FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE RESEARCH REVIEW

January 9, 2020 Cloquet Forestry Center Cloquet, MN Sustainable Forests

Education Cooperative

FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE RESEARCH REVIEW

January 9, 2020 Cloquet Forestry Center

Cloquet, MN

Event page: z.umn.edu/RR20 Online evaluation: z.umn.edu/RReval

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AGENDA .....................................................................................................................................................................................6 Oral and lightning presentations: ................................................................................................................6 Poster presentations: ........................................................................................................................................ 10

WELCOME AND OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................................... 11 BLOCK 1 .................................................................................................................................................................................... 12

Monitoring tick and mosquito diversity, phenology, and infection prevalence in Minnesota’s forests .................................................................................................................................................... 12

🗲🗲Changes in bat call abundance pre- and post white-nose syndrome using mobile acoustic surveys in Minnesota ........................................................................................................ 15 Influence of forest structure, composition, and management on snowshoe hare habitat selection .......................................................................................................................................................... 18

🗲🗲Minnesota fisher den box project update............................................................................................ 19 Predicting availability of Wood Duck nesting habitat in the forests of north-central Minnesota ........................................................................................................................................................................ 20

🗲🗲Assessing watershed conditions using FIA and land cover data to monitor cold water fish within Great Lakes basins. .......................................................................................................... 22

BLOCK 2 .................................................................................................................................................................................. 23 Diving into Lake States Forest Dynamics with FIA Data ............................................................... 23

🗲🗲Online web application for assessing timber resources of the Great Lakes region .................................................................................................................................................................................. 25

🗲🗲Using forest structural attributes to project wildlife habitat suitability: an application of SilviaTerra Basemap .............................................................................................................. 27 Rapid Assessment of Forest Wildlife Habitat using Traditional Forest Inventories. 28

🗲🗲tidyFIA: an R package for interaction with Forest Inventory and Analysis data ..... 29

🗲🗲Future adaptability of natural regeneration in red pine-dominated stands following experimental harvest....................................................................................................................... 30

BLOCK 3 ................................................................................................................................................................................... 31

🗲🗲Location Matters: composition, structure, and growth of silver maple forests along the Upper Mississippi River .................................................................................................................. 31

🗲🗲Building Resiliency in Lowland Ash Forest Ecosystems ......................................................... 32 Dwarf Mistletoe & Forest Management: What, Who, and How? ............................................ 35

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🗲🗲Is Infestation Predictable? Risk Factors Associated with Eastern Dwarf Mistletoe Infestation in Lowland Black Spruce ........................................................................................................... 36

🗲🗲Avian responses to peatland forest management ...................................................................... 37 Practitioner panel on the Great Lakes Silviculture Library .......................................................... 38

🗲🗲Northern Red Oak Shelterwood (Carlton County) ................................................................. 38

🗲🗲Vegetation response 30 years after initiating a two-step oak shelterwood in central mesic hardwoods (MN DNR) ..................................................................................................... 39

🗲🗲Comparing regeneration results from fall and winter two-step oak shelterwood harvests (MN DNR) ............................................................................................................... 41

🗲🗲Comparing Fall vs. Winter Shelterwood Harvests (Aitkin County) ............................. 43

🗲🗲Trees and Shrubs Present in Unmanaged and Managed Oak Wilt Pockets ............ 45

🗲🗲Site-level Forest Management Guideline Monitoring: An evolving look at guideline implementation following timber harvesting in Minnesota ................................ 46

🗲🗲Declining Quaking Aspen Health in Response to Drought and Fire ............................... 48 BLOCK 4 .................................................................................................................................................................................. 49

Northern Long-eared Bats in Minnesota .................................................................................................. 49 Fifteen years of managing for multi-aged, mixed-species red pine forests .................. 51 The effect of season of prescribed fire on breeding bird and plant communities in Minnesota lowland brush ecosystems ...................................................................................................... 52

POSTER ONLY- SESSION A ..................................................................................................................................... 53 Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change (ASCC) and Seedling Drought Responses ....................................................................................................................................................................... 53 Alteration of habitat and food webs associated with failing culverts in northern forest streams............................................................................................................................................................... 54 Applications of historical ecology to red pine silviculture........................................................... 55 Conserving Minnesota's Forest Birds of Management Concern ............................................ 56 Forest Inventory Contributions to Monitoring Biodiversity.......................................................... 57

POSTER ONLY- SESSION B ..................................................................................................................................... 58 Impact of Diplodia Shoot Blight on Understory Red Pine............................................................ 58 What’s Alive? Understanding the relationship between eastern larch beetle damage and tamarack regeneration ........................................................................................................... 59

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Where Will the Ash Wood Go? Gaining Forest Industry Perspectives on the Use of Ash Wood in Anticipation of Emerald Ash Borer ................................................................................ 60 Wild Blueberries and Forest Management Strategies ....................................................................61

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ............................................................................................................................................. 62 SFEC MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS 2019-2020 ........................................................................................... 63 CONTACT INFORMATION FOR PRESENTERS AND ATTENDEES: .............................................. 64 KEEP IN TOUCH WITH SFEC ................................................................................................................................... 72 NOTES: ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 73

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AGENDA

Oral and lightning presentations:

8:00 am Check in and poster set up

8:45 am Welcome Eli Sagor, UMN SFEC

8:50 am Block 1:

Monitoring tick and mosquito diversity, phenology, and infection prevalence in Minnesota’s forests

Jenna Bjork, Minnesota Department of Health Vectorborne Diseases Unit

🗲🗲Changes in bat call abundance pre- and post white-nose syndrome using mobile acoustic surveys in Minnesota

Melissa Boman, MN DNR, MN Biological Survey

Influence of forest structure, composition, and management on snowshoe hare habitat selection

Tanya Roerick, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe

🗲🗲 Minnesota fisher den box project update Michael Joyce, UMD Natural Resources Research Institute

Predicting availability of Wood Duck nesting habitat in the forests of north-central Minnesota

Edmund Zlonis, MN DNR FAW

🗲🗲Assessing watershed conditions using FIA and land cover data to monitor cold water fish within Great Lakes basins.

Patrick Landisch, University of Minnesota

10:15 am Break and Poster Session A All lightning talks before lunch and Session A poster only presentations

10:50 am Block 2:

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Diving into Lake States Forest Dynamics with FIA Data

Alan Ek, UMN Department of Forest Resources

🗲🗲Online web application for assessing timber resources of the Great Lakes region

Paul Klockow, UMN Department of Forest Resources

🗲🗲Using forest structural attributes to project wildlife habitat suitability: an application of SilviaTerra Basemap

Brian Clough, SilviaTerra

Rapid Assessment of Forest Wildlife Habitat using Traditional Forest Inventories.

John Zobel, University of Minnesota

🗲🗲tidyFIA: an R package for interaction with Forest Inventory and Analysis data

Henry Rodman, SilviaTerra

🗲🗲Future adaptability of natural regeneration in red pine-dominated stands following experimental harvest

Lewis Wiechmann, Iowa State University

12:00 pm Lunch

12:50 pm Block 3:

🗲🗲Location Matters: composition, structure, and growth of silver maple forests along the Upper Mississippi River

Daniel Nielsen, UMN Department of Forest Resources

🗲🗲Building Resiliency in Lowland Ash Forest Ecosystems

Colleen Matula, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Dwarf Mistletoe & Forest Management: What, Who, and How?

Marcella Windmuller-Campione, UMN Department of Forest Resources Charlie Blinn, UMN Department of Forest Resources

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🗲🗲Is Infestation Predictable? Risk Factors Associated with Eastern Dwarf Mistletoe Infestation in Lowland Black Spruce

Ella Gray, University of Minnesota

🗲🗲Avian responses to peatland forest management

Stephen Kolbe, UMD Natural Resources Research Institute

Practitioner panel on the Great Lakes Silviculture Library:

Northern Red Oak Shelterwood Mark Westphal, Carlton County Land Department

Vegetation response 30 years after initiating a two-step oak shelterwood in central mesic hardwoods

John Korzeniowski, MN DNR

Comparing regeneration results from fall and winter two-step oak shelterwood harvests

Troy Holcomb, MN DNR

Comparing Fall vs. Winter Shelterwood Harvests

Bob Kangas, Aitkin County Land Department

🗲🗲Trees and Shrubs Present in Unmanaged and Managed Oak Wilt Pockets

Brian Schwingle, Minnesota DNR

🗲🗲 Site-level Forest Management Guideline Monitoring: An evolving look at guideline implementation following timber harvesting in Minnesota

David Wilson, MN DNR- Forestry

🗲🗲Declining Quaking Aspen Health in Response to Drought and Fire

Alysha Brooks, Bemidji State University

2:25 pm Break and Poster Session B All lightning talks after lunch and Session B poster only presentations

3:00 pm Block 4:

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Northern Long-eared Bats in Minnesota Ron Moen, University of Minnesota Duluth

Fifteen years of managing for multi-aged, mixed-species red pine forests

Brian Palik, USDA Forest Service- Northern Research Station

The effect of season of prescribed fire on breeding bird and plant communities in Minnesota lowland brush ecosystems

Rebecca Montgomery, UMN Department of Forest Resources

4:05 pm Closing and adjourn Eli Sagor, UMN SFEC

🗲🗲 Denotes a lightning talk

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Poster presentations:

10:15 am Poster Session A:

Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change (ASCC) and Seedling Drought Responses

Jamie Mosel, UMN Department of Forest Resources

Alteration of habitat and food webs associated with failing culverts in northern forest streams

Sue Eggert, USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station

Applications of historical ecology to red pine silviculture

Lane Johnson, UMN Cloquet Forestry Center

Conserving Minnesota's Forest Birds of Management Concern

Ryan Steiner, UMD Natural Resources Research Institute

Forest Inventory Contributions to Monitoring Biodiversity

Mark Nelson, US Forest Service- Northern Research Station

2:25 pm Poster Session B:

Impact of Diplodia Shoot Blight on Understory Red Pine

Eric Otto, MN DNR

What’s Alive? Understanding the relationship between eastern larch beetle damage and tamarack regeneration

Mike Reinikainen, MN DNR

Where Will the Ash Wood Go? Gaining Forest Industry Perspectives on the Use of Ash Wood in Anticipation of Emerald Ash Borer

Libbie Ring, University of Minnesota

Wild Blueberries and Forest Management Strategies

Sara de Sobrino, University of Minnesota

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WELCOME AND OVERVIEW

Welcome to SFEC’s 2020 Forestry and Wildlife Research Review!

Innovation at a large scale requires experimentation, learning, and exchange. That’s what the Research Review is about.

Each year the Research Review brings together a diverse group of natural resource professionals for updates on research relevant to your work. The presentations, questions, and discussion from wildlife managers, foresters, ecologists, water resource specialists, outreach professionals, students, and others bring us all up to speed on new developments and how they can inform our work on the ground.

We hope you’ll consider the presentations the start of a conversation, not the last word. I encourage you to engage with researchers to help them understand what you see as gaps or opportunities to improve future work. While there is not much time for Q&A during the presentation sessions, we have designed the event with conversation in mind. The generous breaks and poster room layouts are intended to create opportunities to ask questions of presenters and peers, challenge what you’ve heard, and explore ways to improve the resource conservation and management work that you do every day.

We’ve made a few changes to this year’s Research Review: For the first time, you’ll hear from four foresters who have published the results of their on-the-job experimentation on the Great Lakes Silviculture Library. We’ve also welcomed more posters than ever before, filling not only the Stine Room, but the Classroom as well. I hope you’ll let us know how you feel about these changes, as well as ideas to improve the event.

This year you may also notice someone missing. Madison Rodman has recently moved on to a new position as coastal resilience educator with the University of Minnesota Sea Grant in Duluth. We already miss Madison and wish her well in her new role. Messages previously directed to her should now go to sfec@umn.edu. We plan to fill the SFEC program coordinator role as soon as possible.

I’m glad you joined us and hope you enjoy the day!

-Eli Sagor

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BLOCK 1

Monitoring tick and mosquito diversity, phenology, and infection prevalence in Minnesota’s forests

Jenna Bjork Minnesota Department of Health Vectorborne Diseases Unit Jenna.Bjork@state.mn.us, 651-201-5803

Over the last 30 years, the risk of tick and mosquito bites has evolved in Minnesota. Once thought to be just annoying pests, now thousands of Minnesotans each year are reminded that just one bite can make you sick. Of particular interest, the blacklegged tick (also known as the deer tick) causes the most tickborne illness in Minnesota compared to any other tick or mosquito species. It has the potential to spread six different diseases in the Upper Midwest including Lyme disease (caused by two bacteria), anaplasmosis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis (Erhlichia muris eauclairensis), hard tick relapsing fever, and Powassan virus encephalitis. As its distribution range has emerged into new areas and become more common in other areas, this tick has become a significant disease threat to people living around, working in, and enjoying the great outdoors (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Distribution of Reported Blacklegged Tick Populations in Minnesota, 1996-2019.

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) tick field studies have revealed a few noteworthy findings for consideration. First, tick activity from year to year is weather-dependent but fairly predictable. Adult blacklegged tick and American dog tick activity peaks in early June while adult blacklegged ticks have another smaller peak

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of activity again in mid-October. Blacklegged tick nymphs are active from mid-May through August with the highest activity seen in June. Second, blacklegged ticks are commonly infected with a disease agent. On average, 1 in 3 adults and 1 in 5 nymphs is infected with Lyme disease bacteria. Other disease agents are found at much lower infection prevalence (range, 1-8%). Lastly, MDH tick surveillance efforts have been essential for detecting tick species that are expanding northward from southern states, such as the lone star tick, as well as invasive tick species that have been introduced from abroad, such as the Asian longhorned tick.

In addition, disease threats from mosquitoes have also changed over time and space. Some exotic mosquitoes have been introduced to our state while exotic diseases like West Nile virus disease have become established among native mosquitoes. After the global outbreak of Zika virus in 2016, enhanced mosquito monitoring by MDH and close collaboration with the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District have confirmed the lack of established populations of either responsible mosquito species here in Minnesota. However, monitoring sites located throughout the state have revealed other important findings. For instance, the majority of mosquitoes collected have been identified as pest mosquitoes, as expected, yet mosquito species that spread endemic diseases such as West Nile virus, La Crosse virus, and Jamestown Canyon virus were frequently collected across the state. This recent statewide mosquito survey also captured low numbers of the Japanese rock pool mosquito, an invasive species with potential to spread several diseases, that is rapidly becoming established across the state since first being found in Minnesota in 2007.

In the past several years, MDH has collaborated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Midwest Center of Excellence for Vectorborne Disease to study the diversity, phenology, and infection prevalence of ticks and mosquitoes found in Minnesota. Knowing which vector species are present within the state, when they are most active, and the risk of disease transmission is important for natural resource managers to appreciate when keeping their staff and visitors healthy and happy. Since no vaccines are currently available to prevent vectorborne diseases found in Minnesota, prevention methods primarily rely on personal protective measures such as daily tick checks and use of EPA-registered bug repellent, like DEET or permethrin. Land management techniques should also be considered to reduce the risk of staff and visitors encountering ticks and mosquitoes. For instance, MDH recommends maintaining wide trails that are mowed frequently, installing full-length mirrors in restrooms, and endorsing permethrin-treated clothing as a safe and

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effective way to prevent bug bites. To share this information broadly with your staff and agency:

•Visit www.health.state.mn.us/ticks to check out our assortment of fact sheets, posters, slide shows, and videos, including “5 Steps to Fewer Tick Bites at Your Park”.

•Call the Vectorborne Diseases Unit at 651-201-5414 or email health.bugbites@state.mn.us to request tick ID cards, brochures, educational tick specimens, a tick submission kit, or to schedule an in-person presentation for your staff

•Mail any suspicious-looking ticks to MDH for identification services using the simple form and instructions found here: www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/tickborne/ticksubform.pdf.

Additional author names and affiliations: David Neitzel and Molly Peterson, Minnesota Department of Health

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🗲🗲Changes in bat call abundance pre- and post white-nose syndrome using mobile acoustic surveys in Minnesota

Melissa Boman MN Dept. of Natural Resources, Minnesota Biological Survey melissa.boman@state.mn.us, 651-259-5159

White-nose Syndrome (WNS) has spread rapidly since initial detection in 2006, causing large population declines in many hibernating bat species across eastern North America. Monitoring bats at local scales is essential to understanding range-wide population changes. Annual bat acoustic monitoring routes were established by state and federal agencies to track species trends pre- and post WNS. Twenty mobile aoustic routes were conducted one to three times each year (mean=28.48 mi, range=18.95-33.95 mi; Figure 1). Ultrasonic acoustic detectors used were Titley Anabat II and Anabat SD2 (13 routes, zero-cross), Binary Acoustics AR125 (7 routes, full spectrum). Call files were manually vetted to species by Boman (MNDNR) and Kevin Murray (West, Inc.). Call files not identifiable to species were grouped by frequency (high, low) or by species with overlapping call parameters. Data presented here summarize the mobile call data collected since 2010.

During 2010-2019 381 routes were surveyed acoustically covering 10,990 miles. We recorded and manually vetted 21,256 bat calls during this time period. Trends observed in bat call abundance include: The sum of all species showed an increase in call abundance up to a peak in 2015 (2.85 calls/mi.), declining 54% by 2019 (1.30 calls/mi; Figure 2).

Myotis spp. call abundance varied temporally, peaking in 2015 (0.38 calls/mi.) and declining by 84% by 2019 (0.06 calls/mi.). The decrease in call abundance in northeastern Minnesota closely followed the decrease in annual count totals at a local hibernaculum (Soudan Undergound Mine; Figure 3).

Lasiurus spp. call abundance declined 78% statewide after 2014. While not affected by WNS, recent studies have shown significant declines in the pacific northwest. Fatalities at wind turbines may be a significant threat to migratory species, especially Hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus). Since 2010, wind energy megawatt production in the Midwestern Bat Working Group states (AR, IL, IN, IA, KY, MI, MN, MO, OH, WI) has increased 167%, displaying an inverse trend with Lasiurus call abundance (Figure 4).

In response to the decline of WNS-affected bat populations, forest management guidelines have been developed to protect and enhance habitat for these bat species. Emerging evidence of migratory species declines calls for further

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investigation into negative impacts of wind energy on migrating populations and emphasizes the importance of including these species in plans for managing forest habitat.

Additional author names and affiliations: Andrew Herberg, MNDNR Nongame; Timothy Catton, USFS Superior; Gerda Nordquist, MNDNR MBS; Nancy Dietz and Brian Dirks, MNDNR Nongame; Devona Berndt, USFS Chippewa

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Influence of forest structure, composition, and management on snowshoe hare habitat selection

Tanya Roerick Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe tanya.roerick@llojibwe.org, 218-335-7428

Historically, snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) populations demonstrated cyclic population lows and highs, but more recently the snowshoe hare population has remained low on the Leech Lake Reservation and surrounding areas. Reasons for this decline is unknown, although changes in forest structure and composition appear to be the most likely causes. Snowshoe hares are generally found in mature forests or regeneration areas that contain dense horizontal cover, which provide forage and protection from predators. These areas are lacking throughout the forest as extensive harvest practices have left little structure and site prep and regeneration of conifers in plantations have resulted in less habitat. In 2016 we began a study to investigate snowshoe hare habitat selection and abundance in response to forest structure and composition. We collared and tracked snowshoe hares, collected data on habitat characteristics, and conducted pellet plots and track surveys. Snowshoe hare selected areas of dense cover where forage is available and there is protection from predators. Further, our results indicate snowshoe hare use areas of high visual cover disproportionately to what is available in their habitat. Visual cover from 100-150cm above the ground was positively correlated with snowshoe hare habitat use and higher pellet densities. Results from this study are guiding future forest management practices to enhance snowshoe hare habitat.

Additional author names and affiliations: Paul Kapfer, LLBO; Steve Mortensen, LLBO

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🗲🗲Minnesota fisher den box project update

Michael Joyce UMD/NRRI joyc0073@d.umn.edu, 218-788-2656

Fishers are mid-sized carnivores that live in the forested region of northern and north-central Minnesota. Minnesota DNR data show that the fisher population has declined by 50% over the last 20 years. Female fishers raise their kits in cavities in large-diameter trees and snags. Consequently, tree cavities are a critically important habitat resource for fishers that promote reproduction and population recruitment. Large cavity-bearing trees and snags are relatively scarce in managed landscapes and could be a limiting resource that contributed to the fisher population decline in Minnesota. Artificial den boxes could provide habitat for female fishers where natural cavities are rare, but little is known about the factors influencing use of den boxes by fishers. We initiated a pilot study in 2019 for which we installed 12 fisher den boxes, and this past year we started a larger project aimed at evaluating artificial den boxes as a habitat management tool for fishers in Minnesota. During fall 2019, we installed 80 fisher den boxes in Northern Minnesota and worked with partners to install an additional 26 boxes. Our main objectives are to: 1) evaluate factors influencing visitation and use of artificial den boxes by fishers and other wildlife species; 2) develop best management guidelines for using artificial den boxes as a fisher habitat management tool; and 3) evaluate whether den boxes could be used to determine whether cavity tree availability is limiting the fisher population in Minnesota. We will discuss den box design, monitoring methods, and results from our pilot study.

Additional author names and affiliations: Ron Moen (UMD/NRRI) & John Erb (Minnesota DNR)

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Predicting availability of Wood Duck nesting habitat in the forests of north-central Minnesota

Edmund Zlonis MNDNR FAW edmund.zlonis@state.mn.us, 218-308-2285

Large secondary cavity-nesting birds such as waterfowl and raptors rely on tree cavities developed principally through decay and damage processes or excavation by woodpeckers. Forest and wildlife managers are tasked with maintaining and producing these essential habitat components through forest management practices. Predicting where cavities have developed based on commonly collected forest-inventory data would aid in the conservation of important bird species. Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa) are a common and well-studied example, though until recently, population-management efforts have primarily focused on installing artificial nesting structures as opposed to influencing forest-management decisions. We measured and inspected 7,869 trees and 1,186 potential cavities in forests of north-central Minnesota during 2016-2018 to determine their suitability for use by nesting Wood Ducks. Two hundred and twenty-three cavities (19%) were classified as suitable. We fitted logistic regression models using tree- and stand-level forest attributes to predict the probability of an individual tree having at least one suitable cavity. The top model predicted well whether trees had suitable cavities (AUC = 0.85 [95% CI; 0.82-0.87]) and had an additive relationship among DBH, health status, and species (Figure 1). For every one-cm increase in DBH, the odds that a given tree would have a suitable cavity increased by 7% (95% CI; 6-9%). Dead and declining trees were more likely to have suitable cavities than healthy trees, with 834% (483-1420%) and 477% (276-807%) higher odds, respectively. In a comparison of seven common deciduous species with cavities, sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and American basswood (Tilia americana) were most likely to have developed cavities. These results can be applied to existing forest-inventory datasets to predict the availability of suitable cavities in the landscape and to maximize conservation benefits for Wood Ducks and other large-bodied secondary cavity-nesting species.

Additional author names and affiliations: James Berdeen, MNDNR FAW; Mark Nelson US Forest Service Northern Research Station

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Figure 1 Figure 2 Effect of DBH, health status and tree species on the probability that trees will have a suitable cavity for nesting by Wood Ducks from the top-selected model [P(suitable cavity) = DBH + Status + Species]. 95% confidence limits are indicated in shaded areas. Dashed lines indicate the mean DBH for each species.

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🗲🗲Assessing watershed conditions using FIA and land cover data to monitor cold water fish within Great Lakes basins.

Patrick Landisch University of Minnesota land0397@umn.edu, 1-414-418-8345

Landscape characteristics of watersheds can be important determinants of water quality and consequently fish ecology. We investigated patterns of coldwater stream fish distribution and spatiotemporal distribution of landscape characteristics across all US watersheds within Great Lakes basins. Land cover attributes were obtained from the NLCD, a tree canopy cover dataset, and Landsat time series-based forest canopy disturbance data. Attributes of land use were obtained from the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) database. We assess temporal and spatial patterns of these attributes across Great Lakes basins, comparing areas inside vs. outside riparian buffers, in watersheds at different scales. Variable width riparian buffers were mapped using the Riparian Buffer Delineation Model. At a fine-scale, we examined patterns within Minnesota’s portion of Lake Superior’s basin from 1984 to 2015 across 346 HUC 12 watersheds. Overall, lands in these watersheds are 83% forested and >17% have experienced disturbance at least once during 1984–2015. Disturbance agents analyzed include conversion, fire, flood, harvest, wind, and other. At a broad-scale, the entire Great Lakes basin is comprised of land uses of agriculture/range/undeveloped (35%), developed (15%), forest (48%), and open water (3%). Composition varied among five Great Lakes basins: 8-52% agricultural, 5-26% developed, 20-84% forested, and 1-4% water, excluding the lakes themselves. We present models and results for predicting brook trout distribution and abundance and use these predictions to prioritize watersheds where restoration may be most effective.

Additional author names and affiliations: Dr. William Severud University of Minnesota, Dr. Mark Nelson U.S. Forest Service , Dr. Jody Vogeler Colorado State University , Dr. Joe Knight University of Minnesota

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BLOCK 2

Diving into Lake States Forest Dynamics with FIA Data

Alan R. Ek Dept of Forest Resources, Univ. of Minnesota aek@umn.edu, 612-810-3237

Remeasurements of USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) plots for MN, WI and Michigan from 1998-2017 and earlier provide thousands of records of stand growth and yield trajectories, age class development and forest type change. This presentation takes a graphic look at these dynamics and suggests findings important to ecology, silviculture, habitat management and especially long term forest planning. Especially noteworthy are results for aspen, red pine and white pine: some stands are extremely productive, conversely a large number appear to have very low or slow growth suggesting little or no management and/or a history of disturbance. Also, while some individual trees can live to old ages, very few stands survive to advanced ages. Supporting figures will be provided. The figure below for aspen is illustrative of several stand development and growth patterns common across forest types in Minnesota.

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Note the short lines typically represent a 5 year growth period (two measurements) on a plot, longer lines may represent two growth periods (three measurements). Line colors are indicative of site indices per the legend on the right. The blue line is an approximate mean of the data.

Additional author names and affiliations: David C. Wilson, MN DNR Division of Forestry

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🗲🗲Online web application for assessing timber resources of the Great Lakes region

Paul Klockow University of Minnesota - Department of Forest Resources pklockow@umn.edu

Forest managers, policymakers, and stakeholders require detailed information about their land base in order to make sound decisions for effectively managing and perpetuating healthy resources. The national forest inventory of the U.S., the U.S. Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program, provides a spatially- and temporally-rich dataset for understanding forest resources. To the uninitiated, accessing and summarizing this rich dataset can be challenging and likely limits its use by local and regional stakeholders. The Interagency Information Cooperative (IIC) is a state-mandated organization for curating and developing forest resource data and is well-positioned to create and disseminate interactive tools for stakeholders to assess such forest resource data. Making use of the publicly-available FIA data, we developed a web application permitting users to interactively explore and assess timber resources throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. The application contains multiple, interactive spatial maps each summarizing timber resources including timberland area, merchantable volume, growth/removals, and mortality with adjustable spatial and temporal filters. Moreover, users can examine these same resources by hardwood or softwood species groups and different land ownerships. This interactive tool can be utilized by managers, planners, policymakers, and other stakeholders for forest planning, assessing resource dynamics, and ultimately informing decisions about future wood-industry investment, resource management, and policy actions. This specific tool represents a first version with the goal of continually updating and improving the interface to provide the most useful information to forest resource stakeholders. Additionally, other web applications are being considered in order to expand beyond timber resources.

Additional author names and affiliations: Chris Edgar, University of Minnesota - Department of Forest Resources, Ryan Toot U.S. Forest Service - Northern Research Station

Figure 1. Homepage of Upper Great Lakes Timber Inventory web-based application. This page gives a brief description of the web-based tool and its intended uses. Ultimately, a more in-depth and comprehensive description of the tool and case studies will be published in a University of Minnesota, Department of Forest Resources staff paper which will be linked to this homepage.

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Figure 2. Screenshot of net sawlog volume estimates page from the Upper Great Lakes Timber Inventory app. This screenshot shows the general interactive layout which is common to all pages in the application. The main screen space contains the spatial extent of timber resources estimates (i.e., green shading) across the Upper Great Lakes states, in this case net sawlog volume in 2018 within a 50 mile radius of each hexagon center point across all ownerships. Filters are located on the right-hand side of the screen. Hovering the mouse pointer over a hexagon shows the estimate associated with that hexagon center point and chosen filters. Single or multiple hexagons can be chosen and values across those locations are then displayed as well.

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🗲🗲Using forest structural attributes to project wildlife habitat suitability: an application of SilviaTerra Basemap

Brian Clough SilviaTerra brian@silviaterra.com, 609-480-7952

SilviaTerra Basemap is a wall-to-wall forest inventory, based on regional FIA data, that allows for detailed information on species and size distribution of overstory trees to be computed at the pixel level. Such data products offer significant opportunity to support local and statewide wildlife management efforts in Minnesota. This presentation will demonstrate the potential of this information to develop maps of current and future wildlife habitat suitability, with a focus on how it can be linked to other datasets in order to assess the quality of these layers.

Additional author names and affiliations: Henry Rodman, SilviaTerra

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Rapid Assessment of Forest Wildlife Habitat using Traditional Forest Inventories.

John Zobel University of Minnesota jzobel@umn.edu, 612-624-7281

As an outcome of the Minnesota Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) in the 1990s, a wildlife habitat model was developed and applied that linked traditional forest inventory variables with wildlife habitat preferences. Recent updates to the model led to the creation of the Wildlife Habitat Indicator for Native Genera and Species (WHINGS) program. This tool allows forest and wildlife practitioners to rapidly assess the impacts of past or proposed forest management on habitat quality and abundance for up to 172 native, forest dependent wildlife species. This talk will demonstrate the model through an analysis of habitat change over the last four decades in Minnesota using Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data.

Additional author names and affiliations: Alan Ek (University of Minnesota)

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🗲🗲tidyFIA: an R package for interaction with Forest Inventory and Analysis data

Henry Rodman SilviaTerra henry@silviaterra.com

The USFS Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) dataset is a rich source of information about our forests. The dataset has extensive geographic and temporal coverage and can be used to explore many important aspects of forests in the United States. SilviaTerra is developing an R package that streamlines the process of obtaining and preparing the FIA dataset for analysis: tidyFIA. This talk will introduce the core functions of the tidyFIA package and demonstrate its use to support practical use and reproducible research with the FIA data.

To learn more about the package visit the project page on GitHub: https://github.com/SilviaTerra/tidyFIA

Additional author names and affiliations: Brian Clough, SilviaTerra

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🗲🗲Future adaptability of natural regeneration in red pine-dominated stands following experimental harvest

Lewis Wiechmann Iowa State University/Graduate Student Assistant wiechmlj@iastate.edu

The Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change (ASCC) Study installation at the Cutfoot Experimental Forest in the Chippewa National Forest (MN) was designed to test stand prescriptions for red-pine dominated forests intended to increase resistance (addressing short-term, low risks and maintain current conditions), increase resilience (addressing moderate risks, allowing some change with eventual return to reference conditions), and promote transition (addressing higher risk over the long-term by facilitating change) given anticipated future climatic conditions.

In addition to strategically planting species projected to respond well to future climate, the resistance, resilience, and transition treatments created structural conditions intended to increase future adaptability through natural regeneration using conventional free thinning, variable density thinning and variable retention harvest, respectively. We hypothesized that transition treatments would yield the highest adaptability scores in natural regeneration following harvest. To assess this we sampled naturally regenerated seedlings during the fifth growing season post-harvest (June-August, 2019). Measurements included basal diameter as well as height for all natural origin seedlings (>15 cm in height and <2.5 cm DBH). Then, we quantified the community weighted mean of future “adaptability” for natural regeneration across treatments using published species adaptability scores modeled from 9 biological and 12 disturbance life history traits. We then used analysis of variance to determine whether treatments have influenced the projected future adaptability of natural regeneration in harvested stands, relative to controls. Preliminary results indicate that adaptability significantly differs among treatments (F=5.412, p=0.033) with the transition treatment resulting in the highest mean adaptability score.

Additional author names and affiliations: Miranda T. Curzon (Iowa State University), Brian P. Palik (U.S. Forest Service, Northern Research Station)

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BLOCK 3

🗲🗲Location Matters: composition, structure, and growth of silver maple forests along the Upper Mississippi River

Daniel Nielsen University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, Department of Forest Resources niels667@umn.edu, 9522127058

The floodplain forests of the Upper Mississippi River (UMR) are a management priority because they provide numerous ecosystem services. However, UMR floodplain forests are an understudied ecosystem, resulting in a high level of uncertainty in how physical and biotic processes interact across time and space. The goal of our study was to understand the roles of inundation and climate in influencing patterns of forest composition and structure by 1) characterizing current stand conditions across gradients of inundation and climate, and 2) documenting growth patterns and their relationship to potential drivers of change such as inundation and climate. We selectively inventoried 7 silver maple and mixed silver maple stands located between UMR river miles 815 and 620 that spanned gradients of inundation frequency, duration, and magnitude. Within each stand, we collected standard forest inventory data and increment cores from all viable overstory trees, on 36 plots total. Forest composition and structure were more similar for plots comprising similar environmental conditions than it was for plots from the same stand. Plot-level species richness was negatively related to inundation frequency and duration. These results suggest that forest composition varies at finer spatial scales than those captured by current stand definitions because of within-stand environmental variability. We also found evidence that species’ growth patterns were divergent across sites, supporting the interpretation that local environmental conditions are important for shaping forests through time. Our findings imply natural resource managers will need to “rethink” management techniques on stand-level summaries and silvicultural prescriptions when developing management practices to meet goals and objectives.

Additional author names and affiliations: Marcella Windmuller-Campione, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, Department of Forest Resources; Molly Van Appledorn, USGS, Upper Midwest Environmental Science Center; Andrew Meier, USACE, St. Paul District; Randall Urich, USACE, St. Paul District

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🗲🗲Building Resiliency in Lowland Ash Forest Ecosystems

Colleen Matula Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Colleen.Matula@wi.gov, 715-685-2911

Overview Fraxinus nigra (black ash) wetland forests in the Upper Great Lakes are facing dramatic impacts. With the arrival of Emerald Ash Borer and stressors from climate change, forest managers are faced with the challenges of managing this forested ecosystem. Developing adaptive management is difficult with the limited information on the ecology and management in black ash forests. Although historically a low economic value species in Wisconsin, black ash forests provide many ecosystem benefits to rare species, hydrology and water quality. Recently a proposal was funded by Great Lake Restoration Initiative (GLRI) to develop strategies in maintaining resilience in black ash wetland forests in the Lake Superior basin. This project addresses ways to mitigate losses and maintain forest cover and hydrologic function after these impacts.

Status and threats to Black Ash wetland forests Black ash wetland forests are complex and exist in a wide range of biophysical settings. They exist in large isolated wetlands, drain-ways along streams, and small isolated pockets. The forests cover over 700,000 acres in Wisconsin. Important features include hydrology and nutrient cycling affecting regeneration dynamics and composition. Considering these features, climate change models have predicted changes in black ash forests in hydrology, diversity and regeneration over time.

Assessing Site Factors Understanding the site and stand features is key to developing a management strategy. One tool used to assess productivity and quality is the Wetland Forest Habitat Type Classification System. Since black ash wetland forests are complex, several habitat types exist across the northern portion of Wisconsin. Other factors to assess are hydrological risk, soils and landform, operability and regeneration status. Before managing any black ash forest, a complete stand assessment including these criteria are important in understanding these sites.

Management trials in black ash wetlands The importance of understanding black ash systems led to a series of adaptive silvicultural studies in the Upper Great Lakes. These studies helped in the developing recommendations for future management. However, because of the complexity of

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these forest system more studies are needed especially management trials to maintain and diversify non-ash regeneration.

In Minnesota, artificial regeneration trials were conducted to test a variety of non-ash species such as swamp white oak, balsam poplar, red maple and tamarack. Features such as hydrology and canopy manipulations were part of this study.

In Wisconsin, silviculture management trials were tracked over a twenty year period to understand the responses to various management regimes such as strip shelterwood, single tree selection, clear cutting and planting. Non-ash regeneration success was achieved by implementing strip shelterwood however, clear cutting altered the hydrology and swamping was documented. With these trials, we began to understand more about the site factors that are important to these sites.

GLRI Project Description In 2019, a proposal was funded by Great Lake Restoration Initiative (GLRI) to develop strategies in maintaining resilience in black ash wetland forests in the Lake Superior basin. Black ash sites were selected in 4 counties: Iron, Ashland, Douglas and Bayfield. During the 5 year period (2019- 2024), direct seeding and tree planting will occur on a total of 100 acres in both harvested and unharvested black ash wetland forests. The project will:

• Monitor the effectiveness of understory planting • Prepare sites for potential hydrological change • Increase species diversity • Increase ability to address threats from EAB and Climate Change

Regeneration Techniques Before implementing the regeneration techniques, we collected baseline data from each of the 10 sites. Data included basal area, crown cover, understory vegetation, wetland forest habitat type, soils, drainage features, and deer browse.

Direct seeding will be implemented on 10 acres of each site in the project during the winter of 2020. A seeding distribution strategy was developed to determine which species are suitable based on soils, hydrology, range, and other factors. Five tree species - tamarack, white birch, red maple, white pine and white cedar are seeded in 2 acres rows. Permanent plots will be established in each planted row. Seedling germination and survival will be monitored throughout the project.

Tree seedling planting will occur in the summer of 2020 on ten acres of each site. A planting strategy was developed to determine which species are suitable based on

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soils, hydrology, range, and other factors. Tree species such as tamarack, white birch, red maple, white pine, balsam poplar and white cedar are considered. Permanent plots will be established in each planted row. Seedling germination and survival will be monitored throughout the project.

Each year of the project, site factors will be monitored in addition to seedling survival. Hydrology, soils, understory vegetation, and deer browse, will be documented.

This project implements new approaches to maintaining forest structure and function in advance of EAB invasion and stress from climatic changes. It will also help understand these systems with the data that is collected. After the results are analyzed, a white paper of recommendations will be developed to help forest practitioners make informed decision when managing these forest systems and the challenges they present.

Tree planting White pine and white birtch seeding

White pine seeding

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Dwarf Mistletoe & Forest Management: What, Who, and How?

Marcella Windmuller-Campione Department of Forest Resources/University of Minnesota mwind@umn.edu, 847-772-5458

Charlie Blinn Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota cblinn@umn.edu, 612-624-3788

Black spruce (Picea mariana) forests provide numerous ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat for small mammals and birds, and forest products especially pulp; it is the second most harvested species for pulpwood in Minnesota. One of the most common disturbance agents in black spruce forests is eastern spruce dwarf mistletoe (ESDM)(Arceuthobrium pusillum), a native parasitic plant that forms witches brooms, reducing growth and eventually killing trees within 15-20 years of infection. The presence of ESDM has the potential to influence both how the stand is managed and the underlying stand structure and composition. The goal of this presentation is two-fold: first, assess foresters’ knowledge on ESDM; and second, to understand how ESDM influences stand structure and composition. Forest managers in Itasca, Koochiching and St. Louis counties responded that they were confident in their knowledge and their ability to identify ESDM and had guiding management documents or written policies for managing ESDM. Additionally, respondents noted the type of logging equipment and post-harvesting treatments can influence ESDM management. The level of ESDM in mature stands influences composition and structure. Stands with ESDM have lower densities of black spruce in the overstory and understory. However, ESDM increased overstory tree diversity and changed the diameter distribution. High levels of ESDM negatively impacted advance regeneration of black spruce. By pairing foresters’ knowledge and stand dynamics information on ESDM, we can better assess black spruce management practices in Minnesota.

Additional author names and affiliations: Sarah Roth (Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota), Stephanie Snyder (USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station), Raychel Skay (University of Minnesota), and Matthew Russell (University of Minnesota)

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🗲🗲Is Infestation Predictable? Risk Factors Associated with Eastern Dwarf Mistletoe Infestation in Lowland Black Spruce

Ella Gray UMN Department of Forest Resources grayx413@umn.edu, 612-598-8657

Black spruce (Picea mariana) is an important tree species in southern boreal forests, occupying a unique economic and ecological niche. In northeastern Minnesota, there are relatively few disturbance agents of black spruce, but eastern dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium pusillum Peck) is the most widespread and persistent. A native parasitic plant, eastern dwarf mistletoe infestations result in declines in growth and eventual mortality (within 15 – 20 years) in black spruce. Despite the long history of eastern dwarf mistletoe infestation in Minnesota, little is known about factors affecting stand susceptibility to this pest. To better inform forest management planning, an increased understanding of the risk factors and long-term effects of eastern dwarf mistletoe infestations is needed. In this study, we used random forests modeling and MNDNR’s Forest Stand Inventory data to assess potential environmental and stand structural characteristics that may serve as predictors of risk of infestation. Modeling results show proximity to infested stands, basal area, height of the main species, and stand age to be the most important variables in predicting eastern dwarf mistletoe occurrence. Future work should focus on identifying thresholds in these parameters to help assess forest management trade-offs and assist managers in developing silvicultural prescriptions to meet desired goals and objectives.

Additional author names and affiliations: Marcella Windmuller-Campione (UMN Department of Forest Resources), Matt Russell (UMN Department of Forest Resources)

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🗲🗲Avian responses to peatland forest management

Stephen Kolbe Natural Resources Research Institute at the University of Minnesota Duluth kolbe023@d.umn.edu, 218-788-2758

Peatland forests comprise three million acres in Minnesota but are vastly understudied due to their remote locations and difficult accessibility. In an effort to understand the effects of management of these forests, we established a network of 48 research sites throughout northern Minnesota in which we study three cover types - productive black spruce, stagnant black spruce, and tamarack - across four age classes. Unsurprisingly, wildlife responses to active management of peatland forests are poorly understood. In an effort to describe the avian communities in this ecosystem we conducted multiple point count surveys throughout the summer breeding season. These surveys documented the unique and diverse communities that inhabit peatland forests and how these communities markedly change with management. Additionally, in a small subset of sites we studied the nesting behavior and post-fledging movements of two species of Greatest Conservation Need - boreal chickadee and Connecticut warbler. The post-fledging period is a vulnerable time in a bird’s life and a major knowledge gap in our understanding of how birds use forested landscapes. The combination of region-wide and site-specific data will provide land managers with foundational information as well as novel insights and recommendations that can be used to understand wildlife responses to peatland forests management throughout the state.

Additional author names and affiliations: Dr. Alexis Grinde - NRRI, Josh Bednar - NRRI, Dr. Marcella Windmuller-Campione - Dept. of Forest Resources, UMN, Dr. Robert Slesak - MN Forest Resources Council

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Practitioner panel on the Great Lakes Silviculture Library

🗲🗲Northern Red Oak Shelterwood (Carlton County)

Mark Westphal Carlton County Land Department Mark.Westphal@co.carlton.mn.us, 218-384-4288

Read the full case study at z.umn.edu/RR20westphal

The management goals of this prescription are to maintain and increase the extent of northern red oak covertype while improving the quality of the stands by regenerating seedlings that have the opportunity to be managed and a greater potential to grow into higher quality specimens. The plan is to achieve this using a shelterwood system. This treatment area is part of a large block of Carlton County managed land. The first stage of the treatment began in 2013 and, as of 2018, is still awaiting the final harvest.

Overall the treatment is trending towards the original objective of naturally regenerating the stand. In this region, the red oak resource tends to be undermanaged, underutilized, and of advanced age. That being said, Carlton County has sites that seem capable of growing quality red oak when they are managed. The lack of management has led most of these red oak stands along a path where they are being replaced by tolerant species such as sugar maple and basswood. Managing aged red oak stands for regeneration will not only provide ecological benefits (mast, large future cavity trees, and/or diversity) but diversified economic benefits in the future as well.

Additional author names and affiliations: Lydia Voth, Vanessa Zachman, and Lane Moser, University of Minnesota.

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🗲🗲Vegetation response 30 years after initiating a two-step oak shelterwood in central mesic hardwoods (MN DNR)

John Korzeniowski, MN DNR john.korzeniowski@state.mn.us, 320-616-2450 x233

Read the full case study at z.umn.edu/RR20korz

This case study describes a shelterwood prescription implemented between 1987 and 1999 including a series of pre- and post- harvest treatments that resulted in a mixed hardwood stand where northern red oak is the most abundant species 30 years after harvest. The 10 acre site was broadcast sprayed with herbicide the growing season prior to harvest. The establishment cut was carried out leaving 60% crown cover and was followed by an underplanting of red oak at 600 trees per acre. 12 years after harvest, the overwood was removed. Stump sprouts were thinned shortly after that. 30 years after the establishment cut, red oak of seedling, seed, and stump origin dominate the mix of hardwoods on site, followed closely by aspen and sugar maple. This treatment was inspired by oak regeneration research completed in Missouri by the USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station.

The objective was to conduct a two-step shelterwood harvest that would maintain a significant oak presence in a future mixed hardwood stand. Maintaining and increasing the oak cover-type and oak as a component of other cover-types is often an objective identified in MNDNR Section Forest Resource Management Plans.

This treatment plan shows that successful oak regeneration is possible in central mesic hardwood forests if you are willing to manage both the overstory trees and the mid and understory trees. Historically, periodic surface fires would have managed the mid and understories of MHc36 forests, or in the case of this particular site, perhaps

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livestock grazing or woodlot use served that role. Without the occasional managing of the lower vegetation layers, getting oak to regenerate could prove difficult in central mesic hardwood communities.

Additional author names and affiliations: Michelle Martin, MN DNR

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🗲🗲Comparing regeneration results from fall and winter two-step oak shelterwood harvests (MN DNR)

Matt Huseby (presented by Troy Holcomb) MN DNR matt.huseby@state.mn.us, troy.holcomb@state.mn.us, (218) 697-2476

Read the full case study at z.umn.edu/RR20holcomb

This case study describes regeneration results from adjacent two step oak shelterwood timber harvests. Both of these sites have similar soil types, pre-harvest overstory and understory conditions, and Native Plant Communities (NPC’s). The variability in these sites lies in the season of harvest and degree of soil scarification during harvest. Stand 1 (MN CSA stand ID: t05026w1170193) was harvested when factors for oak regeneration were very favorable. A fall shelterwood establishment cut occured during a good oak seed year, and a full tree harvest system resulted in excellent ground scarification. These factors resulted in a large catch of oak regenerants the following year. Stand 2 (MN CSA stand ID: t05026w1170204) had less favorable conditions for oak regeneration. Due to consecutive wet summers and falls the stand was winter harvested which resulted in less ground scarification than occurred on Stand 2.

The oak cover type found on state lands in Aitkin County is heavily skewed to an age class of 80-110 years. The forest management plans that cover these stands calls for a normal rotation age of 80 years with a maximum rotation age of 120 years. As the state starts to look to regenerate oak on these sites I am hoping to help define how specific the State must be on our timber sale specifications, in regard to harvest timing and degree of soil scarification, to ensure an adequate chance of regenerating oak.

The objective was to conduct a two-step shelterwood harvest that would increase oak presence in a future mixed hardwood stand. Maintaining and increasing the oak

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cover-type and oak as a component of other cover-types is often an objective identified in MNDNR Section Forest Resource Management Plans (SFRMP).

Based on what we see from these two stands, if we wish to maintain or increase oak on MHn35 sites, timing and method of harvesting is critical. Some possible solutions may be to require late summer/fall harvest for the initial shelterwood cut, and increase the permit length from 3 years to 5 years. This would increase the chance of encountering an acceptable fall harvest opportunity. If a winter harvest is the only option, piling slash throughout the site could make site prep or planting operations more feasible. Alternatively, prescribed understory burning pre-harvest could be used to decrease advanced regeneration of shade tolerant species. In future oak shelterwoods, increasing retention during the establishment cut to a basal area of 50 square feet per acre might help reduce the amount of aspen suckering post-harvest by increasing shade.

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🗲🗲Comparing Fall vs. Winter Shelterwood Harvests (Aitkin County)

Bob Kangas Aitkin County Land Department (retired) Mark.Westphal@co.carlton.mn.us, 218-384-4288

Read the full case study at https://z.umn.edu/RR20kangas

This project compares two northern hardwood shelterwood harvests that were logged the same year but with different variables: Fall harvest vs. winter harvest; and loamy fine sand vs. fine sandy loam

The silvicultural objective was to take two northern hardwood stands dominated by maple and birch and covert them to red oak, basswood, and birch stands through a two-step shelterwood prescription. Stands were harvested retaining between 35-49 sq. ft. of residual basal area. This strategy was used to regenerate the stands to mid-tolerant and somewhat intolerant species such as oak, basswood, paper birch and yellow birch under a uniform shelterwood system. Trees were selected for retention during the establishment (first) harvest to retain the best quality, biggest diameter, and preferred species (e.g. oak, birch, and basswood). Regeneration was then released by overstory removal when it reached the desired size and stocking. This effectively converted the stands to a more desirable forest type comprised of the species reserved from harvest. Retention of snags, den trees, and reserve patches will enhance wildlife habitat. Applying BMPs protected water resources potentially impacted by harvest operations.

In summary, both silvicultural prescriptions were a success. Site 1 had better regeneration because of a combination of fall logging and lighter soils. In 2017, Oak and birch had significant height advantage over maple. The height difference was more pronounced in Site 1 on the loamy fine sand. Winter harvest can produce adequate oak and birch regeneration given a good acorn and seed crop. Shelterwood harvests are an effective method to regenerate oak and birch under a variety of scenarios.

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Site 1 (loamy fine sand)

First harvest Fall 2008

Final harvest Winter 2016-17

Logging conditions 2008

Dry, fall harvest

Logging system Full tree

Acorn crop Excellent in 2008

Site 2 (fine sandy loam)

First harvest Winter 2008-09

Final harvest Winter 2016-17

Logging conditions 2008

Snow covered but not frozen

Logging system Conventional in 2008-09

Acorn crop Excellent in 2008

Additional author names and affiliations: Lydia Voth, Vanessa Zachman, and Lane Moser, University of Minnesota

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🗲🗲Trees and Shrubs Present in Unmanaged and Managed Oak Wilt Pockets

Brian Schwingle Minnesota DNR brian.schwingle@sate.mn.us, 651-259-5821

Oak wilt is caused by the non-native fungus Bretziella fagacearum. It has been present in Minnesota for at least 75 years. Despite its duration in Minnesota, the long-term ecological impact of oak wilt has not been studied here, or even in the Lake States. Many land owners and managers choose not to manage oak wilt across the landscape. To understand what the impacts could be of not managing oak wilt, a pilot study was carried out in summer 2019 in the Anoka Sand Plain on eleven state-managed stands with, or formerly with, oak wilt. Six of these stands were clearcuts and five were unmanaged, mature forests. In all eleven stands, seedlings, saplings, and trees were identified in a plot in the middle of a current or former oak wilt pocket. A second control plot was evaluated in an area of each of the 11 stands that was not currently or formerly affected by oak wilt. Results potentially will show how clearcutting oak wilt pockets, relative to not managing them, impacts future species composition of forests. These results may enable land managers to predict if clearcutting or no management will achieve their vegetation goals in the presence of oak wilt.

Additional author names and affiliations: Rachael Nicoll, Megan O'Neil, Eric Otto

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🗲🗲Site-level Forest Management Guideline Monitoring: An evolving look at guideline implementation following timber harvesting in Minnesota

David Wilson Minnesota Department of Natural Resources – Forestry David.C.Wilson@state.mn.us, 218-322-2528

The Sustainable Forest Resources Act of 1995 (SFRA) established the Minnesota Forest Resources Council (MFRC) and codified monitoring and reporting on the implementation of Voluntary Site-level Forest Management Guidelines. MFRC developed and published the first version of these guidelines in 1999, and has provided occasional updates and additions in the years since. These guidelines are wide-ranging, but generally focus on issues related to:

• Forest soils, • Biotic legacies for forest regeneration and wildlife habitat, • Coarse woody debris retention and biomass utilization, • Road and skid trail management, and • Water quality via:

o Filter strip implementation, o Riparian management zones, and o Minimizing wetland impacts.

Although monitoring of Best Management Practice (BMP) implementation has been conducted across all ownerships by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry (MnDNR - Forestry), and periodic reports have been published by MFRC since 2000, comparison of implementation levels (and more detailed site-level results) over time and across landscapes and watersheds has been difficult. Recent changes to the Guideline Monitoring Program (GMP) begin to address these difficulties. David will present on his experience working with the GMP and recent work to enable temporal and geographic comparisons of guideline implementation (Figure 1).

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Figure 1. Filter strip implementation (2014-2018). Of 7,906 filter strips monitored across 434 sites, 387 (4.9%) had an identified problem, and only 5 (0.06%) resulted in sediment delivery to surface water.

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🗲🗲Declining Quaking Aspen Health in Response to Drought and Fire

Alysha Brooks Graduate Program in Environmental Studies, Center for Sustainability Studies, Bemidji State University Alysha.Brooks@live.bemidjistate.edu,

Minnesota’s forest products industry is potentially threatened by projected regional climate change with warmer mean temperatures and greater frequency and intensity of extreme events including droughts. Strong declines in our forests are likely for one of Minnesota’s most important species, quaking aspen. Colorado has recently experienced Sudden Aspen Decline (SAD), caused by changing environmental conditions including shifts in the timing of precipitation, pests, and diseases leading to greater plant stress and ultimately higher mortality in aspen. This research explored the impacts of potentially similar SAD events in Minnesota by measuring short-term physiological changes in aspen seedlings and saplings and increment borers to examine the long-term response of adult aspen growth and health to climate change. We investigated how laboratory simulations of drought stress affect carbon assimilation rates and water use efficiency using three aspen treatments (pre-drought, drought-stricken, and post-drought). In the physiology field study, 38 individual aspen saplings were sampled to better quantify differences in quaking aspen responses to changes in environmental conditions. In the dendrochronology field study, increment borers were used to extract approximately 180 aspen tree core samples from both healthy and unhealthy trees, including trees that survived recent fires. The tree cores were compared with existing regional long-term climate data to quantify interannual patterns of tree growth for currently healthy and unhealthy adult aspen trees. By understanding the physiological response of aspen to likely future regional climate change, forest managers can make better science-based decisions leading to greater resilience of Minnesota’s most valuable forest resource.

Additional author names and affiliations: Rick Devorak, Center for Sustainability Studies, Bemidji State University Cole Schultz, Center for Sustainability Studies, Bemidji State University Luke Rambow, Center for Sustainability Studies, Bemidji State University WIlliam Sea, Center for Sustainability Studies, Bemidji State University

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BLOCK 4

Northern Long-eared Bats in Minnesota

Ron Moen University of Minnesota Duluth rmoen@d.umn.edu, 218-788-2610

The northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) is listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act, largely due to the reduction of bap populations by white-nose syndroms. The MN DNR confirmed WNS in Minnesota in 2016. The threat of WNS led to a research project in Minnesota funded by the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. In this research project we used acoustic detectors to listen for bats, and we used mist-nets to capture bats. Acoustic detectors were deployed for 5 to 7 days. About 313,000 bat call files were recorded at 303 locations. We detected the northern long-eared bat throughout the forested portion of Minnesota, although the closely-related little brown bat was the most common bat species detected. Proportionately more northern long-eared bats were captured in mist-nets than were heard with acoustic detectors. We captured 1,202 bats with mist-nets at 150 sites in 26 counties from 2015 to 2017. The most common species captured were the little brown bat and the big brown bat. The first lactating bats were captured on June 13th, and the latest we captured pregnant bats was July 21st. Juveniles were first captured in late June. We attached transmitters to 89 female northern long-eared bats and found 238 day roost locations. The average number of female northern long-eared bats in a roost tree was 15, with a range of 1 to 79 bats. The female northern long-eared bats that were tracked to roosts in trees spent an average of 1.3 days in each roost tree. Female northern long-eared bats roosted in 27 different tree species. Almost all of the roost trees were in upland forests. In northern Minnesota, aspen (Populus tremuloides) was the species most commonly used as a roost tree. In central Minnesota, maple (Acer spp.) and aspen trees were most commonly used, and in southern Minnesota, oak trees (Quercus spp.) were most commonly used as roosts. About 90% of roosts were in deciduous tree species, and 10% of roosts were in conifer tree species. Roost trees were more decayed and larger in diameter than available trees. About 85% of roost trees had canopy coverage > 80%. Northern long-eared bats usually roosted in cavities and crevices of trees, although some roosts were under loose bark or where branches had broken off. In general, our findings for northern long-eared bat mist-netting and roost tree use were consistent with findings reported elsewhere, but there are Minnesota-specific outcomes that will be useful for management. Northern long-eared bats in southern

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Minnesota, with more development and agriculture, used roost trees located in patches of forest. In northern Minnesota, roost trees were within forest stands instead of on the edges of forest stands, and roost trees tended to be located in areas with trees present in most of an 800 m foraging radius.

Additional author names and affiliations: M. Swingen, M. Walker, R. Baker, G. Nordquist, T. Catton, K. Kirschbaum, B. Dirks, and N. Dietz.

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Fifteen years of managing for multi-aged, mixed-species red pine forests

Brian Palik USDA Forest Service-Northern Research Station brian.palik@usda.gov, 218-326-7116

Several Minnesota native plant communities that have a large red pine component are typically managed as even-aged, monospecific stands. In actuality, these NPC’s are better characterized as multi-cohort (multi-aged), mixed-species woodlands. With this in mind, beginning 15 years ago, the Chippewa National Forest and the Red Lake Wildlife Management Area independently cooperated on research into silvicultural approaches that would restore structurally simple, monotypic red pine stands to a multi-age, mixed-species structure reflective of the natural model. For each, the prescriptions included irregular shelterwood harvests and establishment of a new cohort of red pine, as well as other pines, conifers, and hardwoods, all species native to the NPC. Various levels of mechanical competition control were also employed. Results to date show promise for establishment and long-term survival of a new cohort of red pine, despite the presence of shoot blight diseases in the project areas. Moreover, the study stands typically have established cohorts of additional tree species in abundance, as is characteristic of their natural mixed-species composition. Additionally, results show that persistent competition control, largely mechanical brushing of hazel and raspberry, has as large an impact on survival and growth of regeneration as reduction of overstory basal area with the harvest. The silvicultural approaches used are appropriate when the management goal is restoration of NPC structure and composition.

Additional author names and affiliations: Rebecca Montgomery, University of Minnesota Doug Kastendick, USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station

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The effect of season of prescribed fire on breeding bird and plant communities in Minnesota lowland brush ecosystems

Rebecca Montgomery University of Minnesota Dept. of Forest Resources rebeccam@umn.edu, 612-624-7249

Lowland brush ecosystems (LBEs) are disturbance-dependent and make up approximately 3.5 million hectares in Minnesota. LBEs support diverse bird and plant communities providing habitat for 38 avian Species in Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) in Minnesota. Previous studies have suggested that wildlife diversity is related to a heterogeneous mix of shrub and herbaceous cover. This patchiness was historically maintained by fire that occurred in spring, summer and fall. Mimicking historical disturbance regimes with prescribed fire is difficult due to variability in weather and safety considerations to execute fires effectively. Thus, most prescribed fires are conducted in spring when conditions are most often conducive to burning, and managers rely on additional methods such as mowing and shearing to maintain LBEs in earlier successional states. Yet, prescribed fire in summer and fall may produce unique outcomes that are important for maintaining and enhancing bird and vegetation diversity. We examined the effects of fall, spring and summer burns on bird and plant communities in LBEs at four 160-ha sites. We found effects of fire on structure and composition of the vegetation differed among fire seasons due to differences in the overall area burned and the type of vegetation that burned. We also found differences in the rate of recovery of shrub cover. Breeding birds varied in their responses to fire season, with some species increasing in abundance, some decreasing, and some not responding, as compared to controls. Our results suggest that more diverse fire regimes may be more effective than spring only burn regimes to meet the needs of the full suite of SGCN in Minnesota LBEs.

Additional author names and affiliations: Hawkinson, Anna. Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota, Knosalla, Lori. Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota, Roy, Charlotte. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Shartell, Lindsey. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Frelich, Lee. Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota

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POSTER ONLY- SESSION A

Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change (ASCC) and Seedling Drought Responses

Jamie Mosel University of Minnesota/Department of Forest Resources mose0173@umn.edu, 612-229-5271

The Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change (ASCC) project in north-central Minnesota (Anishinaabe land, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe) explores management strategies to adapt mixed pine forests in the region to climate change. Given concerns for increased severity of stresses like drought, it is important to understand whether forest management strategies, like those used at the ASCC project, will be effective at reducing stress and supporting seedling regeneration. Within the framework of the ASCC project, we are studying the effects of drought across contrasting management treatments. We are also studying whether changes in the timing of drought throughout the growing season affect the health of multiple seedling species, and if effects vary depending on management treatments. This work is being done using rainout shelters, structures to reduce and manipulate rainfall over experimental plots. Rainout shelters have been installed over the past season, and will remain installed next year, and in future seasons. This presentation will share results based on what has been learned so far from seedling plots at the ASCC project, including monitoring of soil moisture, growth responses of multiple seedling species, and responses of photosynthesis. Preliminary results suggest that growth and survival is greater at Transition treatments, which received a heavy thinning, compared to unthinned Control treatments. Future seasons will provide further insight, helping to understand which adaptive management strategies may be effective at supporting forests in the region.

Additional author names and affiliations: Brian Palik (USDA FS Northern Research Station, ASCC Site Lead), Rebecca Montgomery (UMN Department of Forest Resources), Matthew Russell (UMN Department of Forest Resources), Tony D'Amato (University of Vermont)

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Alteration of habitat and food webs associated with failing culverts in northern forest streams

Sue Eggert Forest Service Northern Research Station sue.l.eggert@usda.gov, 218 326-7135

Undersized and failing culverts can be susceptible to large precipitation events and are increasingly the source of economic losses when critical roadways in the transportation system are washed out during storms. Additionally, poorly functioning culverts can disrupt stream connectivity and reduce aquatic organism passage. Currently many culvert replacements completed by the US Forest Service in northern forests are based on stream simulation design, a geomorphic and ecologically-based restoration approach that mimics natural channel structure, or bankfull/backwater design which allows properly sized culverts to fill on their own. As part of a culvert restoration project, we examined habitat qualities (current velocity, water depth, silt depth, organic matter standing crops, and substrate type) and invertebrate communities above and below poorly functioning culverts in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Pre-restoration analyses revealed slower current velocities, higher water and silt depths, higher total and fine organic matter standing crops, and lower proportions of hard substrate types upstream of the culverts compared to downstream reaches at all sites. Poor habitat quality above the culverts resulted in lower tax richness, abundance, and biomass of sensitive invertebrate taxa at sites above the culverts. At the most impacted sites, invertebrate abundance and biomass was dominated by collector-gatherer and shredder taxa. Pre-restoration data demonstrated negative consequences for in-stream habitat for aquatic organisms and altered food webs in addition to flooding and aquatic organism passage concerns associated with substandard culverts. Future work will document the effectiveness of the culvert restorations on habitat quality and aquatic communities.

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Applications of historical ecology to red pine silviculture

Lane Johnson University of Minnesota Cloquet Forestry Center lbj@umn.edu, 507-330-6165

The abundance and character of red pine forests in the Great Lakes Region has changed dramatically since the early 1900s. Currently, red pine forests in the region predominately exists in managed, single-aged plantations and less commonly in unmanaged stands with abnormally high tree densities and heavy understory fuels. Remnant old-growth forests are incredibly rare, particularly stands that have been managed with fire over the modern management era. These remnant forests demonstrate a range of historical stand structures and compositions that were strongly shaped by the presence or absence of fire. A growing body of research reminds us of the important role of fire in maintaining and enhancing red pine dominance on xeric landforms across the Great Lakes Region. Heavy logging followed by high-severity fires and subsequent fire exclusion in red pine forest types for over a century has created forest compositions and structures that are uncharacteristic of pine woodland conditions once common across the Great Lakes. Consequently, long-term stand and landscape resilience to drought and high-severity fire has been compromised as long-lived red pine stands in protected areas fail to regenerate. Returning fire to red pine systems is a critical task to grow the resilience and adaptive capacity of these forest types in a changing climate, and to reverse the deleterious effects of fire exclusion from these systems for over a century.

Additional author names and affiliations: Kyle Gill, University of Minnesota Cloquet Forestry Center

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Conserving Minnesota's Forest Birds of Management Concern

Ryan Steiner Natural Resources Research Institute stei1265@d.umn.edu

Minnesota’s managed forest provide critical breeding habitat for hundreds of resident and migratory birds. Birds provide a variety of ecological and economic benefits by contributing to forest health, aiding to seed dispersal, and by bringing in tourist and conservation dollars from bird watchers and hunters. American Woodcock, Golden-winged Warbler, and Veery are experiencing significant population declines and have large portions of their breeding population in Minnesota’s early successional forests. In this study we found and monitored nests of these three species and tracked 11 American Woodcock hatchlings, 11 Golden-winged Warbler fledglings, and 13 Veery fledglings using radio telemetry. Vegetation surveys were conducted at 295 telemetry points to determine which forest characteristics were most important to post-fledge survival in these species. Preliminary results suggest ground cover and a forest structure that provides protection and cover from predators are important to post-fledge success. Upon completion of this project, recommendations based on these results will be provided to public and private land managers to facilitate land use planning to maximize breeding season productivity to help conserve these species of concern in Minnesota.

Additional author names and affiliations: Dr. Alexis Grinde (NRRI) & Lexi Liljenquist (NRRI)

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Forest Inventory Contributions to Monitoring Biodiversity

Mark Nelson U.S. Forest Service, Northern Research Station mdnelson@fs.fed.us, 651-649-5104

We present two approaches for monitoring forest biodiversity, one using FIA field-based data directly, and one using FIA and remote sensing data for assessing the representativeness of independent biodiversity surveys. The Montréal Process (MP) provides a standard international framework for assessing a set of seven criteria and their associated indicators (C&I) of the sustainability of temperate and boreal forest ecosystems, including Conservation of Biological Diversity. Ecosystem diversity indices of U.S. forest land use, composition, and structure are based on FIA field observations. Total area of United States forest land use is increasing over the past decade. Landscape metrics of forest fragmentation are obtained from 30-m National Land Cover Databases. Between 2001 and 2011, net loss of interior forest cover varied from 7 to 20 percent depending on the landscape scale of measurement. Sample field data from FIA and ancillary data from remote sensing products are used to assess tree species diversity. Diversity of forest-associated vertebrates is assessed using data from roadside surveys. Greatest declines in number of forest bird species have occurred in oak ecoregions of the southern Appalachians, pine and northern hardwood ecoregions of the upper Midwest and Great Lakes, and montane and arid high plains ecoregions in the intermountain West. FIA and remote sensing data were used to assess representativeness of American Woodcock Singing Ground Survey (SGS). SGS were representative of Woodcock habitat classes, but not for all forest cover classes, suggesting that multi-species roadside surveys may be less valid for some species than for others.

Additional author names and affiliations: Curt H. Flather, Kurt H. Riitters, Carolyn Sieg, Guy Robertsen, and Brian G. Tavernia (Nelson is corresponding author and presenter)

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POSTER ONLY- SESSION B

Impact of Diplodia Shoot Blight on Understory Red Pine

Eric Otto Minnesota DNR eric.otto@state.mn.us, 651-259-5821

Diplodia sapinea is a common fungal pathogen of red pine. It can cause shoot blight, stem cankers, top-kill, and collar rot, the latter of which frequently kills seedlings. Red pine seedlings and saplings growing in the understory of mature red pine forests and plantations frequently have varying levels of Diplodia shoot blight. There have been no studies examining the long-term impact of Diplodia shoot blight on understory red pines. We hypothesize that Diplodia shoot blight eventually kills most naturally occurring red pine seedlings and saplings in understories where Diplodia is abundant. To determine the impact of Diplodia shoot blight on understory red pine seedlings and saplings, 85 understory red pine were measured for incidence and severity of Diplodia shoot blight in 2017 and 2019 near Willow River, MN. Changes in growth, health, and survival over two years are presented. Red pine trees in this study will continue to be assessed periodically to understand if they are longer-term residents of the forest and persist to be able to grow into the overstory, or if they are only temporary understory plants. Results will improve land managers’ abiltities to decide how best to achieve tree composition goals for forests.

Additional author names and affiliations: Rachael Nicoll, Megan O'Neil, Brian Schwingle

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What’s Alive? Understanding the relationship between eastern larch beetle damage and tamarack regeneration

Mike Reinikainen MN DNR mike.reinikainen@state.mn.us, 651-259-5270

The University of Minnesota, in partnership with the USDA Forest Service and Minnesota DNR, received a two-year forest health monitoring grant to further understand and quantify tree regeneration (if present) and recruitment in stands impacted by ELB across a broader range of damage site categories and native plant communities. Our goal will be to sample 30 stands over two field seasons. Stands are classified into three comparable categories:

• 10 stands damaged by ELB in 2004-2008 – longer term regeneration dynamics

• 10 stands damaged by ELB in 2010-2014 – shorter term regeneration dynamics

• 10 healthy non-impacted tamarack control stands

Preliminary results are that 80% of the ELB damaged stands in the mid-2000s category are regenerating to a mixture of lowland conifer species possibly indicating seedling establishment and recruitment to adequate stocking levels may take longer than expected. Once fieldwork is complete, foundational forest inventory data will be available to more effectively determine if and how these areas are regenerating. Future silvicultural intervention may include using aerial seeding with tamarack, black spruce, and northern white cedar to supplement future regeneration in dead and dying stands, underplanting poorly stocked stands, or allowing others to naturally convert to open brushland habitat.

Additional author names and affiliations: Paul Dubuque and Marcella Windmuller-Campione

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Where Will the Ash Wood Go? Gaining Forest Industry Perspectives on the Use of Ash Wood in Anticipation of Emerald Ash Borer

Libbie Ring University of Minnesota ringx135@umn.edu, 218-380-4597

This research project seeks to better understand how ash wood is used and may be utilized in anticipation of future emerald ash borer impacts in Minnesota. To learn more about this, a survey was delivered to representatives of forest product companies as well as natural resource professionals. These individuals provided data on concerns and areas that they believe ash wood could be utilized. Receiving concerns directly from companies in the forest products industry is beneficial because of the influence that they have on the use of ash wood and the products made from it. It is important to learn more about how the utilization of ash wood could be increased in addition to the limitations and barriers of its use. Once more is known about the current extent of ash trees being harvested and the types of products currently being made, it will be easier to assess the possibility of increasing the use of the ash wood. This presentation will discuss findings from the survey and the broader impacts of emerald ash borer on ash wood utilization in Minnesota.

Additional author names and affiliations: Matthew Russell, University of Minnesota-Department of Forest Resources

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Wild Blueberries and Forest Management Strategies

Sara de Sobrino University of Minnesota desob002@umn.edu, 651-302-6829

This project explored the relationship between wild blueberries and silviculture treatments at the Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change (ASCC) experimental site located in north-central Minnesota (Anishinaabe land, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe). Blueberries are a component of healthy forest ecosystems in this area, and are a forest resource valued by community members. It is important to understand the effects that forest management strategies targeting the health of trees may have on other members of the forest plant community, and blueberries are an example of small understory plants that can easily be overlooked. Across ASCC sites managed with four different silviculture strategies, we performed surveys of blueberry plants to assess their abundance, size, and photosynthetic levels. Our results suggest that the silviculture treatments at ASCC did not affect the abundance or size of blueberry plants. Blueberry plants in the unthinned treatment did perform photosynthesis at higher levels than blueberry plants in the thinned treatments, suggesting that although forest thinning allows more light to be available for blueberries to use in photosynthesis, this factor isn’t sufficient to increase the size or abundance of blueberry plants. Interestingly, blueberry fruiting was uniformly lower than expected across all silviculture treatments.

Additional author names and affiliations: I was advised and assisted by Rebecca Montgomery and Jamie Mosel

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This year Madison Rodman deserves much of the credit for planning an outstanding Research Review, having led SFEC’s planning for the event. We appreciate her work and wish her well in her new role with UMN Sea Grant in Duluth.

By asking questions, adding your own experiences and interpretations, and in some cases challenging what you hear, you help the community to derive meaning and value from the ideas exchanged today. With that in mind, we are grateful to the many people and organizations that help make this event happen. We are fortunate to have both a strong community of researchers and a thoughtful and engaged community of natural resource professionals to help inform, interpret, and test new ideas exchanged today.

In addition, as an educational cooperative, we are grateful for the continued support of the many organizations that have signed on as members this year. Without their support, SFEC could not offer the quality continuing education and professional development opportunities that we do.

In addition to our many members, SFEC is supported by the University of Minnesota Extension, College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resources Sciences, and Cloquet Forestry Center.

-Eli Sagor Sustainable Forests Education Cooperative

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SFEC MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS 2019-2020

Aitkin County Land Department Aitkin County SWCD Beltrami County Natural Resource Management Bois Forte Band of Chippewa Bureau of Indian Affairs, Midwest Region Camp Ripley Natural Resources Carlton County Land Department Carlton County SWCD Cass County Land Department Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (USFS) Chippewa National Forest (USFS) Clearwater County Land Department Crow Wing County Land Department Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Hubbard County Natural Resource Management Itasca Community College Itasca County Land Department Koochiching County Land & Forestry Lake County Land Department Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe MN Association of County Land Commissioners MN DNR - Division of Ecological & Water Resources MN DNR - Division of Forestry MN DNR - Forest Stewardship Plan Writers MN Forest Industries MN Forest Resources Council Molpus Timberland LLC Packaging Corporation of America Pine County SWCD Potlatch Corporation

Red Lake Department of Natural Resources Sappi Fine Paper South St. Louis County SWCD St. John’s Abbey Arboretum/Outdoor University St. Louis County Land Department Superior National Forest (USFS) The Nature Conservancy – MN Chapter UMD Natural Resources Research Institute UMN Cloquet Forestry Center UMN Department of Forest Resources UMN Extension Forestry Program UPM Blandin Paper Company Wadena County SWCD White Earth Nation Division of Natural Resources WI DNR Division of Forestry Vermilion Community College

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CONTACT INFORMATION FOR PRESENTERS AND ATTENDEES:

James Aasen Koochiching SWCD james.aasen@co.koochiching.mn.us 2182836742

Nate Anderson St. Louis County Land and Minerals Department AndersonN2@stlouiscountymn.gov 218-625-3700

Kyle Andrews St. Louis County Land and Minerals Department AndrewsK@stlouiscountymn.gov 218-742-9898

Heather Baird MN DNR heather.baird@state.mn.us 2182034345

Mark Baker St. Louis County Land and Minerals Department BakerM@stlouiscountymn.gov 218-625-3700

DJ Bakken Beltrami County NRM DJ.Bakken@co.beltrami.mn.us 218-333-8413

Chris Balzer MN DNR christian.balzer@state.mn.us 218-878-5665

Jim Barott Superior National Forest james.barott@usda.gov 218 626-4384

Kelly Barrett Chippewa National Forest Kelly.barrett@usda.gov 2182463450

John Bathke Master Naturalist Instructor john@b-green.us 612-991-5353

Jenna Bjork Minnesota Department of Health Vectorborne Diseases Unit Jenna.Bjork@state.mn.us 6512015803

Charlie Blinn Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota cblinn@umn.edu 6126243788

Tom Bodell Lake County Forestry tom.bodell@co.lake.mn.us 218-834-8340

Melissa Boman Minnesota Department of Natural Resources melissa.boman@state.mn.us 6512595159

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Brady Boutto Bois Forte Forestry bboutto@boisforte-nsn.gov 218-757-3177

Alysha Brooks Bemidji State University Alysha.Brooks@live.bemidjistate.edu 2188511261

Pat Bundy Cass County Land Department pat.bundy@co.cass.mn.us 218-947-3338

Josh Carlson St. Louis County Land and Minerals Department CarlsonJ4@stlouiscountymn.gov 218-625-3700

Susan Catton USDA Forest Service susan.catton@usda.gov 218-626-4304

Tim Catton Superior National Forest timothy.catton@usda.gov 218-626-4376

Dave Cizmas Lake County Forestry david.cizmas@co.lake.mn.us 218-834-8340

Brian Clough SilviaTerra brian@silviaterra.com 6094807952

Kevin Dahlman Cass County Land Department kevin.dahlman@co.cass.mn.us 218-947-3338

Andrew David University of Minnesota - Cloquet Forestry Center david046@umn.edu 2182446794

Sara de Sobrino University of Minnesota desob002@umn.edu 651-302-6829

Garret DeChaine Beltrami County NRM Garret.DeChaine@co.beltrami.mn.us 218-333-8436

Peter Dieser American Bird Conservancy pdieser@abcbirds.org 9525671967

Austin Dixon WI DNR austin.dixon@wisconsin.gov 715-635-4022

Sue Eggert US Forest Service, Northern Research Station sue.l.eggert@usda.gov 218 326-7135

Nate Eide Lake County Forestry nate.eide@co.lake.mn.us 218-834-8340

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Alan Ek Univ of Minnesota, Dept of Forest Resources aek@umn.edu 6128103237

Lisa Elliott Elliott, Lisa harnx012@umn.edu 13017171167

Katie Frerker Superior National Forest katie.l.frerker@usda.gov 218-626-4358

Aaron Funk Hubbard County NRM afunk@co.hubbard.mn.us 218-732-4270

Dennis Garrison USDA Forest Service dennis.garrison@usda.gov 218-666-0055

John Geissler Saint John's Abbey Arboretum/Outdoor University jgeissler001@csbsju.edu 320-363-3126

Kyle Gill UMN Cloquet Forestry Center kggill@umn.edu 2182694324

Dustin Goble Aitkin County Land Department dustin.goble@co.aitkin.mn.us (218) 927-7364

Marshall Graham Beltrami County NRM Marshall.Graham@co.beltrami.mn.us 218-333-4160

Ella Gray UMN Forest Resources grayx413@umn.edu (612) 598-8657

Cathy Handrick MN DNR Parks and Trails cathy.handrick@state.mn.us 2183288990

Julie Hendrickson UMN Minnesota Tree Improvement Cooperative hendr065@umn.edu 218-726-6406

Eric Hofstad Private Consultant eric@tentm.org 2183908518

Troy Holcomb MNDNR Forestry troy.holcomb@state.mn.us 218-429-3025

Lane Johnson UMN Cloquet Forestry Center lbj@umn.edu 5073306165

Michael Joyce NRRI/UMD joyc0073@d.umn.edu 2187882656

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Bob Kangas Aitkin County brkangas@outlook.com 2189277364

Jacob Keranen Hubbard County NRM jacob.keranen@co.hubbard.mn.us 2197324270

Paul Klockow Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota pklockow@umn.edu (612) 625-2417

Melissa Koelsch MN DNR Wildlife melissa.koelsch@state.mn.us 2188785663

Stephen Kolbe Natural Resources Research Institute at UMD kolbe023@d.umn.edu (218)788-2758

Ginger Kopp Individual yinyanmoon@yahoo.com 16517281506

John Korzeniowski MN DNR Forestry john.korzeniowski@state.mn.us 320-232-1077

Jeff Kroll USDA-USFS- Superior National Forest jeffrey.kroll@usda.gov 218-365-2099

Steve Kunde Kunde Forestry kunde.steve@hotmail.com 6517757994

Patrick Landisch University of Minnesota land0397@umn.edu 14144188345

Quintin Legler UPM Blandin Quintin.Legler@upm.com 2183276304

Troy Lindgren St Louis County Land & Minerals Dept LindgrenT@stlouiscountymn.gov 218-625-3716

Erik Lindquist Cass County Land Department erik.lindquist@co.cass.mn.us 218-947-3338

Sascha Lodge Minnesota Department of Natural Resources sascha.lodge@state.mn.us 6512595846

Ryan Magana WI DNR ryan.magana@wisconsin.gov 715-635-4153

Sarah Malick-Wahls Superior National Forest sarah.malickwahls@usda.gov 2183652091

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Rachel Mason Lake County Forestry rachel.mason@co.lake.mn.us 218-834-8340

Colleen Matula WDNR colleen.matula@wi.gov 715-685-2911

Jason Meyer St. Louis County Land and Minerals Department meyerj@stlouiscountymn.gov 218-726-2606

Martha Minchak MN DNR - Wildlife martha.minchak@state.mn.us 218-723-4768 ext 224

Ron Moen Natural Resources Research Institute rmoen@d.umn.edu 218-7882610

Rebecca Montgomery University of Minnesota Dept. of Forest Resources rebeccam@umn.edu 6126247249

Steve Mortensen Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe SMortensen@lldrm.org 2183357421

Jamie Mosel University of Minnesota Department of Forest Resources mose0173@umn.edu 6122295271

Leigh Neitzel Lake County Forestry leigh.neitzel@co.lake.mn.us 218-834-8340

Mark Nelson U.S. Forest Service mark.d.nelson@usda.gov (651) 649-5104

Daniel Nielsen University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, Department of Forest Resources niels667@umn.edu 9522127058

Jane Nolan University of Minnesota nolan338@umn.edu 6126264280

Rachael Olesiak University of MN rolesiak@umn.edu 2182694324

Steve Olson self-employed steveo1201@gmail.com 218 591 1795

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Eric Otto Minnesota Department of Natural Resources eric.otto@state.mn.us 218-328-8897

Brian Palik USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station brian.palik@usda.gov 2183267116

Mark Pannkuk St. Louis County Land and Minerals Department pannkukm@stlouiscountymn.gov 218-625-3700

Tom Parkin Aitkin County Land Department tom.parkin@co.aitkin.mn.us (218) 927-7364

Jessica Parson Minnesota DNR jessica.parson@state.mn.us 2188341453

Ryan Pennesi USDA Forest Service Ryan.Pennesi@usda.gov 218-235-8743

Robert Perleberg forestry First LLC forestryfirst@gmail.com 3207452422

Bailey Petersen MN DNR Wildlife bailey.petersen@state.mn.us 2188341454

Brandon Pierzina St. Louis County Land and Minerals Department PierzinaB@stlouiscountymn.gov 218-742-9898

Sarah Poznanovic USDA Forest Service sarah.k.poznanovic@usda.gov 218-387-3213

Beckie Prange Hubachek Wilderness Research Center rjprange@umn.edu 218-365-7766

Jodie Provost MN DNR - Wildlife jodie.provost@state.mn.us 218-429-3052

Mike Reinikainen MN DNR - Forestry mike.reinikainen@state.mn.us 6512595270

Laura Reuling University of Minnesota-Department of Forest Resources lreuling@umn.edu 715-891-4993

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Libbie Ring University of Minnesota ringx135@umn.edu 2183804597

Peg Robertsen Superior National Forest peg.robertsen@usda.gov 218-663-8601

Henry Rodman SilviaTerra henry@silviaterra.com 6128457637

Tanya Roerick Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe tanya.roerick@llojibwe.org 2183357428

Nick Ronning Beltrami County NRM Nicholas.Ronning@co.beltrami.mn.us 218-333-8414

Matt Russell University of Minnesota russellm@umn.edu 6126264280

Tim Rutka St. Louis County Land and Minerals Department RutkaT@stlouiscountymn.gov 218-625-3700

Eli Sagor UMN Cloquet Forestry Center esagor@umn.edu 218-409-6115

Sawyer Scherer UPM Blandin Paper Company sawyer.scherer@upm.com 7633701681

Brian Schiller MN DNR brian.schiller@state.mn.us 2188341417

Nick Schreiber Itasca County Land Department nick.schreiber@co.itasca.mn.us 218-327-7396

Brian Schwingle Minnesota Department of Natural Resources brian.schwingle@state.mn.us 651-259-5821

Lindsey Shartell MN DNR - Wildlife lindsey.shartell@state.mn.us 2183288870

Dave Skurla St. Louis County Land and Minerals Department skurlad@stlouiscountymn.gov 218-742-9898

Ryan Steiner UMD Natural Resources Research Institute stei1265@d.umn.edu 218-788-2782

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Kyle Stover Superior National Forest (USFS) kyle.stover@usda.gov 2186638075

Mike Stubbs St. Louis County Land and Minerals Department stubbsm@stlouiscountymn.gov 218-726-2606

Cody Swanson Bois Forte Forestry Cody.Swanson@boisforte-nsn.gov 218-757-3177

Myra Theimer USDA myra.theimer@usda.gov 218-387-3243

Dennis Thompson Aitkin County Land Department dennis.thompson@co.aitkin.mn.us (218) 927-7364

Molly Thompson UMN Extension Forestry Program molly@sugarloafnorthshore.org 2185250001

Jedd Ungrodt USDA Forest Service jedd.ungrodt@usda.gov 715-373-2667 x 5228

Brent Villebrun Bois Forte Forestry Brent.Villebrun@boisforte-nsn.gov 218-757-3177

Javan Villebrun Bois Forte Forestry javan.villebrun@boisforte-nsn.gov 218-757-3177

Edison Watt Bois Forte Forestry Edison.Watt@boisforte-nsn.gov 218-757-3177

Mark Westphal Carlton County Land Department mark.westphal@co.carlton.mn.us 2183844288

Lewis Wiechmann Iowa State University wiecmlj@iastate.edu 7158083091

David Wilson Minnesota Department of Natural Resources | Forestry David.C.Wilson@state.mn.us 218-322-2528

Marcella Windmuller-Campione University of Minnesota mwind@umn.edu 8477725458

Edmund Zlonis MN DNR edmund.zlonis@state.mn.us 2183082285

John Zobel University of Minnesota jzobel@umn.edu 6126247281

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KEEP IN TOUCH WITH SFEC

Web: sfec.cfans.umn.edu

Twitter: @MNForestEd

Youtube: z.umn.edu/SFECyoutube

Join our mailing lists: To receive our monthly email newsletter subscribe at sfec.cfans.umn.edu and to receive our calendar of events by mail, contact us at sfec@umn.edu.

Eli Sagor SFEC Program Manager esagor@umn.edu 218-409-6115

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NOTES:

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The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.This publication/material is available in alternative formats upon request.

Direct requests to sfec@umn.edu. © 2019 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved.