SENSITIVITY TO CLIMATE VARIABILITY AND CHANGE OF TUNDRA AND BOREAL ECOSYSTEMS IN PROTECTED AREAS IN NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR TECHNICAL REPORT

Transcription

1 SENSITIVITY TO CLIMATE VARIABILITY AND CHANGE OF TUNDRA AND BOREAL ECOSYSTEMS IN PROTECTED AREAS IN NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR TECHNICAL REPORT CCIAP Project A756 LABRADOR HIGHLANDS RESEARCH GROUP December 2006

2 Sensitivity to Climate Variability and Change of Tundra and Boreal Ecosystems in Protected Areas in Newfoundland and Labrador. TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 December 2006 Labrador Highlands Research Group Co-Investigators: Dr. John D. Jacobs (Program Manager), Dr. Luise Hermanutz, Dr. Trevor Bell, and Dr. Alvin Simms. Faculty Associates: Dr. Roger Pickavance, Department of Biology, Memorial University Dr. Colin Laroque, Department of Geography, Mount Allison University Post-Doctoral Fellow: Dr. Keith Lewis Research Associates: Tom Loader, Philippe LeBlanc Graduate Students: Marilyn Anions, Seth Loader, Michael McDonald, Anne Munier, Mariana Trindade, Chad Yurich, Ngaire Yurich Undergraduate Students: Christine Bussey, Monte Anions Address for correspondence: Dr. John D. Jacobs, Project Manager Labrador Highlands Research Group Department of Geography Memorial University St. John s NL A1B 3X9 address: lhrg@mun.ca Website: TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December

3 2 TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December 2006

4 CONTENTS 1. Overview and Summary 2. Funding and Support 3. Technical Reports: 3.1. Climate studies J. Jacobs 3.2. CANTTEX Monitoring L. Hermanutz and A. Munier 3.3. Monitoring on the Big Level Plateau, Gros Morne National Park J. Jacobs 3.4. Dendroecological and Dendroclimatic Studies in the Labrador Highlands M. Trindade 3.5. Treeline studies in the Red Wine Mountains T. Bell, M. Trindade, C. Bussey 3.6. Treeline ecology and change in the Mealy Mountains A. Munier and L. Hermanutz 3.7. Investigation of a Soil Seed Bank and Seed Rain in an Arctic-Alpine Plant Community M. Anions and M. Anions 3.7a Preliminary Plant List for the Mealy Mountains M. Anions 3.8. Effects of Altitude on Soil Properties and Seed Bank Distribution C. Yurich 3.9. Snowmelt and insect burden of Labrador willow N. Yurich Arthropod Survey in the Mealy Mountains, Labrador M. McDonald Small Mammal Study in the Mealy Mountains K. Lewis An assessment of small mammal cycles in the Mealy Mountains using dendrochronology K. Lewis, M. Trindade and L. Hermanutz Spatially Explicit Modeling of Topographic and Climatic Influences on Vegetation 4. Appendices Distribution in Labrador s Mealy Mountains S. Loader Appendix A1. CANTTEX Tundra Protocols Appendix A2. CANTTEX Taiga Protocols Small Scale Appendix B. List of Publications and Presentations TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December

5 Location of Labrador Highlands Group study areas in Newfoundland and Labrador 4 TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December 2006

6 1. OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY This report describes research carried out in on climate change specifically in tundra and taiga ecosystems of the highlands of central Labrador and in Gros Morne National Park on the island of Newfoundland. The main research questions are concerned with how vegetation and associated wildlife in the region respond to climate change. Research objectives are: 1) to obtain baseline data on taiga and tundra ecosystems and on the local climate, past and present, 2) to determine the range of possible impacts of future climate change on these ecosystems, and 3) to exchange information on climate and ecosystem change with the communities, while providing opportunities for long-term research, education and training partnerships. In 2001 a research site was established in the Mealy Mountains, 20 km SE of Lake Melville on the south side of an unnamed 1057 m mountain. The field area includes the mountain and the adjacent eastward-trending valley that drains to the headwaters of the Eagle River. It is in the study area for the proposed Mealy Mountains (Akamiuapishku) National Park. The climate of the region is driven by continental and maritime influences, with warm summers, cold winters and abundant precipitation in all seasons. The study area is in the discontinuous permafrost zone, with an indeterminate but deep active layer extending into bedrock. Vegetation ranges from sparsely vegetated, massive bedrock summits through alpine tundra to open boreal woodland (taiga), with closed canopy forest occurring along the river valley. Many arctic-alpine species of plants are associated with the summit areas that lie above treeline; distributed as isolated mountain crowns surrounded by forest. The wildlife spans the spectrum from alpine specialists such as Rock Ptarmigan to forest-dwelling moose. The endangered woodland Mealy Mountain caribou inhabit the valley and use the snowbeds in the alpine summits in the summer. Initial work included vegetation surveys and warming experiments in tundra plots following the protocols of the Canadian Tundra and Taiga Experiment (CANTTEX). Automated climate stations were installed at a tundra site at 1000 m a.s.l. and near the local elevational limit of the taiga at 570 m. a.s.l. Since 2001, the Mealy Mountain study area has been visited by our teams each summer in order to continue surveys and routine monitoring. TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December

7 In 2004, the research program was expanded to include related field investigations in.the Red Wine Mountains of Labrador. In the Mealy Mountains, monitoring under CANTTEX was expanded to include treeline and open boreal woodland (taiga), with plots established along an elevational habitat gradient, from forest to tree-islands to alpine-heath vegetation. Ground truthing was carried out for regional vegetation cover mapping from remote sensing. To investigate past environmental conditions, trees were sampled for tree-ring analysis and sediment cores were taken from a pond in the study area. Preliminary surveys were conducted in the Red Wine Mountains with the assistance of a member of the ecosystems science staff of the Innu Nation. CANTTEX transects were also set up in Gros Morne N.P on the Big Level Plateau (ca m a.s.l.), where vegetation and climate monitoring had previously been established by researchers from Parks Canada and Memorial University. In the summer of 2005, extensive field studies in the Mealy Mountains provided ground truth for vegetation mapping from satellite imagery, data on soil chemistry, dendrochronology, and small mammal and insect herbivory, and a research component concerned with invertebrate biodiversity was added to the program. In 2006, summer fieldwork included visits to the main Mealy Mountains study area and summits to the east, a revisit of the Red Wine Mountains, and tree-ring sampling at points near Cartwright, and Churchill Falls and Labrador City - Wabush. Emphasis was on accumulating additional information on tree-line stand age and structure, and on invertebrate biodiversity and community affinity. Wildlife observations were compiled over the years. Communications concerning the project have included consultations held with community groups in Labrador, with ecosystems staff with the Innu Nation, and with Parks Canada scientists and managers. A non-technical poster and an educational CD-ROM presentation were prepared for dissemination to community groups and schools. A number of presentations have been delivered at professional conferences, and several papers have been prepared for publication in scientific journals. 6 TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December 2006

8 Preliminary observations and findings include the following: Trends in Regional Climate. Globally averaged air temperatures have risen dramatically over the past century. In the nearly seven decades of instrumental records for central Labrador through the early 1990s, the only significant trend was a slight cooling in winter. However, since 1993 a regional summer warming trend has been apparent and summer temperatures for the Mealy Mountains study area have been at or above normal in each of the six years since these studies began. Related studies in Gros Morne National Park indicate a decrease in the period of snow-cover at higher elevations. Accumulating data are providing the basis for our goal of creating downscaled scenarios of regional climate change in order to model local climates more precisely. Present Treeline and Tundra. In the central Mealy Mountains, the present altitudinal limit of spruce and fir is estimated at about 600 m a.s.l. From satellite imagery it is estimated that alpine tundra accounts for only 7 per cent of the land cover in the study area. Long-lived Trees above the Forest Limit. In Gros Morne National Park, the Mealy Mountains and Red Wine Mountains, we have found isolated erect 200+ yr old White Spruce growing above the present altitudinal limit of the closed forest in a zone where Black Spruce and Balsam Fir grow only in krummholz (near-prostrate, shrublike) form. These White Spruce are either relicts of a past period of more favourable growing conditions or reflect locally anomalous conditions. In ponds above present tree-line in the Red Wine Mountains we have found 4,000 year-old sections of large fir and spruce trees. Such accumulating evidence confirms that forest boundaries are very liable and there is potential for the forest to advance to higher elevations under suitable climatic regimes. Constraints on Present Tree Line. Our experiments indicate that Black Spruce seeds can germinate and seedlings can survive along an elevational gradient, even in alpine areas where there are presently no adult trees. Transplant experiments have demonstrated that conifer and deciduous seedlings can survive above present treeline. Soil conditions (chemistry, moisture, development) do not appear to be an obstacle to the expansion of forest species into higher elevations. Upslope movement of treeline TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December

9 appears to occur by infilling between tree islands, which act as foci for expansion. Herbivory by rodents and slugs may slow any expansion, as they cause significant seedling mortality. Tundra Vegetation. Arctic-alpine substrate disturbance regimes form frost-boils that are promote plant recruitment and are important centres of plant diversity; especially for those species that are shade intolerant and therefore can not recruit into the alpine heath vegetation. Soil samples from the Mealy Mountain tundra sites revealed large numbers of seeds in some samples, suggesting that these alpine soils have a significant soil seed bank. Invertebrates. Collections of invertebrates in the Mealy Mountains study area yielded a number of species of spiders that are to be expected at the boundary between boreal forest and alpine/arctic tundra, but included some that are more characteristic of the Arctic. This reinforces the conclusion that these highland areas are isolated southerly outliers of an arctic-alpine ecoregion. Insect herbivory was found to increase with the date of plant emergence from snowbeds, suggesting earlier loss of snowbeds will depress growth and reproduction of resident plants. Future Scenarios. Plant ecosystems and processes at tree-line and in alpine tundra areas very likely are not in equilibrium with the present climate, rather a lag-period of years to decades is expected in their response to climate change. Based on the observed altitudinal temperature lapse rate of 0.7 C per 100 m, we estimate that a regional warming of 2 C would result in a potential upward shift in treeline of about 280 m and consequent substantial loss of tundra area. Preliminary modeling of vegetation in response to climate warming scenarios for the mid-century period (ca ) shows a significantly large increase in the area covered by forest and coniferous shrub, with a corresponding decrease in tundra-heath. By the end of the century, very little tundra or heath is projected to remain at even the highest elevations, with consequent loss of habitat for those plant and animal species that are associated with alpine areas. 8 TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December 2006

10 Table 1.1 Monitoring and Research in the Labrador Highlands Variables & Studies Sampling design & methods Duration Active Climate Mealy Mtns: Automated climate stations along elevational transect; soil temperature measurements; statistical analyses of regional climate Red Wine Mtns: Temperature/precip. gauges at Ptarmigan Lake; soil temperature measurements Gros Morne NP: Monitoring of 2001 present 2004 present 2001 Yes Yes Yes climate with existing climate station on Big Level Plateau; soil temperature measurements. present Vegetation composition Mealy Mtns: stability of rare late snow melt communities; Point frame counts of tundra (2001; 2004; 2005) and taiga (2004; 2005); Red Wine Mtns: Point frame counts of tundra and taiga (2006) Yes Yes Plant phenology Experimental manipulation and monitoring vegetation; composition/biodiversity Mealy Mtns: Phenology of Diapensia lapponica Mealy Mtns: ITEX plots at tundra sites ( ), CANTTEX sites in taiga ( ). Black spruce seeds / seedlings planted into treatments manipulating temperature (open top chambers); ground disturbance (manual digging to mineral soil); and herbivory (exclosures). Plots along gradient from open canopy forest to alpine habitat ( ). Mapping of tree islands; krummholz annual growth monitoring. Red Wine Mtns: ITEX plots at tundra sites (2006), CANTTEX taiga plots (2006) at Ptarmigan Lake Gros Morne NP: CANTTEX taiga plots on slopes NE of Big Level summit ; Yes Yes Yes Yes Continued. TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December

11 Table 1.1(continued) Regional mapping and Modeling Animal monitoring Paleoenvironments Mealy Mtns: Remote sensing, ground-truth, GIS, modeling and visualization techniques directed at treeline change Mealy Mtns: Natural history observations; live trapping of small mammals for population estimates and impact of herbivory on vegetation distribution (2004-6); pitfall traps deployed yearly to monitor biodiversity and habitat affinity of target groups such as spiders and beetles (2001; 2004); Intensive invertebrate sampling (2005-6) for key pollinator groups such as butterflies and bees. Red Wine Mtns: Intensive invertebrate sampling (2006). All Sites: Dendrochronology on standing and subfossil trees, multivariate analysis of lake sediment cores (Mealy Mtns) 2004 present 2001 present depending on project present Yes Yes Completed completed Yes 10 TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December 2006

12 2. FUNDING AND SUPPORT This document is a report on research activities funded principally under the following contribution agreement: Natural Resources Canada Climate Impacts and Adaptations Research Directorate, Project A756, Sensitivity to Climate Variability and Change of Tundra and Boreal Ecosystems in Protected areas in Newfoundland and Labrador Additional funding used to support this and complementary projects has come from: Environment Canada Northern Ecosystems Initiative (NEI 04-06), Monitoring for Ecosystems Change in the Labrador Highlands using Integrated Multivariate Field and Geospatial Techniques Wildlife Division, Department of Environment and Conservation, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Survey of Invertebrate Biodiversity in the Mealy Mountains. The Northern Scientific Training Program of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, to support student fieldwork in Labrador. In-kind and other support from the following is acknowledged with thanks: The Innu Nation Parks Canada Institute for Environmental Monitoring and Research Labrador Institute of Memorial University TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December

13 12 TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December 2006

14 3. TECHNICAL REPORTS TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December

15 14 TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December 2006

16 3. 1 Climate Studies in the Mealy Mountains John D. Jacobs The climate program includes the operation of automatic climate stations in the study areas, short-term measurements of microclimate, the statistical analysis of regional climate records record with respect to the local bioclimate, and the analysis and downscaling of climate change scenarios. The main effort has been directed at the Mealy Mountains study area, with some basic instruments at a site in the Red Wine Mountains. In Gros Morne National Park, climate studies on the Big Level Plateau have been ongoing since 1997 (see section 3.3). Climatological observations began in the Mealy Mountains study area in the summer of 2001, when two automatic climate stations were installed, one at 570 m above sea level (m a.s.l.) near the upper limit of the closed canopy forest, the other at a tundra site at an elevation of 1000 m a.s.l. Those stations record hourly air and ground temperatures, relative humidity and solar irradiance. A bulk precipitation gauge collects annual rain and snowfall. In 2005, a third station was set up at the Memorial University base camp Figure Automated climate station at Mealy Mountains Base Camp (600 m a.s.l.). The view is to the site at 600 m elevation to measure air th t and ground temperatures, relative humidity, barometric pressure, and wind speed and direction. Air temperature/humidity and ground temperature sensors have also been deployed at various locations to monitor soil temperature in different vegetation habitats. Climate data for the period July 2001 July 2006 are summarized in Table and average monthly insolation and temperatures are graphed in Fig Peak temperatures are seen to follow the period of greatest insolation by almost two months. The growing period in the Mealy Mountains is June through September, with daily temperatures averaging 10.5 C and 7.3 C at lower and upper stations respectively. Maximum daily temperatures have reached TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December

17 31 C at both stations, with absolute minimums approaching 40 C. Cumulative degree-days above 0 C, referred to as thawing degree-days, provide a measure of growing season warmth for arctic-alpine species. These averaged 1376 deg-days at the lower station and 997 degreedays at the upper station (Table 3.1.1). Station Lower Upper Elevation (m a.s.l.) July T avg ( C) Jan Tavg ( C) Coldest month Feb Jan Mean T coldest month (C) Thawing deg - days (base 0 C) Growing deg-days (base 5 C) Annual mean ground temp (-1 m) Annual Precipitation > 2.0 m > 2.0 m Table Summary Climate Data ( ) for Mealy Mountain Study Area 16 TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December 2006

18 Mealy Mountains Climate Average Insolation and Temperature ( ) Solar Irradiance (W/m2) Air Temperature (C) J F M A M J J A S O N D S_lower S_upper T_lower T_upper Figure Average monthly Temperature and solar radiation for Mealy Mountain upper (1000 m a.s.l.) and lower (570 m a.s.l.) climate stations. Insolation is given as the monthly average of instantaneous solar irradiance (Watts per m 2 ) and temperature is the monthly average of daily mean temperatures. Annual precipitation, as estimated from bulk storage gauges (Fig.3.1.3), is between 2000 and 3000 mm, with greater amounts at the upper site. Preliminary results show the tundra site to be in permafrost, but the taiga site may not be. The 1-metre ground temperatures averaged -1.7 C at the upper site and 0.1 C at the lower over the period. Soil depth at the tundra site was generally less than 0.5 m and the active layer (layer of seasonal thawing in permafrost) was clearly in bedrock but its depth remains to be determined. TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December

19 Figure Mealy Mountains, Lower climate station (570 m a.s.l.) with bulk precipitation gauge in the foreground. In order to place the first six years of climate records from the Mealy Mountains into a longer term context, we examined the maps from period averages in the Climate Trends and Variations Bulletin (Environment Canada, ). Figure shows the departures from normal of seasonal temperature and precipitation for the Mealy Mountains area, as shown in those maps. The 2001 (summer) growing season was warmer and wetter than normal, while in summer 2002 conditions were near normal in the region. A warming trend, especially in spring and summer is apparent from 2003 onward. There is no apparent trend in precipitation but summer amounts have tended to be above normal. A review of the regional temperature record showed a sequence of cold winters over the last three decades of the 20 th century, associated with a strongly positive North Atlantic Oscillation Index (see Banfield and Jacobs, 1998). Subsequently, a warming trend affected central Labrador, with growing-season temperatures at or above normal in each of the past five years. This is consistent with a regional summer warming trend beginning in Related studies carried out on Big Level in Gros Morne National Park show a trend toward less snow cover over the latter half of the 20 th century and a lengthening of the snow-free season at higher elevations (Martin, 2004). 18 TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December 2006

20 Mealy Mountains Regional Climate Departures from Seasonal Normals 70 6 Precipitation (%) Pcp Temp Temperature (C) -30 Winter Spring Summer Fall Winter Spring Summer Fall Winter Spring Summer Fall Winter Spring Summer Fall Winter Spring Summer Fall Winter Spring Summer Year - Season [Data from Environment Canada] Figure Recent seasonal temperature and precipitation for the area of the cenrtral Mealy Mountains in terms of departures from the regional averages (Data source: Environment Canada, Climate Trends and Variations Bulletin, various years.). Climate models project warming of land areas in Labrador in both winter and summer of at least 2 C by 2090 (Environment Canada, 2002). This is in contrast to the rest of northern Canada where temperatures are projected to rise by more than 5 C by the end of the century. The situation in Labrador is complicated by the fact that some models show the waters of the Labrador Sea cooling during this period, resulting in some moderation of the warming tendency on the adjacent land (IPCC 2001). If such a scenario is correct, the Mealy Mountains should experience less habitat change than will other sub-arctic highland areas. Strong altitudinal temperature gradients are evident in the Mealy Mountains from comparison of upper and lower station records, with JJA temperature lapse rates averaging 0.7 o C/100 m. Therefore a warming of 1 C would amount to a potential upward shift in treeline of about 140 m, while a 4 o C warming would place the theoretical tree-line above the highest summits. A scenario of an advancing tree line overtopping mountain summits as the TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December

21 climate warms oversimplifies a complex response. There is considerable lag in the response of vegetation to climate variability and change. For example, an increase in growth rate of black spruce at the subarctic tree line in northern Quebec has been associated with regional warming during the late 20 th century, but the tendency to increased growth was found to be suppressed at by wind effects and increased winter snowfall near the northern and altitudinal limits of the species (Gamache and Payette, 2004). Ecological processes, such as herbivory and seed predation will also act to lag spread response. On the other hand, there is evidence from pollen and submerged logs in high elevation ponds in central Labrador showing that the altitudinal limit of trees was higher than present during the mid-holocene warm interval, about 4000 years ago (Lamb, 1985). References Banfield, C. E. and Jacobs, J. D., 1998 Regional patterns of temperature and precipitation for Newfoundland and Labrador during the past century. The Canadian Geographer 42(4): Bean, David and Henry, Greg H.R., Climate Change Impacts on Tundra Ecosystems: The CANTTEX Network of Ecological Monitoring Sites in the Canadian Arctic. Environment Canada, Climate Trends and Variations Bulletin. Gamache, Isabelle and Payette, Serge, Height growth response of treeline black spruce to recent climate warming across the forest-tundra of eastern Canada. Journal of Ecology 92: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Climate Change 2001: The Scientific Basis. Lamb, H. F., Palynological evidence for postglacial change in the position of tree limit in Labrador. Ecological Monographs 55(2): Schweingruber, F. H. et al A tree-ring densitometric transect from Alaska to Labrador. International J. of Biometeorology 37: TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December 2006

22 3.2 CANTTEX Long-term Monitoring Luise Hermanutz and Anne Munier The best way to know without a doubt whether or not the ecology of an area is changing is to observe it over time. Long-term ecological monitoring provides invaluable scientifically defensible data towards understanding change. Systematic observations and data recording at long term monitoring sites have begun in the tundra and treeline regions of the Mealy Mountains, Red Wine Mountains and Gros Morne National Park for just this purpose. Plots were established in 2001, 2004, 2005 and 2006 in these regions. Plots have been established along an elevational habitat gradient, from forest to tree-islands to alpine tundra at the Mealy Mountains (Mountain 1057); at the Red Wine Mountain (Ptarmigan Lake) taiga and tundra monitoring sites have been installed with the goal of completing the elevational gradient in the future. Taiga (forest) plots were established at on Big Level of Gros Morne, with the goal of establishing tundra monitoring plots in the future. The protocols have been provided to the ecosystem scientist at Gros Morne NP for their evaluation with the anticipation that they will incorporate these into other locations, and perhaps at the newly established Torngat Mountains NPR. Taiga Our group developed specific long-term monitoring protocols to be used within the forested regions that act to anchor the elevational gradient (See Appendix A). These protocols sample all levels of the ecosystem from soil to tree canopy to track changes in biodiversity as well as dynamics of all strata. These protocols are available in the CANTTEX (Canadian Tundra and Taiga Experiment) manual B (see Appendix A2). These procedures allow for observation and measurements to be recorded in a methodical way that can be repeated in coming years to give an accurate picture of not just whether, but also Figure One of a number of single, old white spruce trees being how, the ecosystem is changing. Our site was the first to install monitored in the Mealy Mountains the taiga transects in order to test and refine the draft protocols. Trees were tagged, and data were collected regarding their size, distribution, reproductive status, age structure, and health. TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December

23 This included searching the area for seedlings, and collecting a small number of cones to test for seed viability. Seed production by trees is a key to understanding future changes in forest extent. How many seedling are recruiting into the forest depends on not only how many seeds the tree produces in its cones, but also the number eaten by seed predators such as insects and small rodents. The fate of seeds is followed from production until they fall on to the ground and are incorporated into the soil. Seeds buried in the soil are also important to understanding recruitment, and therefore seeds in the soil are counted. C. Yurich (Section 3.8) initiated some of the soil and seed bank measurements in the Mealy Mountains. While tree and forest limits are of great interest, it was equally important to record information about shrubs, herbaceous vegetation, and soil characteristics. These are predicted to change with a changing climate, likely at a quicker rate than will trees themselves. Information on the biodiversity of shrubs and herbs was collected by recording number of species and their frequency in different plots along an elevational gradient. Soil profiles are drawn to determine the depth of the various layers, with special attention to the top duff layer, because it is the most sensitive to changes in forest cover. While working in our study areas, we often came across singleton trees or tree islands that could be important to future forest spread. These are potential sources of seeds and therefore trees to areas that are above the limit of continuous forest. These sites were also marked and observations recorded in a similar fashion to those in the plots, so that they can be revisited in years to come and growth and reproduction monitored. 22 TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December 2006

24 Tundra CANTTEX monitoring began at tundra sites in 2001 in the Mealy Mountains, with the installation of four OTCs (design following ITEX protocols). These were destroyed by severe weather during the subsequent winter. Three OTCs (Fig ) were established in the summer of 2005 and removed over winter and re-established in late June 2006 and left up. In July 2004 additional tundra community monitoring plots were established, following the CANTTEX protocols (Appendix A1). Two transects were established along an elevational gradient (between m a.s.l.)) and 4-1m X 1m quadrats Figure Open-top chamber (OTC) providing artificial surveyed per transect. Two warming on a tundra study plot based on ITEX protocol. permanent diagonal corner markers (PVC tubing) were established to ensure the exact placement of the quadrat legs in 5 years, when the next sample is taken. Quadrats were subdivided into 10cm X 10 cm sections using fluorescent string and species identified under each crosshair, for a total of 100 hits per quadrat. Data were entered as outlined in the CANTTEX manual A. All species were identified to species (including lichen and mosses see lichen section) where possible. Additional alpine plots were established in 2005; in addition several lower elevation (600m) plots in late snowmelt communities were established to bring our sample size to 15 plots. Two alpine tundra plots were established in Red Wine Mountains in July All plots will be resurveyed in 5 years after establishment (pending funding). Preliminary analysis of the CANTTEX data from the 2004 data (Figure 3.2.3) indicates that small shrubs such as Vaccinium vitis-idaea, V. uliginosum and Phyolloce caerulea dominate the plots with strong lichen component. The lichen flora in these plots is dominated by the reindeer lichens (Cladina mitis, C. rangiferina). The dominance of shrubs may result in the lichen, which is an inferior competitor for light, being overtaken by the TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December

25 shrubs, under conditions of warming. In those plots with lower shrub cover, it will be of interest to see if the cover of shrubs increases relative to the lichen in the next survey. At present there are no larger shrubs such as Betula glandulosa, at these there elevations that are presently dominated by alpine tundra vegetation. However such large shrubs are found up to ~700m in the valley below in heath tundra, and these and plots found at lower elevations, will enable the team to monitor elevational change in distribution of shrubs and trees. Vegetation classes in CANTTEX plots in the Mealy Mountains of Labrador (2004) % of hits T (942) T (950) T (967) T (969) T (981) T (988) T (996) Transect (elevation, m) T (1003) shrub moss/lichen grass/herb other (non-veg) Figure Comparison of the major plant functional groupings within the 8 CANTTEX tundra plots surveyed in 2004 in the alpine areas of Mount 1057, Mealy Mountains. 24 TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December 2006

26 3.3 Monitoring on Big Level, Gros Morne National Park John D. Jacobs Studies of the highland vegetation and climate in Gros Morne National Park have been conducted by Memorial University researchers and Parks Canada staff for nearly a decade (Banfield and Jacobs, 1997; Martin, 2004). The principal study area is the Big Level plateau, which has a summit elevation of 795 m a.s.l. and includes some 75 km 2 of tundra or rock barrens above the local forest limit. This area contains locally rare plant species, (Brouillet et al., 1998), a mountain caribou population, and arctic-alpine species such as Rock Ptarmigan and Arctic Hare. Big Level and other upland areas in Gros Morne National Park have a close ecological affinity to highland areas in central Labrador. Concurrent monitoring for change in the two areas adds a significant latitudinal dimension to our potential for detecting impacts of climate variability and change. Figure Highlands of Gros Morne National Park, June View to the NW from Big Level. Key components of the continuing research on Big Level include: 1) long-term tundra study plots, 2) a system of elevational transects through the krummholz zone, and 3) operation of an automatic climate station near the summit. In June 2004, a five-person field party maintained a camp for one week just below the Big Level summit. Previously established study plots were resurveyed and transects were established from the forest limit according to the CANTTEX Taiga draft protocols (Appendix A). The automatic climate station, which had been out of operation for more than a year, was re-activated and additional temperature TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December

27 monitoring instrumentation, including soil temperature sensors, were installed. As described in section 4.2, cores were taken from White Spruce isolates for dating and dendrochronological analysis. The Big Level climate station was visited again in the summers of 2005 and Figure Arctic Hare (Lepus arcticus) in summer pelage. Big Level, GMNP, August Soil temperature is an important variable when monitoring for climate change impacts in highland areas, since soil processes, plants, and soil micro-organisms are affected by any change. Given a particular near-surface air temperature regime, the corresponding soil temperature regime can be determined by such things as vegetation cover, soil moisture, and amount of winter snow cover. Figure shows the record from three miniature temperature sensors from the beginning of summer 2004 through the end of the following summer. Not surprisingly, temperatures are generally higher in the valley. The site on the slope has the lowest winter temperatures, because it tends to have the least snow cover. The summit plateau typically has a maximum winter snow depth of more than 1 m (Martin, 2004), and the insulating effects are apparent in the graph, as is the time lag of nearly 2 weeks compared with the lower stations before the snow melts and the ground thaws. This example underlines the importance of long-term monitoring in the same representative sites, if the effects of climate change are to be detected. 26 TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December 2006

28 Big Level Plateau Soil Temperatures (10 cm depth) T(C) SUMMIT 770m NORTH SLOPE 720m VALLEY 615m Day ( ) Figure Soil temperatures at three sites on Big Level - June 2004 to September 2005 References Banfield, C. E. and Jacobs, J. D Climatological Studies at Gros Morne National Park. Final Report to Parks Canada on Contract GMR Department of Geography, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John s, NF. Brouillet, L., S. Hay, P. Turcotte, and A. Bouchard, La flore vasculaire alpine du plateau Big Level, au Parc National du Gros-Morne, Terre-Neuve. Géographie physique et Quaternaire 52 (2): Martin, Christian Climatology and Historical Snowcover of the Big Level Plateau, Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland. Master of Science Thesis, Department of Geography, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John s, 210 pp. TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December

29 3.4 Paleoenvironmental Studies in the Mealy Mountains - M. Trindade A central component of LHRG research is the reconstruction of past highland environments to place present and future conditions into a longer time frame. This paleoenvironmental information also provides more extensive baseline knowledge on forest-tundra ecosystems, and may help to constrain modelling of future climate change scenarios. Dendrochronology is the study of tree rings and provides annually resolved multicentury paleoenvironmental data. Tree ring widths are partially dependent on climate: in the highlands of Labrador, wider rings are formed during warmer periods. Further, tree ring width patterns from live (i.e., dated) trees can be matched to dead (i.e., undated) trees whose life span overlaps and precedes that of live trees, allowing the chronology to be extended back further in time. We are conducting a number of different studies that examine past environmental change in the Labrador highlands. Below is a description of those studies employing dendrochronological techniques Tree-Ring Studies in the Mealy Mountains Background and Objectives Using available instrumental climate data and corresponding tree ring data, the relationship between tree growth and climate can be assessed, and further, using cross-dating techniques, local and regional climate can be reconstructed for several past centuries. Figure Using an increment borer Methodology to collect a sample from a tree. Tree ring chronologies were built using four treeline species: Picea mariana, P. glauca, Abies balsamea, and Larix laricina. These chronologies were constructed from both live (cores) and dead (disks) samples from these species. Sampling in the Mealy Mountains took place during the field seasons. All samples were collected using standard dendrochronological techniques throughout the main 28 TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December 2006

30 study area (unofficially named Moraine Valley). A minimum of 60 cores were taken from 30 trees for each of the four treeline species. Two cores per tree were taken at breast height (1.3 m standard height for dendrochronological studies), so as to maximize the number of rings and minimize the effects of growth associated with the lower parts of the tree. Chronology results to date are described in Table Samples were partially processed in the Mount Alison Dendrochronology (MAD) Laboratory, Mount Allison University, Sackville, New Brunswick. This included progressive sanding to 400 grit, and ring width measurements to 0.001mm resolution using Windendro software. Data accuracy and quality were assessed using COFECHA software at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Preliminary Findings Four tree-ring-width chronologies spanning 248 years have been constructed using the treeline study species (see Table 3.4.1). The next step is to standardize the tree ring chronologies to produce ring width indices, which will then be tested against various climatic variables to establish the best fit relationship. Local climate data will be derived from statistical manipulation of Goose Bay and Cartwright instrumental records using established relationships over the last 5 years or so. Collaborating Agencies: Mount Alison University MAD Lab. TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December

31 Table Results for all tree ring width chronologies discussed in text. Site Coast Mealy Mountains Red Wine Mountains Churchill Falls Lab City Species Sample size Correlation Years Black Spruce White Spruce Fir Larch Black Spruce White Spruce Fir Larch Black Spruce White Spruce Fir Larch Black Spruce Fir Larch Black Spruce White Spruce Fir TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December 2006

32 3.4.2 Dendrochronological Techniques applied above treeline in the Mealy Mountains Background and Objectives Dendrochronology precludes paleoclimatic reconstructions above treeline. However, studies in the Canadian Arctic have applied dendrochronological techniques to Cassiope tetragona, an evergreen dwarf shrub that occurs within the tundra. This provides a means of reconstructing annually-resolved climate above treeline. In the Mealy Mountains, C. tetragona does not Figure Mat-like form exist, but a closely related species, Harrimanella hypnoides, of H. hypnoides (Moss Bell does (see Figure 3.4.2). Annual increments of H. hypnoides are Heather) from the Mealy Mountains. identifiable through wave-like pattern of leaves on stem (the distance between leaves, or internode distance, see Figure 3.4.3) and are used here to 1) test whether dendrochronological techniques can be applied to H. hypnoides, 2) assess which climate variable is best correlated with the growth of H. hypnoides, and 3) reconstruct this variable for as long as Figure Idealized depiction of annual increments of C. tetragona. Y-axis shows leaf length, possible at the summit of the Mealy X-axis show position along the stem. Significantly Mountains. smaller leaves depict yearly increments (red arrows) Methodology Harrimanella hypnoides (moss bell heather) is an evergreen dwarf shrub with 4 rows of alternating and overlapping short and needle-like leaves along the length of a 5-20mm stalk, topped by bell-shaped white or pink nodding flowers. Harrimanella leaves grow in proportion to climate; smaller leaves are produced in poor conditions. Phenology of Harrimanella hypnoides was recorded throughout the 2005 field season (July 1, 10 th, and 23). The number of buds, flowers and fruit were recorded for phenology. TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December

33 Two sites were chosen at the summit, both located near the upper climate station. Each site consisted of 5 plants (a given area of Harrimanella was considered a plant), and each was enclosed by a nylon string. At the end of the field season, 10 plants from each site were collected, and dried for analysis. Internode length and leaf number were measured and recorded from 18 stems. Preliminary Findings Annual growth increments (AGIs) for H. hypnoides will be defined from the measured internode measurements. In prior studies using Cassiope species (Rayback, 2003), the shortest internode length was used to define and AGI, and a similar method will most likely be applied in Labrador highlands. Currently, each of 18 stems measured shows a decreasing low-frequency trend in internode length (see Figure 3.4.). Given that H. hypnoides is a mildly chionophilic (i.e. snow- species, the decline may be attributed to lesser amounts of snow in the loving) spring Inter node Figure Example of the measurements recorded for one stem of H. hypnoides. Y-axis depicts internode distance (o.01mm). Annual increments are based on the wave-like pattern. 32 TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December 2006

34 3.4.3 Records of past forest disturbance in the Mealy Mountains Background and Objectives Tree rings also can uncover past forest disturbance events, such as fires and insect outbreaks. Forest disturbance cycles partially shape the forest-tundra, and these cycles may be affected by climate change, thereby altering stand dynamics. These disturbances are recorded in tree rings by means of fire scars and a reduction in tree growth patterns (due to insect outbreaks damaging the tree). These ecological reconstructions are commonly more apparent with the simultaneous comparison of multiple species. Figure Fire scar on a For instance, since insect outbreaks are speciesspecific, an episodic reduction in radial growth in a partially damaged by the fire, and krummholz sample from the Mealy Mountains. The cambium was therefore left a datable scar on the single species may be identified as insect-related if stem. it is not observed in other species. If only a single species is studied, the reduction may be misinterpreted as climate related. Methodology Fire scars observed during the processing and measurement of core and disk samples from the mealy Mountains were noted and compiled. Insect outbreaks should be evident when the tree ring indices of all species are plotted against each other (see Figure 3.4.). Preliminary Findings The graph below shows tree-ring width measurements (in mm) for white spruce and balsam fir from 1837 to 2005 in the Mealy Mountains. The lack of synchroneity between species during the late 1840s and 1870s outlines the advantages in using multiple species for dendrochronological studies. Using white spruce alone, we may have inferred that these two periods were colder than average. With data from multiple species, we can infer that the rapid growth reduction followed by a slow recovery in white spruce may be indicative of insect TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December

35 infestations. The balsam fir data suggest that climate was average during the period of white spruce decline. Future analysis will involve the standardization of tree-ting chronologies (a statistical process that removes the tree ring growth unrelated to climate) and the systematic compilation of regional forest-disturbance events. Ring widths (mm) White Spruce Balsam Fir Figure Unstandardized tree ring measurements from white spruce and balsam fir in the Mealy Mountains. Collaborating Agencies: Mount Alison University MAD Lab Stand reconstruction in the Mealy Mountains Background and Objectives The current state (i.e. retreating, stable or advancing) of the forest-tundra can be partially determined by re-creating the age-distribution of species across an elevation transect. A large number of young saplings within the tundra-edge of the forest tundra may be indicative of increased reproductive success as a result of climate warming. Methodology In order to examine the age distribution of trees and shrubs in the alpine treeline transition, a 5 m-wide elevational transect was established across the forest-tundra in the Mealy Mountains. The species and height of all trees (defined as > 1.5 m tall), sapling and shrubs were recorded and measured. All trees were sampled for ageing, as were the largest and smallest shrubs 34 TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December 2006

36 within each 5 m by 10 m plot. The origin (layer or seed) was recorded based largely on shape of sapling. Ground cover, percent cover of shrubs, slope and aspect were also recorded. Preliminary Findings Sample processing is in progress Tree islands in the Mealy Mountains Background and Objectives The forest-tundra is essentially a gradient from healthy to progressively more stressed trees to treeless tundra conditions. One of the last tree forms within the forest-tundra is an isolated association of trees, called tree islands. These associations survive in extremely harsh conditions, and are often located in sheltered areas. They may be relics of warmer periods (when there was more favourable growing conditions at higher elevation), or a response to current warming (that is, a treeline advance upslope). Figure Isolated tree island within the forest-tundra zone. These associations of trees may be very old, thus indicative of a warmer past. Should tree islands be relics of more favourable past climatic conditions, then they should be quite old and demonstrate a synchronous age across the region. In contrast, their current state (health, stature, cone production) may reveal that they are responding to a current more favourable climate. The presence of seeds in these isolated trees also outlines the potential for a rapid potential expansion upslope. TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December

37 Methodology In 2006, 10 tree islands were sampled in the Mealy Mountains. The following data were collected: size of the tree island, location, number of upright stems, number of iterations, species, height, number of cones, basal core circumference, diameter, basal core for ageing, and annual growth increment on stem. Preliminary Findings Sample processing is in progress. References: Meades S Ecoregions of Labrador. Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Rayback S.A Cassiope tetragona and climate change in the Canadian high Arctic: Experimental studies and reconstruction of past climate for Ellesmere Island, Nunavut, Canada. Ph.D. thesis. Department of Geography. University of British Columbia. Canada. 36 TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December 2006

38 3.5. Treeline Studies in the Red Wine Mountains, Labrador - Trevor Bell, Mariana Trindade, Christine Bussey A Coastal Interior Transect across Highland Labrador for Paleoclimatic Studies Background and Objectives The highlands of Labrador experience a climate that is strongly influence by proximity to the Labrador Sea. The relationship between forest cover and oceanic effects is evident in modern vegetation distribution across Labrador (Meades, 1989). Presently, white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) dominates in the coastal barrens, whereas black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P) is more common in the interior of Labrador, where mid and low subarctic forest dominate. Eastern larch (Larix laricina (DuRoi) K. Koch) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill) species are present in lower amounts throughout central Labrador. Figure Ecoregions of Labrador, showing clear relationship between vegetation and the Labrador Sea. From Meades (1989) The relationship between ocean-atmosphere interactions on the forest-tundra across central Labrador is assessed using dendrochronology. 1) Tree ring chronologies are constructed from highland sites across Labrador, from the coast inland, and 2) the relationship between tree ring growth and ocean-atmosphere variables is assessed. TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December

39 Methodology In the summer of 2006, treeline species were sampled from 4 additional (excluding Mealy Mountains) sites spanning across Labrador. Sites sampled included Cartwright, Red Wine Mountains, Churchill Falls, and Labrador city. An effort was made to sample a minimum of 60 cores from 30 trees for the 4 treeline species for each site. Only the best 20 cores (approximately) were kept to build each chronology (See Table 3.4.1). Preliminary findings A total of 18 chronologies were built from 5 sites. No white spruce trees were found in Churchill Falls, and only small (less than 1.5m high) larch trees were observed in Labrador City-Wabush. Currently, tree ring chronologies are being standardized to produce ring width indices. The relationship between the standardized tree ring widths and the marine climate indices from the North Atlantic will be assessed. Collaborating Agencies: Mount Alison University MAD Lab Treeline responses to Climate Change Background and Objectives A study was undertaken to investigate whether infilling is the mechanism by which treeline is advancing upslope in the Red Wine Mountains as a result of climate warming. Methodology Saplings (no larger than 1.5m) were collected from the forest-tundra transition zone to the Figure "Sapling transect in the Red local summit. Various measurements such as Wine Mountains, height and diameter, were recorded in the field, whereas tree rings were counted in the laboratory for age determination. 38 TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December 2006

40 Preliminary Findings No distinct spatial trend appears to be evident from the height, diameter or age data. The sample size is rather small and sparse which may contribute to the poor definition of trends. Based on density values, however, sapling distribution appears to be related to elevation. Species composition also appears to be spatially defined. Black spruce is the only species that can sustain itself at higher elevations. White spruce is present at mid-elevations but fir is only present adjacent to treeline. The other variables exhibit no pattern or trend with elevation Tree island form-shift in relation to climate warming Background and Objectives Tree islands, located above the forest-tundra ecotone, were examined to establish growth patterns in the Red Wine Mountains. These islands follow the general form of having a single large base with single or multiple small spindly leaders. It is hypothesized that climatic deterioration caused a thinning of these erect trees trunks in the tree islands. Tree ring records may determine whether there is a link between climate and growth patterns or whether local conditions, such as aspect or snow cover, caused the observed reduction in radial growth. If the former, then radial thinning should occur at the same time across a number of different tree islands. Methodology Tree cores were taken from 28 tree islands, two to three cores from each tree, depending on the size of the individual trunk. One core was taken at the base of each tree, and a second where the transition occurs from large to small stem. Tree species in all islands was recorded together with the circumference at the base and at the transition, the overall height of the island and the height at which the radial reduction was observed. This may be used to indicate the influence of wind exposure and snow cover on the changing growth pattern. Preliminary Findings Initial results on dating of leader thinning indicates that this process is asynchronous across the study area, suggesting perhaps that local snow-depth, not regional climate, is shaping this growth pattern in tree islands. TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December

41 Paleoclimatology from Subfossil Wood above Present Treeline Background and Objectives Climate reconstructions using tree rings often do not span more than several centuries due to the lack of samples available for crossdating. Often, samples decompose before they can be used for dendrochronological purposes. In the Red Wine Mountains, submerged subfossil wood from ponds above present treeline exist. Using these, it may be possible to reconstruct annually-resolved paleoclimate of the Neoglacial environment. Further, using radiocarbon dating, paleoclimate can be locked in time, thus signifying what the climatic conditions were like when treeline was higher than at present. Methodology Figure Cross section of In situ wood is freely available in many of the year old balsam fir collected from lake bed above treeline in the Red Wine shallow ponds of the Labrador highlands (e.g. Lamb 1985), and radiocarbon dates from test samples in the Red Wine Mountains place these remnant forests at approximately 4050 years BP. For an MSc thesis project, a graduate student will sample a select number of ponds identified through aerial photograph analysis. Ideal ponds are shallow basins either surrounded by till-blanketed slopes with stunted trees and shrubs (tuckamore) or rimmed by peat. In the field, a sufficient number of samples will be collected from a range of species in order to pattern match the growth characteristics of each species into master floating chronologies. In the laboratory, cookies of sampled trees will be scanned using a Velmex tree ring measuring system and the floating tree-ring chronologies will then be locked into time through radiocarbon dates. By using climate-tree ring relationships from the present, analogs to growth characteristics in the past will then be derived by the student through the use of a transfer function. The models will then be able to better illuminate what the paleoclimatic environmental conditions were like when the treeline was higher than it is presently. 40 TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December 2006

42 Preliminary Findings In the summer of 2004, subfossil wood samples were collected from ponds located above present treeline. Radio-carbon dating revealed an age of 4050 before present, which coincides with a warm period in Labrador. During the 2006 field season, 10 additional samples were collected (mean age 86 years old). Samples from both field seasons will be analyzed to see if cross-dating is possible, thereby creating a floating chronology. TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December

43 3.6 Treeline Ecology and Change - Anne Munier and Luise Hermanutz A shift in forest limits northwards and up-slope is a projected consequence of climate warming that could have important effects on the Mealy Mountains. This is one of the few regions of southern Labrador that encompasses alpine-tundra habitats, which is usually found much further north (see Ecoregion map, Fig ). There are many unanswered questions about what will happen to wildlife species, some of them already at-risk, that depend on this ecosystem should it be displaced by forest in the future; including endangered Mealy Mt caribou herd and Rock Ptarmigan. A first logical step towards investigating potential changes to alpine treeline is to study factors that affect seedling establishment of key treeline trees such as black (Picea mariana) spruce, balsam fir (Abies balsamea) but also fast-growing deciduous trees such as paper birch (Betula papyrifera) that are found throughout the transition forests across the valley altitudinal gradient. Establishment is the most vulnerable stage of a tree s life, and along with krummholz, will represent the foci or startpoint for treeline migration. Therefore, habitat gradient with different treatments Figure Plot in open-canopy forest and temperature sensors. experimental manipulations were carried out for black spruce, balsam fir and paper birch seeds and seedlings. The objective of these experiments was to better understand the relative importance of temperature, disturbance, and herbivory on seedling establishment, and hence future treeline expansion. In addition, C. Yurich (2006; Section 3.8) investigated soil chemistry and development as a possible impediment to tree establishment. Plots were established along an altitudinal gradient from open canopy forest, tree-islands, and terminating above treeline in alpine-heath. In 2004 and 2005, seeds and seedlings were planted into treatments in each gradient plot, and measurements were recorded of seed germination success, as well as seedling size, health, damage sustained, and survival. 42 TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December 2006

44 The treatments were: Temperature enhancement: Open-top-chambers made of transparent plastic function as greenhouses, mimicking a temperature increase within the realm of climate change projections; Disturbance: Spruce germination is favoured in areas with exposed mineral soil. Ground was disturbed manually to mimic natural disturbance and maximize germination success (Figure 3.6.2); Temperature * Disturbance: A combination of the above two treatments; Herbivory: Exclosures were constructed of hardware cloth to eliminate the effects of small mammal and bird herbivores on seedling establishment; Figure Seeds planted beside toothpicks in a Disturbance treatment. Control: Seeds and seedlings were planted with no manipulations done. Responses in seed germination and seedling growth, damage, and mortality were monitored over two growing seasons ( ). Warming (OTC treatment) increased emergence and growth of black spruce seedlings while ground disturbance enhanced germination of all tree species (Table 3.6.1). The herbivore exclusion caused increased growth of black spruce by decreasing damage; seedling mortality was also decreased compared with other non-caged individuals, indicating that herbivory may inhibit tree growth and treeline expansion in the future (Table 3.6.1). Seedling emergence was much higher in black spruce than in either balsam fir or paper birch, confirming that black spruce will probably be the key species spearheading treeline advance. While seedbed conditions and herbivory would control the rate of individual species advance, the results point to a strong possibility that treelines in the Mealy Mountains are capable of migrating upslope, with potentially significant consequences to the present distribution of alpine species. However a major bottleneck to potential treeline movement may be the availability of viable seed (see below). These data support the modelling efforts (see Section 3.13). TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December

45 Table Differences in emergence of black spruce seedlings in disturbances (D), in temperature enhanced treatments (T), and in herbivore exclosures (HD) relative to controls in 2004 and 2005 in Open Canopy (OC), Tree Islands (TI) and Alpine Tundra (AT) habitats. Significant tests are indicated in bold. Habitat Treatment d.f. Χ 2 P d.f. Χ 2 P AT TI OC D < T HD D < < T HD D < < T HD TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December 2006

46 Masters thesis completed in 2006: Munier, A Seedling establishment and climate change: The potential for forest displacement of alpine tundra (Mealy Mountains, Labrador, Canada). M.Sc. thesis, Biology, Memorial University, St. John s, NL. Abstract: Loss of alpine habitat is of concern due to upslope migration of altitudinal treelines in response to climate change. The possibility of a rise in the tree-line of the Mealy Mountains of Labrador (Canada) was investigated by planting tree seeds and seedlings (Picea mariana, Abies balsamea, and Betula papyrifera) into experimental treatments along an elevational gradient in the tree-line ecotone. Treatments included passive warming with open top chambers; ground disturbance, and herbivore exclosures. Responses in seed germination and seedling growth, damage sustained, and mortality, were monitored over one (A. balsamea, B. papyrifera) or two (P. mariana) seasons. Planted seedlings were able to establish and over-winter above present tree-line, but none were observed growing naturally. A lack of viable seeds may be limiting current tree-line migration, though seed viability improves with climate warming. While seedbed conditions and herbivory may eventually control the rate of seedling establishment, the results point to a strong possibility that treelines in the Mealy Mountains are capable of migrating upslope, with potentially significant changes or losses to the existing alpine habitat. The role of seed limitation as a bottleneck to expansion needs to be tested. In addition to the establishment of trees from seed, treeline expansion may involve established krummholz patches and individual tree saplings. Both black and white (P. glauca) spruce saplings have been found to grow above the current treeline in alpine areas where there are presently no adult trees; these juveniles have been permanently tagged and mapped to follow their development, and survival into the future. In additional krummholz patches were mapped and sampled to determine distribution, size, age and patch dynamics characteristics. Cones were collected in 2006 and are being screened for viability and productivity. This is a preliminary study and additional areas need to be collected to determine the patterns of seed availability. Such a study is included in our IPY application. Manuscript in preparation: Potential for upslope tree-line shifts in the Mealy Mountains of Labrador: Factors affecting seedling establishment. Munier, Hermanutz and Jacobs. TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December

47 3.7 Investigation of a Soil Seed Bank and Seed Rain within an Arctic-Alpine Plant Community - Marilyn Anions and Monte Anions The seeds of many species persist in the soil seed bank and can remain viable for years, buffering the plant community from change. This seed reserve then can serve as a source of new seedlings to the community as conditions are favourable or as the seed bank is exposed by soil disturbance. The amount of seeds present in a soil seed bank varies considerably with habitat type and species, but most studies have found comparatively sparse seed banks in arctic or alpine habitats. The presence of a seed bank as well as the diversity (number and species) of seeds within the soil seed bank is being investigated within a late snowmelt plant community in the alpine zone of Mt Soil samples were collected at the Mealy Mountain tundra (>1000m) research site of Memorial University. Samples from the upper soil horizon (n = 45) were air dried, weighed, then examined under a 4x magnifying gooseneck lamp. Seeds were then sorted and removed from the soil sample to be identified under the necessary magnification (15x upwards) using a dissecting microscope. This process, although very slow and laborious (between 1-3 hours per sample), was chosen over the floatation method to ensure the best possible opportunity to find every possible seed present in the sample. Initial observations reveal large numbers of seeds in some samples, suggesting that these alpine soils do have a significant soil seed bank. Additional soil physical characteristics (colour, texture, organic content etc) will be analyzed to provide a description of the soils from this area. Seed Rain from a Late-lying Snowbed Late-lying snowbeds are a persisting feature on the landscape of the alpine zone within the subarctic region of the Mealy Mountains. Their potential role for capturing seed rain from plants was examined. Three samples of snow were removed on July 15, 2003 from an area of 0.25 m 2 x 2.5 cm depth from the top, middle and bottom areas of a large late-lying snowbed and placed in dark plastic bags near the site. The resulting water was sieved through Whatman No. 1 filter papers, then carefully dried at the Memorial University field research camp and placed in plastic bags. The debris was later systematically inspected and identified under 15X and up magnification using a dissecting microscope. 46 TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December 2006

48 Besides a great abundance of plant and animal material consisting of a large variety of leaves/stems/flower or leaf bracts, lichen/moss/liverwort pieces, feathers/hairs and insect pieces the small sample size revealed a large number of seeds from about a dozen species. Most prevalent in the snowbed were seeds from Moss Heather, Harrimanella hypnoides. In addition to the number and identification of seeds, viability by counting the number of germinated seeds. Of all the Harrimanella hypnoides seeds present, 74% were judged as viable, of which 63% germinated (presence of radical). This illustrates the potential role of late-lying snowbeds for the promotion of germination as well as a trap source for seed rain. 3.7a Developing a Preliminary Vascular Plants List for the Mealy Mountains Study Area - Marilyn Anions During the seasons plants were collected from a variety of taiga and tundra habitat types to establish a plant list for the area. As with a large area of Labrador, collection of biota from the Mealy Mountains has been sparse, and this was the first attempt to systematically establish a list of plants from this region. Plants were collected along with relevant location and habitat data, and identified using appropriate keys, comparison with herbarium specimens with problematic species sent to relevant experts for verification. The specimens will be housed at the provincial museum upon completion. The list will be available on our website once it is complete. TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December

49 3.8 Effects of Altitude on Soil Properties and Seed Bank Distribution Chad Yurich Tree lines are expected to shift northward and uphill with the predicted global climate warming. The Mealy Mountains, being one of the most southern low elevation alpine environments in Canada may be especially susceptible to tree line shift. I investigated the issue of treeline movement from two angles. First I examined soil properties to determine if they are developed enough to support larger trees. Secondly I looked at the seed bank to determine the change in seed diversity along the elevational gradient. I investigated both soil properties and the seed bank at five different elevation gradients, characterized by different plant cover: closed canopy, open canopy, dwarf birth meadow, krummholz and alpine tundra. There were four replicates of each vegetation/elevation class. At each treatment I had a soil data logger buried at 5cm, 2 pairs of ion exchange probes (cation/anion) and soil moisture gypsum blocks. The soil data loggers were ibuttons (Dallas Technologies, 2005), set to record temperature at an hourly interval. The gypsum blocks were read with a portable reader. A schedule was created to ensure a systematic monitoring routine. The ion probes monitored the flux of nutrients through resins immersed in Na + and HCO - 3. The immersed ion probes could be left in the soil for up to 2 months ensuring we obtained an average flux of nutrients rather than a 'snapshot' the soil properties. The probes measured for total N, NO3--N, NH4+-N, Ca, Mg, K, P, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, B, S, Pb and Al. Analysis was performed by Western Ag Innovations in Saskatchewan. Soil samples were also taken from each plot. Two 10cm x 10 cm x 10 cm blocks of soil were sampled for two reasons. The first was for analysis of ph, total N, P and C. The second was for seed bank analysis. The seeds were analyzed for species and number per species. The seed bank should indicate whether seeds are in place for germination if the conditions become correct. The analysis compared soil chemistry (ions, ph), against elevation, soil moisture and soil temperature to see if there is a link and if there is where does the link start to interfere with tree initiation. Further analysis compared seed bank quantity against elevation and soil temperature to test the link between seed presence, elevation and soil temperature, that is, whether elevation or temperature determines the cut-off for seed availability. 48 TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December 2006

50 A 1057 m K 500 m DB OC W Figure 2. Locations of study plots representing five ecosystem classes: W - closed canopy, OC - open canopy, DB - dwarf birch, K- krummholz, and A - alpine. From NTS base map 13G 10. TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December

51 Results Soil temperature decreased with elevation. In July, the difference in average temperature between alpine and forested sites was 2 C. There were no significant mineral nutrient barriers to tree advancement. The only statistically significant mineral nutrient in both the ion exchange probe and the bulk sampling results was available nitrate, which increased with elevation (Figure 3.8.2) NO ug cm2-3 day Closed Canopy Open Canopy Dwarf Birch Krummholz Alpine site Figure Mealy Mtns. Observed available nitrate ions (µg cm - -3 day -1 ). Elevation increases from left to right. The Mealy Mountains seed bank was similar to other alpine seed banks in Europe and South America and had a range of 1410 to seeds per m -2. Of more interest was the significantly higher number of seeds in the A horizon than the organic layers. The Mealy Mountains are susceptible to a rising treeline if climate continues to warm. The tree line of ~ 600 m a.s.l. could rise if recent warmer seasonal temperatures become permanent. Soil temperature will rise with increased air temperature and thinning of moss organic layers. Suggested further opportunities to study climate change and treeline in the Mealy Mountains include studying the correlation of rooting depth soil temperature vs. 50 TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December 2006

52 seasonal air temperature, moss layer thickness and/or root biomass, and field germination of the seed banks at different elevations over time. References Dallas Semiconductors DS1921G Thermochron ibutton. accessed on November 26/ Western Ag. Innovations Use Procedures for PRS TM Probes. Accessed on May 2nd, Masters report completed in 2006: Yurich, Chad The effects of altitude and site on soil chemistry, seed bank, and soil temperature in the Mealy Mountains. Master of Environmental Studies Report, Graduate Program in Environmental Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John s, NL. Abstract: Tree lines and vegetation ranges are expected to shift northward and uphill with the predicted global climate warming (Parmesan 1996, Kullman 2001, Walther et al. 2002). The Mealy Mountains of Labrador are one of the southernmost, low elevation alpine environments in Canada and may be susceptible to tree line change. Soil temperature and soil ion availability were studied to determine whether the soil was well enough developed to support treed conditions. Seed bank presence was studied to discover seed distribution. All studies were conducted along an elevation range covering 5 site classes: closed canopy, open canopy, dwarf birch meadows, krummholz and alpine site classes. Temperature decreased with increased elevation and available nitrate increased with elevation. There did not appear to be any mineral nutrient availability reasons to slow the advancement of the tree line. The treeline appears to be controlled by temperature. The seed bank had high seed counts in the A soil horizon rather than the organic soil layers. This may be due to inviable seeds, poor germinating conditions or both. TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December

53 3.9 Snowmelt and insect burden Ngaire Yurich It is predicted that insect burden and hence impact on plant species associated with late snowmelt vegetation communities will increase in alpine tundra as a result of climate change. This study tracked the level of insect herbivory, plant development and growth along a spatial gradient of late to early snowmelt on Labrador willow (Salix argryocarpa) above the treeline in the Mealy Mountains of Labrador from June 20-July 20, Three transects were established within a large patch (probably a clone) of willow that recently had snowmelt over that area. The 3 transects were divided into boundaries of late, intermediate and early snowmelt. The Figure Insect larval herbivore on Labrador willow. goal was to measure the effects of snowmelt in each boundary along transects. Each transect had 9 plots, with 3 plots in boundary 1, 3 plots in boundary 2, and 3 plots in boundary 3. The plots were circular and 1 metre in diameter and were divided into 4 quadrants. Within each quadrant a target stem was chosen to measure throughout the survey; 3 surveys in total were conducted. Data were collected on the target stems as well as for the plot as a whole. Data collected included: height, 2004 growth, 2005 growth, presence of catkins, plus description whether fertilized, male/female, length and count on each stem or within each quad; bark and branch colour; bud stage of leaves, leaf length/width, number of leaves on target stem; damage class for each stem and for the entire quadrant; type of damage, presence of insects, percent of damage in entire quadrant. In addition, cover percentage of the quadrant was estimated, the number of stems was counted and ground cover was noted. Leaf area was also estimated in the last survey by generating random numbers for each stem based on the number of leaves counted, sampling those leaves and then tracing the selected leaves. Data loggers (ibuttons) were buried in the ground 3 cm deep, with one logger at each boundary. Insect traps were established in the last 3 days to estimate insect diversity within each boundary. All insects were collected and stored in ethanol. Plant surveys indicated that plant (Table 3.9.1) and insect diversity (Figure 3.9.1) are highest in the early snowmelt areas compared with later snowmelt plots. Many of the 52 TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December 2006

54 perennial herbs are not found in the late snowmelt area (e.g., goldthread, starflower). Insect activity increased with distance from snowmelt (Figure 3.9.2). Herbivorous insects were identified to the family level and included green sawfly larvae, sawfly adults, midge adults, white psyllid nymphs, green aphid nymph, leaf rollers, Chrysomelidae leaf beetle larvae, leaf miners, leaf skeletonizers and leaf galls. As predicted, leaf area eaten and insect damage increased as distance from the snowmelt front increased (0.05 cm 2 /m; p< and 1.16 times/m; p<0.0001) (Figure 3.9.2). Maximum leaf size and plant productivity were positively correlated with distance from snowmelt (p<0.0001). Growth, reproduction and insect activity were also strongly synchronized with timing of snowmelt (p< ). This study suggests that increased climate warming could increase insect herbivory in communities above the treeline through changes in snowmelt duration and plant development. Table 3.9.1: Species richness of ground cover vegetation across snowmelt gradient in a willow patch. Plots Late Snowmelt Intermediate Early Snowmelt Common name Scientific name Feathermoss Pleurozium schreberi x x x x x x x x x Lousewort Pedicularis canadensis x x x x x x x Partridgeberry Vaccinium vitis-idaea x x x x x Horsetail Equisetum spp. x x x x x x x x x Snowbed willow Salix herbacea x x x x x x x x x Dwarf raspberry Rubus pubescens x x x x x x x Bakeapple Rubus chamaemorus x x x x x x Clubmoss Lycopodium spp. x Northern willow Salix arctophila x Alpine Bearberry Arctostaphylos alpina x x Goldenrod Solidago spp. x x x x Golden thread Coptis groenlandica x x Bog laurel Kalmia polifolia x Shinleaf Pyrolla elliptica x x x x Dwarf white birch Betula minor x x Northern honeysuckle Lonicera villosa x x Sarsaparilla Aralia spp. x x Starflower Trientalis borealis x Dwarf bilberry Vaccinium cespitosum x x Mountain Heath Phylladoce caerulea x Grass/Sedge Grass/Sedge Families x x x x x x x x x TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December

55 Insect Richness vs. Distance from Late S nowmelt (0 m) Regression Fit: Insect Richness = Distance 5 Insect Richness (#/plot) Distance from Snowmelt (m) m - Late Snowmelt 40 m - Early Snowmelt Figure Insect Richness vs. Distance from Snowmelt. 0.8 Leaf Area Eaten vs. Distance from Late S nowmelt (0 m) Regression Fit: LA Eaten = Distance 0.7 Leaf Area Eaten (cm2) Distance from Snowmelt (m) m - Late Snowmelt 40 m - Early Snowmelt Figure Leaf Area Eaten vs. Distance from Snowmelt. 54 TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December 2006

56 Masters thesis completed in 2005: Yurich, N The effects of snowmelt on the development and insect burden of Labrador willow (Salix argryocarpa Anderss.): Implications for climate change. Master s of Environmental Science Report, Graduate program in Environmental Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John s, NL Abstract - Insect burden, plant development and growth were studied in the field along a gradient of late to early snowmelt on Salix argyrocarpa. The study site in the Mealy Mountains, Labrador was an isolated, above treeline tundra ecosystem. Tundra ecosystems are predicted to be especially sensitive to climate change with increased temperatures, growing season length and decreased snow pack. Timing of snowmelt is expected to occur earlier possibly benefiting the plants with longer growing seasons but also affecting plant fitness later with water deficits at the end of the growing season. Insect abundance and timing are also expected to change with climate warming. In this study, insect activity increased with distance from snowmelt. Leaf area was traced to determine total leaf area as well as leaf area eaten along the snowmelt gradient. Data were analyzed using the generalized linear model. Leaf area eaten was predicted to increase 0.05 cm 2 per metre from snowmelt. The odds of insect damage also increased per metre from snowmelt by 1.16 times. Maximum leaf size and plant productivity were positively correlated with distance from snowmelt. Parameters such as stem height, insect richness, catkin length and stage were used to measure productivity. Growth, reproduction and insect activity were strongly synchronized with timing of snowmelt. There was a clear relationship between degree of snowmelt and insect burden and plant development. Manuscript in preparation: The effects of snowmelt timing on the growth and level of insect leaf herbivory of Labrador willow (Salix argyrocarpa). Yurich and Hermanutz. TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December

57 3.10 Arthropod Survey in the Mealy Mountains, Labrador - Michael McDonald Purpose and Objectives There has been extensive study of insect diversity and adaptations in the high Arctic of Canada (e.g. Kevan 1972, Mosquin and Martin 1967, Downes 1965) but few studies have been undertaken in alpine regions, particularly in the central Highlands of Labrador. The object of this research is to gather baseline data on arthropod diversity of an alpine tundra community in the Mealy Mountains, Labrador, within the context of future climate warming. As an isolated subarctic ecoregion, highland Labrador is expected to experience the effects of climate change sooner than lowland areas (Chapin et al. 2005). An increase in mean summer temperature and in the rate of snowmelt are likely to cause a shift in the emergence and peak flowering times of alpine plants, many of which are at their southernmost range (e.g. Diapensia lapponica, Salix herbacea, Harrimanella hypnoides). The impact this will have on their reproductive success depends upon their ability to attract multiple pollinators, on the degree to which they can self-pollinate, and on the direct effects of temperature on insect life cycles. Conversely, shifts in food abundance (including food other than pollen and nectar) will affect insect species at all stages in their life cycles. In addition to providing an invaluable survey, samples will be used to analyze species turnover with elevation and across habitats, and may be correlated with data from two climate stations in the study area, one at midelevation and one at the summit. We are also interested in finding species beyond their known distribution, any endemic species, and in identifying syrphid flies, important alpine pollinators about which little is known. Field Program Research was conduced over two consecutive summers. In 2005, the research team arrived at Mealy Mountain base camp on 23 June. The first two days were spent making camp and exploring the immediate vicinity for suitable collection sites, and revising research goals and methods. June were spent constructing or maintaining experimental plots for treeline ecological studies in open canopy and alpine transition areas, ca. 550m 570m. On 29 June, materials were gathered for installation of insect sampling sites, and the field lab was prepared. On 30 June M. McDonald, L. Hermanutz, and C. Yurich ascended to the summit to 56 TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December 2006

58 install high-elevation sampling sites and to establish plots for pollination studies. At this time it was determined that the alpine plant species of interest (e.g. D. lapponica, S. herbacea, Harmanella) had begun flowering much earlier than predicted, as a result of early snowmelt; intensive pollination studies were subsequently dropped from the schedule. Sampling sites measuring 25m x 25m were established at each of three high-elevation communities: alpine tundra, sedge meadow, and fell-field, ranging from ca. 775m 1000m in elevation. (See Figure 1 for plant community designations). On 1 July three sampling sites of similar dimensions were installed near base camp, representing mid-elevation alpine-transition communities dominated by dwarf birch of varying heights (ca cm) and ranging in elevation from ca m. On 2 3 July three open-canopy sites were installed at ca. 575m, with varying percent-cover, boulders, moisture levels, and alpine under-storey. Finally on 8 July a site was installed near the drainage basin, i.e. within the open woodland surrounding the lake, at an elevation of ca. 300m. The site was at the edge of a meadow facing the prevailing wind. Pans and pitfalls were installed along transects, and one Malaise trap was installed (see Figure 2.1). At the summit, mid- and lower-elevation sites, 4 pan traps and 10 pitfalls were employed respectively, while in the open woodland 1 Malaise trap, 10 pans and 10 pitfalls were employed, with the provision that these traps would be rotated between three sites of varying ecological characteristics throughout the summer, the samples to be collected once per week. Systematic sweep-sampling was conducted at each of the three elevational zones, in the morning, afternoon, and early evening, noting weather conditions and windspeed, but this sampling method was dropped from the schedule in mid-july due to time constraints and the need to process trap samples. The pitfalls were set-up as quincunx with two metres separating each trap from its immediate neighbours, each quincunx pooled into one sample. Initially pans were kept above ground to preserve sensitive ground cover, and later were buried to improve catch rate and avoid damage due to high winds. Pitfall traps were buried flush to the ground and protected from rain by white plastic covers held in place by three-inch nails. Total traps at this time were 46 pans, 100 pitfalls, and 1 Malaise trap, covering an elevational gradient of 700 metres. By mid-july many of the traps at the summit were destroyed by caribou, with some of the sites being completely destroyed. After further attempts to reconstruct the sites, two transects of 10 pans and 10 pitfalls were installed below TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December

59 the upper climate station in order to maintain a steady collection. These traps were in continuous operation from 14 July 2 August. Another transect of 10 pans was similarly installed on the south-facing slope above base camp, and was in continuous operation from 24 July 2 August. Several complete samples were collected from the original summit sites before the traps were destroyed, and with the addition of the two transects there was continuous (if inconsistent) sampling from 4 June 2 August. The collecting period was set at three days for each site, however at remote sites the collection period was often six days, and in one instance collection was after eight days. While the samples were in relatively good condition for storage in ethanol and future identification, in some instances the pan trap contents were completely desiccated due to high winds, low humidity, and the materials used (aluminum). The problem with using desiccated samples for a comparison between elevations is that many of the specimens were likely to have blown away. A further problem was the enhanced collection of a species of carrion beetle attracted to the odour of decomposition, giving an unrealistic picture of their relative abundance. In 2006, two weeks were allocated to the Mealy Mountain study area and two weeks were spent gathering baseline data from a study area in the Red Wine Mountains to the northwest. The research team arrived in the Mealy Mountains on 25 June. Given the short sampling period, it was decided to reduce the number of sites and increase the number of collecting periods. Sampling sites measuring 25m x 25m were established at the same 9 sites as in the previous season: three in the alpine communities, three in the dwarf birch meadows surrounding base camp, and three in the open-canopy sites near the lower climate station. Pitfalls were re-established in holes dug in the previous season, and pans were established approximately in the same location as previously. At the alpine sites only pans were used; three transects of ten pitfalls each were installed in sedge meadows near the summit, where caribou were less likely to browse. Two Malaise traps were installed at base-camp and in the drainage basin (near the lake) on 25 June and 29 June respectively, and were dismantled on 5 July and 6 July respectively. Ten pitfalls were also installed in the drainage basin. Traps were in continuous operation at the alpine sites from 27 June 4 July; at the mid-elevation sites from 25 June 6 July; and in the open canopy from 26 June 5 July. There were a total of 58 TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December 2006

60 100 pitfalls and thirty-six pans; traps were emptied every three days. Ad hoc collecting was undertaken when time permitted. Sampling in the Red Wine Mountains was constrained by the short study period and the number of research activities. On 11 July 1 Malaise trap, 4 pans and 10 pitfalls were established at a single site in open canopy forest near a lake, and dismantled on 18 July. This arrangement is believed to capture the widest range of arthropods in a given site, according to Biological Survey of Canada guidelines. Comments In the first season the greatest allocation of time was spent in travel between sites and in sample sorting, which initially took ca. 30 minutes per sample, or 3 hours per site, not including sweep-samples and ad-hoc collecting, and in the second season took ca. 15 minutes per sample or 1.5 hours per site, not including transect samples. In the second season, given our experience in a previously unknown terrain, with sites already selected and with the preprinting of data labels, sampling was more frequent and produced specimens of far higher quality. After four days of collecting even a deep (~ 4 cm) plastic pan will be desiccated at the summit. After three days the samples are still in optimal condition, with almost no decomposition, discoloration, or loss of appendages. Conditions at the summit (high winds and inclement weather) suggest that collection there should be a priority, followed by collecting from the open canopy forest. Pitfall trap samples are not a high priority, as propylene glycol preserves specimens indefinitely, even with a large influx of rainwater. These samples can be collected once every one or two weeks, with the provision that there would be a loss of information regarding phenology. This would allocate more time to collecting from pans and in conducting ad hoc collecting, which will provide museum-quality specimen vouchers for the provincial butterfly survey. Specific days must be allocated to this activity; otherwise it suffers postponement due to other pressing matters. During the above field seasons we used dichlorvos strips in the Malaise trap jars; it is recommended that ethanol be used in future, as many of the specimens were damaged due to predation or the fluttering activity and weight of other specimens within the jar, especially given the collecting frequency of one week. It is also recommended that we use Malaise traps in the open-canopy forest, as proper placement of the trap and the use of guy wires should TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December

61 prevent blowdown even on the windiest days. Systematic sampling is not recommended, as it is impossible to be systematic from one sample to the next even in open terrain (i.e. dwarf birch meadows), and surely from one study to the next, so that comparative analysis is extremely unreliable. Sweep-netting and the beating of branches and other vegetation will, however, collect a different set of species than passive traps. A final recommendation is that quincunx of pitfalls not be used at the summit, particularly on flat ledges where caribou seem to frequent. Observations suggest that caribou consume the propylene glycol, systematically moving from trap to trap, whereas transects running down-slope amongst sedge meadows interspersed with large boulders seem to go unnoticed. In future it might be preferable s to setup circles of 10 pitfalls with a radius of 5 metres at each of the mid and low elevation sites, in line with other provincial insect surveys. An inventory of a basic field entomology lab, as well as recommended sampling and storage techniques in this unique environment, can be provided. Preliminary Findings Samples have been screened and sorted at Memorial University for four orders: Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and Diptera (particularly syrphid, muscoid, and anthomyad flies), and identification has begun to the species level. Coleoptera specimens have been turned over to S. Pardy Moores, Senior Wildlife Biologist, Endangered Species and Biodiversity Section, Department of Environment and Conservation, and all arachnids are currently being identified by Dr. Roger Pickavance, Department of Biology, Memorial University. Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, and other flower visitors will be identified by researchers at Memorial University. Results are being compiled in an Access database employed by the Endangered Species and Biodiversity Division. Species turnover will be assessed using principal component analysis. Initial results indicate a predominance of arctic fritillaries, with high species abundance and numbers at mid-elevation; moths from the genera Syngrapha and Amathes in high numbers; Palaeno and Giant sulphurs in relatively high numbers; and low species abundance and numbers of Arctics from the genus Oeneis, e.g. Jutta Arctic, Piloxenes Arctic. Only four of these were captured with nets, and none using passive trapping methods. Only one specimen of Speyeria atlantis (a large, black fringed fritillary, with few sightings in 60 TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December 2006

62 Labrador) was taken with a net in the Red Wine Mountains. Approximately species from the families Syrphidae and Bombyliidae were taken in pan and Malaise traps, generally in low numbers. (Malaise traps appeared to be most effective in capturing certain species of syrphids). At the summit, sulphurs and microlepidoperans seemed to dominate, and two of the Arctic specimens were found there. Diversity of Bombus species (e.g. B. hyperboreus, B. balteatus) was typically low and generally occurring in low numbers, with high numbers in patches. Few Bombus individuals were captured in pan traps, although flight-intercept traps were highly effective. Further Work Very little is known of the preferences of pollinators for certain plant species in the Labrador Highlands, e.g. whether there are any well-defined pollination syndromes. Because intensive pollination studies were dropped from the 2005 and 2006 schedule, it is suggested that experiments in seed set and observations of plant and insect phenology and insect visitation be undertaken during subsequent seasons. At the very least, we are lacking in museum-quality specimens, particularly Lepidoperta, and ad hoc collecting could be undertaken by researchers who may be present in the study area for short periods of time, with relatively little equipment. It is therefore advisable to devise a protocol for the proper capture, labeling, and storage of specimens. References Danks, H.V How to assess insect biodiversity without wasting your time. Biological Survey of Canada (Terrestrial Arthropods) Document Series No. 5. Downes, J.A Adaptations of insects in the Arctic. Annual Review of Entomology 10: Kearns, C.A North American dipteran pollinators: assessing their value and conservation status. Ecology 51(1): 5. Kearns. C.A. and D.W. Innouye Techniques for pollination biologists. University Press of Colorado, 583 p. Kevan, P.G Insect pollination of high arctic flowers. Journal of Ecology 60: McCall, C. and R.B. Primack Influence of flower characteristics, weather, time of day, and season in insect visitation rates in three plant communities. American Journal of Botany 79(4): TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December

63 Mosquin, T. and J.E.H. Martin Observations on the pollination biology of plants on Melville Island, NWT, Canada. Canadian Field Naturalist 81: Shaw, D.C. and R.J. Taylor Pollination ecology of an alpine fell-field community in the North Cascades. Northwest Science 60(1): SØmme, Lauritz Adaptations to the alpine environment in insects and other terrestrial arthropods. In F.E. Wielgolaski (ed.), Ecosystems of the world: polar and alpine tundra, Chapter 3. Elsevier Press. Totland, Ǿ Pollination in alpine Norway: flowering phenology, insect visitors, and visitation rates in two plant communities. Canadian Journal of Botany 71: TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December 2006

64 a. Dwarf Birch Meadow b. Fell Field (transition tundra) c. Sedge Meadow (Bog/Tundra) d. Alpine Tundra (summit) Figure Plant communities in the Mealy Mountains TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December

65 a. Malaise trap (open woodland) b. Pan trap (birch meadow) c. Pitfall trap (birch meadow) d. Sweep sampling (dwarf birch) Figure Sampling methods 64 TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December 2006

66 3.11. Small Mammal Studies in the Mealy Mountains Keith P. Lewis Herbivory is known to be an important aspect of plant distribution and success. The most common herbivores in high latitude systems are small mammals, such as voles. In order to assess richness, abundance, and habitat selection of small mammals, live-trapping grids were established in Moraine Valley. Four grids were set up in tundra habitat and two were set up in open canopy forest. Grids were set up in a 7 x 7 array with 20 m between each trap; 49 traps per 1.2 ha grid. Traps were Little Critters. Traps were baited with a mixture of peanut butter and rolled oats (this will be changed to peanuts or sunflower seeds in 2005) and packed with cotton batting for insulation. From 16 July - 8 Aug, traps were locked open and prebaited for two days. Traps were opened in the evening, checked every morning and locked open until the next evening for five days. Small mammals were restrained with a handling bag, and ear tagged with monel #1 tag (National Band and Tag Co., USA), using modified L- nose pliers. The Animal Care Committee of Memorial University has approved this protocol. There were a total of 1176 trap nights during the summer of 2004, during which time 8 Heather Voles, 12 Meadow Jumping mice, 3 Northern Bog Lemmings and 4 shrews were caught. Capture events were extremely low with 27 different capture events and 19 individual small mammals were trapped. Five heather voles were caught in the open areas. In the open canopy forests, we caught meadow jumping mice, northern bog lemmings, and a species of shrew (Grids 5 and 6). Meadow jumping mice were the most abundant small mammal caught in any habitat. Seven in total were caught, all on grid 5. We caught several northern bog lemmings (Grid 5 only) in mesic areas, but they seem to be susceptible to trap death. In more xeric areas, we caught a species of shrew that has yet to be identified. Bog lemmings were seen along the river near our camp. After experiencing fairly low capture success in 2004, in 2005 I decided to switch bait and use sunflower seeds instead of peanut butter/rolled oats (which also make the traps very dirty). Sunflower seeds have been used successfully in southern Labrador by IEMR technicians to trap a variety of small mammals. Despite plans to expand the trapping efforts from 6 trapping grids to 10, the very few number of mammals caught did not seem to justify the effort. Only one jumping mouse was caught in 784 trapping nights, and plans for more trapping were abandoned in favour of other projects. TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December

67 Figure Small mammal trap in dwarf birch (L.) and Heather Vole Conclusions The fauna of the Mealy Mountains have not been well documented, and in order to understand the top-down influence of herbivores on plant distribution, we need to have an idea of the distribution and abundance of small mammals. Small mammal trapping is labour intensive work. While few individuals were captured, we now know what species are found in Moraine Valley and what habitats they occupy. It is unclear if these data represent a low point in the small mammal population cycle, or if populations are naturally low in Moraine Valley. The all but complete absence of raptors may indicate the populations are naturally quite low here. My conclusion is that small mammal populations are very low in this area, which is partially supported by the low number of foxes, weasels, and raptors observed in the area. 66 TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December 2006

68 3.12 An assessment of Small Mammal Cycles in the Mealy Mountains using Dendrochronology Keith Lewis, Mariana Trindade and Luise Hermanutz Background and Objectives As part of ongoing gathering of baseline information on the Mealy Mountains, the current and past Heather Voles (Phenacomys intermedius) population fluctuations is being assessed using dendrochronological techniques. In the winter, vole populations graze on the bark and living tissue of birch stems. Much like for fire scars, this results in a partial removal of the cambium, the tissue of the plant that produces annual rings. As such, the remainder of the stem continues to put on annual rings, while the damaged portion does not. As a result, the exact year when the stem was grazed can be determined, thus reconstructing vole population size throughout the years. Figure Cross section of a dwarf birch stem, showing a herbivory scar. The upper-left portion of the stem continued to put on annual increments, while the upper-portion was grazed, and therefore could no longer Using crossdating techniques, vole populations can be reconstructed for several decades. Methodology In the field seasons, over 1000 dwarf birch stems bearing herbivory scars were collected close to base camp in the Mealy Mountains. As for the tree samples described above, the stems were glued onto boards and progressively sanded in order to expose the scars and rings. Preliminary Findings Birch is a deciduous ring-porous species, which causes difficulty in identifying each annual ring. To date, we are assessing the possible ways of exposing the annual rings sufficiently to measure their width (in order to crossdate the samples). TECHNICAL REPORT - CCIAP Project A756 Memorial University of Newfoundland - December