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2018 Staff, John T. Harrington Forestry Research Center:

• Owen Burney, Associate Professor and Superintendent • Tammy Parsons, Nursery Manager • Carmen Rose, Laboratory Coordinator • Josh Trujillo, Senior Nursery Laborer • Lorenzo Gallegos, Senior Farm Laborer • Donna Ebler (on-campus), Senior Fiscal Assistant

Partners and Collaborators:

• New Mexico Highlands University • New Mexico Forest and Watershed Restoration Institute • Utah State University • Purdue University • Oregon State University • Northern Arizona University • University of New Mexico • Southern Utah University • The Nature Conservancy • National Park Service • US Forest Service • NM State Forestry • US Geological Survey • Institute of Applied Ecology • Wild Earth Guardians • InternationalUnion of Forest Research Organizations • Santa Clara Pueblo • NM Soil and Water Conservation, Mora • Imerys Minerals • Philmont Scout Ranch – Boy Scouts of America

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction..........................................................................................1

2. Forest Restoration Triangle (FORT)........................................................2

3. CRESTProposal .....................................................................................2

4. FORT Advisory Board ............................................................................3

5. Forest NurseryProgram ........................................................................4

6. Ongoing Research Projects....................................................................5

7. Peer Reviewed Journal Articles ........................................................... 13

8. Presentations...................................................................................... 18

9. Fundingfor2018................................................................................. 18

10. Students ............................................................................................. 19

11. Field Tours at JTH FRC ......................................................................... 20

12. Total Monthly Precipitation for JTH FRC 2018 ..................................... 21

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1. Introduction The John T. Harrington Forestry Research Center (JTH FRC) with New Mexico State University (NMSU) is the onlyresearch program in the southwestern US that focuses on forest nursery technologies, tree improvement, and eco-physiology of young forest trees to facilitate ecological restoration and/or commercial reforestation.These research interests are criticalforestablishing future forests in the region.

A subaward using McIntire-Stennis funds was provided to forestry faculty members at the Department of Natural Resources Management (NRM) with New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) in Fall2018. This award will continue through the end of June 2019 and serves to promote the research and educationalrelationship between the two forestry programs.

The research center produced 7 publications during 2018. The topics for the publications were: 1) subirrigation systems for containerized forest seedlings, 2) maintaining ponderosa pine forests in the southwestern US, 3) species selection to promote forest regeneration under high animal browsing pressure, 4) assessing alternative growing medias and containers on seedling growth and foliar chemistry, 5) stand characteristics of Chilgoza pine in Afghanistan, 6) ecological associations and stand structure of Chilgoza pine, and 7) alfalfa variety tests for northern NM.

External funding generated by the research center for 2018 totaled approximately $159,498. The funds came from multiple sources including: seedling sales forforest conservation, cooperative agreements with the National Park Service, tree improvementgrants with the State ofNew Mexico, and the McIntire-Stennis grant.

With regards to teaching and education, the JTH FRC has hosted multiple tours for research scientists, land managers, and students (NMSU and NMHU). Additionally, our program was involved in the completion of four graduate (MS) students (2 – NMSU, 1 – Purdue University, 1 – Utah State University). A new doctoral student from Northern Arizona University will be working with our research center on genetic variability in aridity adaptation of ponderosa pine populations.

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2. Forest Restoration Triangle (FORT) The Forest Restoration Triangle (FORT) is a partnership among: 1)the JTH Forestry Research Center with New Mexico State University, 2) the Department of Natural Resources Management with New Mexico Highlands University, and 3) the New Mexico Forest and Watershed Restoration Institute. This partnership is focused on restoring proper ecological function and ecosystem services to the forest landscape in New Mexico and the greatersouthwestern US.

As our country, including the Southwest, has experienced the most destructive wildfires in history, it is more important than ever to research and implement effective and efficient forest management and restoration strategies. FORT was established in January 2018 to address these concerns through three main pillars common to other university/college forestry programs: research, education, and outreach/extension.

A success story of the FORT partnership is the collaborative Forestry Research Lab (FRL) that is located at NMHU campus. This lab is actively supporting research efforts that originally started at the JTH FRC with NMSU. This research has assistance from NMHU undergraduate and graduate students that obtain hands-on training and education in planttissue analyses.Both the research and educational programs connected to the FRL are expected to grow.

3. CREST Proposal Another current successes for the FORT partnership was the joint effort in applying for a $5 million grant over 5 years with the Center for Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST) sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The full proposal was submitted in December 2018 with an anticipated response by May 2019.

The importance of receiving this grant is critical to research, education, and outreach forestry programs in New Mexico. Additionally, this will have lasting impacts on forest health not only in New Mexico but the greater southwestern US.

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The overarching theme of the CREST proposal is to provide novel, science-based solutions for private, tribal, state, and federal forest managers faced with the twin threat of catastrophic fires due to overgrown forests and the inability of post-fire plant communities to naturally regenerate. This will be accomplished through the collaborative engagement of students, faculty, and natural resource professionals.

The subprojects for the CREST proposal are:

Tree/Stand Level: assessing a nucleation strategy matched with improved seedling stocktypes for forest restoration efforts.

Experiment 1. Nucleation size and planting density Experiment 2. Vegetation control and animal protection Experiment 3. Stocktype and planting window

Stand/Forest Level: identify management strategies for effective and efficient management and restoration of frequent-fire forests, thus enhancing ecosystem services and reducing the risk of catastrophic fires.

Experiment 1. Characterization of the fire history in New Mexico forest Experiment 2. Restoration of dry mixed conifer forests Experiment 3. Grazing, fire, and seedling density

Forest/Landscape Level: application of the nucleation concept in the context of forest wildland fire planning and the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) development process.

Experiment 1. Nucleation based pre-fire analysis and planning framework Experiment 2. Nucleation in the forest planning, management, and education Experiment 3. Integrated, place-based natural resources management plan

4. FORT Advisory Board The FORT Advisory Board officially started in January 2018 at the first meeting. The Board meets twice a year with the second meeting occurring in August 2018. The members have been instrumental to the three institutes that include the JTH

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Forestry Research Center. They have provided invaluable advice and support for the research program through assistance in defining research directions, solutions to resource limitations, and assistance with the CREST proposal discussed above.

FORT Advisory Board Mission: The mission of the Advisory Board is to provide strategic guidance and direction for the scientific (both applied and foundational), educational, and outreach programs for all three institutions (FORT), both independently and collaboratively. It plays a key role in advocating the need for continued research, education, and outreach in forest restoration in New Mexico and within the greater southwestern US.

FORT Board Members: Kent Reid – NMFWRI Craig Conley – NMHU Josh Sloan – NMHU Owen Burney – NMSU Anne Bradley – Nature Conservancy Zander Evans – Forest Guild Andrew Frederick – NMSF Jim Youtz – USFS Ellis Margolis – US Geological Survey Andi Thode – NAU Lindsey Quam – Santa Clara Pueblo Brent Racher – NM Forest Industries

5. Forest Nursery Program The JTH FRC is the largest producer of forest nursery seedlings in New Mexico with a capacity of 300,000 per year. These seedlings are used forboth research and conservation efforts. In 2018, the center produced approximately 57,853 seedlings for forest restoration purposes.Ata planting density of 200 trees per acre, this equates to approximately 290 acres of restored forests in New Mexico.

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6. Ongoing Research Projects a. Drought-conditioning during nursery production influences physiology and

resource allocation of Populus tremuloides and Pinus ponderosa seedlings.

Introduction Planted tree seedlings in arid and semi-arid regions experience harsh site conditions due to drought and disturbances such as wildfire and surface mining. Future climate regimes in these regions are predicted to be warmer and drier on average, further impeding reforestation success using conventional stocktypes. It is therefore critical to develop methods for the production of high quality seedling stocktypes with improved survival and performance after transplanting into these environments. Current and historical nursery practices employ optimal (i.e. non-limiting) growing conditions from germination until lifting for either outplanting or storage. However, these optimal conditions may produce physiological and morphological seedling characteristics that do not match those required for post-transplant survivalon harsh sites, resulting in restoration failures on such sites.

Objectives This study was developed to test the effects of drought stress induced during the nursery growth phase on aspen and ponderosa pine seedling morphology and physiology.

Research Containerized aspen and ponderosa pine seedlings were grown under greenhouse conditions, with each species represented by three seed sources collected from latitudinal gradients within their native ranges. Seedlings were exposed to one of three levels of moisture availability (well-watered control, moderate drought, and severe drought) shortly after germination until the end of their first growing season. A portion of the seedlings were assessed for physiological (e.g., photosynthesis, hydraulically active xylem tissue, xylem flow velocity) and morphological (e.g., biomass and root

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volume) parameters after the first growing season. The remaining seedlings were planted at two field sites and as a greenhouse simulated drought study. This research was sponsored/funded through the McIntire-Stennis Grant, NM Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD), Imerys Mining Company, US Forest Service, and JTH FRC seedling program.

Accomplishments • Data collection and analysis complete for the Nursery and Simulated

Outplanting Phases. • Gokhan Ervan successfully defended his thesis from these two phases

related to Pinus ponderosa. • Preliminary results from the nursery phase suggest irrigation

limitations improve plant hydraulics and photosynthetic rates. • Drought conditioned seedlings outplanted into the field had both

higher growth and survival rates compared to operational standards.

b. Genetic variation in aridity adaptation among Pinus ponderosa populations.

Introduction Ponderosa pine has the largest geographic range of any pine in the U.S., occurring in 14 states west of the Great Plains. It is a large tree at maturity with valuable wood in commercial quantities throughout its range. Moreover, it dominates forests in upland watersheds that supply clean water for human consumption and agriculture. Ponderosa pine forests provide numerous ecosystem services, including wood products, wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration, clean air, and temperature amelioration. Yet, these services are threatened by deforestation resulting from increases in drought, wildfire, and bark beetle attacks. The threat is particularly severe in the southwestern U.S. where ponderosa pine is the dominant tree in most upland watersheds. Forests in this arid region are scarce compared to other U.S. regions and consequently are disproportionally important for ecosystem services.

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Objectives The objective of this study is to examine aridity adaptability of ponderosa pine populations from a range of temperature and precipitation.

Research Evaluations ofappropriate ponderosa pine seed sources fora more arid climate in the Southwest have found that ponderosa pine seedlings from low-elevation, drier seed sources in northern Arizona had a more drought-adapted architecture (lower shoot-rootratio) and longer survival of experimentally induced drought in the greenhouse than high-elevation, wetter sources. A new investigation builds on this finding by expanding investigations ofseedling droughttolerance to 21 seed sources from a broad gradient of elevation, temperature, and precipitation over Arizona and New Mexico. Seeds used in the investigation were compiled from collections made over the last three decades by John Harrington (NMSU), Phillip Patterson (Northern Arizona University - NAU), Tom Kolb (NAU), and Owen Burney (NMSU). The JTH FRC with NMSU produced the seedlings, which were planted in July 2018 at the onset of monsoon rains at three common-garden experiments across an elevational gradient: 1) a cool, high-elevation site currently supporting mixed coniferand aspen forests; 2)a moderate temperature, mid-elevation site currently supporting ponderosa pine; and 3) a hot, low-elevation site currently supporting pinyon-juniperwoodland.A fourth common garden experiment, located in the greenhouse at Northern Arizona University, will be used to investigate mechanisms of heat and drought tolerance.

Accomplishments • Successfully outplanted the three research sites in Summer 2018 • Results from the harsh outplanting site have been published for

survivalresults relative to seed source. See publications. • Strong collaboration with Tom Kolb and Northern Arizona University.

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c. Assisted migration – defining seed transfer guidelines for Pinus ponderosa in a changing climate.

Introduction Recent wildfires in the southwest have burned with uncharacteristic severity and extent within biophysical settings not adapted to such fires. Recovery towards the natural successional pathway is further impeded by a warming climate. Efforts to restore resilience through tree planting have been largely unsuccessful due to the combination of climate, drought, and harsh planting environments associated with severely burned sites. Planting efforts in the southwest on these post-fire sites have reported an average of 25% survival in ponderosa pine.Ifwe define resilience as the abilityofa system to return to its successional pathway following disturbance, then the burned areas have seen a decline in resilience.

Objectives The objective of this experiment is to assess the effectiveness of moving southern seed sources of ponderosa pine to a northern latitude located in the Valles Caldera National Park. Additionally, the use of log shading microsite environments on seedling performance will be examined.

Research There are two log treatments (planting on the north side ofthe log vs. control of no log) and six ponderosa pine seed source treatments (All are NM sources: 2 southern, 2 central, and 2 northern). Seedlings were planted at the Valles Caldera National Park in Fall 2016. Primary measurements include shoot height, stem diameter, stomatal conductance, plant biomass, and survival. This project was funded by the National Park Service.

Accomplishments • First report to the Valles Caldera National Park has shown that the

greatest gains in seedling performance came from the use of a log microsite. However, as our climate continues to change, it is likely that

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the combination of microsite environments and seed source will both be beneficial to the survival and performance of outplanted seedlings.

• A New Mexico Highlands University graduate student started in Fall 2018 to assist with the final portion of this research.

d. Southwestern white pine blister rust resistance gene conservation.

Introduction Southwestern white pine (Pinus strobiformis), native to the high-elevation forests in the southwestern US, is threatened by a non-native fungus (Cronartium ribicola) that causes the disease white pine blister rust. The collection and long-term conservation of resistant genotypes of southwestern white pine to blister rust through clonal propagation and orchard establishment is imperative given the overall fire susceptibility of southwestern forests and the fact that these genotypes exist in relatively localized populations.These collections willserve as a resource for researchers studying resistance of P. strobiformis to C. ribicola as well as a potential source of seed for seedling propagation and planting throughout the Lincoln National Forest and surrounding areas.

Research The gene conservation efforts will be accomplished by: 1) identifying new and previously surveyed trees for their resistance to the pathogen and cloning them by grafting them to P. strobiformis rootstock propagated from locallycollected seed; 2)develop an efficientand effective protocolfor grafting P. strobiformis to open-pollinated P. strobiformis rootstock; and 3) planting grafted clones into an orchard using 3-5 replicates of each grafted clone. This project was funded by the US Forest Service.

Accomplishments • Outplanted grafts from phase 1 and 2 are healthy and growing.

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• The third grafting phase was completed in April 2018. However, all graft failed due to the size of the scion material collected. This was a valuable lesson to work closely with the USFS on future collections.

• The fourth scion collection will begin in Spring 2019.

e. Pinus ponderosa provenance test and seed transfer guidelines.

Introduction The 2012 Ponderosa Pine Provenance test is the result of over thirty years of tree improvement research in New Mexico. New Mexico seed sources were identified bythe baseline selection method through the NMSU/New Mexico Forestry Division joint tree improvement program. Out-of-state seed sources were collected by cooperators in those regions, or were purchased from commercial seed vendors. Testing this broad range of seed sources will allow for the continuation of superior seedlings for reforestation in New Mexico, and will also yield critical information to the understanding of the species relationship to changing climatic conditions.

Research Seedlings from 75 sources ranging from southern New Mexico to British Columbia, Canada were planted in the fall of 2012. Measurements have been taken on seedling morphological and phenological responses by seed source. Long-term measurements are required to properly model the effects of climatic change on survival, growth, and physiological parameters. This project was funded through NM EMNRD.

Accomplishments • Based on this 2012 Ponderosa Pine Provenance test, the JTH FRC in

collaboration with the USFS have developed new seed transfer guidelines for the greater southwester region (AZ, NM, UT, and CO).

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• These new seed zones will be used by both public and private organizations involved in reforestation and restoration programs using ponderosa pine.

f. Maritime forest restoration on the Southern Atlantic Coast.

Introduction The maritime forest is a keystone ecosystem that supports numerous threatened and endangered species along the United States’ Southern Atlantic Coast. Live oaktrees dominate this ecosystem and stabilize coastal soil, provide roosting for migratory birds, and perform other important ecological functions. Since human settlement of the eastern barrier islands, live oakforests have been clear-cut to make way for agricultural, residential, and commercial development. This once-dominant and deeply important ecosystem has been significantly depleted and degraded to its current fractional state. This situation is not sustainable and demands serious investments by land managers and conservation programs in the restoration of maritime forest ecosystems. Despite the importance of maritime forest ecosystems and the general agreement that restoration practices are required, there is a surprising dearth ofresearch on the most effective methods of live oak regeneration. This lack of knowledge prevents forest and conservation managers from prescribing silvicultural management activities that will lead to maritime forest restoration success.

Objectives The objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the effects of animal browse, weed competition, and light requirements for live oak restoration plantings in Coastal Georgia in three project phases.

Accomplishments • All three phases of the project are complete.

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• A MS student, Emily Thyroff, successfully defended her thesis at Purdue University on all three phases.

• Land managers and researchers involved in maritime forest restoration along the southern Atlantic coastare using these results as the foundation for live oak and maritime forest restoration.

• Multiple manuscripts are in draft form.

g. Defining seed transfer guidelines and planting strategies for ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) to aid in post-fire recovery in the Jemez Mountains.

Introduction The successful natural establishment of conifer seedlings in the southwestern United States is often hindered by harsh site conditions related to droughtand severe disturbances such as wildfire.Additionally, future climate changes are predicted to be warmer and drier further complicating the potential for natural forest regeneration.

Tree planting efforts on adjacent National Forest Service lands have been largelyunsuccessfuldue to the combination ofclimate warming and the impacts ofsevere burning, with some efforts reporting less than 5 percent survival in ponderosa pine. By conducting experimental plantings of ponderosa and Douglas fire, this project will assess seed sources from a range ofecotypes foruse in restoration via reforestation ofseverely burned areas within Bandelier National Monument. More specifically, seedling performance (i.e., survival, growth, physiological responses) will be measured through the comparison of seed source ecotypes. The results will help park managers better understand potential forest restoration strategies and will provide future seed sources by re-establishing genetically appropriate trees in areas influenced by high severity fires and floods.

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Objectives The objectives of this study are to improve the resilience of once-forested areas under warming and drying climate by planting tree species that are within the natural range of variability for the biophysical setting of Bandelier National Monument, but may be better suited to the warmer drier site; and to conduct research that will inform future restoration projects in post-burned areas.

Accomplishments • GIS maps have been developed from the region to define proper

ecotypes for seed collection. • Multiple scouting trips were conducted in Summer and Fall of 2018 to

assess cone production and identify potential future candidates for cone collection.

• Permission was given to extend collection zone to the entire Jemez Mountain Range.

7. Peer Reviewed Journal Articles

a. Burney OT, Jacobs DF (2018) Species selection - a fundamental silvicultural tool to promote forest regeneration under high animal browsing pressure. Forest Ecology and Management (408), 67-74.

Abstract: Heavily disturbed post-mining sites are often difficult to restore to forestland due to chemical and physical soil limitations, as well as frequent animal herbivory of planted tree seedlings. Forest tree species differ in how they allocate resources to defensive compounds or growth in order to resist abiotic and biotic stresses after outplanting. However, the influences of plant nutrition and secondary metabolite production on browse susceptibility and recovery are notwellunderstood within and among species, especially for temperate deciduous forest trees. We investigated foliar tannin and nutrient

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responses under fenced (to exclude white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus) and non-fenced environments on an abandoned mine land in southwestern Indiana, USA. Using field fertilization (15N-9P-10K controlled-release fertilizerat0, 30 g, and 60 g perseedling), we also created a gradient of nutrient availability for planted black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.), bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa Michx.), northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.), and white oak (Quercus alba L.) seedlings. Fencing improved growth relative to non-fenced seedlings; fertilization improved growth for all species except northern red oak, but only when combined with fencing. Fertilization reduced foliartannin concentrations forblack cherry and white oak, butdid not change browsing preference or browse recovery for any species. Without fencing, browsing selection was solely driven by tree species, whereby black cherry had a higher likelihood of being browsed compared to all oak species. This response was likely associated with differences among species in resource allocation patterns; black cherry prioritizes structural growth and recovery, while oaks allocate resources to both growth and secondary metabolite production. As fencing is often considered cost-prohibitive for mine reclamation and other restoration efforts, species selection is perhaps the most fundamental silvicultural tool to promote forest regeneration success under conditions of high animal browsing pressure.

b. Hubbel K, Ross-Davis A, Pinto J, Burney OT, Davis A (2018) Toward sustainable cultivation of Pinus occidentalis Swatz in Haiti: effects of altnerative growing media and containers on seedling growth and foliar chemistry. Forests (9), 422.

Abstract: Haiti has suffered great losses from deforestation, with little forest cover remaining today. Current reforestation efforts focus on seedling quantity rather than quality. This study examined limitations to the production of high-quality seedlings of the endemic Hispaniolan pine (Pinus occidentalis Swartz). Recognizing the importance of applying sustainable development principles to pine forest restoration, the effects of growing

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media and container types on seedling growth were evaluated with the goal of developing a propagation protocol to produce high-quality seedlings using economically feasible nursery practices. With regard to growing media, seedlings grew best in compost-based media amended with sand. Topsoil, widely used in nurseries throughout Haiti, produced the smallest seedlings overall. Despite a low water holding capacity and limited manganese, compost-based media provided adequate levels of essential mineral nutrients (particularly nitrogen), which allowed for sufficient seedling nutrition. Seedling shoot and root growth, as well as the ratio of shoot biomass to root biomass, were greater in polybags relative to D40s. Results indicate that economically feasible improvements to existing nursery practices in Haiti can improve the early growth rates of P . occidentalis seedlings.

c. Shalizi N, Khurram S, Groninger J, Ruffner C, Burney OT (2018) Indigenous knowledge and stand characteristics of a threatened tree species in a highly insecure area: Chilgoza pine in Afghanistan. Forest Ecology and Management (413), 1-8.

Abstract: In eastern and southeastern Afghanistan, the mid-elevation slopes (2100-2500 m) are covered by forests where Pinus gerardiana (chilgoza pine) is the dominantspecies.chilgoza pine form pure stands on dryslopes ofthe southern-most and western-most edges of the eastern forest complex. Chilgoza pine is famous globallyforits edible seeds (pine nuts or‘chilgoza’). Anthropogenic pressures such as seed collection, grazing, and fuelwood collection may be impeding natural regeneration. Consequently, chilgoza pine forests are at great risk of decline and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has classified the species as endangered. Our study, based on interviews/questionnaires and field measurements, examines perceptions of indigenous communities toward the chilgoza pine forests and subsequent impact on stand structure and natural regeneration. Survey results revealed thatthe majority ofvillagers in the chilgoza pine region do not have formal knowledge of the threatened status of chilgoza pine.

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However, most participants stated that chilgoza pine forests are degrading or declining. They recognize that human activities such as heavy cone collection, tree damage during cone harvesting, grazing, fuelwood collection, and other biotic/abiotic factors (insects, diseases, and drought) lead to chilgoza forest degradation. Majority of interviewees observed natural regeneration in the understory layerofchilgoza foreststands.However, they believe that the overall rate of natural regeneration is insufficient to prevent forest decline. Most villagers (96.4%) responded that regeneration was poor or fair, while the remaining responded that no regeneration was occurring. Villages that prohibit grazing and fuelwood collection reported the greatest regeneration.Villages thatallow grazing and fuelwood collection in their pine forests reported the lowest levels of regeneration. Field measurements did not correlate well with the results found in the survey. In two of the sites measured, number of seedlings and saplings was high, while in others natural regeneration was poor.However, using both the survey and field measurement data it can be concluded that there is a significant decline in natural regeneration of chilgoza pine in Afghanistan.

d. Shalizi N, Groninger J, Safi K, Ruffner C, Burney OT (2018) Data on ecological associations and stand structure of chilgoza pine (Pinus gerardiana Wall. ex D. Don) in Afghanistan. Data in Brief (18), 939-946.

Abstract: Reported here are original data related to the article “Indigenous knowledge and stand characteristics of a threatened tree species in a highly insecure area: Chilgoza pine in Afghanistan” (Shalizietal., 2018). A dendrochronological summary of all known chilgoza pine tree growth incrementcores collected in Afghanistan is presented in this data in brief article.Chilgoza pine trees and regeneration density profiles are reported for four provinces of eastern Afghanistan. In addition, images depicting chilgoza pine forest structure, stand conditions, and utilization impacts are presented.

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e. Rose K, Parsons T, Sloan J, Burney OT (2018) Examples of using subirrigation systems for both growing and storing seedlings. Tree Planters' Notes 58 (2), 12-19.

Abstract: Subirrigation systems offer a water-efficient alternative to the industrystandard ofoverhead irrigation.These systems can be used in growing environments, as well as during storage of overwintered seedlings. This article offers examples for using subirrigation in both the growing and storage environments. Additionally, detailed instructions are provided for creating a subirrigation tank to fit any nursery need.

f. Kolb T, Dixit A, Burney OT (2018) Challenges and opportunities for maintaining ponderosa pine forests in the southwestern U.S. Tree Planters' Notes. (in press)

Abstract: Deforestation caused by wildfire and bark beetle attacks in southwestern ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Douglas ex P. Lawson & C. Lawson.) forests have increased over the past century due to climate warming. Continued warming is expected to increase deforestation. Ponderosa pine regeneration afterdeforestation often is inadequate in the region.Opportunities existforactive managementto mitigate deforestation. First, planting can promote reforestation, but survival of planted seedlings is generally poor and highly variable among sites. The region needs more research aboutimproving early seedling performance.Secondly, improving aridity adaptation of planted seedlings by seed source selection may improve outplanting performance.New common garden studies ofseedling aridity adaptation of Arizona and New Mexico provenances suggest genetic variation in aridity adaptation among populations. Early results show genetic variation in survival under extreme drought conditions. Greenhouse experiments are investigating genetic variation in mechanisms of aridity tolerance. Promotion of forest recovery using these emerging approaches will be critical for sustaining forests in the increasingly arid southwestern U.S.

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g. Lauriault LM, Ray I, Pierce C, Burney OT, Flynn RP, Marsalis MA, O'Neill MK, Cunningham A, Havlik C, West M (2018) The 2017 New Mexico Alfalfa Variety Test Report. Las Cruces, NM: Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, New Mexico State University.

8. Presentations

a. Burney OT (presenter), Pinto JR, Sloan JL “Nurseryconditioning seedlings for improved drysite performance”, Imerys Mining Inc., No Agua, NM.(February 7, 2018)

b. Burney OT (presenter), “The role of nurseries to meet forest restoration needs”, Seminar Series Forestry Department, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ. (April 18, 2018)

c. Burney OT (presenter), “Are we losing our forests in the southwestern US?”, Seminar Series Forestry Department, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN. (October 16, 2018)

d. Burney OT (presenter), “The role of nurseries to meet dry forest restoration needs”, Eastside Seedling Characteristics and Quality for Optimum Field Performance, Western Forestry and Conservation Association, Coeur d’Alene, ID. (October 25, 2018)

9. Funding for 2018 Our receipt of external funding for 2018 was approximately $159,498.

a. Burney OT (Principal), "Defining Seed Transfer Guidelines and Planting Strategies for Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa) to Aid in Post-Fire Recovery in the Jemez Mountains", Sponsoring Organization: US Department of Interior/NationalPark Service; PI Total Award: $50,000

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b. Burney OT (Principal), "Tree Improvement and Forestation Plan", Sponsoring Organization: NM Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department; PI Total Award: $8,000

c. Burney, O. (Principal), "Seedling Conservation for EMNRD Forestry Division", Sponsoring Organization: NM Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department; PI Total Award: $38,383

d. Burney OT (Principal). “Gene Conservation of Blister Rust Resistant Southwestern White Pine through Clonal Propagation”, Sponsoring Organization: USFS; Total Amount: $7,500

e. Burney OT (Principal). “McIntire Stennis”, Sponsoring Organization: USFS; Total Amount: $30,000

f. Burney OT (Principal). “Aspen and Ponderosa Pine Conservation”, Sponsoring Organization: Utah State University;Total Amount:$10,590

g. Burney OT (Principal). “Thermopsis montana Seed Orchard Establishment/Restoration – Phase 1”, Sponsoring Organization: Institute of Applied Ecology; Total Amount: $9,400

h. Burney OT (Principal). “Riparian Restoration in the Jemez Mountains”, Sponsoring Organization: Wild Earth Guardians;Total Amount:$5,625

10. Students a. Gokhan Ervan (MS), New Mexico State University, “Evaluation of drought

conditioned Pinus ponderosa seedlings after the nursery growth phase”. Advisor: Dr. Owen Burney, NMSU Graduated – December 2018

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b. Furkan Atalar (MS), New Mexico State University, “Rainfall simulation on thinned and burned forests in New Mexico”. Advisor: Dr. Alexander “Sam” Fernald, NMSU Graduated – May 2018

c. Emily Thyroff (MS), Purdue University, “Maritime forest restoration along the southern Atlantic coast”. Advisor: Dr. Doug Jacobs, Purdue University Graduated – October 2018

d. Alex Howe (MS), Utah State University, “Developing seedling-based restoration strategies for western aspen”. Advisor: Dr. Karen Mock, Utah State University Graduated – February 2018

e. Aalap Dixit (PhD), Northern Arizona University, “Genetic variation in aridity adaptation among Pinus ponderosa populations”. Advisor: Dr. Tom Kolb, Northern Arizona University Current

11. Field Tours at JTH FRC a. New Mexico Highlands University. “Research Updates”. Audience: faculty, 5

participants. (January 2018)

b. The Nature Conservancy and National Park Service. “Research Updates”. Restoration Group. Audience: staff/researchers, 15 participants. (June 2018)

c. NMSU and 4-H. Field Day Host to “Ride for 4-H Clover”, Mora, NM, Audience: NM community members, 30 participants. (August 2018)

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12. Total Monthly Precipitation for JTH FRC 2018

Month Rainfall (in)

Snowfall (in)

Jan 0.02 0.00 Feb 0.31 4.90 Mar 0.15 0.00 Apr 0.12 0.00 May 1.43 0.00 Jun 0.45 0.00 Jul 2.99 0.00 Aug 2.88 0.00 Sep 1.48 0.00 Oct 2.89 4.48 Nov 0.79 4.18 Dec 0.59 19.02 TOTAL 14.10 32.58

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Structure BookmarksF/;;)E)#/C#DE6-.:;1:62;G#F/47:?)6#24A#"45-6/4?)412;#0.-)4.)7# D((3D%#L"P$LI#QRST# 2018 Staff, John T. Harrington Forestry Research Center: Partners. and Collaborators: 1. Introduction 2.. Forest Restoration. Triangle (FORT) 3.. CREST. Proposal 4.. FORT Advisory Board 5.. Forest Nursery. Program 6.. Ongoing Research Projects 7.. Peer Reviewed Journal Articles 8.. Presentations 9.. Funding for. 2018 10.. Students 11. Field. Tours at JTH FRC