Large forest dynamics plots across the LTER and NEON network.
Large forest dynamics plots across the LTER and NEON network.
Jill Thompson, David Foster, David Orwig, Stuart Davis and Jerry Franklin
The Center for Tropical Forest Science (CTFS based in the Smithsonian Institute) has coordinated activities in large (mostly 50 ha) permanent forest plots across the tropics, including the Luquillo Forest Dynamics plot at the LTER site in Puerto Rico. Core data are collected using standard protocols (all trees greater ≥ 1 cm diameter are marked, measured, mapped and identified to species, and recensused every 5 years) to provide information forest structure and dynamics. These data provide a framework for investigations into maintenance of biodiversity, interactions among species, seed dispersal, tree recruitment strategies, causes of rarity, carbon sequestration, wood production, and other important issues in forest ecology. The plots are also increasing used as a platform for studies on other organisms such as animals and arthropods, and ecosystem processes, biogeochemistry, carbon dynamics, and hydrology etc.
Recently CTFS has started to extend this tropical large plot network to cover temperate forests, and plots have been established near Oxford (UK) and in China and funding is being sort for similar plots across Europe. In USA initial activities are underway to establish plots at Harvard Forest, Haliburton, SERC, CRC, Yosemite and Wind River, and we now hope to develop a forum to promote large forest plots across the LTER network. The expansion of this network provides a tremendous opportunity for the LTER, and in return, the LTER network would bring unparalleled strengths to CTFS. Large-scale plots at numerous LTER and NEON sites would provide a powerful platform to evaluate critical ecosystem processes, including atmosphere-biosphere exchange fluxes, hydrology, and biogeochemistry in relation to forest population dynamics. By significantly increasing the NSF program for comparative study across the LTER and NEON network we will enhance the spatial scope, disciplinary base and expertise of the network, broaden our understanding of forest ecosystems, and improve the detection of global change.
The goals of this workshop are to:
1) Provide more information on the current CTFS plots, the information they have generated, and future CTFS plans.
2) Gauge interest among LTER and NEON sites for the establishment of a large plot network across LTER, and NEON sites and consider other interested partners.
3) Discuss site selection, protocols, logistics, and database needs.
4) Consider plot management and integration across USA sites and global network.
5) Consider science management for integration of other research into FDP’s that avoid research conflicts.
6) Funding issues - plot establishment costs, and repeat censuses.
7) Potentially develop a cross site proposal for funding from NSF.