Discussion
What is a Riparian Woodland?
A riparian woodland is a unique plant community consisting of tress, plants, and shrubs growing near a river. It serves a variety of functions important to the environment and people as a whole by:
· Protecting stream banks from erosion.
· Preserving water quality by filtering sediment from runoff before it enters rivers and streams.
· Providing a storage area for flood waters.
· Providing food and habitats for fish and wildlife.
· Preserving aesthetic surroundings.
Riparian communities have finally been recognized as vitally important to the survival of fish and wildlife populations.
The ecological health and productivity of the Susquehanna River is dependent on the proper function of its vital ecosystem.
The New Island floodplain is a dynamic system, where in some cases vegetation successions lead to substitution of terrestrial vegetation with aquatic vegetation. Water is exchanged with the main channel and the surrounding land, in different directions depending on relief and the timing of rainy season vs. peak stage height.
Conclusion
In New Island the dominant trees were identified with belt transect methods.
In transect one, the area must have been a cleared space at one time. It was invaded by a series of different grasses, shrubs, and trees. The invaders are exploiting the open environment, growing and reproducing quickly. These species are termed shade-intolerant because they require an abundance of sunlight and cannot grow when shaded. The trees that were within transect one are Black Locust, Staghorn Sumac, Thornapple, Pussy Willow, and Quaking Aspen. The Staghorn Sumac tree is the most dominant species in this area.
The second transect was taken on the west side of the Island. The vegetation is much thicker here than transect one. The tree species south of the old railroad bed are taller and thicker then the trees that are north of the railroad bed. The crowns of the tallest trees on the south side of the bed seems to form a canopy. Beneath the canopy the is an understory, made up of smaller saplings and shrubs. The trees that are within transect two are Northern Red Oak, Thornapple, Black Cherry, Wild Apple, Black Birch, and Ironwood. Thornapple and the Northern Red Oak tree are the most dominant species in this area.
Transect three was relatively the same as transect two. The trees that were within transect three are Northern Red Oak, Silver Maple, Thornapple, Black Cherry, Wild Apple, Ironwood, and Black Birch. The Ironwood tree is the most dominant species in this area.
Transect four was taken in the middle of the Island. The vegetation here is less dense than transects two-three. There is a diverse, dominant understory, made up of smaller saplings and shrubs. The trees that were within this transect are Northern Red Oak, Silver Maple, Thornapple, Quaking Aspen, Paper Birch, Black Cherry, Grey Birch, White Spruce, and Ironwood. The Black Cherry tree is the most dominant species in this area.
Transect five was relatively the same as transect four. The trees that are within transect five are Northern Red Oak, Thornapple, Black Cherry, Sugar Maple. The Black Cherry tree is the most dominant species in this area.
The last transect six was taken on the east side of the Island. It has a series of different grasses, shrubs, and trees. The vegetation is much different then the rest of the Island, being very thick and having less diversity. The trees that are within transect six are Northern Red Oak, Black Birch, Sugar Maple, and Black Cherry. The Sugar Maple tree is the most dominant species in this area.
Because New Island woodlands have a guaranteed water supply, their component trees are very different from trees in most other environmental situations. These trees are not limited by the hot, dry days of summer; rather they can afford to grow fast and right through the longest days of the year. However quick growth may cause weak wood. Many of the trees are liabilities because of brittle limbs and they also have a relatively short life span. Most of these trees in New Island are pioneer species or trees that can withstand fluctuations in the water table.