Skay, Raychel2020-02-262020-02-262019-12https://hdl.handle.net/11299/211716University of Minnesota M.S. thesis. December 2019. Major: Natural Resources Science and Management. Advisor: Marcella Windmuller-Campione. 1 computer file (PDF); vi, 53 pages.Of Minnesota’s 17.4 million acres of forested land, 1.6 million acres are considered to be in the black spruce (Picea mariana) cover type. The black spruce forest type provides multiple ecological and economic benefits. Despite its importance, little is known about the stand dynamics of black spruce. My research explored how silvicultural treatments and forest health issues, specifically, eastern spruce dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium pusillum) influence stand growth, composition, and structure. Conventional management for black spruce is a clearcut system with subsequent aerial seeding. However, black spruce can be managed using alternative methods. The Big Fall Experimental Forest in northern Minnesota installed multiple silvicultural treatments over 50 years ago to explore these alternative treatments. Treatments were remeasured in 2017 and tree cores were collected. Dendrochronology methods were used to examine the yearly growth rings of black spruce. In all three of the remaining treatments, black spruce advanced regeneration that established prior to the harvest showed release through increased increment growth. The second part of my research explored the stand dynamics of black spruce at varying levels of infection with eastern dwarf mistletoe. The level of dwarf mistletoe severity changed the composition and structure of black spruce stands. Stands with high infection severity had increased mortality, changes in species composition, and impacts to regeneration. The highest severity stands also resulted in dwarf mistletoe infections on eastern larch (Larix laricina). Results from my study will aid in the management of black spruce stands in Minnesota and the region, especially increasing the understanding of how stand structure and composition change over time.enThesis or Dissertation