Spatially explicit database of tree related microhabitats (TreMs). Version 1.2. Integrate+ project

Daniel Kraus; Andreas Schuck; Peter Bebi; Markus Blaschke; Rita Bütler; Martin Flade; Wilfried Heintz; Frank Krumm; Thibault Lachat; Laurent Larrieu; Lenka Lehnerova; Martin Levin; Ulrich Mergner; Maciej Pach; Yoan Paillet; Patrick Pyttel; Tomas Rydkvist; Giovanni Santopuoli; Kristina Sever; Knut Sturm; Kris Vandekerkhove; Susanne Winter; Manfred Witz

doi:10.15468/ocof3v

Spatially explicit database of tree related microhabitats (TreMs). Version 1.2. Integrate+ project

Citation

Kraus D, Schuck A, Bebi P, Blaschke M, Bütler R, Flade M, Heintz W, Krumm F, Lachat T, Larrieu L, Lehnerova L, Levin M, Mergner U, Pach M, Paillet Y, Pyttel P, Rydkvist T, Santopuoli G, Sever K, Sturm K, Vandekerkhove K, Winter S, Witz M (2017). Spatially explicit database of tree related microhabitats (TreMs). Version 1.2. Integrate+ project. Version 1.6. Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA). Occurrence dataset https://doi.org/10.15468/ocof3v accessed via GBIF.org on 2019-08-23.

Description

‘Tree – tree’ interactions are important structuring mechanisms for forest community dynamics. Forest management takes advantage of competition effects on tree growth by removing or retaining trees to achieve management goals. Both competition and silviculture have thus a strong effect on density and distribution of Tree related Microhabitats (TreMs) which are key features for forest taxa at the stand scale (e.g. Bouget et al. 2013, 2014). In particular, spatially explicit data to understand patterns and mechanisms of TreM formation in forest stands are rare. To train and eventually improve decision making capacities related to the integration of biodiversity aspects into forest management 39 usually 1 ha (100 m x 100m) permanent plots were established in dominant forest communities of Europe. Due to their demonstration character the selection of plots was non-systematic. They do, however, cover a broad range of forest types (e.g. beech-oak, beech-fir (-spruce), oak-hornbeam, pine-spruce, etc.), altitudinal gradient (from 25 m – 1850 m) and site conditions (e.g. oligotrophic Luzulo-Fagetum or Vaccinio-Pinetum to mesotrophic Galio-Fagetum or Milio-Fagetum). For each plot the following data is collected: (1) tree location as polar coordinates (stem base map), (2) tree species, (3) forest mensuration data (dbh in [cm], tree height in [m]), (4) tree related microhabitats (TreMs) and (5) tree status (living or standing dead). In addition to the spatial dendrometric data we provide information on plot establishment, management history (year of last intervention), forest type, plot location (state, region, country), elevation, means for annual precipitation and temperature, and the natural forest community.

Purpose

Initially the permanent plots established within the Integrate+ project had the focus on showing good practice examples of integrative forest management concepts. The plots were designed following the Marteloscope approach to allow practitioners to perform virtual tree selection exercises in the demonstration sites based on different scenarios and forest management strategies. Immediate feedback on their decisions is given in terms of ecological and economic impacts. Particular attention was given to tree related microhabitats as these structures are home to many, also endangered species. Retaining and restoring such habitats in managed forests can be well integrated into the work portfolio of forest managers and thus be a direct contribution to biodiversity conservation in managed forests. The TreM recording and the development of the field catalogue was primarily aimed at providing individual habitat values for each tree to make harvesting impacts visible to practitioners in Marteloscope exercises. In the course of the project the plots themselves proved valuable as exploratory forests for other research questions as well. In particular, the database with the spatially explicit information on trees and TreMs looked promising to increase understanding of TreM formation and development, and also spatial distribution.

Sampling Description

Study Extent

Permanent plots were established based on interest to participate in the Integrate+ project. The 39 plots are mainly located in forests in public ownership with a few also in private forests. The plots were selected by the forest owners based on either availability or particular silviculture aims in the area (no systematic selection). Also number of plots may differ widely (and will continue to do so based on new plots added in future) e.g. from one plot in Sweden to more than 12 in Germany.

Sampling

Tree location: polar coordinates Tree species: scientific name (tree species was also recorded for dead trees; in the case of late decay stages or stands with a wide variety of trees species this was not done. Tree species was then recorded as N/A) Diameter breast height: in [cm] at 1.3 meters height Tree height: in [m] Tree related microhabitats: 64 saproxylic and epixylic tree related microhabitat types are defined and described in detail within a hierarchical structure (published as a field guide; see: quality control for reference)

Quality Control

Set-up of Marteloscope and data collection: Schuck, A., Krumm, F., Kraus, D., 2015. Integrate+ Marteloscopes - Description of parameters and assessment procedures. Integrate+ Technical Paper No. 18. 16 p. Tree related microhabitat assessment field guide: Kraus, D., Bütler, R., Krumm, F., Lachat, T., Larrieu, L., Mergner, U., Paillet, Y., Rydkvist, T., Schuck, A., and Winter, S., 2016. Catalogue of tree microhabitats – Reference field list. Integrate+ Technical Paper 13. 16 p. (note that the field guide is available in seven languages: English, Czech, Danish, French, German, Slovenian and Spanish)

Method steps

Plot selection: The permanent plots were selected non-systematically based on demonstration criteria, e.g. representative silvicultural systems for a region, high abundance of TreMs etc. Further plot selection was limited also by availability of forest stands which could ensure that tree removals would not take place within the next 5 to 10 years and that they are easily accessible. Plots are both available in public and private forest ownership. Plot establishment: The standard for the permanent plots was usually 1 hectare in size (100 m x 100 m) with rectangular shape. Some of the plots, however, deviated from size and outline due to local conditions. The plots were divided into 4 quadrants to facilitate orientation and the use of data subsets. All corners and centre points (incl. the centre points of each quadrant) were permanently marked. All trees within the plot with dbh > 7 cm were numbered and marked. Data collection: We recorded for all living and dead trees with a dbh > 7 cm (stem diameter at 1.30 m), species, spatial position, tree height and crown base height, and abundance of TreMs. Height measurements were conducted with a digital hypsometer (VERTEX IV, Haglöf, Sweden), dbh with a measuring tape. Tree locations were determined by using a compass (Suunto, Finland) and the distance function of the Vertex digital hypsometer as a standard. In some plots the measurements were carried out using a specialized inventory software (Fieldmap, Czech Republic). At the plot ‘Heches’ in France tree coordinates were recorded using a GPS Trimble Geo7x. Note that a few trees with a dbh > 7 cm are missing coordinates. They are still made available in the Integrate+ TreMs dataset to ensure completeness of all tree in the plots. The coordinates for those trees are labelled as N/A. TreM recording was based on a specially developed catalogue for field data collection (see quality control).

Additional info

In addition to the information provided in this dataset further data were collected in the plots. Crown base height (cbh) in [m] was measured for each tree > 7 cm dbh in one step when recording tree height. Cbh was used in combination with a visual assessment of timber quality classes to estimate economic values (market price) for each tree. Timber quality classes used were ‘veneer’ (A - quality); ‘sawnwood’ (B - quality), ‘sawnwood’ (C – quality), ‘industrial timber’ (IT or D - quality) and ‘fuelwood’ (F or energy wood). The volume of each section was calculated based on standard calculation methods differentiated by tree species (form indices or specific tapering values). Timber market prices for each quality class were provided by local forest managers at the time of data collection. As timber market prices fluctuate the value of a tree (in local currencies) represents only a rough indicator. In 6 of the permanent plots spatial information on coarse woody debris (CWD, d > 10 cm at smaller end) was collected additionally. Snags and standing deadwood are included in the main dataset but stumps and logs were measured only in the selected plots. For both stumps and logs the following information was recorded: (1) object (stump, log, root plate, crown); (2) polar coordinates plus orientation for logs (Azimuth); (3) height and diameter (for stumps) or diameters at both ends (d1, d2) and length in [m] (for logs); (4) decay class (5 classes); (5) tree species or conifer/broadleaf.

Taxonomic Coverages

Included are all tree species that occurred at least once in any of the plots.

Fagus sylvatica
common name: Common beech rank: species
Fagus orientalis
common name: Oriental beech rank: species
Quercus robur
common name: Pedunculate oak rank: species
Quercus petraea
common name: Sessile oak rank: species
Quercus pubescens
common name: Downy oak rank: species
Quercus rubra
common name: Champion oak rank: species
Picea abies
common name: Norway spruce rank: species
Pinus sylvatica
common name: Scots pine rank: species
Pinus nigra
common name: Black pine rank: species
Pinus cembra
common name: Swiss stone pine rank: species
Pinus mugo
common name: Swiss mountain pine rank: species
Abies alba
common name: Silver fir rank: species
Acer platanoides
common name: Norway maple rank: species
Acer pseudoplatanus
common name: Sycamore maple rank: species
Acer campestre
common name: Field maple rank: species
Fraxinus excelsior
common name: Common ash rank: species
Carpinus betulus
common name: Hornbeam rank: species
Tilia cordata
common name: Small-leaved lime rank: species
Tilia platyphylla
common name: Large-leaved lime rank: species
Ulmus glabra
common name: Scots elm rank: species
Larix decidua
common name: European larch rank: species
Betula pendula
common name: Silver birch rank: species
Betula pubescens
common name: Downy birch rank: species
Populus tremula
common name: Common aspen rank: species
Prunus avium
common name: Wild cherry rank: species
Prunus padus
common name: Bird cherry rank: species
Alnus glutinosa
common name: Common alder rank: species
Sorbus torminalis
common name: Wild service tree rank: species
Sorbus domestica
common name: True service tree rank: species
Sorbus aucuparia
common name: Rowan rank: species
Sorbus aria
common name: Common whitebeam rank: species
Taxus baccata
common name: European yew rank: species
Salix caprea
common name: Goat willow rank: species
Corylus avellana
common name: Common hazel rank: species
Pseudotsuga menziesii
common name: Douglas fir rank: species
Quercus cerris
common name: Turkey oak rank: species
Acer opalus
common name: Italian maple rank: species
Acer lobelii
common name: Lobel's oak rank: species
Ulmus carpinifolia (minor)
common name: Filed elm rank: species
Ulmus laevis
common name: European white elm rank: species
Crateagus monogyna
common name: Common hawthorn rank: species
Prunus serotina
common name: Black cherry rank: species

Geographic Coverages

Currently Europe (Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland). The network of permanent plots will continue to grow based on interest by institutions from other European countries and such in other continents.

Bibliographic Citations

Kraus, D., Bütler, R., Krumm, F., Lachat, T., Larrieu, L., Mergner, U., Paillet, Y., Rydkvist, T., Schuck, A., and Winter, S., 2016. Catalogue of tree microhabitats – Reference field list. Integrate+ Technical Paper 13. 16 p. http://www.integrateplus.org/media-center/project-documents.html(currently available in eight languages: EN, CZ, DE, DK, ES, FR, IT, SI) Bouget, C., L. Larrieu, and A. Brin. 2014. Key features for saproxylic beetle diversity derived from rapid habitat assessment in temperate forests. Ecological Indicators 36:656-664. Bouget, C., L. Larrieu, B. Nusillard, and G. Parmain. 2013. In search of the best local habitat drivers for saproxylic beetle diversity in temperate deciduous forests. Biodivers Conserv 22:2111-2130. -

Contacts

Daniel Kraus
originator
position: Senior researcher
Chair of Silviculture, University of Freiburg
DE
Telephone: +49 (0) 176 96980886
email: daniel.kraus@waldbau.uni-freiburg.de

Andreas Schuck
originator
position: Senior researcher
European Forest Institute (EFI)
DE
Telephone: +49 (0) 157 55960659
email: andreas.schuck@efi.int
homepage: http://www.efi.int

Peter Bebi
originator
position: Team leader
Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL
CH

Markus Blaschke
originator
position: Senior researcher
Bayerische Landesanstalt für Wald und Forstwirtschaft
DE

Rita Bütler
originator
position: Head of Forest Biodiversity (Canton of Vaud)
Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL
CH

Martin Flade
originator
position: Section head
Landesamt für Umwelt Brandenburg
DE

Wilfried Heintz
originator
position: Data manager
INRA
FR

Frank Krumm
originator
position: Senior researcher
Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL
CH

Thibault Lachat
originator
position: Professor
Bern University of Applied Sciences, School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences
CH

Laurent Larrieu
originator
position: Senior researcher
INRA
FR

Lenka Lehnerova
originator
position: Team leader
Ústav pro hospodářskou úpravu lesů, Brandýs nad Labem

Martin Levin
originator
position: Forest manager (Head)
City Forest of Göttingen
DE

Ulrich Mergner
originator
position: Forest manager (Head)
State Forest Enterprise Ebrach

Maciej Pach
originator
position: Senior researcher
Department of Silviculture, University of Agriculture
PL

Yoan Paillet
originator
position: Senior researcher
Irstea
FR

Patrick Pyttel
originator
position: Assistant professor
Chair of Silviculture, University of Freiburg
DE

Tomas Rydkvist
originator
position: Nature conservation specialist
SCA SKOG AB
SE

Giovanni Santopuoli
originator
position: Senior researcher
Natural Resources & Environmental Planning, Dip. Bioscienze e Territorio
IT

Kristina Sever
originator
position: Researcher
University of Ljubljana
SI

Knut Sturm
originator
position: Forest Manager (head)
City Forest of Lübeck
DE

Kris Vandekerkhove
originator
position: Senior researcher
Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO)
BE

Susanne Winter
originator
position: Head Forest Division
WWF World Wide Fund for Nature Germany
DE

Manfred Witz
originator
position: Silviculture trainer
WaldRLP

Andreas Schuck
metadata author
position: Senior Researcher
European Forest Institute (EFI)
DE
Telephone: +49 (0) 157 55960659
email: andreas.schuck@efi.int
homepage: http://www.efi.int

Wilfried Heintz
metadata author
position: Data Manager
INRA
UMR 1201 DYNAFOR 24 Chemin de Borde-Rouge - Auzeville CS 52627
Castanet-Tolosan
31326
FR
Telephone: +335 61 28 55 16
email: wilfried.heintz@inra.fr
homepage: https://dynafor.toulouse.inra.fr/
userId: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9244-9766

Daniel Kraus
metadata author
position: Senior Researcher
Chair of Silviculture, University of Freiburg
DE
Telephone: +49 (0) 176 96980886
email: daniel.kraus@waldbau.uni-freiburg.de

Wilfried Heintz
programmer
position: Data manager
INRA
UMR 1201 DYNAFOR 24 Chemin de Borde-Rouge - Auzeville CS 52627
Castanet-Tolosan
31326
FR
Telephone: +33 561 28 55 16
email: wilfried.heintz@inra.fr
homepage: https://dynafor.toulouse.inra.fr/
userId: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9244-9766

Daniel Kraus
administrative point of contact
position: Senior researcher
Chair of Silviculture, University of Freiburg
DE
Telephone: +49 (0) 176 96980886
email: daniel.kraus@waldbau.uni-freiburg.de

Andreas Schuck
administrative point of contact
position: Senior researcher
European Forest Institute (EFI)
DE
Telephone: +49 (0) 157 55960659
email: andreas.schuck@efi.int
homepage: http://www.efi.int

Laurent Larrieu
administrative point of contact
position: Senior researcher
INRA
FR
email: laurent.larrieu@toulouse.inra.fr