2026 MESAF Summer Field Tours - Forest Retention Patches Field Tour

Variable retention forestry aims to maintain structural elements and some biota of a harvested stand to more closely emulate natural forest disturbance during harvest, with the intention that patches function as refugia and colonization sources as the adjacent forest regrows. Retention of key structures, such as large trees, snags, and woody debris, can support biodiversity. Patch retention, in particular, has grown in popularity in recent decades, but its long-term effectiveness is not well understood in the northeastern USA, largely because longitudinal studies are uncommon and the practice is relatively recent from a forest-age perspective.

This field tour will present findings from a project evaluating the effectiveness of patch retention in maintaining forest species and microclimates, using long-term data from a patch retention study initiated in commercial forests in Maine in the 2000s. Presenters from Tufts University and the University of Maine at Fort Kent will discuss key features of long-term retention patches in Hammond Township.

CFEs pending

Specific location and parking instructions will be shared with registrants ahead of the event.