The last great forest: a review of the status of invasive species in the North American boreal forest

Sanderson, L. A.; McLaughlin, John A.; Antunes, Pedro M.

doi:10.1093/forestry/cps033

Cited by 49 publications

(38 citation statements)

References 87 publications

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“…Open linear corridors in the boreal forest promote the intrusion of people, especially on all-terrain-vehicles, and with this transfer of invasive species (e.g. exotic earthworms), affecting the native biota and disrupting regeneration processes (Cameron et al, 2007;Sanderson et al, 2012).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Natural regeneration of forest vegetation on legacy seismic lines in boreal habitats in Alberta’s oil sands region

Rensen

Nielsen

White

et al. 2015

Biological Conservation

119

132

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a b s t r a c tMapping of oil reserves involves the use of seismic lines (linear disturbances) to determine both their location and extent. Conventional clearing techniques for seismic assessment have left a legacy of linear disturbances that cause habitat fragmentation. Little is known, however, about how local and landscape factors affect natural regeneration patterns of trees and shrubs on seismic lines that facilitate mapping and future projections of regeneration patterns. To understand factors affecting early forest regeneration and to predict future trends in regeneration of legacy seismic lines we used LiDAR, forest stand databases and a disturbance inventory of conventional seismic lines to model seismic line regeneration to a 3 m height in a 1806 km 2 area in northeastern Alberta, Canada. Regeneration to 3 m was inversely related to terrain wetness, line width, proximity to roads (as a proxy for human use of lines), and the lowland ecosites. Overall, terrain wetness and the presence of fen ecosites had the strongest negative effect on regeneration patterns; the wettest sites failed to recover even after 50 years post-disturbance. Predictions of future regeneration rates on existing lines suggested that approximately one-third of existing linear disturbance footprints in this boreal landscape will remain un-regenerated 50 years later resulting in persistent habitat fragmentation. Model predictions estimating regeneration probability are particularly valuable for estimating current and future forest regeneration trajectories on linear disturbances which are a conservation concern and a focus for restoration and planning by government, industry and conservation organizations.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Natural regeneration of forest vegetation on legacy seismic lines in boreal habitats in Alberta’s oil sands region

Rensen

Nielsen

White

et al. 2015

Biological Conservation

119

132

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“…Historically, boreal forests in interior Alaska have been relatively free of non-native species [1, 2], but the diversity and range of non-native plants has been increasing since the 1940s [3], and this may be accelerated by climate change and an altered fire regime. Climate warming may have direct effects on non-native plant recruitment by alleviating the constraints that cold temperatures and short growing seasons place on the growth and recruitment of non-native species originating in warmer climates [4]. Direct climate effects may interact with disturbance effects in determining invasion potential, as recent studies of non-native plants in boreal habitats suggest that disturbances by fire can facilitate invasion [2, 5].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Previous surveys conducted throughout interior Alaska have found high occurrences of non-native plants on roadsides [5, 11]. The roadside presence of non-native plants could enable dispersal into recently burned forest, which may negatively affect ecosystem structure and function if they are able to establish and persist in the boreal forest [4]. …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impacts of fire on non-native plant recruitment in black spruce forests of interior Alaska

et al. 2017

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Climate change is expected to increase the extent and severity of wildfires throughout the boreal forest. Historically, black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) forests in interior Alaska have been relatively free of non-native species, but the compounding effects of climate change and an altered fire regime could facilitate the expansion of non-native plants. We tested the effects of wildfire on non-native plant colonization by conducting a seeding experiment of non-native plants on different substrate types in a burned black spruce forest, and surveying for non-native plants in recently burned and mature black spruce forests. We found few non-native plants in burned or mature forests, despite their high roadside presence, although invasion of some burned sites by dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) indicated the potential for non-native plants to move into burned forest. Experimental germination rates were significantly higher on mineral soil compared to organic soil, indicating that severe fires that combust much of the organic layer could increase the potential for non-native plant colonization. We conclude that fire disturbances that remove the organic layer could facilitate the invasion of non-native plants providing there is a viable seed source and dispersal vector.

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“…Most studies of exotic earthworms have occurred in temperate regions , Suárez et al 2006, Holdsworth et al 2007a, 2007b, Addison 2008; less is known about the distribution and effects of earthworms in subarctic boreal forests (Cameron et al 2007, Cameron and Bayne 2009, Sanderson et al 2012. In northern Alberta, Cameron et al (2007) found boat launches and roads had the highest probability of earthworm occurrence.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Distribution and abundance of exotic earthworms within a boreal forest system in southcentral Alaska

Bowser

Morton²,

Lang³

et al. 2016

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Little is known about exotic earthworms (Oligochaeta: Lumbricidae) in Alaska outside its southeastern panhandle. This study documents the distribution of exotic earthworms in the relatively undisturbed Kenai National Wildlife Refuge (KNWR), a large, primarily wilderness refuge in southcentral Alaska. We sampled 69 sites near boat launches, along road corridors, and in low human impact areas > 5 km from the road, finding three species of earthworms (Dendrobaena octaedra, Dendrodrilus rubidus, and Lumbricus terrestris). Most road sites (90%) and boat launches (80%) contained earthworms; half (50%) of low human impact sites contained earthworms. Distance to roads was the only significant factor in predicting earthworm occurrence; soil pH, soil moisture, leaf litter depth, and vegetation cover were not. The disparate distributions of these three species suggest that within the KNWR road construction and vehicle traffic played a role in dispersal of the widespread, abundant Dendrobaena octaedra and uncommon Dendrodrilus rubidus; bait abandonment appeared to be the primary method of introduction of Lumbricus terrestris. While the distribution of harmful anecic earthworms in KNWR is currently limited, the prohibition of Lumbricus spp. as bait within conservation units in Alaska may be warranted.

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The last great forest: a review of the status of invasive species in the North American boreal forest

Cited by 49 publications

References 87 publications

Natural regeneration of forest vegetation on legacy seismic lines in boreal habitats in Alberta’s oil sands region

Natural regeneration of forest vegetation on legacy seismic lines in boreal habitats in Alberta’s oil sands region

Impacts of fire on non-native plant recruitment in black spruce forests of interior Alaska

Distribution and abundance of exotic earthworms within a boreal forest system in southcentral Alaska

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