Snag densities in old-growth and second-growth Appalachian forests
Snag densities were compared among 3 forest communities in each of a virgin and a 35-year-old 2nd-growth mixed hardwood stand in eastern Kentucky. Snags10 cm dbh was higher in the forest community dominated by chestnut oak (Quercus prinus) and red maple (Acer rubrum) than in the forest community dominated by American beech (Fagus grandifolia). Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), and white sassafras (Sassafras albidum) were more prone to formation of snags >10 cm than were red maple, American beech, or red oaks (Erythrobalanus). A 85-year-old clear-cut provided some characteristics of suitable pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) habitat (36-60-cm-dbh trees, 25-28-m2/ha basal area, and >430 trees/ha), but other factors may affect habitat quality for cavity-nesting birds.
McComb, W. C., and R. N. Muller. 1983. Snag densities in old-growth and second-growth Appalachian forests. Journal of Wildlife Management 47:376-382. doi:10.2307/3808510