Understory Plant Community Response to a Range of Restoration Scenarios in Northeast US Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida) Barrens

August 12, 2025 - This paper from Kathleen A. Stutzman, Anthony W. D'Amato, and Kevin J. Dodds has relevance here in the northeastern United States.

Aim of the work: Fire-dependent pine and oak-pine ecosystems of the eastern United States have been significantly impacted by their disconnection from historic disturbance regimes, particularly fire, along with changes in land use and policies of fire suppression.

Climate change presents additional challenges to these communities, especially through the introduction and expansion of novel stressors. Understory plants in these communities provide important wildlife habitat, along with social and cultural value. Restoration management in northeast pitch pine (Pinus rigida) barrens has mainly utilized prescribed fire and mechanical treatments, including mowing and thinning. This study compared the effect of these regionally common management activities on the composition, diversity, and abundance of understory plant species.

Field Work in Northeast US Pitch Pine Barrens

Use the links below to access this paper and relevant resources such as other works from Stutzman, D'Amato, and Dobbs and a recent webinar.

Understory Plant Community Response to a Range of Restoration Scenarios in Northeast US Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida) Barrens - Kathleen A. Stutzman, Anthony W. D'Amato, and Kevin J. Dodds (August 12, 2025).

Tree Regeneration Dynamics Under a Range of Restoration Treatments in Northern Pitch Pine (Pinus Rigida) Barrens - Kathleen A. Stutzman, Anthony W. D'Amato, Kevin J. Dodds (February 5, 2025).

Student Webinar Series - Regeneration Dynamics and Understory Plant Community Response in Northeast Pitch Pine Barrens Under a Range of Restoration Scenarios (April 10, 2024).

NAFSE Southern Pine Beetle Working Group - Sharing science for managing pitch pine under the threat of southern pine beetle.