Graduate Student University of Minnesota Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Interest in standing dead trees has increased due to their role in ecological processes including carbon storage. However, there is limited information linking snag longevity with management practices especially at a species level. A better understanding of species-specific snag longevity and decay patterns will help foresters practice morticulture.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, participant will be able to define morticulture and describe the main elements to consider when managing for standing dead trees.
Upon completion, participant will be able to list the main factors that affect snag longevity and give examples of how species may follow different trajectories of decomposition.
Upon completion, participant will be able to describe current, common decay classification systems and describe how species-specific criteria can be used to enhance the utility of decay classification systems.
