Southern Blue Ridge: An Analysis of Matrix Forests - Conservation ...

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of individual patches. This follow up study was designed to specifically spatially-define the contiguous,large matrix-forming forest types (herein, “matrix forest”) across the landscape (Anderson 2008).Developed by TNC operating units in the northern Appalachians, this new assessment for the southernsections of the Appalachian Mountains has resulted in a much clearer understanding of the status anddistribution of matrix forest conservation targets in this ecoregion. This report presents the process,methods, and results of the analysis, completed in 2011. It closes a significant gap in our understandingof the spatial context and characteristics of large contiguous forests in the Southern Blue Ridge, and willprovide a clearer direction for near-term conservation priorities, and foster a more focused set ofconservation actions around which TNC and partners can organize and cooperate.Scientists have wrestled with how to conserve such a critical but compromised forest resource. TheNature Conservancy’s vision for the conservation of this forest includes employing strategies to (1)ensure adequate long-term protection and management of a network of representative matrix forestblocks, embedded core forests surrounded with working forest buffer (Noss and Cooperrider 1994,Figure 2), (2) retain connectedness of forest cover among and between those matrix forests and acrossthe landscape, and 3) abate region-wide forest threats. The identification of a representative networkof matrix forest blocks large enough to sustain forest ecosystem processes is the subject of this planningeffort (Anderson 2008).The Conservancy’s approach to the long-term conservation of the Southern Blue Ridge critical forestresource envisions the conservation of a connected, representative, well managed, matrix of forest,embedded with large core forest areas. The matrix sustains natural cover through multiple-use workingforests, while the core forests are protected and managed for natural ecological function that promotesbiodiversity and natural disturbance regimes. The desired condition of embedded core forest is not asolid stand of old-growth trees, but rather, a mosaic of stands in different age classes, from early to latesuccessional, that retain biological legacies (such as coarse woody debris and standing snags), andreflect the natural disturbance regimes of the region. This assessment describes the delineation ofmatrix forest areas large enough to provide for accommodation of catastrophic disturbances and thebreeding needs of forest interior species. Our methods anticipate forest matrix blocks that include arange of habitats and a shifting mosaic of seral stages (see section on Size in Relation to Disturbances).4
Figure 2. Regional Forest Conservation Model (adapted from Noss and Cooperridge 1994). Thisdisplays the concept of a model regional reserve network, consisting of core forests, connectingcorridors or linkages, and multiple-use buffer zones. “Matrix forests” refer to the overall contiguousforested landscape, while “core forests” refer to areas managed for natural ecological integrity.Inner buffer zones would be strictly protected, while outer buffer zones would allow for a widerrange of compatible human uses. The inter-regional corridor connects this system to a similarnetwork nearby.OVERVIEW: THE SBR MATRIX FOREST BLOCK ANALYSIS PROCESSThe Southern Blue Ridge Matrix Forest Block Analysis was a joint effort among TNC’s Eastern NorthAmerica Division Science staff and staff from the five TNC state operating units partially within theecoregion (Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia). Significant contributionsand feedback were also provided by several state and regionalpartners (Appendix A). This process was similar to theConservancy’s matrix forest analysis in the CentralAppalachian and Northern Appalachian Ecoregions tofacilitate regional consistency in the identification andevaluation of Appalachian spatial conservation targets andecological goals. The major steps and details of the analysisprocess are summarized in this report, and supportingdocuments and additional details can be found at:http://www.conservationgateway.org/Files/Pages/SouthernBlueRidgeAnAnalysisofMatrixForests.aspx.5
Page 1 and 2: Southern Blue Ridge:An Analysis of
Page 3 and 4: TABLE OF CONTENTSEXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Page 5 and 6: EXECUTIVE SUMMARYThe Southern Blue
Page 7: The Southern Blue Ridge is a forest
Page 11 and 12: Table 1. Data used to evaluate pote
Page 13 and 14: gradients, are more prone to certai
Page 15 and 16: Table 2. Average Territory Size of
Page 17 and 18: CLASSIFYING THE MATRIX FOREST BLOCK
Page 19 and 20: LANDFORMLandforms anchor and contro
Page 21 and 22: The analysis resulted in 25 ELU gro
Page 23 and 24: Figure 5. Southern Blue Ridge Poten
Page 25 and 26: Figure 7. Prioritized Southern Blue
Page 27 and 28: RESULTS OF ANALYSISAll final SBR ma
Page 29 and 30: protection, but are subject to natu
Page 31 and 32: CONCLUSIONSThe goal of this analysi
Page 33 and 34: LITERATURE CITEDAnderson, M.G. 2008
Page 35 and 36: Lafon, C.W., Hoss, J.A. and Grissin
Page 37 and 38: Appendix A: State Expert Review Tea
Page 39 and 40: Appendix B: Fragmenting Features: D
Page 41 and 42: Geology class Lithotypes Metaequiva
Page 43 and 44: Tier BlockName OrdGroupLabelAcresT1
Page 45 and 46: Appendix E: Final Southern Blue Rid
Page 47 and 48: ELU_GroupBlock Name Revised Name St
Page 53: Field NamesSuccessional Shrub/Scrub

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