Abstract
Old-growth forests of Adirondack Park, New York, are discussed based on a New York Natural Heritage Program (NYNHP) survey done in 1987 and on various published accounts. This survey led to the identification of ten old-growth forest stands (nine of which are entirely state-owned). Nine stands were sampled and included representatives of the following NYNHP communities: hemlock-northern hardwood, beech-maple mesic, spruce-northern hardwood, and mountain spruce-fir forests. The structure and composition of sampled stands are described. Stand density (live stems greater than 5.0 cm dbh) was greatest in the mountain spruce-fir forest (1333 stems ha⁻¹ and lowest in the beech-maple mesic forest (430 stems ha⁻¹); basal area was highest in the hemlock-northern hardwood forest stands (42.32 m² ha⁻¹) and lowest in the spruce-northern hardwood forest stands (27.51 m² ha⁻¹). The greatest density and basal area of dead stems (greater than 5.0 cm dbh) was found in the mountain spruce-fir forest stand where dead canopy Picea rubens (red spruce) outnumbered live ones. Additional old-growth forest data from published sources are discussed. Historical data illustrate that, at least in the western Adirondacks, P. rubens was the dominant canopy species in all forest types (about 50 percent or more of canopy density). Silvical characteristics of the dominant species are discussed in relation to the role of each species in Adirondack old-growth forests. Disturbance regimes and potential disturbance agents in these forests are discussed. Old-growth forest criteria are examined and recommendations for future work are outlined.