PTS: 3210APN.14.26 Title: AL-Longleaf Systems and carbon Sequestration (03-R4-02) Leaders: * Fennell, Shannon R., shannon_fennell@usgs.gov, 703-648-4265, FAX 703-648-4269, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive Mail Stop 303, Reston, VA 20192-0002 * Grand, James B., barry_grand@usgs.gov, 334-844-4796, FAX 334-844-1084, 602 Duncan Drive Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849-5418 Communication Plan: Phase I ¿ An annotated bibliography published by USFWS, USDA Forest Service, Longleaf Alliance, or the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences. Delivery date: 10 months after an account number has been established.
Phase II - Report resulting from the study described, at least one peer-reviewed publication, and a paper or poster at an appropriate scientific meeting. Delivery date: 2 years after the commencement of the field work.
Phase III - Report resulting from the study described, at least one peer-reviewed publication, and a paper or poster at an appropriate scientific meeting. Delivery date: 2 years after the commencement of the field work. Objectives: 1. Phase I ¿ Develop a detailed literature review/bibliography of research literature related to longleaf pine, above and below ground biomass, and carbon sequestration.
2. Phase II - Determine the relationships between prescribe burn treatment and above/below ground biomass and carbon sequestration.
3. Phase III ¿ Determine the relationships between root biomass/carbon sequestration and the density, site quality, and age of the longleaf pine overstory. Statement of Problem: Forested ecosystems have a significant potential for sequestering large amounts of carbon through land management. To fully realize the potential carbon sequestration capabilities of these ecosystems there is a need to develop strategies and methods for increasing carbon sequestration. A fire-maintained, longleaf pine dominated ecosystem may offer one of the best options for carbon sequestration among the forested ecosystems of the southeastern US while providing habitat for a number of threatened and endangered plant and wildlife species, including red-cockaded woodpeckers, gopher tortoises, indigo snakes, etc ¿. (Hardin and White 1989, Landers et al. 1995, Jackson 1989)
Among the southern pines, longleaf may offer the best opportunity for carbon sequestration. It is the longest-living of the southern pines, capable of growing to 500 years (Platt et al. 1988). It will continue to put on growth, even at older ages (West et al. 1993). Products from longleaf pine will sequester carbon longer than most since they are likely to be solid wood products like structural lumber and poles. In addition to the tree itself, a fire-maintained longleaf pine ecosystem supports a productive understory of grasses and herbaceous plants which themselves may offer more carbon storage than the trees. 2003 Statement of Work: 1. Phase I ¿ Begin development of a detailed literature review/bibliography of research literature related to longleaf pine, above and below ground biomass, and carbon sequestration.
2. Phase II - Begin set up and field work for the determination of the relationships between prescribe burn treatment and above/below ground biomass and carbon sequestration.
3. Phase III ¿ Begin set up and field work for the determination of the relationships between root biomass/carbon sequestration and the density, site quality, and age of the longleaf pine overstory. 2004 Statement of Work: Phase II - Continue field work for the determination of the relationships between prescribe burn treatment and above/below ground biomass and carbon sequestration.
Phase III ¿ Continue field work for the determination of the relationships between root biomass/carbon sequestration and the density, site quality, and age of the longleaf pine overstory. 2005 Statement of Work: Complete Phase II
Phase III--
For the purposes of this proposed study, a sub-sample of plots approximately 96) will be selected to cover a range of ages, densities, and site qualities. These plots will be selected from the plots in original installation and newer plots with consistent management and numerous plot re-measurements (all selected plots will be one-fifth acre in size). Within each plot, 8 sampling locations will be randomly selected but will avoid areas very close to large trees and roots. A sampling procedure and the number of samples collected will be developed from the work conducted in Phase II for C-analysis.
Data will be analyzed using standard statistical procedures. Graphical and regression techniques will be used to identify trends and to model relationships between important stand characteristics and soil carbon at each level and a pooled total. Data already collected on the overstory will be used to estimate overstory biomass and carbon.
2006 Statement of Work: Complete Phase III, finalize data, begin reports Product: Report Planned Report, Planned: An annotated bibliography published by USFWS, USDA Forest Service, Longleaf Alliance, or the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences., tbd Product: Report Planned Report, Planned: Report resulting from the study described under Phase II, at least one peer-reviewed publication, and a paper or poster at an appropriate scientific meeting, tbd Product: Report Planned Report, Planned: Report resulting from the study described under Phase III, at least one peer-reviewed publication, and a paper or poster at an appropriate scientific meeting,
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