Developing Silvicultural Protocols in a Mature Oak Forest Impacted by Tornado Damage

Abstract: This project will evaluate reforestation strategies following tornado damage at the Paoli Experimental Forest, with a focus on promoting long-term forest health, resilience, and ecosystem function. Disturbance events such as tornados can lead to shifts in forest composition, reduced productivity, and increased vulnerability to invasive species. Post-disturbance management, including salvage logging and invasive species control, can have both ecological benefits and unintended consequences. This study will examine how site preparation, herbicide use, and targeted planting influence the regeneration and recovery of native and invasive plants following a tornado in Central Hardwoods Forests. Additionally, the project will explore seedling planting strategies to enhance climate resilience, including assisted population migration (APM), assisted range expansion (ARE), and assisted species migration (ASM). The goal is to understand how these approaches affect forest regeneration under current and future environmental conditions. Finally, the project will assess the impact of white-tailed deer browsing on regeneration success, a critical but often overlooked factor in shaping forest composition. Results will inform best practices for climate-adaptive improve public benefit from post-disturbance forest management.