Paper birch: Sentinels of climate change in the Niobrara River Valley, Nebraska
Park Science
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Abstract
The Niobrara River Valley in the northern Great Plains supports scattered stands of paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh), a species more typical of boreal forests. These birch stands are considered to be relictual populations that have persisted since the end of the Wisconsin glaciation. Localized summer microclimates have likely facilitated the persistence of birch populations in a region otherwise unsuitable for the species. Dieback of canopy-sized birch has been observed throughout the valley in recent years, although no onset dates are documented. Changes in spring weather patterns may be causing rootlet injury so that trees die in spite of the still-cool summer microclimates. Current weather patterns, combined with little evidence of recruitment of young birch and great geographic distances from potential immigrant sources, make the future persistence of birch in the Niobrara River Valley stands uncertain.
Suggested Citation
Stroh, E.D., 2011, Paper birch: Sentinels of climate change in the Niobrara River Valley, Nebraska: Park Science, v. 28, no. 2, p. 74-77.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Paper birch: Sentinels of climate change in the Niobrara River Valley, Nebraska |
| Series title | Park Science |
| Volume | 28 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Year Published | 2011 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. National Park Service |
| Publisher location | Lakewood, CO |
| Contributing office(s) | Columbia Environmental Research Center |
| Description | 8 p. |
| First page | 74 |
| Last page | 77 |
| Country | United States |
| State | Nebraska |
| Other Geospatial | Niobrara River Valley |