Flood Plain Forests of the Raritan River

Buell, Murray F.; Wistendahl, Warren A.

doi:10.2307/2482426

Cited by 19 publications

(10 citation statements)

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“…The relationship between species distributions and microtopography observed here has been reported in previous investigations of floodplain vegetation (Buell and Wistendahl 1955, Illichevsky 1933, Lindsey et al 1961, Wistendahl 1958) and appears to be caused by differences in the way the species respond to the flooding regime. Since the probability of flooding (stage probability) decreases with elevation, species become sorted along the microtopographic gradient according tO differences in their responses to the flooding regime (Franz 1971).…”

Section: Vegetation Studiessupporting

confidence: 84%

Simulation of Vegetation Response to Modified Hydrologic Regimes: A Probabilistic Model Based on Niche Differentiation in a Floodplain Forest

Franz¹,

Bazzaz²

1977

Ecology

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This study was initiated to develop a model for predicting the relative impacts of alternative reservoir designs on vegetation in the backwater zone. The result is a probabilistic model based on niche differentiation in the floodplain forest. Existing methodologies provided estimates of the flooding regime modifications produced by variable backwater conditions during reservoir operation. The model is exercised, with hydrolic modifications as input, to simulate shifts in species distribution. The model has been applied to evaluate the impact of a proposed reservoir on the vegetation of Robert Allerton Part, a 607 km2 natural area in east—central Illinois. Comparison of simulations for three alternative plans for the reservoir provides a basis for distinguishing among them, and suggests that the impact of one would be substantially less than the other two.

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Section: Vegetation Studiessupporting

confidence: 84%

Simulation of Vegetation Response to Modified Hydrologic Regimes: A Probabilistic Model Based on Niche Differentiation in a Floodplain Forest

Franz¹,

Bazzaz²

1977

Ecology

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“…The period 1922 to 1927 emphasized flood protection and by 1933 extensive work was being done to improve the river channel for navigation (Funk and Robinson 1974 The effect of channel-alteration activities on the occurrence of flood-plain forests has not been extensively studied. Wilson (1970) showed that bank-stabilization increased the size of stable forest communities in South Dakota but Buell and Wistendahl (1955) suggest that such stabilized areas are subject to clearing and cultivation: this result was also suggested by Munger et al (1974) who found that 81% of the Missouri River flood plain was cultivated in 1972 (Fig. 1).…”

Section: Introductionsupporting

confidence: 63%

Changes in flood-plain vegetation and land use along the Missouri River from 1826 to 1972

Bragg

Tatschl

1977

Environmental Management

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/ Changes in vegetation and land use since 1826 were evaluated along the 800 kilometer portion of the Missouri River flood-plain that extends across the State of Missouri using County Land Office Survey records for 1826 and aerial photos for 1937, 1958, and 1972. The combined results show a decline in flood-plain forest coverage from 76% in 1826 to 13% in 1972; cultivated land increased from 18% to 83% during the same time. Uncultivated-unforested areas increased from 6% in 1826 to 27% in 1937, then declined to 1% in 1972; these changes occurred coincident with extensive bank-stabilization and channelization activities initiated in 1912 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Riverbank stabilization activity since that time may account for the increased rate of decline in flood-plain forests from 0.25% per year between 1826 and 1937 to 1.6% per year between 1937 and 1972.The overall species composition of the 1826 flood-plain forests was found to be most similar to mature forest stands evaluated in 1972; similar frequencies in 1826 and 1972 occurred for hackberry (Celtis occidentalis; 80% in 1826, 83% in 1972, elm (Ulmus spp.; 80% and 83%), and sycamore (Platanus occidentails; 57% and 50%). Pawpaw (Asimina triloba), found only in mature flood-plain forests in 1972, was recorded along 54% of the 1826 section lines.These combined data indicate (1)that pre-settlement floodplain forests were extensive and included frequent, mature stands, (2) that in certain areas substantial portions of the flood-plain were in cultivation prior to extensive riverbank stabilization and channelization, and (3) that increased floodplain forest clearing occurred coincident with increased bank-stabilization activities.

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“…The vegetational differences allow the recognition of a third community, the terrace community. These communities are the same as those studied for their woody species composition by Buell & Wistendahl ( 1955).…”

Section: The Flood Plain A~d Terracementioning

confidence: 99%

“…From quadrat and line intercept studies Buell & Wistendahl ( 1955) determined that the forest of the outer flood plain was heterogeneous in tree composition with beech (Fagus gmndifolia), sugar maple ( Acer saccha1•um), tuliptree, slippery elm (Ulmus rubra), and basswood (Tilia americana) contributing conspicuously to the data. The forest of the inner flood plain was composed of species of trees more characteristic of moist areas: elm, red maple ( Ace1• 1•ubrum) and others.…”

Section: The Flood Plain A~d Terracementioning

confidence: 99%