Dendrochronological Investigations to Evaluate Forest Ecosystems

Dendrochronology provides a reliable dating method for tree species that form an annual ring during a single growing season, which can allow for dating to a specific year (unlike radiocarbon dating). Variation in the width of tree rings may contain information on biological and environmental events which in turn can be used to draw inferences on the timing of processes like forest stand dynamics, past climate, and disturbance regimes. This can be especially useful for natural resources managers that need to make informed management decisions with little to no historical data at their respective site. Additionally, sampling methods can be non-destructive, as increment cores can be extracted from trees without damaging them, an added benefit when studying sensitive habitat types or threatened and endangered species. Using dendrochronology to assess and track biological and environmental events will help fill knowledge gaps that will benefit of organizations responsible for the management of forests and forested wetlands.

This research focuses on applying dendrochronology to make inferences on forest health and dynamics to inform land management decisions. The project will leverage site-specific data or need to be expanded to larger areas of interest (AOI).

Objectives:

The objectives of the project for Year 1 are as follows:

1. Develop technical team and identify initial study AOI for dendrochronology research.

2. Data collection effort at selected AOI(s).

3. Analyze and report results of dendrochronological investigations

4. Generate a peer-reviewed journal article(s) in conjunction with ERDC researchers integrating all study conclusions.

5. Develop and present public seminars based on study findings.

The objectives of the project for Optional Year 2 are as follows:

1. Expand initial study site or select new AOI.

2. Data collection effort at selected AOI(s).

3. Analyze and report results of dendrochronological investigations

4. Generate a peer-reviewed journal article(s) in conjunction with ERDC researchers integrating all study conclusions.

5. Develop and present public seminars based on study findings.

The objectives of the project for Optional Year 3 are as follows:

1. Expand Optional Year 2 study site or select new AOI.

2. Data collection effort at selected AOI(s).

3. Analyze and report results of dendrochronological investigations

4. Generate a peer-reviewed journal article(s) in conjunction with ERDC researchers integrating all study conclusions.

5. Develop and present public seminars based on study findings.

Successful applicants should have expert knowledge of 1) dendrochronology; 2) field data collection capabilities; 3) analysis and publishing of results. Areas of expertise that may be required in combination to perform this study include experience in dendrochronological subdisciplines (i.e., dendroclimatology, dendroecology, etc.).

This opportunity is restricted to non-federal partners of the Gulf Coast Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit (CESU). Disclosures of current and pending support made in this application may render an applicant ineligible for funding. Prior to award and throughout the period of performance, ERDC may continue to request updated continuing and pending support information, which will be reviewed and may result in discontinuation of funding. Religious organizations are entitled to compete on equal footing with secular organizations for Federal financial assistance as described in E.O. 13798, “Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty.”