• Lombardo, Jeffrey M.
  University of Maine Graduate School
  

This study investigates the effects of partial harvest treatments on regeneration within mixedwood forest stands in the Acadian Forest region. Chapter 1 assesses composition, density, growing environment and relative abundance of seedlings and saplings. Trail corridors (which occupied 38.3% of the study stands) had lower canopy closure and higher shrub and graminoid cover than between-trail areas (matrix). Canopy closure increased as distance from trail increased. Regeneration density and stocking varied by species, height class, and proximity to trails. Softwood species decreased in stocking and density near the trails, and in the tallest height classes. Seedling stocking was inversely related to canopy openness and graminoid abundance with the exception of aspen-birch. Density and stocking of noncommercial species (striped maple, elderberry, and pin cherry) were greater than any other species group in the tallest height classes. Density of all saplings was greater in the matrix for all species, except red maple.