The Homogenous Forest

5th May 2013

Daily Breakdown:

• ·      Check and close Sherman Traps
• ·      Breakfast
• ·      Travel to Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
• ·      Measure pine trees with transect/quadrant method with groups
• ·      Lunch on site
• ·      Talk about Chalillo dam and Macal River
• ·      Swim in Macal River!
• ·      Reopen Sherman Traps
• ·      Dinner
• ·      On site bonfire

Lina, Kara, Michelle and I at the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve

The whole group with Boris and our bus driver/assistant, Albert, headed to the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve today. But before we took the hour ride, we went to check our Sherman Traps and close them for the day. Neither groups were successful in catching a rodent today. We did set out at 4:30 to reopen the traps, so hopefully we are able to catch one throughout the night! Boris said though it is a rather thin chance, he is successful only two percent of the time.

When we arrived at the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, it felt kind of like home. Florida has similar pine trees, but our hometown definitely is not mountainous. Boris explained that the site was 300 square miles, with acidic soils, and is the eldest landmass of the region. The two pine species within the forest are the carribean (most dominate) and the ocabarpa. The Caribbean’s pine trees are mainly found on the coastal regions. For this reason, the forest is very important. Not many mountainous areas contain such a pine composition. Another reason the forest is so important is for its homogenous composition. All the pine trees are of commercial grade verse the Chiquibul, which only contains a few commercial grade trees. The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is subject to easy clear cutting due to the little diversity and little variance in wood density.

In the 1990’s due to poor management from lack of resources, 60% of the forest was affected with the bark beetle and prescribed burns were not conducted. This beetle eliminated many of the trees. The perished trees provided fuel for intense forest fires that happened. If prescribed burns were performed during this time, the bark beetle would not have overpopulated the forest and many fires would have been prevented. To save the forest a “bright” minded man, as Boris described, persuaded the government to pay him to import Australian Caribbean pine seedlings into the forest. We all asked the same question, why didn’t he use the original seeds? The forest now is no longer considered a pure gene bank; the pines cannot be used anymore for research regarding climate change and such.

Boris and Abby measuring DBH

After the discussion we applied the scientific methods we learned in the Chiquibul forest throughout the week to measure the pines. We were supposed to make a 300-meter transect, with 30 points ten meters apart. From each point we would make a quadrant in the appropriate cardinal direction. In the quadrant we would detect the closest tree, measure the DBH (had to be greater than 5cm), the distance of that tree from the quadrant, then the commercial height. For the height today we used a laser verse the clinometer. Our group was only able to make 5 quadrants, totaling 20 trees and the other group made 11 quadrants, totaling 44 trees. The reason we weren’t able to make the 30 quota was due to a swarm of African Killer Bees! They were close and could be rather harmful, aka deadly. Our group was loud, cracking jokes about Disney, the previous days, and our inability to use the compass. Apparently the loud noise (laughter I should say) alarmed the bees about the intruders, us.

Michelle and Abby measuring DBH and distance from orgin

Mike doing science!

Kara leading our transect in the cardinal direction

Our groups data set for example

Lunch arrived shortly after. Once again it was a delicious meal, comprised of fried rice, watermelon, and squash juice. We then drove to one the most aesthetically beautiful places I have ever been blessed to witness. It was the Macal River that was created by the Chalillo Dam. The dam feeds three other dam systems as well as hydropower system that powers 40% Belize’s energy. This form of green energy was proposed in the 1990’s, and then built in 2005.

Alex after lunch

Boris explaining the Chalillo Dam

     

The Macal River separates two different ecosystems, the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve and the Chiquibul Forest. There is great controversy associated around the dam. Just to name a few, people claim that the water has high mercury levels and the Scarlet Macaw habitat was destroyed. Although these could be valid claims, not true independent studies have been performed, therefore concluding any form of an opinion is invalid. This is leading to a political battle. Belize currently is dependent on Mexico for their energy. This dam provides energy independence as well as a green energy. I need to research the dam affects more to form a sound opinion to see if the dam is damaging the flora and fauna to a great extent.

After the talk, we all stopped on a bridge that crosses the river. Boris advised Albert to stop so we could take pictures. Most of the people climbed into the river, stumbling, on top of the granite rocks, questioning if we should get in. Albert jumped into the water and told Jonathon, “watch once one jumps in, they all jump in.” And of course, as a herd, we all followed, swimming in the refreshing river! We all felt rejuvenated.

Macal River

Before we all jumped in

Sam and Will in the river!

Lina and Kara just relaxing

Then we set forth back to Las Cuevas. On the way back, Boris spotted about five Scarlet Macaws in a tree. We stopped for a closer look. I never imagined seeing a bird so beautiful in the wild. Today was unforgettable; I never want to leave Las Cuevas.