Status and trends in forests on public land in the Southern Appalachians of Virginia, 2001 – 2011

Background/Question/Methods

Large-scale forest surveys, conducted by the USDA Forest Service, Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program, are important in assessing the status of forests across the U.S. These surveys can be used to monitor important trends in forests such as species composition, growth, and mortality. Additionally, these surveys can be used to monitor and address issues of concern on public lands. Public ownership of forestland helps to protect our region’s abundant and unique natural resources. While broad in scale, FIA data can serve as an indicator for population declines, as well as a barometer for management strategies.

Results/Conclusions

In 2011, forested public land (273,173 ha) accounted for 14% of the total land area and 17% of the forestland area in the southern mountains of Virginia. The majority of the publicly owned land (80%) was National Forest Service land. The most commonly occurring live tree species ≥2.54 cm diameter at breast height (d.b.h.) were Acer rubrum L. (red maple), Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. (blackgum), and Quercus prinus L. (chestnut oak). For trees ≥12.7 cm d.b.h. the top three species were chestnut oak, red maple, and Q. coccinea Muench. (scarlet oak). The top three standing dead trees ≥12.7 cm d.b.h. were Robinia pseudoacacia L. (black locust), chestnut oak, and Pinus ridgida Mill. (pitch pine). For live volume, chestnut oak, Q. rubra L. (northern red oak), and Liriodendron tulipifera L. (yellow poplar) were the top species. The high number of dead black locust (60%) and pitch pine trees (34%) relative to live trees may warrant further investigation into the status of these two species. FIA is uniquely situated to monitor trends on public lands. While the sampling resolution may not be adequate for detailed analysis, it can certainly act as a detection device for areas that warrant further investigation.