Analysis of vegetation change on selected mountain summits at Acadia National Park

Lloyd, Erin

Following taken from abstract: 'The summit vegetation of Cadillac, Pemetic, and Sargent Mountains in Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine was examined in the summer months of 2000. The three summits have elevations of 1,530 feet; 1,248 feet; and 1,373 feet, respectively. The purpose of the study was to compare and contrast results with a similar study done in 1992 by National Park Service personnel. Percent coverage and soil type and depth were recorded in square-meter plots placed along transects on each summit. In addition, two permanent plots were sampled on each summit. Data were analyzed for differences in mean percent plant coverage and species diversity. In addition, a two-way indicator species (TWINSPAN) analysis was performed on the permanent plots, and a cluster analysis was performed on the transect plots, to ascertain if there were any notable differences in community composition on the summits between 1992 and 2000. There was a slight increase in overall mean percent plant coverage in the transect plots, and a slight decrease in mean percent plant coverage in the permanent plots in 2000. Species righness increased slightly on Cadillac Mountain, but decreased slightly on Pemetic and Sargent Mountains, although the changes were negligible. Community composition in the permanent plots changed slightly from 1992 to 2000, and appeared to change more dramatically in the transect plots.' Collection methods corresponded exactly with Foley et al. 1999. Soil samples from 2000 were taken from the permanent plots and analyzed (phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, pH, organic matter, and mean soil depths) Test results are given in appendix D. Table 2 (page 21) lists species found in 1992 but not in 2000 and table 3 (page 22) lists the species found in 2000 that did not appear in 1992. Appendix C lists the number of plots where each species was found on each summit. Research Recommendations: 'Since Acadia National Park is such a sought-after recreational site, it is highly recommended that long-term sampling of these three summits continue in the future. Long-term vegetation studies are extremely valuable in measuring the impact of recreational or climactic conditions, such as acid deposition, on plant communities (...). ' ... 'Given some of the changes evidenced on the slopes of the summits, it is important to keep monitoring these sites. A more permanent marking system may need to be instituted for the transects, such as placing rebar at set distances, or by using GPS to mark the plot locations.' /STUDY LOCATIONS:/ /MOUNT DESERT ISLAND/Cadillac Mountain/Pemetic Mountain/Sargent Mountain/