Explore Case Studies by Location
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Intentional Transitioning of Acadian Forest Within a Resilient Forest Matrix in Response to Climate ChangeDescription: A 3,200-acre western MA property, Notchview provides key forest ecosystem functions including carbon sequestration, healthy soils and water, and wildlife habitat. Facing increasing temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns due to climate change, the continued functionality of this landscape is at risk. Informed by a 2018 planning effort using the Climate Adaptation Workbook and a forest stewardship plan, The Trustees implemented silvicultural interventions to improve resilience and support transformation of the Acadian Forest. Innovative practices included the planting and deliberate regeneration of central hardwoods to act as seed reservoirs for the future forest and the use of slash walls to protect regeneration from browse, demonstrating to our peers and private landowners the potential of carefully considered forest management. State/Province: Massachusetts Forest Type: Mixedwoods Citation: Julie Richburg, 2026, Intentional Transitioning of Acadian Forest Within a Resilient Forest Matrix in Response to Climate Change, Northeast Silviculture Library, University of Vermont. Accessed 03/04/2026 at https://www.uvm.edu/nesl/webform/new_case_study/submissions/83. |
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South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority: Maltby Lakes Southern Pine Beetle ResponseDescription: This stand was infested by the southern pine beetle, a bark beetle that is native to the southeastern U.S. and has been moving northward in response to warmer conditions. The beetle was first found in Connecticut in 2015, and it is raising concerns because populations that are allowed to grow unchecked can lead to large-scale outbreaks that can kill both stressed and healthy trees. As a result, this forest was clearcut during the summer of 2016 to reduce the threat of southern pine beetle on nearby forests. The infestation has been controlled, and a new forest is being fostered. State/Province: Connecticut Forest Type: Spruce- white pine Citation: Joshua Tracy, , South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority: Maltby Lakes Southern Pine Beetle Response, Northeast Silviculture Library, University of Vermont. Accessed 03/04/2026 at https://www.uvm.edu/nesl/webform/new_case_study/submissions/84. |
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Sugarbush Road Demonstration AreaDescription: This project is unique in the way that it uses a diverse range of silvicultural techniques while managing multiple different species and age classes. Using single and multi-aged regeneration techniques, our goal is to get a diverse selection of regeneration while maintaining and managing the retained mature overstory trees. For this project, diversity is key. State/Province: New York Forest Type: Northern Hardwoods, White/Red Pine, Spruce/Fir Citation: Joseph Rupe, 2025, Sugarbush Road Demonstration Area, Northeast Silviculture Library, University of Vermont. Accessed 03/16/2026 at https://www.uvm.edu/nesl/webform/new_case_study/submissions/85. |
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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and University of Vermont: Nulhegan Basin, Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife RefugeDescription: A variety of adaptation treatments were implemented at this site within the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, and are being monitored by researchers with the University of Vermont. The treatments are designed to test various approaches intended to increase structural complexity and species diversity within the forest, with the ultimate goal of improving habitat for specific wildlife species and forest adaptation to a changing climate. State/Province: Vermont Forest Type: Spruce-fir Citation: Jeremy Goetz, 2022, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and University of Vermont: Nulhegan Basin, Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, Northeast Silviculture Library, University of Vermont. Accessed 03/04/2026 at https://www.uvm.edu/nesl/webform/new_case_study/submissions/86. |
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Winooski Valley View II Timber Sale at Camel's Hump State ParkDescription: The primary goal for this site is to effectively regenerate and diversify the northern hardwood forest, while reducing the prevalence of American beech. The various harvesting and planting treatments developed for this study are intended to increase age class diversity, structural complexity, and diversify species composition. This harvest is specifically testing the ability of gap- and patch-based silvicultural strategies to increase compositional, structural, and functional diversity of northern hardwood forests with a significant beech component. State/Province: Vermont Forest Type: Northern Hardwoods Citation: Mike Johnson, 2026, Winooski Valley View II Timber Sale at Camel's Hump State Park, Northeast Silviculture Library, University of Vermont. Accessed 03/04/2026 at https://www.uvm.edu/nesl/webform/new_case_study/submissions/87. |
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Spruce Mountain Climate Adaptation DemonstrationDescription: The Spruce Mountain Climate Adaptation Demonstration showcases adaptive management for forest landowners, forestry professionals, and the public. By using silvicultural techniques that promote long-term health and biodiversity, the site can be more resilient to the impacts of climate change. Some areas have also been assigned transition treatments, which accelerate the forest composition shift towards the anticipated future climate conditions. The harvest started in Fall 2025 and will be completed during the winter of 2025-26. The site will have ongoing monitoring, research, and educational opportunities. State/Province: New York Forest Type: Mixedwoods Citation: SUNY ESF Forest Properties Staff, 2026, Spruce Mountain Climate Adaptation Demonstration, Northeast Silviculture Library, University of Vermont. Accessed 03/04/2026 at https://www.uvm.edu/nesl/webform/new_case_study/submissions/88. |
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Society for the Protection of NH Forests: Peirce ReservationDescription: A commercial timber harvest was carried out in the winter of 2023-2024. Two prescriptions were performed, a low density shelterwood over 65 acres, and a thinning over 50 acres. The desired outcome is to regenerate the forest to a well-adapted mixture of species in the shelterwood area, and improve the forests resistance to climate change in the thinning area. State/Province: New Hampshire Forest Type: Mixedwoods Citation: Wendy Weisiger, 2024, Society for the Protection of NH Forests: Peirce Reservation, Northeast Silviculture Library, University of Vermont. Accessed 03/04/2026 at https://www.uvm.edu/nesl/webform/new_case_study/submissions/92. |