Clem.) outbreak plus birch ( Betula sp.) dieback. SW-stable stands that maintained SW composition from 1946 to 2006 (+7%) had more red spruce ( Picea rubens Sarg.) than all other classes in which SW declined by 15%–47%. SW-declining stands were located on southerly aspects (189°) and had higher mean elevations (423 m) than other classes. Results suggest that balsam fir – tolerant HW MW stands may be naturally transitional due to disturbance, species, and stand conditions, which has significant implications for forest management designed to maintain static proportions of MW and SW stands.