Problems developing tall oak seedlings of high abundance have become a concern throughout many eastern hardwood forests. The decline in oak seedling recruitment into canopy positions is often attributed to the increasing abundance of shade tolerant midstory species, especially red maple (Acer rubrum L.). Studies have shown that increasing light to the understory by way of a midstory removal has the ability to favor oak seedlings over competitors. The majority of studies to date have examined northern red (Quercus rubra L.) and cherrybark oak (Quercus pagoda Raf.) on productive sites, but relatively little is known about the effects of midstory removal on white (Quercus alba L.) and black (Quercus velutina L.) oaks, which are valuable species commercially and for wildlife. This study tests the effect of a midstory removal on oak seedlings and red maples six years after treatment implementation. In addition to seedling growth, survival, and competitiveness, the study also illustrates the changes in canopy structure and light transmittance resulting from the midstory removal. Basal clipping response of white oak seedlings following six years under a midstory removal is also examined as a method for regenerating more vigorous oaks. Results from this study support implementation of midstory removal as a method for improving oak regeneration.

I sampled the plant communities associated with Garry oak (Quercus garryana) in British Columbia in order to develop a classification for use in resource management. Garry oak ecosystems have been designated as critically imperiled in British Columbia. My methods employed some quantitative aspects, but were largely subjective in order to assemble a numerically-adequate data base, apply a landscape approach and include a wide geographic coverage. Although some facets of my study were influenced by European phytosociology, both methodological affinities and the results of objective comparisons place the classification in a scientific context with other studies from the Pacific Northwest oak woodlands. Forty-three (43) plant communities were identified and are described in detail. They consist of 27 communities in a category named for native plant species and 17 communities named for introduced species, organized in two categories of previous disturbance. Similar plant communities are recognized from the literature on other oak woodlands in the Pacific Northwest. The ecosystem relations of the plant communities are depicted on a subjective basis from the collected field data, supplemented with objective results at a broad level. Ecological hypotheses are suggested, along with management interpretations for each of the plant communities. Preservation and active management are emphasized in a management strategy presented for the Garry oak habitat as a whole. / Graduate

Thesis (M.S. - Microbiology and Immunology)--University of Arizona, 1985. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 91-95).

Thesis (M.Sc.)--York University, 2006. Graduate Programme in Geography. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 137-144). Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL: http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&res_dat=xri:pqdiss&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:MR19681

Thesis (M.S.)--Oregon State University, 2009. / Printout. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 58-61). Also available on the World Wide Web.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 1997. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 74-85). Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (M.S.)--Oregon State University, 2010. / Printout. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 69-72). Also available on the World Wide Web.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 1997. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 1997. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 74-85). Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 1997. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the Internet.