Thinning the 1927 “Common Sense” young Norway-jack pine stands in the Cutfoot Experimental Forest

Metadata:

Data_Quality_Information:

Attribute_Accuracy:

Attribute_Accuracy_Report:

These data are assumed to be an accurate record of the data collected, but there were no accuracy assessments or documents provided by the people who collected and recorded the data. These data are provided based on information gathered from historical records, so minimal information was available. Occasional logical inconsistencies are known to exist in the dataset, as described in the Logical Consistency Report.

Some data from the data sheets were already digitized into an Microsoft Excel Open XML format spreadsheet file (XLSX) file when the data were received. Data that were missing were added to the XLSX file from the paper data sheets. After digitization of the data sheets, quality assurance / quality control (QA/QC) was done by comparing the entered data to the paper documents and any missing data were added. Data from the paper data sheets were given precedence in any conflicts between data in the XLSX file and data on the paper data sheets.

Logical_Consistency_Report:

If a tree was declared DEAD, this event could have happened anytime between the last measurement and the measurement for which it was declared as DEAD.

If a tree has been listed as CUT, this action would have happened after the previous measurement, likely during the dormant season of that previous sample year (e.g., measured in 1949 and listed as CUT in 1955, the tree would have been cut in the dormant season of 1949).

A tree that is recorded as DEAD, CUT, or B40 will have blank measurements in subsequent years because no data were recorded. Occasionally, there is a record after an event. In these cases, it is unknown if the tree was mistakenly recorded as DEAD or CUT or if the measurement was mistakenly attributed to the wrong tree.

Trees were measured in 1940 after a sleet storm went through the area. Some heights were recorded from down timber and may be less than previous years. In some cases, heights were recorded as less than previous and subsequent years suggesting a change in measurement methods. However, there is no record of such a change.

Crown class classifications used in 1949 are different than those used in all other years due to the development of a newer classification system to help guide intermediate cuttings.

In Plot 18, Tree #57 became Tree #49 in 1932 after the original Tree #49 was killed and removed. The information is still listed under tree #57 in the data publication.

In the vegetation abundance dataset, abundance of vegetation on plots 18 and 19 was calculated using a qualitative walkthrough, while on plots 20 and 21 abundance was calcuated statistically. However, due to statistical irregularities, these data were changed to the same qualitative abundance as plots 18 and 19. See the description of data files below for more information.

Completeness_Report:

For all .csv files in this publication, not all measurements were provided. Any blank data means no data were provided on the original forms.

Diameter at breast height (DBH) was not measured in 1942. Crown class was not measured in 1942, 1943, and 1955. Height was not measured in 1943 and 1955. Therefore these fields were not included in the dataset.

In the vegetation abundance dataset, only plot information and abundance were included from the original dataset.

Lineage:

Methodology:

Methodology_Type: Field

Methodology_Description:

The study was started in 1927 as a follow up to a study that began in 1923 and ended in 1926 after the plots were destroyed in a crown fire. In that study red pine was thinned to a 5 x 5 foot spacing.

In 1927, four 0.5 acre (1,476 square feet) plots were laid out in a 53-year old Norway (red) and jack pine pole stand. Effort was made to place each plot in a part of the stand where a complete canopy existed and where plots would be alike in composition and stocking. Plot 21 was left as a control plot. Plot 18 was thinned by removing all merchantable jack pine trees and a few large Norway (red) pine. Plot 19 was thinned by removing all jack pine and some of the small Norway (red) pine. Plot 20 was thinned by removing all jack pine and some of the large Norway (red) pine.

Trees were supposed to be measured every 5 years until the end of the study. Full measurements (DBH, crown class, and height) were taken in 1927, 1932, 1937, 1940, and 1949. In 1942, only height was recorded. In 1943 and 1955, only DBH was recorded. DBH and height measurements were taken in 1940 after a sleet storm, in addition to other sleet damage measurements. DBH and height measurements from 1940 may include down timber. The “Common Sense” plots were retired in 1955.

In 1932, a vegetation abundance list was created for each plot. The method used to count the vegetation was to use 100 mil-acre quadrats uniformly distributed over the area of each 0.5 acre plot and estimate the relative abundance of each species of plant found in each quadrat. This method was used for plots 20 and 21. For plots 18 and 19, abundance was estimated in 3 classes as a result of visual impressions from walking through each plot. Vegetation within plots 18 and 19 are listed as ‘sparse’, ‘intermediate’, or ‘abundant’.

Methodology_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: Lake States Forest Experiment Station

Publication_Date: Unpublished material

Title:

Thinning in young Norway-jack pine stands working plan

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: document

Other_Citation_Details:

Unpublished report created October 14, 1927 (included in data publication: \Supplements\Working_Plan_Thinning_in_Young_Norway-Jack_Pine_Stands.pdf)

Methodology_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: Shirley, Hardy

Publication_Date: Unpublished material

Title:

Vegetation Study Plots 18-21

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: document

Other_Citation_Details:

Unpublished report created March 17, 1932 (included in data publication: \Supplements\Working_Plan_Thinning_in_Young_Norway-Jack_Pine_Stands.pdf)

Methodology_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: Kittredge, J. Jr.

Publication_Date: 1927

Title:

Thinning young red pine

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: journal article

Series_Information:

Series_Name: Journal of Forestry

Issue_Identification: 25: 555-559

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

Data sheets, documents, and an XLSX file were provided to the Forest Service Research Data Archive by the Cutfoot Experimental Forest. All original paper documents were scanned into portable document format (PDF) files. Some data were already digitized when submitted, so the rest of the data were added to the XLSX file from the paper data sheets. After digitization of the data sheets, QA/QC was done by comparing the entered data to the paper documents and any missing data were added. Data from the paper data sheets were given precedence in any conflicts between data in the XLSX file and data in the paper data sheets. The XLSX file was then converted into three comma-delimited ASCII text (CSV) files.

Process_Date: 201909

Entity_and_Attribute_Information:

Overview_Description:

Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:

Below is a description of the data and supplemental files included in this data publication.

DATA FILES (3)

1. \Data\CommonSense_1940_SleetDamage.csv: Comma-delimited ASCII text file containing red and jack pine tree sleet damage measurements collected in all plots at the Cutfoot Experimental Forest in 1940.

Some attributes have a 1 or are blank. They are marked here with [1, blank] after the description. Attributes with a 1 indicate a checkmark on the original datasheet and generally indicate that attribute is present for the tree. If the attribute is blank, then it is not either present for the tree or was not measured.

Attributes:

Study = name of study that trees were part of

Plot = number of the plot

Date = date sleet damage was measured (mm/dd/yyyy)

Party = name of person who conducted measurements

Tree# = ID number of the tree
UNK = unknown

Species = species of tree
NP = Norway pine
JP = jack pine

DBH = diameter at breast height measurement [inches]

Crown Class = crown class measurement
C = Codominant
D = Dominant
I = Intermediate
S = Suppressed

Exposed = Cardinal direction of exposed crown
N = North
E = East
S = South
W = West
O = Open or Overtopped, depending on size of tree

RelIndTree = release value (tree removal) benefits an individual tree [1, blank]

RelDamCl = release value (tree removal) could cause damage to clump [1, blank]

RelBenefitNT = release value (tree removal) benefits surrounding non-timber [1, blank]

RelLeaveBigOpen = release value (tree removal) would leave large opening [1, blank]

BoleSpindly = the tree's trunk is spindly [1, blank]

BoleSturdy = the tree's trunk is sturdy [1, blank]

CrownWide = tree has a wide crown [1, blank]

CrownAvg = tree has an average width crown [1, blank]

CrownNarrow = tree has a narrow crown [1, blank]

CrownLong = tree has a long crown [1, blank]

CrownAvg2 = tree has an average length crown [1, blank]

CrownShort = tree has a short crown [1, blank]

CrownRegular = tree has a regularly shaped crown [1, blank]

CrownIrregular = tree has an irregularly shaped crown [1, blank]

DamBent = tree is damaged and is bent over [1, blank]

DamBroken = tree is damaged and has broken somewhere in the trunk but still connected [1, blank]

DamDown = tree is damaged and has been fully knocked down [1, blank]

DamBreak = tree is damaged and has broken somewhere in the trunk and is not connected [1, blank]

DamSplit = tree is damaged and has been split in one or more areas [1, blank]

DamStand = tree is damaged but is still standing; the crown has been damaged by the amount indicated in Dam% [1, blank]

Dam% = percent damage to tree crown [percentage]

SalvageFT = length of standing tree salvageable [feet]

SalvageDown = length of down tree salvageable [feet]

SalvageNoValue = tree has no salvage value [1, blank]

SalvageMarked = trees have been marked to cut [1, blank]


2. \Data\CommonSense_Plots.csv: Comma-delimited ASCII text file containing red and jack pine tree measurements collected in plots 18-21 at the Cutfoot Experimental Forest in 1927, 1932, 1937, 1940, 1942, 1943, 1949, and 1955.

The specific dates of measurement and the names of the foresters involved can be located on the digitized paper datasheets within the supplemental files included within this data publication.

Attributes:

PLOT = Study plot designation number

TRT = Treatment/name of the set of plots
Above = Removal of all jack pine except where grouped and many large diameter Norway pine. About 45% of basal area removed.
Below = Removal of all jack pine except where grouped and many small and a few large diameter Norway pine where spacing of stand will be improved. About 35% of basal area removed.
Common Sense = Similar to a commercial thinning; removal of large diameter jack pine and some Norway pine large enough to be saleable. About 40% of basal area removed.
Control = Uncut stand. No trees removed.

PERSON = Names of the foresters who marked the plot in 1927

1950 GS = Growing stock in 1950 [square feet per acre]

TREE = Tagged number for each tree

DISTANCE = Distance in feet from the nearest recorded hub

HUB = 6 inch stakes used for recording tree heights

SPECIES = Tree species measured
RP = Red (Norway) Pine
JP = Jack Pine

DBH27 = Diameter at breast height measured in 1927 [inches]

DBH32 = Diameter at breast height measured in 1932 [inches]

DBH37 = Diameter at breast height measured in 1937 [inches]

DBH40 = Diameter at breast height measured in 1940 [inches]

DBH 43 = Diameter at breast height measured in 1943 [inches]

DBH49 = Diameter at breast height measured in 1949 [inches]

DBH55 = Diameter at breast height measured in 1955 [inches]

CC27 = Crown class in 1927
C = Codominant
D = Dominant
I = Intermediate
S = Suppressed

CC32 = Crown class in 1932
C = Codominant
D = Dominant
I = Intermediate
S = Suppressed

CC37 = Crown class in 1937
C = Codominant
D = Dominant
I = Intermediate
S = Suppressed

CC40 = Crown class in 1940
C = Codominant
D = Dominant
I = Intermediate
O = Open Growth
S = Suppressed

CC49 = Crown class in 1949
1a = Head dominants, good crown
1b = Head dominants, medium crown
2a = Strong dominants, good crown
2b = Strong dominants, medium crown
2c = Strong dominants, poor crown
3a = Conditional dominants and codominants, good crown
3b = Conditional dominants and codominants, medium crown
4a = Weak dominants and codominants, good crown
4b = Weak dominants and codominants, medium crown
4c = Weak dominants and codominants, poor crown
5a = Intermediates, good crown
5b = Intermediates, medium crown
5c = Intermediates, poor crown
6a = Suppressed, good crown
6b = Suppressed, medium crown
6c = Suppressed, poor crown
S = Suppressed

HT27 = Height recorded in 1927 [feet]

HT32 = Height recorded in 1932 [feet]

HT37 = Height recorded in 1937 [feet]

HT40 = Height recorded in 1940 [feet]

HT42 = Height recorded in 1942 [feet]

HT49 = Height recorded in 1949 [feet]


3. \Data\CommonSense_VegAbundance.csv: Comma-delimited ASCII text file containing the abundance of vegetation collected in all plots at the Cutfoot Experimental Forest in 1932.

Attributes:

Species = Species name

Plot = Number of the plot measured

%Cut = Percent of basal area cut in the plot

Abundance = For plots 18 and 19, this is the estimated coverage of the species as estimated by qualitative observation. For plots 20 and 21, this is the estimated percent coverage of the species as calculated using the frequency. However, due to statistical irregularities, it was decided to convert the calculated abundance to relative abundance using the same qualitative observation criteria as plots 18 and 19. This allows the data to be consistant between all plots as well as with plots from the “Graveyard” plots. The "Graveyard" plots are part of a thinning study of red pine that was occuring at the same time in nearby plots on the Cutfoot EF. These data are also available from the Forest Service Research Data Archive.
S = Sparse, less than 1% of area covered
I = Intermediate, 1-10% of area covered
A = Abundant, over 10% of area covered



SUPPLEMENTAL FILES (20)

1. \Supplements\Data_Sheets_CommonSense_1940_Plot_18.pdf: Portable document format (PDF) file containing a scan of the original data sheets containing norway and jack pine tree measurements collected on Plot 18 at the Cutfoot Experimental Forest in 1940.

2. \Supplements\Data_Sheets_CommonSense_1940_Plot_19.pdf: Portable document format (PDF) file containing a scan of the original data sheets containing norway and jack pine tree measurements collected on Plot 19 at the Cutfoot Experimental Forest in 1940.

3. \Supplements\Data_Sheets_CommonSense_1940_Plot_20.pdf: Portable document format (PDF) file containing a scan of the original data sheets containing norway and jack pine tree measurements collected on Plot 20 at the Cutfoot Experimental Forest in 1940.

4. \Supplements\Data_Sheets_CommonSense_1940_Plot_21.pdf: Portable document format (PDF) file containing a scan of the original data sheets containing norway and jack pine tree measurements collected on Plot 21 at the Cutfoot Experimental Forest in 1940.

5. \Supplements\Data_Sheets_CommonSense_1940_SleetDamage_Plot_18.pdf: Portable document format (PDF) file containing a scan of the original data sheets containing norway and jack pine tree sleet damage measurements collected on Plot 18 at the Cutfoot Experimental Forest in 1940.

6. \Supplements\Data_Sheets_CommonSense_1940_SleetDamage_Plot_19.pdf: Portable document format (PDF) containing a scan of the original data sheets file containing norway and jack pine tree sleet damage measurements collected on Plot 19 at the Cutfoot Experimental Forest in 1940.

7. \Supplements\Data_Sheets_CommonSense_1940_SleetDamage_Plot_20.pdf: Portable document format (PDF) containing a scan of the original data sheets file containing norway and jack pine tree sleet damage measurements collected on Plot 20 at the Cutfoot Experimental Forest in 1940.

8. \Supplements\Data_Sheets_CommonSense_1940_SleetDamage_Plot_21.pdf: Portable document format (PDF) containing a scan of the original data sheets file containing norway and jack pine tree sleet damage measurements collected on Plot 21 at the Cutfoot Experimental Forest in 1940.

9. \Supplements\Data_Sheets_CommonSense_1942_Plots_18-21.pdf: Portable document format (PDF) file containing a scan of the original data sheets containing norway and jack pine tree height measurements collected on all plots in 1942.

10. \Supplements\Data_Sheets_CommonSense_1949&1955_Plot_18.pdf: Portable document format (PDF) file containing a scan of the original data sheets containing norway and jack pine tree measurements collected on Plot 18 at the Cutfoot Experimental Forest in 1949 and 1955.

11. \Supplements\Data_Sheets_CommonSense_1949&1955_Plot_19.pdf: Portable document format (PDF) file containing a scan of the original data sheets containing norway and jack pine tree measurements collected on Plot 19 at the Cutfoot Experimental Forest in 1949 and 1955.

12. \Supplements\Data_Sheets_CommonSense_1949&1955_Plot_20.pdf: Portable document format (PDF) file containing a scan of the original data sheets containing norway and jack pine tree measurements collected on Plot 20 at the Cutfoot Experimental Forest in 1949 and 1955.

13. \Supplements\Data_Sheets_CommonSense_1949&1955_Plot_21.pdf: Portable document format (PDF) file containing a scan of the original data sheets containing norway and jack pine tree measurements collected on Plot 21 at the Cutfoot Experimental Forest in 1949 and 1955.

14. \Supplements\Data_Sheets_CommonSense_Plot_18.pdf: Portable document format (PDF) file containing a scan of the original data sheets containing norway and jack pine tree measurements collected in on Plot 18 in 1927, 1932, 1937, 1944, and 1949.

15. \Supplements\Data_Sheets_CommonSense_Plot_19.pdf: Portable document format (PDF) file containing a scan of the original data sheets containing norway and jack pine tree measurements collected in on Plot 19 in 1927, 1932, 1937, 1944, and 1949.

16. \Supplements\Data_Sheets_CommonSense_Plot_20.pdf: Portable document format (PDF) file containing a scan of the original data sheets containing norway and jack pine tree measurements collected in on Plot 20 in 1927, 1932, 1937, 1944, and 1949.

17. \Supplements\Data_Sheets_CommonSense_Plot_21.pdf: Portable document format (PDF) file containing a scan of the original data sheets containing norway and jack pine tree measurements collected in on Plot 21 in 1927, 1932, 1937, 1944, and 1949.

18. \Supplements\Species_Taxonomy.html: HTML file containing the full taxonomy for all species measured in these data files.

19. \Supplements\Vegetation_List_1932_Plots_18-21.pdf: Portable document format (PDF) file containing a scan of the original data sheets containing vegetation abundance in all plots collected in 1932.

20. \Supplements\Working_Plan_Thinning_in_Young_Norway-Jack_Pine_Stands_1927.pdf: Portable document format (PDF) file containing a scan of an unpublished 1927 report detailing the working plan for the red pine thinning study.

Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation:

None provided

Metadata_Reference_Information:

Metadata_Date: 20200401

Metadata_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Person_Primary:

Contact_Person: Douglas Kastendick

Contact_Organization: USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station

Contact_Position: Ecologist

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: mailing and physical

Address: 1831 Highway 169 East

City: Grand Rapids

State_or_Province: MN

Postal_Code: 55744

Country: USA

Contact_Voice_Telephone: 218-326-7131

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 218-326-7123

Metadata_Standard_Name: FGDC Biological Data Profile of the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata

Metadata_Standard_Version: FGDC-STD-001.1-1999