Cornell University continues ice storm recovery program to monitor sugar maple health and productivity
Uihlein Field Station

Ice-coated limbs cover a roadway.

In January 1998, an ice storm damaged large sections of forest in northern New York. As a result of the storm, nearly 400,000 sugar maple taps were not placed that year. Click here to see a map of the affected area.

In response to the ice storm and its impact on sugar maple and maple producers in northern New York, Cornell University implemented a program to research the recovery of sugarbush stands and evaluate sap yield from ice damaged sugar maples. An overview of conditions observed by field personnel during the fourth year of the research are presented for two of the projects:

(1) Sap volume and sugar concentration of ice damaged sugar maples

(2) Sugarbush recovery monitoring

All project work is implemented by staff based at the Uihlein Field Station of Cornell University at Lake Placid, New York.

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Thanks to all of the maple producers who have served as cooperators for this study. Their interest and support is greatly appreciated. Funding from Cornell University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell Cooperative Extension, the USDA Forest Service Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Lands of Forests, and the North American Maple Syrup Council is greatly appreciated.