KUCHLER TYPE VALUE AND USE
KUCHLER TYPE: Conifer bog



FORESTRY VALUES : 
Black spruce is used mostly for pulpwood [1,18].  Lowland conifer
forests including bogs are mostly noncommercial because of the stunted
and sparse growth of timber [9].  The most productive black spruce
growth usually occurs on slopes of greater than 8 feet per mile (1.5
m/km), which ensures a balance between nutrient supply and aeration.  On
ombrotrophic sites, black spruce stands grow best where the gradient is
highest and the water table is relatively low [3].

Black spruce regeneration is best on sphagnum mosses and poor on
feathermosses (Pleurozium and Hylocomium spp.).  Seedling establishment
is excellent on fire-prepared seedbeds.  Prescribed fire is recommended
after harvest to remove slash and prepare seedbeds [5].


RANGE VALUES : 
NO-ENTRY


WILDLIFE VALUES : 
The edges of bogs provide good browse, and deer use is so heavy in some
Maine bogs that browse lines are apparent [7].  Northern white-cedar is
important in some areas for winter deer browse; many northern
white-cedar stands are important deer yarding areas [10,30].  In the
northeastern United States, bogs and other wetlands provide important
thick escape cover for black bear and an abundance of succulent food in
the post-denning period [7].

Threatened and rare birds using conifer bog habitat include sharp-tailed
sparrow (Ammodramus caudacutus), sora (Porzana carolina), short-eared
owl (Asio flammeus), greater sandhill crane (Grus canadensis), and great
gray owl [4].  In Minnesota, much of the habitat of the great gray owl
is tamarack swamp, but since trees are of poor form for nest building,
most great gray owl nests are located in dominant hardwood associations
near tamarack swamps [29].

Trees killed by fire, disease, insects, or high water in lowland conifer
forests attract brown creeper (Certhia americana) and woodpeckers.  The
black-backed woodpecker is likely to be found in areas with many
standing dead trees [9].

Winter bird populations in lowland conifer forests vary with black
spruce seed crops.  In good seed years there is an influx of northern
finches including pine grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator), pine siskin
(Carduelis pinus), red crossbill (Loxia curvirostra), and white-winged
crossbill (L. leucoptera).  Most tamarack seed falls by the end of
October and is therefore largely unavailable to these birds [9].


OTHER VALUES : 
Many plants occurring in conifer bogs were used by Native Americans for
food, medicines, and charms [17].

Peat mining, primarily for fuel, has greatly reduced the extent of
peatlands in northern Europe and Russia.  In North America, peatlands
are not cut extensively; most of the peat that is mined is used for
horticultural purposes.  Peat may be used as an alternative fuel in the
United States when it is economically feasible [4].

The role of bogs in methane production is considerable.  It has been
estimated that peatlands of all types produce as much as 40 percent of
the world's methane.  This is a major contribution to greenhouse gases.
It may, however, be somewhat balanced by the fact the peatlands act as a
sink for carbon dioxide.  Peatlands store approximately 15 to 20 percent
of all terrestrial carbon in the form of undecayed trees and other
organic matter [4].


MANAGEMENT CONCERNS : 
Several rare plant species occur in conifer bogs including ram's head
lady slipper (Cyprepedium arietinum) and some rare sundews (Drosera
spp.).  Several species of mosses and sedges grow only in peatlands
[21].  Isolation of wetland pockets including conifer bogs by
residential and industrial development reduces the value of suitable
bear habitat and increases the vulnerability of bears to hunting [7].

Porcupine damage to northern white-cedar and tamarack can be severe
[19,20].  Flooding caused by beaver dams can seriously damage peatlands.
Bogs with floating mats are the least affected, because rising water
levels flood only the grounded mat near the upland margin of the bog
[7].

Related categories for Kuchler Type: Conifer bog