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2018 Staff, John T. Harrington Forestry Research Center:
• Owen Burney, Associate Professor and Superintendent • Tammy
Parsons, Nursery Manager • Carmen Rose, Laboratory Coordinator •
Josh Trujillo, Senior Nursery Laborer • Lorenzo Gallegos, Senior
Farm Laborer • Donna Ebler (on-campus), Senior Fiscal Assistant
Partners and Collaborators:
• New Mexico Highlands University • New Mexico Forest and
Watershed Restoration Institute • Utah State University • Purdue
University • Oregon State University • Northern Arizona University
• University of New Mexico • Southern Utah University • The Nature
Conservancy • National Park Service • US Forest Service • NM State
Forestry • US Geological Survey • Institute of Applied Ecology •
Wild Earth Guardians • InternationalUnion of Forest Research
Organizations • Santa Clara Pueblo • NM Soil and Water
Conservation, Mora • Imerys Minerals • Philmont Scout Ranch – Boy
Scouts of America
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Table of Contents
1.
Introduction..........................................................................................1
2. Forest Restoration Triangle
(FORT)........................................................2
3. CRESTProposal
.....................................................................................2
4. FORT Advisory Board
............................................................................3
5. Forest NurseryProgram
........................................................................4
6. Ongoing Research
Projects....................................................................5
7. Peer Reviewed Journal Articles
........................................................... 13
8.
Presentations......................................................................................
18
9.
Fundingfor2018.................................................................................
18
10. Students
.............................................................................................
19
11. Field Tours at JTH FRC
.........................................................................
20
12. Total Monthly Precipitation for JTH FRC 2018
..................................... 21
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1. Introduction The John T. Harrington Forestry Research Center
(JTH FRC) with New Mexico State University (NMSU) is the
onlyresearch program in the southwestern US that focuses on forest
nursery technologies, tree improvement, and eco-physiology of young
forest trees to facilitate ecological restoration and/or commercial
reforestation.These research interests are criticalforestablishing
future forests in the region.
A subaward using McIntire-Stennis funds was provided to forestry
faculty members at the Department of Natural Resources Management
(NRM) with New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) in Fall2018. This
award will continue through the end of June 2019 and serves to
promote the research and educationalrelationship between the two
forestry programs.
The research center produced 7 publications during 2018. The
topics for the publications were: 1) subirrigation systems for
containerized forest seedlings, 2) maintaining ponderosa pine
forests in the southwestern US, 3) species selection to promote
forest regeneration under high animal browsing pressure, 4)
assessing alternative growing medias and containers on seedling
growth and foliar chemistry, 5) stand characteristics of Chilgoza
pine in Afghanistan, 6) ecological associations and stand structure
of Chilgoza pine, and 7) alfalfa variety tests for northern NM.
External funding generated by the research center for 2018
totaled approximately $159,498. The funds came from multiple
sources including: seedling sales forforest conservation,
cooperative agreements with the National Park Service, tree
improvementgrants with the State ofNew Mexico, and the
McIntire-Stennis grant.
With regards to teaching and education, the JTH FRC has hosted
multiple tours for research scientists, land managers, and students
(NMSU and NMHU). Additionally, our program was involved in the
completion of four graduate (MS) students (2 – NMSU, 1 – Purdue
University, 1 – Utah State University). A new doctoral student from
Northern Arizona University will be working with our research
center on genetic variability in aridity adaptation of ponderosa
pine populations.
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2. Forest Restoration Triangle (FORT) The Forest Restoration
Triangle (FORT) is a partnership among: 1)the JTH Forestry Research
Center with New Mexico State University, 2) the Department of
Natural Resources Management with New Mexico Highlands University,
and 3) the New Mexico Forest and Watershed Restoration Institute.
This partnership is focused on restoring proper ecological function
and ecosystem services to the forest landscape in New Mexico and
the greatersouthwestern US.
As our country, including the Southwest, has experienced the
most destructive wildfires in history, it is more important than
ever to research and implement effective and efficient forest
management and restoration strategies. FORT was established in
January 2018 to address these concerns through three main pillars
common to other university/college forestry programs: research,
education, and outreach/extension.
A success story of the FORT partnership is the collaborative
Forestry Research Lab (FRL) that is located at NMHU campus. This
lab is actively supporting research efforts that originally started
at the JTH FRC with NMSU. This research has assistance from NMHU
undergraduate and graduate students that obtain hands-on training
and education in planttissue analyses.Both the research and
educational programs connected to the FRL are expected to grow.
3. CREST Proposal Another current successes for the FORT
partnership was the joint effort in applying for a $5 million grant
over 5 years with the Center for Research Excellence in Science and
Technology (CREST) sponsored by the National Science Foundation
(NSF). The full proposal was submitted in December 2018 with an
anticipated response by May 2019.
The importance of receiving this grant is critical to research,
education, and outreach forestry programs in New Mexico.
Additionally, this will have lasting impacts on forest health not
only in New Mexico but the greater southwestern US.
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The overarching theme of the CREST proposal is to provide novel,
science-based solutions for private, tribal, state, and federal
forest managers faced with the twin threat of catastrophic fires
due to overgrown forests and the inability of post-fire plant
communities to naturally regenerate. This will be accomplished
through the collaborative engagement of students, faculty, and
natural resource professionals.
The subprojects for the CREST proposal are:
Tree/Stand Level: assessing a nucleation strategy matched with
improved seedling stocktypes for forest restoration efforts.
Experiment 1. Nucleation size and planting density Experiment 2.
Vegetation control and animal protection Experiment 3. Stocktype
and planting window
Stand/Forest Level: identify management strategies for effective
and efficient management and restoration of frequent-fire forests,
thus enhancing ecosystem services and reducing the risk of
catastrophic fires.
Experiment 1. Characterization of the fire history in New Mexico
forest Experiment 2. Restoration of dry mixed conifer forests
Experiment 3. Grazing, fire, and seedling density
Forest/Landscape Level: application of the nucleation concept in
the context of forest wildland fire planning and the Community
Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) development process.
Experiment 1. Nucleation based pre-fire analysis and planning
framework Experiment 2. Nucleation in the forest planning,
management, and education Experiment 3. Integrated, place-based
natural resources management plan
4. FORT Advisory Board The FORT Advisory Board officially
started in January 2018 at the first meeting. The Board meets twice
a year with the second meeting occurring in August 2018. The
members have been instrumental to the three institutes that include
the JTH
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Forestry Research Center. They have provided invaluable advice
and support for the research program through assistance in defining
research directions, solutions to resource limitations, and
assistance with the CREST proposal discussed above.
FORT Advisory Board Mission: The mission of the Advisory Board
is to provide strategic guidance and direction for the scientific
(both applied and foundational), educational, and outreach programs
for all three institutions (FORT), both independently and
collaboratively. It plays a key role in advocating the need for
continued research, education, and outreach in forest restoration
in New Mexico and within the greater southwestern US.
FORT Board Members: Kent Reid – NMFWRI Craig Conley – NMHU Josh
Sloan – NMHU Owen Burney – NMSU Anne Bradley – Nature Conservancy
Zander Evans – Forest Guild Andrew Frederick – NMSF Jim Youtz –
USFS Ellis Margolis – US Geological Survey Andi Thode – NAU Lindsey
Quam – Santa Clara Pueblo Brent Racher – NM Forest Industries
5. Forest Nursery Program The JTH FRC is the largest producer of
forest nursery seedlings in New Mexico with a capacity of 300,000
per year. These seedlings are used forboth research and
conservation efforts. In 2018, the center produced approximately
57,853 seedlings for forest restoration purposes.Ata planting
density of 200 trees per acre, this equates to approximately 290
acres of restored forests in New Mexico.
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6. Ongoing Research Projects a. Drought-conditioning during
nursery production influences physiology and
resource allocation of Populus tremuloides and Pinus ponderosa
seedlings.
Introduction Planted tree seedlings in arid and semi-arid
regions experience harsh site conditions due to drought and
disturbances such as wildfire and surface mining. Future climate
regimes in these regions are predicted to be warmer and drier on
average, further impeding reforestation success using conventional
stocktypes. It is therefore critical to develop methods for the
production of high quality seedling stocktypes with improved
survival and performance after transplanting into these
environments. Current and historical nursery practices employ
optimal (i.e. non-limiting) growing conditions from germination
until lifting for either outplanting or storage. However, these
optimal conditions may produce physiological and morphological
seedling characteristics that do not match those required for
post-transplant survivalon harsh sites, resulting in restoration
failures on such sites.
Objectives This study was developed to test the effects of
drought stress induced during the nursery growth phase on aspen and
ponderosa pine seedling morphology and physiology.
Research Containerized aspen and ponderosa pine seedlings were
grown under greenhouse conditions, with each species represented by
three seed sources collected from latitudinal gradients within
their native ranges. Seedlings were exposed to one of three levels
of moisture availability (well-watered control, moderate drought,
and severe drought) shortly after germination until the end of
their first growing season. A portion of the seedlings were
assessed for physiological (e.g., photosynthesis, hydraulically
active xylem tissue, xylem flow velocity) and morphological (e.g.,
biomass and root
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volume) parameters after the first growing season. The remaining
seedlings were planted at two field sites and as a greenhouse
simulated drought study. This research was sponsored/funded through
the McIntire-Stennis Grant, NM Energy, Minerals, and Natural
Resources Department (EMNRD), Imerys Mining Company, US Forest
Service, and JTH FRC seedling program.
Accomplishments • Data collection and analysis complete for the
Nursery and Simulated
Outplanting Phases. • Gokhan Ervan successfully defended his
thesis from these two phases
related to Pinus ponderosa. • Preliminary results from the
nursery phase suggest irrigation
limitations improve plant hydraulics and photosynthetic rates. •
Drought conditioned seedlings outplanted into the field had
both
higher growth and survival rates compared to operational
standards.
b. Genetic variation in aridity adaptation among Pinus ponderosa
populations.
Introduction Ponderosa pine has the largest geographic range of
any pine in the U.S., occurring in 14 states west of the Great
Plains. It is a large tree at maturity with valuable wood in
commercial quantities throughout its range. Moreover, it dominates
forests in upland watersheds that supply clean water for human
consumption and agriculture. Ponderosa pine forests provide
numerous ecosystem services, including wood products, wildlife
habitat, carbon sequestration, clean air, and temperature
amelioration. Yet, these services are threatened by deforestation
resulting from increases in drought, wildfire, and bark beetle
attacks. The threat is particularly severe in the southwestern U.S.
where ponderosa pine is the dominant tree in most upland
watersheds. Forests in this arid region are scarce compared to
other U.S. regions and consequently are disproportionally important
for ecosystem services.
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Objectives The objective of this study is to examine aridity
adaptability of ponderosa pine populations from a range of
temperature and precipitation.
Research Evaluations ofappropriate ponderosa pine seed sources
fora more arid climate in the Southwest have found that ponderosa
pine seedlings from low-elevation, drier seed sources in northern
Arizona had a more drought-adapted architecture (lower
shoot-rootratio) and longer survival of experimentally induced
drought in the greenhouse than high-elevation, wetter sources. A
new investigation builds on this finding by expanding
investigations ofseedling droughttolerance to 21 seed sources from
a broad gradient of elevation, temperature, and precipitation over
Arizona and New Mexico. Seeds used in the investigation were
compiled from collections made over the last three decades by John
Harrington (NMSU), Phillip Patterson (Northern Arizona University -
NAU), Tom Kolb (NAU), and Owen Burney (NMSU). The JTH FRC with NMSU
produced the seedlings, which were planted in July 2018 at the
onset of monsoon rains at three common-garden experiments across an
elevational gradient: 1) a cool, high-elevation site currently
supporting mixed coniferand aspen forests; 2)a moderate
temperature, mid-elevation site currently supporting ponderosa
pine; and 3) a hot, low-elevation site currently supporting
pinyon-juniperwoodland.A fourth common garden experiment, located
in the greenhouse at Northern Arizona University, will be used to
investigate mechanisms of heat and drought tolerance.
Accomplishments • Successfully outplanted the three research
sites in Summer 2018 • Results from the harsh outplanting site have
been published for
survivalresults relative to seed source. See publications. •
Strong collaboration with Tom Kolb and Northern Arizona
University.
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c. Assisted migration – defining seed transfer guidelines for
Pinus ponderosa in a changing climate.
Introduction Recent wildfires in the southwest have burned with
uncharacteristic severity and extent within biophysical settings
not adapted to such fires. Recovery towards the natural
successional pathway is further impeded by a warming climate.
Efforts to restore resilience through tree planting have been
largely unsuccessful due to the combination of climate, drought,
and harsh planting environments associated with severely burned
sites. Planting efforts in the southwest on these post-fire sites
have reported an average of 25% survival in ponderosa pine.Ifwe
define resilience as the abilityofa system to return to its
successional pathway following disturbance, then the burned areas
have seen a decline in resilience.
Objectives The objective of this experiment is to assess the
effectiveness of moving southern seed sources of ponderosa pine to
a northern latitude located in the Valles Caldera National Park.
Additionally, the use of log shading microsite environments on
seedling performance will be examined.
Research There are two log treatments (planting on the north
side ofthe log vs. control of no log) and six ponderosa pine seed
source treatments (All are NM sources: 2 southern, 2 central, and 2
northern). Seedlings were planted at the Valles Caldera National
Park in Fall 2016. Primary measurements include shoot height, stem
diameter, stomatal conductance, plant biomass, and survival. This
project was funded by the National Park Service.
Accomplishments • First report to the Valles Caldera National
Park has shown that the
greatest gains in seedling performance came from the use of a
log microsite. However, as our climate continues to change, it is
likely that
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the combination of microsite environments and seed source will
both be beneficial to the survival and performance of outplanted
seedlings.
• A New Mexico Highlands University graduate student started in
Fall 2018 to assist with the final portion of this research.
d. Southwestern white pine blister rust resistance gene
conservation.
Introduction Southwestern white pine (Pinus strobiformis),
native to the high-elevation forests in the southwestern US, is
threatened by a non-native fungus (Cronartium ribicola) that causes
the disease white pine blister rust. The collection and long-term
conservation of resistant genotypes of southwestern white pine to
blister rust through clonal propagation and orchard establishment
is imperative given the overall fire susceptibility of southwestern
forests and the fact that these genotypes exist in relatively
localized populations.These collections willserve as a resource for
researchers studying resistance of P. strobiformis to C. ribicola
as well as a potential source of seed for seedling propagation and
planting throughout the Lincoln National Forest and surrounding
areas.
Research The gene conservation efforts will be accomplished by:
1) identifying new and previously surveyed trees for their
resistance to the pathogen and cloning them by grafting them to P.
strobiformis rootstock propagated from locallycollected seed;
2)develop an efficientand effective protocolfor grafting P.
strobiformis to open-pollinated P. strobiformis rootstock; and 3)
planting grafted clones into an orchard using 3-5 replicates of
each grafted clone. This project was funded by the US Forest
Service.
Accomplishments • Outplanted grafts from phase 1 and 2 are
healthy and growing.
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• The third grafting phase was completed in April 2018. However,
all graft failed due to the size of the scion material collected.
This was a valuable lesson to work closely with the USFS on future
collections.
• The fourth scion collection will begin in Spring 2019.
e. Pinus ponderosa provenance test and seed transfer
guidelines.
Introduction The 2012 Ponderosa Pine Provenance test is the
result of over thirty years of tree improvement research in New
Mexico. New Mexico seed sources were identified bythe baseline
selection method through the NMSU/New Mexico Forestry Division
joint tree improvement program. Out-of-state seed sources were
collected by cooperators in those regions, or were purchased from
commercial seed vendors. Testing this broad range of seed sources
will allow for the continuation of superior seedlings for
reforestation in New Mexico, and will also yield critical
information to the understanding of the species relationship to
changing climatic conditions.
Research Seedlings from 75 sources ranging from southern New
Mexico to British Columbia, Canada were planted in the fall of
2012. Measurements have been taken on seedling morphological and
phenological responses by seed source. Long-term measurements are
required to properly model the effects of climatic change on
survival, growth, and physiological parameters. This project was
funded through NM EMNRD.
Accomplishments • Based on this 2012 Ponderosa Pine Provenance
test, the JTH FRC in
collaboration with the USFS have developed new seed transfer
guidelines for the greater southwester region (AZ, NM, UT, and
CO).
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• These new seed zones will be used by both public and private
organizations involved in reforestation and restoration programs
using ponderosa pine.
f. Maritime forest restoration on the Southern Atlantic
Coast.
Introduction The maritime forest is a keystone ecosystem that
supports numerous threatened and endangered species along the
United States’ Southern Atlantic Coast. Live oaktrees dominate this
ecosystem and stabilize coastal soil, provide roosting for
migratory birds, and perform other important ecological functions.
Since human settlement of the eastern barrier islands, live
oakforests have been clear-cut to make way for agricultural,
residential, and commercial development. This once-dominant and
deeply important ecosystem has been significantly depleted and
degraded to its current fractional state. This situation is not
sustainable and demands serious investments by land managers and
conservation programs in the restoration of maritime forest
ecosystems. Despite the importance of maritime forest ecosystems
and the general agreement that restoration practices are required,
there is a surprising dearth ofresearch on the most effective
methods of live oak regeneration. This lack of knowledge prevents
forest and conservation managers from prescribing silvicultural
management activities that will lead to maritime forest restoration
success.
Objectives The objective of this study is to conduct a
comprehensive analysis of the effects of animal browse, weed
competition, and light requirements for live oak restoration
plantings in Coastal Georgia in three project phases.
Accomplishments • All three phases of the project are
complete.
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• A MS student, Emily Thyroff, successfully defended her thesis
at Purdue University on all three phases.
• Land managers and researchers involved in maritime forest
restoration along the southern Atlantic coastare using these
results as the foundation for live oak and maritime forest
restoration.
• Multiple manuscripts are in draft form.
g. Defining seed transfer guidelines and planting strategies for
ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) to aid in post-fire recovery in
the Jemez Mountains.
Introduction The successful natural establishment of conifer
seedlings in the southwestern United States is often hindered by
harsh site conditions related to droughtand severe disturbances
such as wildfire.Additionally, future climate changes are predicted
to be warmer and drier further complicating the potential for
natural forest regeneration.
Tree planting efforts on adjacent National Forest Service lands
have been largelyunsuccessfuldue to the combination ofclimate
warming and the impacts ofsevere burning, with some efforts
reporting less than 5 percent survival in ponderosa pine. By
conducting experimental plantings of ponderosa and Douglas fire,
this project will assess seed sources from a range ofecotypes
foruse in restoration via reforestation ofseverely burned areas
within Bandelier National Monument. More specifically, seedling
performance (i.e., survival, growth, physiological responses) will
be measured through the comparison of seed source ecotypes. The
results will help park managers better understand potential forest
restoration strategies and will provide future seed sources by
re-establishing genetically appropriate trees in areas influenced
by high severity fires and floods.
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Objectives The objectives of this study are to improve the
resilience of once-forested areas under warming and drying climate
by planting tree species that are within the natural range of
variability for the biophysical setting of Bandelier National
Monument, but may be better suited to the warmer drier site; and to
conduct research that will inform future restoration projects in
post-burned areas.
Accomplishments • GIS maps have been developed from the region
to define proper
ecotypes for seed collection. • Multiple scouting trips were
conducted in Summer and Fall of 2018 to
assess cone production and identify potential future candidates
for cone collection.
• Permission was given to extend collection zone to the entire
Jemez Mountain Range.
7. Peer Reviewed Journal Articles
a. Burney OT, Jacobs DF (2018) Species selection - a fundamental
silvicultural tool to promote forest regeneration under high animal
browsing pressure. Forest Ecology and Management (408), 67-74.
Abstract: Heavily disturbed post-mining sites are often
difficult to restore to forestland due to chemical and physical
soil limitations, as well as frequent animal herbivory of planted
tree seedlings. Forest tree species differ in how they allocate
resources to defensive compounds or growth in order to resist
abiotic and biotic stresses after outplanting. However, the
influences of plant nutrition and secondary metabolite production
on browse susceptibility and recovery are notwellunderstood within
and among species, especially for temperate deciduous forest trees.
We investigated foliar tannin and nutrient
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responses under fenced (to exclude white-tailed deer, Odocoileus
virginianus) and non-fenced environments on an abandoned mine land
in southwestern Indiana, USA. Using field fertilization (15N-9P-10K
controlled-release fertilizerat0, 30 g, and 60 g perseedling), we
also created a gradient of nutrient availability for planted black
cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.), bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa
Michx.), northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.), and white oak
(Quercus alba L.) seedlings. Fencing improved growth relative to
non-fenced seedlings; fertilization improved growth for all species
except northern red oak, but only when combined with fencing.
Fertilization reduced foliartannin concentrations forblack cherry
and white oak, butdid not change browsing preference or browse
recovery for any species. Without fencing, browsing selection was
solely driven by tree species, whereby black cherry had a higher
likelihood of being browsed compared to all oak species. This
response was likely associated with differences among species in
resource allocation patterns; black cherry prioritizes structural
growth and recovery, while oaks allocate resources to both growth
and secondary metabolite production. As fencing is often considered
cost-prohibitive for mine reclamation and other restoration
efforts, species selection is perhaps the most fundamental
silvicultural tool to promote forest regeneration success under
conditions of high animal browsing pressure.
b. Hubbel K, Ross-Davis A, Pinto J, Burney OT, Davis A (2018)
Toward sustainable cultivation of Pinus occidentalis Swatz in
Haiti: effects of altnerative growing media and containers on
seedling growth and foliar chemistry. Forests (9), 422.
Abstract: Haiti has suffered great losses from deforestation,
with little forest cover remaining today. Current reforestation
efforts focus on seedling quantity rather than quality. This study
examined limitations to the production of high-quality seedlings of
the endemic Hispaniolan pine (Pinus occidentalis Swartz).
Recognizing the importance of applying sustainable development
principles to pine forest restoration, the effects of growing
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media and container types on seedling growth were evaluated with
the goal of developing a propagation protocol to produce
high-quality seedlings using economically feasible nursery
practices. With regard to growing media, seedlings grew best in
compost-based media amended with sand. Topsoil, widely used in
nurseries throughout Haiti, produced the smallest seedlings
overall. Despite a low water holding capacity and limited
manganese, compost-based media provided adequate levels of
essential mineral nutrients (particularly nitrogen), which allowed
for sufficient seedling nutrition. Seedling shoot and root growth,
as well as the ratio of shoot biomass to root biomass, were greater
in polybags relative to D40s. Results indicate that economically
feasible improvements to existing nursery practices in Haiti can
improve the early growth rates of P . occidentalis seedlings.
c. Shalizi N, Khurram S, Groninger J, Ruffner C, Burney OT
(2018) Indigenous knowledge and stand characteristics of a
threatened tree species in a highly insecure area: Chilgoza pine in
Afghanistan. Forest Ecology and Management (413), 1-8.
Abstract: In eastern and southeastern Afghanistan, the
mid-elevation slopes (2100-2500 m) are covered by forests where
Pinus gerardiana (chilgoza pine) is the dominantspecies.chilgoza
pine form pure stands on dryslopes ofthe southern-most and
western-most edges of the eastern forest complex. Chilgoza pine is
famous globallyforits edible seeds (pine nuts or‘chilgoza’).
Anthropogenic pressures such as seed collection, grazing, and
fuelwood collection may be impeding natural regeneration.
Consequently, chilgoza pine forests are at great risk of decline
and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has
classified the species as endangered. Our study, based on
interviews/questionnaires and field measurements, examines
perceptions of indigenous communities toward the chilgoza pine
forests and subsequent impact on stand structure and natural
regeneration. Survey results revealed thatthe majority ofvillagers
in the chilgoza pine region do not have formal knowledge of the
threatened status of chilgoza pine.
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However, most participants stated that chilgoza pine forests are
degrading or declining. They recognize that human activities such
as heavy cone collection, tree damage during cone harvesting,
grazing, fuelwood collection, and other biotic/abiotic factors
(insects, diseases, and drought) lead to chilgoza forest
degradation. Majority of interviewees observed natural regeneration
in the understory layerofchilgoza foreststands.However, they
believe that the overall rate of natural regeneration is
insufficient to prevent forest decline. Most villagers (96.4%)
responded that regeneration was poor or fair, while the remaining
responded that no regeneration was occurring. Villages that
prohibit grazing and fuelwood collection reported the greatest
regeneration.Villages thatallow grazing and fuelwood collection in
their pine forests reported the lowest levels of regeneration.
Field measurements did not correlate well with the results found in
the survey. In two of the sites measured, number of seedlings and
saplings was high, while in others natural regeneration was
poor.However, using both the survey and field measurement data it
can be concluded that there is a significant decline in natural
regeneration of chilgoza pine in Afghanistan.
d. Shalizi N, Groninger J, Safi K, Ruffner C, Burney OT (2018)
Data on ecological associations and stand structure of chilgoza
pine (Pinus gerardiana Wall. ex D. Don) in Afghanistan. Data in
Brief (18), 939-946.
Abstract: Reported here are original data related to the article
“Indigenous knowledge and stand characteristics of a threatened
tree species in a highly insecure area: Chilgoza pine in
Afghanistan” (Shalizietal., 2018). A dendrochronological summary of
all known chilgoza pine tree growth incrementcores collected in
Afghanistan is presented in this data in brief article.Chilgoza
pine trees and regeneration density profiles are reported for four
provinces of eastern Afghanistan. In addition, images depicting
chilgoza pine forest structure, stand conditions, and utilization
impacts are presented.
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e. Rose K, Parsons T, Sloan J, Burney OT (2018) Examples of
using subirrigation systems for both growing and storing seedlings.
Tree Planters' Notes 58 (2), 12-19.
Abstract: Subirrigation systems offer a water-efficient
alternative to the industrystandard ofoverhead irrigation.These
systems can be used in growing environments, as well as during
storage of overwintered seedlings. This article offers examples for
using subirrigation in both the growing and storage environments.
Additionally, detailed instructions are provided for creating a
subirrigation tank to fit any nursery need.
f. Kolb T, Dixit A, Burney OT (2018) Challenges and
opportunities for maintaining ponderosa pine forests in the
southwestern U.S. Tree Planters' Notes. (in press)
Abstract: Deforestation caused by wildfire and bark beetle
attacks in southwestern ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Douglas ex
P. Lawson & C. Lawson.) forests have increased over the past
century due to climate warming. Continued warming is expected to
increase deforestation. Ponderosa pine regeneration
afterdeforestation often is inadequate in the region.Opportunities
existforactive managementto mitigate deforestation. First, planting
can promote reforestation, but survival of planted seedlings is
generally poor and highly variable among sites. The region needs
more research aboutimproving early seedling performance.Secondly,
improving aridity adaptation of planted seedlings by seed source
selection may improve outplanting performance.New common garden
studies ofseedling aridity adaptation of Arizona and New Mexico
provenances suggest genetic variation in aridity adaptation among
populations. Early results show genetic variation in survival under
extreme drought conditions. Greenhouse experiments are
investigating genetic variation in mechanisms of aridity tolerance.
Promotion of forest recovery using these emerging approaches will
be critical for sustaining forests in the increasingly arid
southwestern U.S.
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g. Lauriault LM, Ray I, Pierce C, Burney OT, Flynn RP, Marsalis
MA, O'Neill MK, Cunningham A, Havlik C, West M (2018) The 2017 New
Mexico Alfalfa Variety Test Report. Las Cruces, NM: Agricultural
Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, New Mexico
State University.
8. Presentations
a. Burney OT (presenter), Pinto JR, Sloan JL
“Nurseryconditioning seedlings for improved drysite performance”,
Imerys Mining Inc., No Agua, NM.(February 7, 2018)
b. Burney OT (presenter), “The role of nurseries to meet forest
restoration needs”, Seminar Series Forestry Department, Northern
Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ. (April 18, 2018)
c. Burney OT (presenter), “Are we losing our forests in the
southwestern US?”, Seminar Series Forestry Department, Purdue
University, West Lafayette, IN. (October 16, 2018)
d. Burney OT (presenter), “The role of nurseries to meet dry
forest restoration needs”, Eastside Seedling Characteristics and
Quality for Optimum Field Performance, Western Forestry and
Conservation Association, Coeur d’Alene, ID. (October 25, 2018)
9. Funding for 2018 Our receipt of external funding for 2018 was
approximately $159,498.
a. Burney OT (Principal), "Defining Seed Transfer Guidelines and
Planting Strategies for Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa) to Aid in
Post-Fire Recovery in the Jemez Mountains", Sponsoring
Organization: US Department of Interior/NationalPark Service; PI
Total Award: $50,000
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b. Burney OT (Principal), "Tree Improvement and Forestation
Plan", Sponsoring Organization: NM Energy, Minerals, and Natural
Resources Department; PI Total Award: $8,000
c. Burney, O. (Principal), "Seedling Conservation for EMNRD
Forestry Division", Sponsoring Organization: NM Energy, Minerals,
and Natural Resources Department; PI Total Award: $38,383
d. Burney OT (Principal). “Gene Conservation of Blister Rust
Resistant Southwestern White Pine through Clonal Propagation”,
Sponsoring Organization: USFS; Total Amount: $7,500
e. Burney OT (Principal). “McIntire Stennis”, Sponsoring
Organization: USFS; Total Amount: $30,000
f. Burney OT (Principal). “Aspen and Ponderosa Pine
Conservation”, Sponsoring Organization: Utah State University;Total
Amount:$10,590
g. Burney OT (Principal). “Thermopsis montana Seed Orchard
Establishment/Restoration – Phase 1”, Sponsoring Organization:
Institute of Applied Ecology; Total Amount: $9,400
h. Burney OT (Principal). “Riparian Restoration in the Jemez
Mountains”, Sponsoring Organization: Wild Earth Guardians;Total
Amount:$5,625
10. Students a. Gokhan Ervan (MS), New Mexico State University,
“Evaluation of drought
conditioned Pinus ponderosa seedlings after the nursery growth
phase”. Advisor: Dr. Owen Burney, NMSU Graduated – December
2018
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b. Furkan Atalar (MS), New Mexico State University, “Rainfall
simulation on thinned and burned forests in New Mexico”. Advisor:
Dr. Alexander “Sam” Fernald, NMSU Graduated – May 2018
c. Emily Thyroff (MS), Purdue University, “Maritime forest
restoration along the southern Atlantic coast”. Advisor: Dr. Doug
Jacobs, Purdue University Graduated – October 2018
d. Alex Howe (MS), Utah State University, “Developing
seedling-based restoration strategies for western aspen”. Advisor:
Dr. Karen Mock, Utah State University Graduated – February 2018
e. Aalap Dixit (PhD), Northern Arizona University, “Genetic
variation in aridity adaptation among Pinus ponderosa populations”.
Advisor: Dr. Tom Kolb, Northern Arizona University Current
11. Field Tours at JTH FRC a. New Mexico Highlands University.
“Research Updates”. Audience: faculty, 5
participants. (January 2018)
b. The Nature Conservancy and National Park Service. “Research
Updates”. Restoration Group. Audience: staff/researchers, 15
participants. (June 2018)
c. NMSU and 4-H. Field Day Host to “Ride for 4-H Clover”, Mora,
NM, Audience: NM community members, 30 participants. (August
2018)
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12. Total Monthly Precipitation for JTH FRC 2018
Month Rainfall (in)
Snowfall (in)
Jan 0.02 0.00 Feb 0.31 4.90 Mar 0.15 0.00 Apr 0.12 0.00 May 1.43
0.00 Jun 0.45 0.00 Jul 2.99 0.00 Aug 2.88 0.00 Sep 1.48 0.00 Oct
2.89 4.48 Nov 0.79 4.18 Dec 0.59 19.02 TOTAL 14.10 32.58
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Structure
BookmarksF/;;)E)#/C#DE6-.:;1:62;G#F/47:?)6#24A#"45-6/4?)412;#0.-)4.)7#
D((3D%#L"P$LI#QRST# 2018 Staff, John T. Harrington Forestry
Research Center: Partners. and Collaborators: 1. Introduction 2..
Forest Restoration. Triangle (FORT) 3.. CREST. Proposal 4.. FORT
Advisory Board 5.. Forest Nursery. Program 6.. Ongoing Research
Projects 7.. Peer Reviewed Journal Articles 8.. Presentations 9..
Funding for. 2018 10.. Students 11. Field. Tours at JTH FRC