Boreal forest between 3000'-3500' in the Catskills

SpencerVT · Dec 9, 2015

What peaks in the CATs, that are not the 35, have predominantly boreal forest at their summits? (very few).
I did Olderbark a while back and was surprised to find an entire summit of conifers. E. Jewett was the same way, and Stoppel had lots of conifers on the whack from West Stoppel.

I'm sure a geologist would know more about why there are relatively few coniferous forests in the Catskills in comparison to the Whites, ADKs, etc....It's not like the latitude is that much different. With the CATs, you have to rise in elevation much higher to get conifers than in other alpine forests of the northeast, and even then you still might not get them. Why is that? My best guess is the red/clayish rock has something to do with it - that this type of rock and soil is less conducive for conifers to grow, although that's just my best guess. Even some of the 35 have little to no conifers at their summits - Rusk, Windham High Peak, Graham Mountain, etc...yet Olderbark which is lower, was entirely different.
Just curious.

Tom Rankin · Dec 10, 2015

I'm not really sure, but I could recommend a book by Dr. Mike Kudish, the foremost Catskill botanist. He's made the Catskills his life work.

"The Catskill Forest: A History" is back in print now.

SpencerVT · Dec 14, 2015

Hey Tom, I am almost done with CHH. And when I arrive I have been putting up canisters and signs on every summit like you asked me to!

haha, just kidding. I did Plattekill, North Plattekill, Roundtop and Southeast Warren this weekend. Some gnarly briars on North Plattekill. Southeast Warren is beautiful farmland with awesome stone walls everywhere.

Tom Rankin · Dec 15, 2015

Let me know when you plan to finish.

SpencerVT · Dec 15, 2015

Will do, I have about 10 more peaks to climb. Gotta tackle the Mongaup range next.

Peakbagr · Dec 26, 2015

If you have a copy of The Catskill 67 you'll find details of what the forest conditions are like. Mike Kudish's wonderful book, The Catskill Forest, has just been reprinted and includes a modern map. You'll have to dig to locate the woods condition on individual peaks as it's not peak-specific.
Shoot me a note when and where you intend to finish. I have a Catskill 100 banner I'd like to get your autograph on and maintain a list of finishers. PM me with your list and I'd be happy to provide as much information as possible and what to expect on your remaining peaks. Mongaup range is almost all deciduous and very, very easy whacking.