What is the Definition of an Old Growth Forest?: An old growth forest, late seral forest, ancient or primary forest or ancient woodland, is a woods of great age that exhibits unique biological features. Depending on tree species and forest type, the age can be from 150 to 500 years.
Old growth forests typically contain a mixture of large live and dead trees or "snags". Unharvested fallen tree logs in various states of decay litter the forest floor. Some say that U.S. old growth forests should have had no direct disruption by Euro-Americans.
Old growth forests typically contain a mixture of large live and dead trees or "snags". Unharvested fallen tree logs in various states of decay litter the forest floor. Some say that U.S. old growth forests should have had no direct disruption by Euro-Americans.
How Will You Know You are in an Old Growth Forest?: Foresters and botanists use certain criteria to determine old growth. Sufficient age and minimal disturbance is necessary to be classified as old growth. Characteristics of old-growth forest will include presence of older trees, minimal signs of human disturbance, mixed-age stands, canopy openings due to tree falls, pit-and-mound topography, downed and decaying wood, standing snags, multi-layered canopies, intact soils, a healthy fungal ecosystem, and presence of indicator species.
What is a Second Growth Forest?: Forests regenerated after harvests or severe disruptions like fire, storms or insects is often referred to as a second-growth forest or regeneration until a long enough period has passed that the effects of the disturbance are no longer evident. Depending on the forest, to become old growth again may take anywhere from a century to several millennia. Hardwood forests of the eastern United States can develop old-growth characteristics in one or two generations of trees, or 150-500 years.
Why are Old Growth Forests Important?: Old growth forests are often rich, biodiverse communities harboring wide varieties of plants and animals. These species must live under stable conditions free from severe disturbance. Some of these creatures are rare.
The age of the oldest trees in an ancient forest indicates that destructive events over a long period were of moderate intensity and did not kill all the vegetation. Some suggest that old growth forests are carbon "sinks" that lock up carbon and help prevent global warming.
The age of the oldest trees in an ancient forest indicates that destructive events over a long period were of moderate intensity and did not kill all the vegetation. Some suggest that old growth forests are carbon "sinks" that lock up carbon and help prevent global warming.
