Trant 2016 - Intertidal resource use enhances forest productivity

Question 1

What is an example of human disturbance that has not resulted in degradation?

Answer 1

• First Nations use of marine resources resulting in nutrients from middens supporting forests around habitation sites
• Accumulation of shell middens, charcoal from hearths, controlled burns around occupation sites

Question 2

Where was forest productivity highest?

Answer 2

• In close proximity to habitation sites and shell middens = high calcium, a limiting nutrient
• Trees taller, fuller, forest wider, and greener

Question 3

What did shell middens and historic fire change?

Answer 3

• Dramatically changed local site topography, nutrient dynamics, soil pH and site drainage