REGENERATION AND SAPLING SURVEY
AIM
To measure regeneration of seedlings and saplings, using a protocol developed by the Canadian Forest Service, Sault Ste. Marie.
RATIONALE
Monitoring seedlings and saplings can provide information on the succession of forest ecosystems and identify any problems in tree regeneration.
CHECKLIST OF MONITORING ACTIVITIES
- Select location of study site ;
- Map out the 2m x 2m subplots;
- Record data for seedling and saplings;
- Manage data sets;
- Send monitoring information to EMAN for national comparison.
EQUIPMENT
Regeneration and sapling data sheet
Pens
Tree/sapling identification key
Measuring tape
Metre stick
Equipment for permanent plot marking
LOCATION AND SET UP
Forest Biodiversity Plot
Information on regeneration can be easily added to a forest biodiversity monitoring programme. The steps to establish a plot, survey and map the area have already been undertaken. Regeneration surveys are conducted on five, 2m X 2m subplots as located within the 20m X 20m quadrat protocols. To maintain consistency in the data collection, it is imperative that the five regeneration subplots are numbered in the prescribed sequence (see attached diagram). Four of the five subplots are located outside the quadrat, at the 10m mark along the edges of the quadrat. The fifth subplot is located at the center point within the quadrat. The four subplots outside the quadrat are located 2m from the plot edge, and centered along the 10m mark (1m either side of the 10m mark). The location of the subplots must not vary. If a mature tree or a rock outcrop occupies the site, so be it, do not move the subplot to accommodate the site.
The corners of the regeneration subplots should be permanently marked. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) 13 mm hot water pipe, cut into half meter lengths, is the suggested material to be used for corner posts. The subplot number should be written, with an indelible marker, on at least one of the posts.
Only tree species whose point of origin lies within the subplot boundaries should be included in the count. For seedlings that occur exactly on the boundary of the subplot, count alternately one in, one out. Tally each subplot separately, completing one regeneration form for each subplot.
REGENERATION RECORDING
Timing
- Data can be collected in the spring, summer or winter depending on when plots are being sampled or the skill level of the data collector (it may be easier in summer due to the presence of mature leaves for identification purposes).
- Data should be collected at the same time annually, or at the same time when the plots are measured again (e.g. always in the last week of July). How frequently do you recommend data be collected? Once a year?
DATA COLLECTION
- Regeneration vegetation is defined as tree seedlings that are 16 to 200 cm tall with a Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) of less than 10 cm. DBH is measured at 1.3m above ground. Record only tree species that have the potential to grow to tree size within the region in which the plot is located. Do not consider seedlings of shrub species as regeneration. Shrub species are considered ground vegetation and will be captured in the “Vegetation Subplots”. Seedlings less than 16 cm tall are not considered because their numbers are too variable from year to year to be useful in monitoring.
- Record height class (see appendix 1 for details) for each seedling. Tally the number of seedlings within each class and record by tree species.
- Saplings are defined as younger trees greater than 2 m tall with a DBH of less than 10 cm. Do not record the DBH or height of the saplings. Count the number of living saplings, by tree species, whose point of origin lies within the subplot boundaries on each of the subplots and enter the total in the appropriate column of the tally form.
DATA MANAGEMENT
- Data should be entered into an appropriate data management system in order to allow for interpretation.
- Hard copies of the data should be kept for future use.
DATA SHARING
Hard copies of the data sheets or electronic copies (preferred) should be submitted to the Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Network (EMAN) in order to allow for regional, provincial and national comparison of seedling and sapling status and health.
REFERENCES
Sajan, R. 2000. Regeneration and Sapling Survey Protocol. Draft unpublished manuscript. Canadian Forest Service, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
APPENDIX 1
Regeneration Height Classes::
Seedling:
Height class 1 = 16-35 cm
Height class 2 = 36-55 cm
Height class 3 = 56-75 cm
Height class 4 = 76-95 cm
Height class 5 = 96-200 cm
Sapling = >200 cm in height and <10cm DBH.
Methodology:
Seedlings are tallied by species within the five height classes. A dot tally is permissible when conducting the survey, but the numerical count must be written on the form for each tree species in the space provided.
Measure perpendicular from the top of the leaves of the seedling to the ground level. If a seedling is naturally bent over or is growing at an angle to the ground level, do not attempt to straighten the seedling. The aim is to measure the height above ground level, not the length of the seedling.
You may want to temporarily subdivide the 2m X2m regeneration subplot into four quadrats to aid in the tallying.
Mark off the “height classes” on a meter stick, then simply count the number of seedlings, by tree species, in each height class.
REGENERATION/SAPLING DATA SHEET
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SITE NAME:
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SITE NUMBER:
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PLOT NUMBER:
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DATE (mm/dd/yy):
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OBSERVER NAMES:
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Location
Quadrat Number:
Regen Subplot Number:
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Tree Species
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Seedling Height Classes (cm)
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Total Seedlings
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Total no. Saplings (>200cm)
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16-35
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36-55
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56-75
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76-95
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96-200
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