Impacts of Hemlock Harvesting in Central Massachusetts 2003-2009

The recent unimpeded infestation of the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA; Adelgids tsugae) across the Northeastern U.S. is driving large-scale hemlock decline and mortality. HWA has already infested over 40% of the towns in Massachusetts and, as a result, many landowners are considering pre-emptively harvesting their eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) stands. To examine the local impacts of this cutting activity, this study examined stand and ecosystem dynamics in 10 hemlock-dominated sites on public and private lands where hemlocks were harvested between 1 to12 years ago with nearby uncut forests.