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Migration of tree species in New England based on elevational and regional analyses. Forest Service research paper (Final)

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6954993

With field measurements of migration patterns, we used two complementary approaches to examine tree-species movement after a documented increase in temperature. The advancing-front theory was used to examine age trends over distance and elevation for both a mountain site in New Hampshire and a regional comparison across the State of Maine. Well-defined stationary fronts were identified for red spruce (Picea rubens) and beech (Fagus grandifolia), while a catastrophic front was depicted for sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and a constant slow-moving advancing front was exhibited by hemlock (Tsuga canadensis). The regional analysis, in Maine, indicated that white pine (Pinus strobus) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea) decreased significantly in average latitude and elevation over a 24-year period. The potential ranges of the major species in terms of elevation and regional position appear stable.

Research Organization:
Forest Service, Delaware, OH (United States). Northeastern Forest Experiment Station
OSTI ID:
6954993
Report Number(s):
PB-94-205945/XAB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English