Herbaceous-layer vegetation response to single-tree harvest of a minerotrophic mixed-conifer swamp in central New York

This thesis addresses the impact of single-tree harvest upon the herbaceous-layer vegetation in a northern forested peatland in central New York. The objectives are to: (i) compare herbaceous vascular plant species richness and diversity in quadrats within a single-tree harvested parcel to an unharvested control; (ii) compare tree seedling density between harvested and control areas over two growing seasons; (iii) examine the response of the herb layer to soil disturbance associated with single-tree harvest. Statistical analyses revealed that in the short term, single-tree harvest had an adverse impact upon vascular plant species richness and diversity, and upon tree seedling density. Vascular plant species richness and diversity were significantly reduced regardless of the severity of soil disturbance. Continued monitoring of the study site will be necessary to develop a management plan that balances economic and ecological concerns.