Post-settlement history of human land-use and vegetation dynamics of a Tsuga canadensis (hemlock) woodlot in central New England

1. The landscape transformation of central New England resulting from deforestation (1750-1860), broad-scale agriculture (1790-1860), and extensive reforestation (1860-present) has exerted a major effect on the structure, function and pattern of the modern forests. However, relatively little is known of the specific nature and extent of these vegetational transformations. 2. Palaeoecological, dendrochronological and historical studies of a primary woodland were undertaken to document the characteristics of the pre-settlement forest, the sequence and type of human activities, and the pattern of subsequent vegetation change. The woodland remained forested throughout the settlement period but was used as a woodlot source of fuelwood, tanbark and building materials. At present the old-age structure of the forest and dominance by shade-tolerant Tsuga canadensis (hemlock) gives the appearance of a mature and stable community. 3. The woodlot has changed profoundly in structure and composition during the past 300 years as a result of human activity, natural disturbance and forest development. Ownership history is complex, involving at least 18 different owners from 1740 to 1907. Human land-use includes forest clearance and agriculture in the surrounding area, and repeated cutting of the woodlot. Wind damage, ice breakage and the loss of chestnut to blight are the major natural disturbances. 4. The pre-settlement forest was comprised of old-growth northern hardwoods, hemlock and Pinus strobus (white pine). Frequent cutting resulted in the development of a sprout chestnut forest that persisted until a decrease in cutting and the onset of the chestnut blight allowed the emergence of hemlock as the dominant species. 5. The modern forest, although seemingly mature and stable, is unlike any preceding vegetation and is a poor analogue for the pre-settlement forest. Many of the species that were common before European settlement are rare on the site today and uncommon in the landscape. 6. The forest landscape of central New England effectively conceals the extent of the historical changes that have occurred. An interdisciplinary approach is necessary to evaluate the forces underlying these changes, the nature of the vegetation transformations, and their consequences in the modern landscape.