Sapelo Research Application Form
Research Application ID: GCE-149-2026 (submitted: 02/10/2026, status: approved)
Provide a brief title for web display
Assessing tree growth variability using automated dendrometer bands
Investigator Information
On Island Sponsor: GCE SINERR UGAMI GADNR
| Principal Investigator: | Georgianne Moore | ||
| Home Institution: | Georgia Southern University | ||
| Award Information: | GCE-LTER subaward for elevation plot study, NSF | ||
| Mailing Address: | Phone Number: | ||
| E-mail Address: | gmoore@georgiasouthern.edu | ||
| Co-investigators: | |||
Briefly describe the project goals and methodology
To assess the continuous diameter growth of loblolly pines in upland forest plots and marsh edge plots to compare the specific growth variations. This addresses GCE V - Q3.
Where will the project be located?
The automated dendrometer sensors will be installed in pre-existing forest plots at the GCE V LTER Marsh Landing (GCE 6) location. Of the six dendrometer sensors, three will be installed on subset of loblolly pine trees in the upland forest in plot number 3 (81 °17' 32"W 31 °24'50"N), and the remaining three will be installed on subset of loblolly pine trees in plot number 3 at the marsh edge ( 81° 17' 35"W 31° 24'48"N).
How will you provide GPS coordinates for study sites?
GPS coordinates are already registered in the GCE-LTER database
What are the expected start and end dates of the project?
Start Date: 02/10/2026 End Date: (ongoing)
How many people will access the site and at what frequency?
3 people in February for 2 days, and 2 people every other month following that time to download the data and maintain the sensors over time.
Keywords that describe your project
What equipment will be deployed in the field?
Each Band Dendrometer Increment Sensor consists of a sensor head and a stainless-steel tape (length = tree circumference + 25 cm extra, width 12 mm), which will encircle the tree trunk for the duration of the study. The band is designed to expand naturally as the tree grows, allowing continuous measurement of stem diameter without constricting the trunk. All metal parts of the sensor are made of stainless steel and anodized aluminum. Because no invasive fixing components are required, and the band adjusts passively to stem expansion, installation of the dendrometer bands and sensors will not girdle or harm the trees. The sensor portion is a cylinder of approximately 8 cm x 8 cm on the outside of the measurement band.
Each plot will also be equipped with a datalogger enclosure and one solar panel (approximate dimensions: 23.25" × 19.75") to power the sensors (total of 2 panels, 2 enclosures). Each panel and enclosure will be mounted on a steel T-post driven into the ground, approximately 5 feet above the surface with 3 feet below (total of 4 posts). The placement of the solar panels will be chosen to maximize solar exposure while minimizing the distance to the enclosure (within 30 ft). The solar panel at the edge of the forest/marsh boundary will be placed at approximately 81° 17'38"W 31° 24'48"N. All wires from the panels and sensors will connect to a weatherproof Campbell Scientific enclosure (14" x 12") which will also secure the battery and data logger. Two conductor 10AWG CU VNTC wiring will run from the solar panels to the enclosure, and from the enclosure to the trees. This setup is fully removable and will be taken down at the conclusion of the study.
Will plants or animals be collected as part of this study?
NA
What are the likely impacts of the project on the site?
The areas are not likely to be trampled in a way that damages the vegetation. After first installation, only process followed will be data collection periodically. None of the poles will be located in close proximity to the other site monitoring subplots.
Will the project design include boardwalks? If not, explain why not.
How long will impacts persist after the research is concluded?
No long term impacts anticipated.
