Restoration of Damaged Stands : Dealing with the

Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr.) is an evergreen conifer that is widely dispersed in the northeastern United States. Loss of the hemlock component in the eastern forest due to the introduced hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) will have long-term consequences for terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Some of the functional attributes of hemlock (vertical structure diversity, evergreen canopy, etc.) can be restored by planting alternative species such as eastern white pine and Norway spruce. Stand recovery plans include delineating hemlock stands, protecting some stands to provide a local seed source, developing salvage cutting priorities and standards, prioritizing stands to be replanted, and protecting new plantings from deer browse damage. Hemlock seedling survival and growth can be greatly increased by using browse protection.