Assessment and Inventory of Capas National Shrine Forest Reservation Located at Camp O'donnell, Capas, Tarlac

Abstract

The study was conducted from January to March 2021 at Capas National Shrine, Camp O'Donnell Capas, Tarlac, to identify the quantity, measure the extent, condition and select possible good mother trees from the ten percent (10%) intensity of trees of the thirty-five (35) hectares mini forest. The sampling area was 3.5 hectares, and it was divided into seven plots measuring 100mx50m or 0.5 hectares. The study area has 163 estimated trees per plot and 326 estimated trees per hectare. All the poles and standard trees within the sampling area were evaluated. Trees with a diameter at breast height of 30cm to 76cm and a total height of 15 meters above were considered good mother trees. The mean height and diameter at breast height of the mother trees were 16.69 meters and 33.64 cm. Phenotypic characteristics were assessed, including the tree height, tree diameter, stem straightness, stem forking, stem circularity, and tree health as indicated in the Selection Criteria of the Disposition or the DENR Administrative Order No. 2010-11. Out of 1142 trees characterized by mahogany, narra, and eucalyptus, only 55 mother trees of mahogany and one mother tree of eucalyptus were able to pass the DENR Administrative Order 2010-11. Unfortunately, narra trees did not pass the criteria to be considered mother trees. The identified good mother trees of mahogany were dominant in plots number 3 and 6.