Tree population dynamics, growth, and mortality were determined in old-growth forested watersheds in the Hoh River valley, Olympic Peninsula, Washington: West Twin Creek (elevation 180–850 m) and Hoh Lake (elevation 1250–1525 m). Principal tree species at West Twin Creek are Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii (Mirb.) Franco), western hemlock (Tsugaheterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.), Pacific silver fir (Abiesamabilis (Dougl.) Forb.), western red cedar (Thujaplicata D. Don), and Sitka spruce (Piceasitchensis (Bong.) Carr.). At Hoh Lake they are Pacific silver fir, mountain hemlock (Tsugamertensiana (Bong.) Carr.), and Alaska cedar (Chamaecyparisnootkatensis (D. Don) Spach). In 1985 stem densities for trees >5 cm DBH averaged 476 and 489 ha−1 in the upper and lower West Twin Creek watershed, respectively, and 508 ha−1 at Hoh Lake watershed. Stem densities at both sites declined 3–5% from 1985 to 1990. Western hemlock and Pacific silver fir were the dominant species at West Twin Creek and Hoh Lake, respectively. From 1985 to 1990 the annual mortality rate was 0.8% at West Twin Creek and 0.9% at Hoh Lake. Pacific silver fir had the highest mortality rate. No Douglas-fir or western red cedar trees died. The primary causes of mortality were as follows: suppression–unknown, diseases, insects, and windthrow. In 1985 basal areas were 77, 87, and 94 m2•ha−1 in the lower and upper West Twin Creek watershed and Hoh Lake watershed, respectively. There was a 5% increase and a 1% decrease in basal area from 1985 to 1990 in the lower and upper West Twin Creek watershed, respectively, and a 4% decrease at Hoh Lake. Western red cedar, Douglas-fir, and western hemlock increased in basal area, while the other species declined.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.