Kenneth S. Norris Rancho Marino Reserve

01 Nov, 01 AM - 09 Nov, 10 AM

Monterey pines (Pinus radiata) are limited to a narrow range of soil, moisture and temperature conditions. In California they are restricted in their natural distribution to the coastal fogbelts in and around Cambria, the Monterey Peninsula, and Ano Nuevo, and Isla Cedros and I. Guadalupe, Mexico. The total area of existing native Monterey pines is estimated to be 13,500 acres. Monterey pine is a federal species of concern and listed by the California Native Plant Society, List 1B meaning they are considered rare. This species is fast growing and short-lived (160 years max.). Although raised throughout the world in lumber plantations there are only a few small native stand remaining. Some 36 special status or endangered species are found in or near Monterey Pine forests, and may be dependent on this specific forest habitat. Monterey pine forests cover approximately 3500 acres in and around Cambria. The expansion of human population has reduced both the extent and health of native Monterey pine forests. The introduction and recent spread of ?pine pitch canker? (Fusarium subglutinaus f. sp. pini) is a threat to the forest?s health. About 2300 acres of the Cambria forest remain undeveloped. Approximately 126 acres are in the University of California?s Kenneth S. Norris Rancho Marino Reserve (hereafter known as the reserve), bordering Cambria on the south. Beneath the Monterey pine canopy the coastal live oak (Quercus agrifolia) forms a subcanopy. A recently introduced phytophoran disease known as ?sudden oak death? has killed many oaks in northern California, but has not yet appeared in San Luis Obispo County. Despite all the threats to native Monterey pine forests, little is known about the demography of native populations of Monterey pines. The size structure of forests, germination, growth and mortality rates are essential for understanding the dynamics of these populations. Without long term data on these parameters, the effects of disturbance (natural and anthropogenic) and climatic events on the forest are difficult if not impossible to evaluate. The forest on the reserve is a mosaic of age and habitat structure. We have identified four distinct patterns. 1. On the coastal slope many recruits and young (<5years old) trees are expanding the range of the forest downslope into the coastal prairies. 2. Mature canopy trees, (apparently less dense than they once were), with many age classes of pines (estimated 1-10 years) covering the forest floor. 3. Single age class stands approximately 15 years old. 4. Mixed canopies of Monterey pine and coastal live oak, with seedlings of both species and young trees present. To help us understand the historical extent and distribution of this forest, we propose to look at aerial images. We plan to set-up permanent plots in representative areas within each of the 4 forest types described above. We will mark and measure (diameter at breast height, overall height) individual trees. Dead and falling trees will be mapped and their sizes estimated. Canopy percent cover will be measured. Understory shrubs and grasses will be identified and a percent cover estimated. The protocols established will be easily replicable, so that a long-term dataset can be developed over time. The methodology will be designed so that University classes can assist with the annual sampling. Hopefully the methods that are used can be used by other forestry managers to for comparison of the demographics between populations and detect changes in the population and its structure over time.

Visit #20016 @Kenneth S. Norris Rancho Marino Reserve

Approved

Under Project # 20969 | Research

A long term demographic study of Monterey pines

research_assistant - University of California, Santa Barbara

Reservation Members(s)

Don Canestro Nov 1 - 9, 2009 (9 days)
Don Canestro Nov 1 - 9, 2009 (9 days)
Don Canestro Nov 1 - 9, 2009 (9 days)

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Day Use Only 3 Nov 1 - 9, 2009