Sample Sites:
The stem densities that were calculated for the 3 transect area indicate that the longer that an area of rain forest is left undisturbed, the higher the stem density will be. Considering that the damaged forest area of the Jeannie’s High Trail transect has been undisturbed for 20 to 30 years, it still has an alarmingly lower stem density per meter2 than those areas that were undisturbed as seen in the charts.
The La Congreja Trail transect is an excellent example of what the damaged forest area might have looked like before it was converted to pasture. This comparison of the two areas gives us an ultimate goal to strive for in the reforestation process. The problem is that primary forest is generally 50 to 100 years old at the youngest.
The transect located near Jeannie’s lower trail is the closest geographically and the closest in age. It was estimated to be 40 to 50 years old. Therefore it is best example of which species to use in the reforestation process since it is already successful and it is nearby. I t not only gives visual evidence of a healthy forest but it also provided the species that were located in the area to ensure success. This area will be able to provide excellent seed and sapling materials for the reforestation of the damaged area. The species in the damaged forest that will hinder its succession can also be removed, as they will not be present in the secondary forest. The surveyed species can be found in the data tables for each sample site.