On a hot day in Surry Forest, a team of foresters and ecologists walked the sun-baked trails, focused on preparing Maine’s coastal forests for climate change. This 2,100-acre area once thrived with shady red spruce trees, but extensive logging has changed the landscape. Sun-loving species like oak and aspen now dominate the area.
Since its purchase by the Blue Hill Heritage Trust in 2017, ecologists from the University of Maine have been working hard to restore these red spruce forests. Their efforts are part of a larger research project aimed at understanding how to manage coastal spruce trees amidst rising temperatures and drought conditions.
Jay Wason, a professor at UMaine, leads this project. He noted that many coastal areas that once had red spruce no longer do due to various management practices. “We want to understand where red spruce still exists along the coastline and how healthy it is,” he said.
The challenges posed by climate change and land use are explored in a forest management guide by Rose Gellman, a forestry student. She details how the introduction of European settlers changed the ecological landscape, leading to heavy harvesting. Despite advances in sustainable logging, these forests still struggle to recover, and projections indicate that their habitat might shrink significantly by 2060.
However, Gellman and others remain optimistic. The guide provides valuable insights for foresters like John Harriman from the Blue Hill Heritage Trust, fueling ongoing restoration efforts.
In Surry Forest, Harriman is experimenting with a management technique that creates shaded areas for the spruce to flourish. While deer and caterpillars have disrupted his oak planting, he believes the process is vital for learning what works in spruce restoration. “If we can share our findings as a community, it will help us all,” said Nicole Rogers, a forester with the Maine Forest Service.
Rogers also emphasizes the importance of considering other tree species beyond red spruce to build resilient forests. Kathy Pollard, an ecologist, is following this approach by planting white oak and black walnut trees that can thrive in Maine’s changing climate. Along with her daughter, Pollard works to integrate Indigenous sustainability practices into their ecological efforts.
“As the climate warms, many tree species will move northward,” she explained. Planting trees like American chestnut can help fill the gaps caused by other trees declining.
The workshop concluded at nearby Penny’s Preserve, a serene spot teeming with a healthy stand of red spruce. Colby Bosley-Smith, a Ph.D. student, is studying these ancient trees to learn more about their growth patterns and resilience against climate change. “I hope this research sparks more interest in properly managing and conserving these crucial forests,” Wason remarked.
Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows that temperatures in the Northeast are rising faster than in many other parts of the U.S. This makes initiatives for forest restoration and management even more critical.
As the communities of Maine work together, the collaboration between foresters, ecologists, and Indigenous practices can help build a sustainable future for these vital coastal forests.
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Climate Change,Free,University of Maine
