Native Bee Baseline and Effects Monitoring on the Green Mountain National Forest 2015

Study Extent

We conducted this study at 51 sample points distributed across the GMNF, located in the southwestern and central portion of Vermont, USA (Appendix 1). Except for three sites, these were a subset of points that had been established by J. Smetzer for her master's study on birds (Smetzer 2014). The GMNF is 161,531 ha in area and consists primarily of northern hardwoods in the lower elevation zones in which this study occurred (U.S.Department of Agriculture [USDA] Forest Service 2006). Thirty-one of these points were in regenerating clearcuts, mowed wildlife openings and wildlife openings treated with prescribed fire. All sites were >1 ha in area, and ranged in elevation from 303 to 687 m asl. Time since last treatment ranged from 0-17 years, and did not differ among treatments (F2=1.17, P=0.18). Twenty additional points ranging from 450 to 658 m asl. were established on the Dome, a mountain in Pownal, Vermont, within a fire-adapted forest being considered for restoration.

Sampling

Points in clearcuts and wildlife openings were sampled using bee bowls and target netting. Bee bowls consisted of 100 ml plastic cups filled two-thirds full with dish soap and water solution and placed at 3 m intervals alternating white, florescent yellow and florescent blue along linear transects centered on each sample point. Bee bowls were deployed during fair weather with no rain or high winds and retrieved after 24 hrs. Target netting took place during a 30 min period in which an observer with an insect net captured bees from flowers, other vegetation, or in flight. All bees captured were collected. Points in wildlife openings were sampled once during either an early sample period (10-12 June) or a later sampling period (15-17 September). All points on the Dome were sampled three times each season during the early period (28-29 May) mid-season (11-12 June, or late period (15-17 September).

Quality Control

Determinations by Joan Milam and Sam Droege

Method steps

1. Captured bees were preserved in alcohol and later washed, dried, pinned, labeled and identified to species using a variety of keys, both online (Discoverlife.org) and in print (e.g., Mitchell 1960, 1962).

1. Anthophila
   common name: Bees rank: superfamily

Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont