Current Field Research
Remeasurement of Cloquet Forestry Center CFI Plots
 Dr.
Alan Ek
aek@umn.edu
Objectives: To conduct remeasurement of established permanent forest growth
and inventory plots at the Cloquet Forestry Center. These plots are intended
for long term monitoring of forest stand growth and the development of growth
and yield prediction models. They are also intended as an inventory of the entire
property. Plot records will also aid a variety of research studies.
The Influence of Habitat, Female Preference, and Male Behavior on Male Territory Selection in Ruffed Grouse: A Test of Habitat Selection Theory
 Lorelle Berkeley - University of Minnesota
berk0035@umn.edu
Objectives: Habitat preference will be studied by observing grouse behavior and mate selection using video footage of grouse at their drumming logs. The number of mates each male obtains will be quantified as an indirect measure of reproductive success of males in different habitats. Video footage of grouse will also capture other aspects of their behavior that have thus far not been described due to the elusive nature of these birds.
This study is also part of a long term research program on Ruffed Grouse population dynamics at the Cloquet Forestry Center. Density and numerical trends will be estimated over four years and will be used to analyze overall patterns of habitat selection during varying densities.
The Effects of Logging Slash Removal on Small, Forest Floor Vertebrates and Vegetation
 Michael Rentz - University of Minnesota
rent0009@umn.edu
Objective: Evaluate the species diversity and populations of small mammals and forest vegetation in a before/after analysis on standard logging and timber harvest sites. Research sites include three treatments; clearcut and slash removed from site, clearcut and slash retained on site, and no-cut as a control. Each site is surveyed for two years pre-harvest to determine baselines and two years post-harvest to analyze impacts.
Re-measurement of White Pine Blister Rust Trial Site
 Carrie Pike - MN Tree Improvement Cooperative
cpike@umn.edu
Objectives: One of seven white pine blister rust trial sites planted across Northeastern Minnesota is located at the Cloquet Forestry Center. Measurements of the incidence of blister rust were last taken in 1998. This trial contains a variety of seed sources of eastern white pine.
Red Pine Comparison Trial
 Carrie Pike - MN Tree Improvement Cooperative
cpike@umn.edu
Objectives: In Spring 2007, a red pine comparison trial was established at the Cloquet Forestry Center. It is one of five sites planted across the lake states by member organizations of the MN Tree Improvement Cooperative. This trial will test the growth potential of three seed-sources of red pine to one control (woods run) source.
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