Structure, Development, and Spatial Patterns in Pinus Resinosa Forests of Northern Minnesota, U.S.A
Structure, development, and spatial patterns in Pinus resinosa forests of northern Minnesota, U.S.A. A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA BY Emily Jane Silver IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE Anthony W. D’Amato Shawn Fraver July 2012 © Emily J. Silver 2012 Acknowledgements I would like to acknowledge many sources of inspiration, guidance, and clarity. First, I dedicate this manuscript to my co-advisors Dr. Anthony W. D’Amato and Dr. Shawn Fraver. I thank Tony for supporting my New England nostalgia, for endless patient explanations of statistical analyses, for sending me all over the state and country for enrichment opportunities, and advising me on the next steps of my career. To Shawn, my favorite deadwood-dependent organism, for countless hours in the field, persistent attention to timelines, grammar, details, and deadlines, and for career advice. I would like to thank Dr. Robert Blanchette, the most excited and knowledgeable third committee member I could have found. His enthusiasm and knowledge about mortality agents and fungi of the Great Lakes region helped me complete a very rewarding aspect of this research. Second, to the colleagues and professionals who provided ideas, snacks, drinks, and field work assistance: Miranda and Jordan Curzon, Paul Bolstad, Salli and Ben Dymond, Paul Klockow, Julie Hendrickson, Sascha Lodge, Justin Pszwaro, Eli Sagor, Mike Reinekeinen, Mike Carson, John Segari, Alaina Berger, Jane Foster, and Laura Reuling. Third to Dr. Tuomas Aakala (whose English is better than my own) for good humor, expertise, and patience coding in R and conceptualizing the spatial statistics (initially) beyond my comprehension.
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