https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nt_oUkiuE5E
The same seep/pool, with ATV or golf cart damage in the foreground
The LaDue "pilot harvest" forested headwater system is fed by rain, surface run-off, and groundwater
http://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?topic=63308.0
http://www.nyis.info/index.php?action=invasive_detail&id=33
http://www.nyis.info/index.php?action=invasive_detail&id=33
Some of the primary headwater streams in LaDue's headwater system, which the seeps are a part of, run nearly the entire length of the site.
Compressing the soil with heavy equipment reduces space in soil, which means rain and run-off move more quickly over the surface, causing erosion.
What the photo to the left should look like
Phragmites
Previous ATV/cart damage, from a year or more before -nothing growing: compacted damaged soil
The above plants will not be growing here for quite some time, if ever. Trillium and other mature forest plants can take 7-10 years to bloom after germination.
The above was likely caused by either or both of these:
An open canopy and stressors, such as damaged soils, invite invasive plants that can take over the understory. The invasives, below, are waiting, established just outside of the intact forest.
Ephemeral spring wildflowers in the understoy, near a headwater & marked tree
Woody invasives, such as multiflora rose and Japanese barberry are very difficult to remove - and have painful thorns for workers.
http://hoodriverswcd.org/project/garlic-mustard-abatement-project/
https://fracfocus.org/water-protection/groundwater-aquifers
Japanese barberry
Track skidder
Invasives, just outside of the intact forests, waiting for an open canopy, to move in
May be a Shumard oak - a main canopy tree in this section
Harvesting will not be done with ATVs & golf carts - but with the equipment, below - with example photos just below this
http://www.equipfind.com/logging/1997TreeFarmerSkidder-PA.htm
http://adkinvasives.com/species_of_concern/japanese-barberry/
More healthy understory: trilliums, dwarf ginseng, bloodroot, marsh marigold
Narrow-leaved and hybrid cattail
http://ijc.org/greatlakesconnection/en/tag/great-lakes/
Multiflora rose
Skunk cabbage (throughout) and marsh marigold are wetland indicator species.
The beech, above, does not show signs of the current widespread infestation/disease. Leaf veins are clear.
The exact model of equipment is not yet know. These are simply examples found on-line.
Rubber tire skidder with cable
http://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?topic=63308.0
One of the many seep/vernal pools, with ferns starting to unfold
Damage means less growth to hold soil = major erosion.
Intact food webs keep mosquitoes in check. This is a newly-hatched mayfly - a sign of good water quality.
Garlic mustard
American toad - Diverse creatures keep an intact ecosystem in balance via a food web
It seems that most of the very large, old trees are marked for removal. There will be a page soon, explaining the unique key, integral role played by large old trees - vital to the health and intactness of the system.
Old beech, marked for cutting, next to a seep
Side view of typical system. The LaDue "pilot" groundwater is closer to the surface than depicted here, creating seeps starting about 200' or more from the main headwaters' edge.
In many place, the seeps become primary headwater streams, permanent or intermittent.
Invasive undergrowth shades out new plants, including tree seedlings.
https://gardenwalkgardentalk.com/2013/05/03/invasive-phragmites-and-cattail/
http://rate-sport.com/golf-cart/