Characteristics of Red Spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) Encroachment at Two Central Appalachian Heathland Study Areas

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, intensive land use nearly eliminated red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) throughout portions of West Virginia (WV). Red has been slow to regenerate on mountaintop heathland barrens surrounding Canaan Valley, (WV), little is known about nature encroachment. Using field surveys, geospatial data, statistical modelling, objectives were 1) characterize compare encroachment at two upland heath study areas in (Bear Rocks Cabin Mountain), 2) percent cover major ground types associated with regeneration sites order elucidate biotic interactions, 3) model biophysical correlates using data modelling. count was similar both areas, but there substantially more seedlings saplings Mountain. Modelling revealed a positive relationship between rock negative stand distance.