Fifty Years of Change in the Arboreal Vegetation of Heart's Content, An Old‐Growth Hemlock‐White Pine‐Northern Hardwood Stand

Abstract

The structure and composition of Heart's Content, an old—growth hemlock—white pine—northern hardwood stand in northwestern Pennsylvania, were studied in 1929. The original plots, established by H. J. Lutz, were relocated and remeasured in 1978. Heavy deer browsing over the past 40 yr has dramatically altered the diameter size—class distribution of the stand, creating a gap in the smaller size—classes of some species. The rapidly growing, shade—intolerant species have the largest gap, while the slower growing, more tolerant species are still represented in the smaller size—classes.