bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thinking about the economics of genetic resource management for Canadian forestry
Authors: McKenney Dan
Published: February 2014

This paper reviews the rationale and approach to economic analysis of practices aimed at managing the genetic aspects of forests. Some forest genetics, like tree improvement, involve costs aimed at increasing wood production. Other "forest genetics" activities may be aimed at managing populations of both commercial and non-commercial values. Economic analysis is relevant to both categories but it can be misapplied and mis-interpreted. Good economic analysis should confront the notion of trade-offs head-on, whether assessing intensive silviculture or options to achieve the non-wood objectives so mired in current management. The paper provides a background on forest economics in both settings, an actual tree improvement example, and some conjecture on future directions in applied forest economics. Key words: forest economics, forest genetics and tree improvement, evolutionary processes, trade-offs
The role of forest plantations in the world's future timber supply
Authors: Sedjo Roger A.
Published: February 2014

The nature of society's wood supply is changing. Traditionally, industrial wood has been harvested from natural forests created by nature. In the recent past, however, this situation has been changing. Planted forests have become common in some regions, e.g., much of Europe, over the past 200 years. Recently, since about 1960, intensively managed forest plantations have become increasingly common in a number of regions, including North America, Latin America, Oceania and parts of Asia. This paper explores some of the forces driving plantation forestry and some of the impacts. The experience of the U.S. is given as a type of "case study" of the types of changes that have occurred, and then a broader global discussion is undertaken. The effects of policy, technology and public attitudes on forestry are examined, both as they have influenced the past and as they are likely to impact forestry in the future. Key words: plantations, intensive management, forest policy, technology, public attitudes
Black poplar: A model for gene resource conservation in forest ecosystems
Authors: Lefèvre François , Kajba Davorin , Heinze Berthold , Rotach Peter , de Vries Sven M. G. , Turok Jozef
Published: February 2014

Conservation of genetic resources of forest trees has become a major objective for the management of forests. Much theoretical work has been devoted to the subject, and implementation has already started at the local, national, or international scales. Poplars are probably the most representative and threatened forest tree species of old natural floodplain forests in the temperate zone. Gene conservation needs to be integrated with intensive breeding activities, habitat conservation and restoration. For Populus nigra, while research in genetics and ecology is reinforced, a combined conservation strategy is applied at the European scale; simultaneously, the conservation of riparian ecosystems is also a priority. Research and application benefit from each other. The question now is the evaluation of such an integrated strategy. Criteria and indicators for the follow-up of gene resource management are progressively developed, but still need to be tested on the operational scale. Key words: Populus nigra, poplar, gene resources, in situ conservation, ex situconservation, riparian ecosystem, sustainable management
Conservation of natural ecosystems of poplar and willow
Authors: de Vries Sven M. G.
Published: February 2014

This paper discusses the need and possibilities for conservation of riparian ecosystems with emphasis on two important groups of tree species in these flood plain river ecosystems, poplars and willows. It puts conservation and restoration activities into perspective with the needs and benefits for society and the environment. Natural ecosystems of poplar and willow that still exist are relatively scarce and although much is known about the different components that together make up such an ecosystem, relatively little is known about the system itself. The managers of ecosystems have to deal with many influences that come from outside the ecosystem: not only upstream and downstream, but also perpendicular to the river. The influence of mankind, by means of its actions that reflect the opinion that nature is secondary to economics, is identified as one of the major problems. Key words: riparian ecosystem, flood plain river ecosystem, conservation, restoration, rehabilitation, poplar, willow
Short-rotation woody crop systems, atmospheric carbon dioxide and carbon management: A U.S. case study
Authors: Tuskan Gerald A. , Walsh Marie E.
Published: February 2014

Atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) are increasing along with global use of fossil fuels and worldwide rates of deforestation. These trends have led international panels and organizations to devise carbon management strategies in an effort to curb increases in CO2. The goal of this paper is to explore the potential role of short-rotation woody crops (SRWC) in the U.S. as one option in a carbon-managed future economy. On a scale of 40 × 106 ha, and at an average productivity rate of 21 Mg oven-dry biomass ha−1 yr−1, SRWC systems could account for an average of 0.30 Pg of C yr−1 when prorated over the 50-year deployment life of a typical SRWC system. Most of the accounted carbon (76%) would come from fossil fuel displacement as opposed to direct carbon sequestration. The proportion of accounted carbon associated with fossil fuel displacement increases with longer time frames due to the relatively rapid saturation of the carbon sequestration pool. Key words: Populus, biomass, carbon sequestration, carbon displacement, Kyoto Protocol, CO2
Achievements in the utilization of poplar wood – guideposts for the future
Authors: Balatinecz John J. , Kretschmann David E. , Leclercq André
Published: February 2014

From an early status as a "weed tree," poplar has become an important commercial genus in North America during the past 20 years. The many and varied uses of poplar wood now include pulp and paper, lumber, veneer, plywood, composite panels, structural composite lumber, containers, pallets, furniture components, match splints and chopsticks. The high cellulose and relatively low lignin content make poplars well suited for pulp and paper products. The wood can be pulped by all commercial pulping methods, such as mechanical, semi-chemical, sulphate and sulphite processes. Poplar pulps are utilized in fine papers, tissues, paperboard, newsprint and packaging papers. Poplar kraft pulps, when blended with softwood kraft, are particularly well suited for fine paper manufacture because of inherently desirable properties, such as excellent sheet formation, high opacity, good bulk and good printability. While poplar wood continues to be an important raw material in the traditional lumber, veneer and plywood industries, the most remarkable recent achievement in poplar utilization is the phenomenal growth of the oriented strandboard and structural composite lumber industries in North America during the last decade. The future for poplar utilization is bright. On the resource production side, opportunities for genetically modifying important wood properties, such as chemical composition, fibre quality and natural durability of wood, can now be realized. On the resource utilization side, high-value engineered composites and high-yield pulp and paper products will represent the strongest growth sectors for poplar fibre during the coming decades. Key words: poplar wood, utilization, pulp and paper, oriented strandboard, fibre properties
The development of improved willow clones for eastern North America
Authors: Kopp R. F. , Smart L. B. , Maynard C. A. , Isebrands J. G. , Tuskan G. A. , Abrahamson L. P.
Published: February 2014

Efforts aimed at genetic improvement of Salix are increasing in North America. Most of these are directed towards developing improved clones for biomass production, phytoremediation, nutrient fitters, and stream bank stabilization in the Northeast and North-central United States. Native species are of primary interest, but a small number of clones containing non-native germplasm are also being used in the breeding program to provide valuable traits. Parent combinations for controlled crosses are being selected with the hope of maximizing the probability of producing clones exhibiting heterosis for traits of interest, such as rapid early growth, pest resistance, general adaptability, etc. The present strategy is to test as many parent clone combinations as possible, and then repeat the most promising crosses to produce large families from which the best clones will be selected for further testing. Molecular fingerprinting technology will be applied to accelerate the rate of improvement. National and international cooperation would facilitate regional clone development and promotion of willow as a bioenergy crop. Key words: Salix, biomass production, breeding, heterosis, molecular fingerprinting
The Canadian commercial forestry perspective on certification: National survey results
Authors: Wilson Bill , Takahashi Takuya , Vertinsky Ilan
Published: February 2014

Certification has rather quickly emerged to become an important element within the response amalgam to public concerns about the sustainability of commercial forestry. This paper presents the results of a national survey designed to examine the attitudes of Canadian forest companies toward the various certification vehicles and the underlying basis for those attitudes. Included are the ISO 14001, CSA, FSC and FORESTCARE vehicles. The results, which include responses from 117 companies, confirm a recognized need to achieve forest certification and that the appropriate certification vehicle remains unsettled. It is also clear that the forest industry does not expect a price premium to accrue from any of the vehicles. Instead, the main reason for certification is to secure continued access to public forest lands through improved public acceptance of forest management and reduced pressure from environmental groups. Key words: forest certification, sustainable forest management, criteria and indicators
Wood procurement policy: An analysis of critical issues and stakeholders
Authors: Bull G. , Nilsson S. , Williams J. , Rametsteiner E. , Hammett T. , Mabee W.
Published: February 2014

During the last two decades, the ecological, cultural and social values of forests have received stronger priority by society. To address the changes in values in a forest products context, major wood and non-wood retailers are being asked to develop a wood procurement policy which defines the sources from which a company or organization will or will not obtain the wood or wood products it requires. Many interest groups are actively advising companies and organizations that are currently developing wood procurement policies, and continue to urge other retailers to commit to developing such policies. However, there is a welter of inconsistent and confusing wood procurement policy terminology that has been created, and is unlikely to successfully advance the cause of sustainable forest management in the medium and long term, at least in North America. In many cases, the broader objectives of the policies are not clear and this, as well as the lack of discussion between all relevant parties, is likely to create difficulties in policy implementation and in consumer acceptance. This paper describes and analyzes the current and emerging stakeholders and the processes that are necessary for successful wood procurement policy implementation – setting objectives, developing terms and definitions, identifying indicators, linking with data available and verifying data. Particular attention is given to exploring the problems with existing terms and definitions. We conclude that definitions and data collection standards need clarification, regional differences in forests need to be recognized, methods for data validation developed, and target deadlines for full implementation of a wood procurement policy possibly extended. The next steps could be a series of meetings between key stakeholders, including the wood and non-wood industries, forest products industry, certifying and standard-setting bodies, and ENGOs. These meetings are needed to advance the discussion on definitions, standards, and data to use with the goal of effectively connecting wood procurement policy with sustainable forest management. Key words: policy, forest, wood procurement, definitions
Productivity of aspen stands with and without a spruce understory in Alberta's boreal mixedwood forests
Authors: MacPherson Daniel M. , Lieffers Victor J. , Blenis Peter V.
Published: February 2014

In northeastern Alberta, the current biomass and periodic annual biomass increment (PAI) was measured in 29 stands of maturing aspen (Populus tremuloides)-white spruce (Picea glauca), aged 48 to 105 years. Plots in pure aspen were paired with nearby plots of aspen growing on a similar landform but with a spruce understory. Biomass was estimated by diameter at breast height and allometric equations. Totalled over both species, there was 10.5 % greater PAI and 10.0 % greater biomass in the mixed plots than in the pure aspen plots. Pure aspen plots, however, had 12.9% greater aspen biomass and 25.2% greater aspen PAI than the aspen component of mixed plots. The apparent decline in productivity of aspen in the mixed stands, however, could not be related to the variation in spruce abundance in these mixed stands. Key words: mixed wood management, understory, spruce boreal mixed wood
A method to assess the performance of growth intercept models in British Columbia
Authors: Nigh Gordon D. , Martin Patrick J.
Published: February 2014

An active program of developing growth intercept models in British Columbia is underway. In lieu of a proper validation procedure, we devised a method of assessing the growth intercept models, which we describe and demonstrate for interior spruce. Four sources of error in the site index predictions of the growth intercept models are examined: measurement, sampling, model, and application error. The impact of the measurement errors tend to be intolerably large at young ages, decreasing to acceptable levels as the trees near the index age. Sampling error was small in our example. The tested models were unbiased and have good precision. An analysis of the application error indicated that the growth intercept models may underestimate site index. Key words: Application bias, measurement error, model error, sampling error, spruce, validation
La tempête de verglas de 1998: les programmes forestiers au Québec
Authors: Castonguay Mario , Pâquet Josée , Bélanger Gisèle , Lebeau Augustin , Coupal Marie-Josée
Published: February 2014

In January 1998, a severe ice storm seriously damaged private forests in southern Quebec. The federal and provincial governments agreed to implement three special assistance programs for the owners of forests and farmland. On-site application of the government measures has been entrusted to the six agencies for private forest development in the regions affected by the ice storm. The assistance consists mainly of providing eligible owners with training, consulting and technical services and in providing financial support for the restoration and regeneration of heavily damaged forests. Keywords: forest restoration, forest development, forest owner, biodiversity, financial assistance program, agency for private forest development
Economic impact of the 1998 ice storm on the eastern Ontario maple syrup industry
Authors: Kidon Jennifer , Fox Glenn , McKenney Dan , Rollins Kimberly
Published: February 2014

Partial equilibrium analysis was used to characterize the economic impact of the 1998 ice storm on the maple syrup industry in Eastern Ontario. Stochastic simulation is used to generate interval estimates of damages. We compare government expenditures on assistance programs to the estimated industry losses. Total losses to the industry in terms of changes in producers' surplus and capital losses for the baseline scenario were estimated to be $5.5 (± $0.5) million. Extensive sensitivity analysis was conducted. Losses were estimated to be $4.7 (± $0.4) million if recovery takes place faster than in the baseline scenario. Losses were estimated to be $7.1 (± $0.4) million when recovery takes longer than in the baseline case. Direct government expenditures on ice storm assistance programs to this industry were approximately $7.3 million. The relevance of this type of analysis to the development of natural disaster relief policies is discussed. Key words: disaster assistance, eastern Ontario, economic, ice storm, maple syrup, producers' surplus
Sheep grazing for vegetation management in the northern forests of British Columbia and Alberta
Authors: Fraser Erin C. , Kabzems Richard , Lieffers Victor J.
Published: February 2014

Vegetation management treatments are applied on a large proportion of regenerated sites in British Columbia and Alberta to improve survival and early growth of conifers and to meet provincial standards. Conventional techniques like manual brushing and chemical herbicides continue to be widely applied. However, other less familiar methods like sheep grazing can also be a viable option on some sites. Sheep grazing has been demonstrated to offer good to excellent control of both herbaceous and woody vegetation, provided certain conditions are met. Specifically, the dominant vegetation must be palatable to the sheep, the large- and small-scale topography must be relatively even, the treatment must be carried out before the crop trees become severely suppressed or damaged and the animals must be effectively supervised. It is our position that there is an opportunity to increase the use of sheep grazing for vegetation control in some regions of the northern forests of British Columbia and Alberta, thus providing another viable option for forest managers. Key words: sheep, grazing, vegetation management, plantation establishment, conifer release, northern forest
The response of good and poor aspen clones to thinning
Authors: Penner M. , Robinson C. , Woods M.
Published: February 2014

The response of good and poor clones of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx) to thinning was assessed 16 years after treatment. Prior to the thinning treatment, the clones had been assessed as either poor or good using a rating matrix that considered height, diameter, quality and vigour of the clones. Results indicate that the 250 largest DBH stems∙ha−1 did not respond to thinning, irrespective of clone rating. The growth of these dominant trees was unaffected by smaller competitors. Considering all trees, the non-thinned (control) good clones were indistinguishable from the thinned good clones in terms of top height, basal area, quadratic mean DBH, volume∙ha−1, and trees∙ha−1 16 years after treatment. For the good clones, 16 years of self-thinning yielded the same result as a single manual thinning. Due to a slower rate of self-thinning, the non-thinned poor clones retained some of the small stems longer and thus had a higher basal area and volume than the thinned poor clones. Thinning did not increase the piece size of the dominant trees so there was no associated increase in value.Thinning good and poor clones of trembling aspen did not increase the standing volume or piece size. Therefore, thinning is recommended only for good clones and only if it is profitable on its own. The literature on the benefits of thinning of aspen is contradictory. This may be due, in part, to undocumented clonal differences. Key words: trembling aspen, clones, thinning response, poplar, clonal rating
Light dynamics and free-to-grow standards in aspen-dominated mixedwood forests
Authors: Lieffers Victor J , Pinno Bradley D , Stadt Kenneth J
Published: February 2014

This study examines light competition between aspen and spruce during the sequence of aspen development. Leaf area index and light transmission were measured or estimated for aspen stands from 2 to 125 years old. Light transmission was lowest at 15-25 years, and in some stands, transmission was less than 5% of above-canopy light. Hypothetical aspen stands with various stem configurations and heights were developed, and positions were identified that would meet or fail Alberta free-to-grow (FTG) standards. Light transmission was estimated at each position with the MIXLIGHT forest light simulator. Positions in canopy gaps or at the northern sides of canopy gaps had higher light. In general, however, there was little difference in available light between positions that met or failed FTG criteria. Stand density and size of aspen trees appears to be a better index to predict light transmission and spruce success in juvenile aspen stands than current FTG criteria. Key words: competition, free to grow, hardwood, spruce, light
Assessment of relative environmental risk from logyard run-off in British Columbia
Authors: Orban Julie L , Kozak Robert A , Sidle Roy C , Duff Sheldon J.B.
Published: February 2014

Run-off is generated at logyards at sawmills and dryland sorts when mobile water interacts with woody debris. Logyard run-off can contain a range of constituents with the potential to have an adverse impact on the receiving environment. Many geoclimatic, operational and physical factors contribute to the volume and characteristics of run-off, and a management tool to predict relative environmental risk from different sites would be of value. In this study, we attempted to develop such a tool. A survey was devised and distributed to logyard operators in British Columbia. The survey provided information on site characteristics, volumes and types of wood processed, operational practices, the incidence of run-off, run-off treatment practices, as well as the ultimate receiving environment. Qualitative and quantitative data from the survey were subjected to statistical analyses to: (1) determine the factors that contributed to risk; (2) assign relative risk ratings to each site; and (3) rank facilities according to their potential to impact the receiving environment. Multidiscriminant analysis was used to determine which factors were correlated to environmental risk posed by run-off. Eighty-nine percent (64/72) of the facilities had visible run-off. Sixty-six percent (42/64) of the facilities fell into the high risk category with the remaining 34% (22/64) being low risk. In order of importance, volume of wood stored onsite (largest contribution), frequency of run-off events and colour intensity of run-off (smallest contribution) were factors that significantly contributed to risk and were correlated positively. The methods employed in this study could be applied as management tools to identify sites for further assessment and evaluate the need for remediation. Key words: wood leachate, run-off, logyard, dryland sort, environmental impact, toxic, remediation
Future shock in forestry Where have we come from; where are we going; is there a "right way" to manage forests? Lessons from Thoreau, Leopold, Toffler, Botkin and Nature
Authors: Kimmins J.P. Hamish
Published: February 2014

Future shock (Toffler 1970) occurs when the rate of change in society exceeds the willingness or ability of individuals and institutions to adapt to the change. The rapid increase in human population and change in expectations of forestry over the past 40 years has created future shock in our profession. A similar situation has developed in the social and biophysical sciences. Future shock is threatening to divert the evolution of forestry from its path towards site-specific, multi-value social forestry that respects both ecological and biological diversity. It is doing so by forcing change ahead of our knowledge and experience of the outcomes of the change. This is threatening to replace the site-specific, professional decision making that respects nature and social values and is needed to achieve a sustainable relationship between humans and forests, by rigid, administrative, regulation-based forestry. It may even encourage a return to what in reality can become exploitative forestry under the guise of aesthetics, beauty and care for the environment. Forestry has always been changing as society's expectations, needs and desires with respect to forests have changed. This is appropriate and should continue, but it should be the right change—change that respects the ecology and sociology of the desired new balance of values. This new balance includes, as it should, a variety of non-traditional values, but these should be additive to, rather than a replacement for, such important social values as employment, wood products and wealth creation. There is a variety of new paradigms and new institutional arrangements that could guide this change in forestry, but first there needs to be a clear statement of a desired forest future. Lacking the 100-year experience of the outcomes of these new paradigms, we need to develop and use credible, ecologically based, forest ecosystem management models based on both experience and knowledge to help guide the evolution of forestry towards the desired goal. Appropriately trained professional foresters should remain the foundation for the design and implementation of forestry that achieves the desired new balance of values, while a much wider representation of social interests will be involved in setting the new forestry goals. There is merit in listening to the words and philosophies of the great thinkers on forestry and conservation issues. Important lessons can be learned. However, there has been a pervasive misinterpretation of many of the wise thoughts of writers like Thoreau and Leopold. When carefully revisited, their wisdom supports the balanced view of forestry and nature that appears to be the only way forward towards the future that we think our grandchildren and their grandchildren will want. Key words: future shock, development of forestry, respect for nature, paradigms for forestry, forecasting the future, Leopold,

Thoreau, Botkin
Growth of black spruce seedlings planted in burned, logged, and undisturbed boreal mixedwood stands of southeastern Manitoba
Authors: Wang G G , Su J.
Published: February 2014

Growth of black spruce seedling planted in burned, harvested, and undisturbed boreal mixedwood stands was studied in southeastern Manitoba. Although seedlings on each site were subjected to similar light competition (measured by % of full sunlight received at the middle crown of each crop seedling in 1998), mean annual growth of height, root collar diameter and aboveground biomass was different among the three sites, with burned > logged > undisturbed. During each of last seven years (1992 to 1998 except 1997), the burned site had greater annual height growth than the logged and undisturbed sites. Similarly, the logged site had greater height growth than the undisturbed site except 1997 and 1998. Relative competition intensity (calculated based on annual height growth from 1992 to 1998) fluctuated between 0.70 to 0.76 on the undisturbed site, increased from 0.48 to 0.73 on the logged site, and increased from 0.23 to 0.74 on the burned site. Relative competition intensity remained similar in the most recent three years (1996–1998) despite larger differences found in earlier years (1992–1995) between sites. A significant relationship was found between the relative competition intensity and % full sunlight on each site. Results from this case study suggested that, by affecting the development of competing vegetation, the type/intensity of past disturbances created different competition dynamics for black spruce seedlings planted on the burned, logged and undisturbed sites. Key words: interspecific competition, vegetation management, competition dynamics, plantation
Modelling silvicultural alternatives for conifer regeneration in boreal mixedwood stands (aspen/white spruce/balsam fir)
Authors: Greene D F , Kneeshaw D D , Messier C. , Lieffers V. , Cormier D. , Doucet R. , Coates K D , Groot A. , Grover G. , Calogeropoulos C.
Published: February 2014

We model and compare the biological and financial constraints of four prescriptions that serve as alternatives to conventional clearcutting followed by planting in eastern and western boreal mixedwood stands. These alternative prescriptions for full or partial conifer stocking are (1) reliance on advance regeneration with or without augmentation by fill-planting; (2) understory scarification during a mast year; (3) direct seeding either aerially or with a scarifier-seeder; and (4) underplanting. Our main conclusions concerning the biological constraints are that (1) advance regeneration, mainly of balsam fir in the east and white spruce in the west, requires >26 000 and > 4000 trees/ha (because of different distributions), respectively, to achieve full conifer stocking; (2) reliance on a mast year requires at least 6 m2/ha of mature conifer basal area, but much less if some advance regeneration is present or only moderate stocking is desired; (3) aerial seeding with 35% scarification requires about a half-million seeds/ha to achieve full conifer stocking, while a scarifier-seeder would require only a third of this application rate; and (4) underplanting is constrained to aspen stands with >25% incident light at planting height. In all cases, alternative prescriptions become more feasible if only moderate or minimal stocking is the silvicultural objective. A costing exercise for the four prescriptions in comparison with a clearcut followed by planting shows that reliance on advance regeneration or understory planting are the cheapest alternatives to achieve full or partial conifer stocking. With the exception of full conifer stocking in situations where there is little advance regeneration (and where herbicides can be used), conventional plantations are never the cheapest approach. In such cases, fill planting and use of a scarifier-seeder become viable options. Aerial seeding and reliance on a mast year are the most expensive of the alternatives. We conclude, tentatively, that there is enough conifer basal area in most of the eastern boreal mixedwood of Canada to allow for the use of either or both a mast year and advance regeneration to achieve full or partial conifer stocking. By contrast, in the west conifer basal area will seldom be sufficient for natural seeding, and the density of advance regeneration is likewise often too low. Finally, because of light constraints, understory planting appears to have a much wider applicability in the west than in the east. Key words: boreal mixedwood silviculture, white spruce, balsam fir, understory scarification, understory planting, advance regeneration, direct seeding
Height growth of black spruce in British Columbia
Authors: Nigh Gordon D , Krestov Pavel V , Klinka Karel
Published: February 2014

Black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) is a boreal species that occurs extensively across the northern half of British Columbia. Forest managers require better growth and yield information for black spruce given the anticipated increase in demand for wood in the northern part of the province. The purpose of this study was to develop height-age models for black spruce. Ninety-one stem analysis plots were established in the BWBS and SBS biogeoclimatic zones. Three black spruce site trees from each plot were stem analyzed and the data were converted into height-age data. A conditioned log-logistic function was fit to the data. Indicator variables were used to test for differences in height growth between the sampled subzones. Although the warm subzones had different height growth patterns than the cool subzones, there was general agreement among the height-age models from British Columbia, Alberta, and New Brunswick up to about age 100. Key words: biogeoclimatic zones, height-age models, logistic function, site index, stem analysis
Development and evaluation of ecoregion-based jack pine height-diameter models for Ontario
Authors: Zhang Lianjun , Peng Changhui , Huang Shongming , Zhou Xiaolu
Published: February 2014

The Chapman-Richards growth function is used to model jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) tree height-diameter relationships at provincial, regional, and ecoregional levels. The results suggest that the tree height-diameter relationships of jack pine are significantly different among the geographic regions of Ontario, depending on local climatic, soil, and ecological conditions. In light of this study, the provincial and regional height-diameter models are not appropriate for predicting tree heights at the ecoregional level. Further, applying a specific ecoregional model to other ecoregions will also result in significant biases for predicting local tree heights. The ecoregion-based height-diameter models developed in this study may provide more accurate information on tree growth and development to forest resource managers and planners. Key words: Chapman-Richards growth function, permanent sample plot, non-linear extra sum of square method, forest management
Canada's Model Forest Program
Authors: LaPierre Louis
Published: February 2014

Society has grappled with the concept of managing forests sustainably for several decades. As one of the most widespread of the earths ecosystems, and as a renewable resource providing a wide range of consumptive and non-consumptive benefits to society, forests have been at the centre of many policy discussions. While much progress was made at the Earth Summit in 1992 and since that time, there are few concrete examples illustrating the principles of sustainable forest management (SFM). Public participation in forest management is based on the hypothesis that if those whose daily lives are affected by the operation of a forest management system are involved in the decisions controlling the system, efforts can be made to protect the health of ecosystems and meet economic needs at the same time. At the same time, since ecological, social and economic conditions vary from place to place, there must be a wide range of participatory approaches to sustainable forest management. Canadas Model Forest Program was developed to provide public participation in decisions about how managing the forests supported by the most up-to-date science and technology. Within each model forest there exists a partnership consisting of a broad range of interests working within a neutral forum that is respectful of individual interests and united in the difficult task of addressing sustainable forest management. The strength of the Program lies in the fact that each partner has a voice in the overall decision-making within the model forest. Access to shared information and the learning process fostered through participation at individual and organizational levels are important factors motivating participation and fostering capacity-building. Model forests are showing that the inclusive partnership approach, although time-consuming, leads to better and more sustainable decisions. Key words: sustainable forest management, model forest, integrated resource management, public participation, partnerships, Canada
Change detection and landscape structure mapping using remote sensing
Authors: Franklin Steven E , Lavigne Michael B , Wulder Michael A , Stenhouse Gordon B
Published: February 2014

Satellite remote sensing has long held promise as a powerful method of detecting forest canopy changes and mapping landscape structure over vast, often multi-jurisdictional forest areas. Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) spectral response, for example, can be related accurately to changes in physiology and cover at a range of small to intermediate mapping scales. These data have been available continuously for almost 20 years; many areas have earlier satellite image archives stretching back to the 1970s. When considering spatially-explicit changes to landscapescaused by natural and human disturbancesover this time period, digital, synoptic, and repeatable satellite remotely-sensed data are emerging as the observational media of choice that forest managers must possess and use wisely. In this paper, successful use of satellite remote sensing in two of Canadas Model Forests is described. First, in the Fundy Model Forest in southeastern New Brunswick, a 15-year TM image sequence was used to detect area changes associated with different harvesting and silvicultural practices. Second, in the Foothills Model Forest in west-central Alberta, grizzly bear habitat maps have been created from multi-scene TM land cover mosaics. These map products constitute critical information on landscape change and configuration required to answer key management questions. The paper concludes with a prognosis for the future role of satellite remote sensing in sustainable forest management as data quality continues to improve (i.e., increasing spatial, spectral, temporal, and radiometric resolutions), and methods are brought into the purview of forest managers and practitioners. Key words: remote sensing, landscape change, forest fragmentation, human disturbance, management information needs, habitat
Indicators of forest-dependent community sustainability: The evolution of research
Authors: Beckley Thomas , Parkins John , Stedman Richard
Published: February 2014

This paper describes the evolution of research on socio-economic indicators of community sustainability in several Canadian Model Forest locations since 1994. In the Foothills and Western Newfoundland Model Forests, we employed an "expert-driven" approach to indicator selection and reporting. We used census data to document change over time on key community profile variables such as age, employment, income, population mobility, education attainment, poverty, and real estate values. Objective measures of these variables were supplemented with personal interviews in order to construct a more dynamic picture of community well-being. The early work of our group focused primarily on "profile" indicatorsessentially static, descriptive indicators that allow one to create a snapshot of a community in time. Work is currently underway on the next generation of socio-economic indicators we describe as "process" indicators. Process indicators deal more with causal affects than outcomes. They include things like sense of place or attachment to place (which has implications for population mobility and education attainment). Process indicators also include variables such as leadership, volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and social cohesionall of which we are attempting to include in a combined measure of community capacity. Key words: social indicators, community sustainability, model forest, forest-dependent communities, SIMFOR
Forest management planning in Newfoundland and Labrador: The Western Newfoundland Model Forest contribution
Authors: Moores Len , Dolter Sean
Published: February 2014

The management of forests has dramatically changed in the past few decades. Forest managers no longer can prepare and implement forest management plans in isolation of other resource values and local citizens. Today, the economic, ecological and social values are blended together into sustainable forest management. Finding a balance among these values in Newfoundland and Labrador is done through local district planning teams. The team participants need to understand the principles of sustainable forest management and the overall planning process. A primary focus of the Western Newfoundland Model Forest has been to support planning teams through the development of management tools to enhance management of the Provinces forest ecosystems. The Model forest program will continue to test, document and transfer new and innovative management options to forest managers. Key words: adaptive management, consensus, sustainable forest management, planning teams, public involvement, model forests
Windthrow as an important process for white spruce regeneration
Authors: Ruel Jean-Claude , Pineau Marius
Published: February 2014

White spruce (Picea glauca (Moench.) Voss.) is frequently found in association with balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) in virgin stands. However, its regeneration is less aggressive than that of balsam fir. The persistance of white spruce in the canopy might be explained by differential mortality and windthrow. Windthrow could play an important role in creating favourable seedbeds and providing increased light. This paper examines the contribution of windthrow for white spruce regeneration in balsam fir-dominated forests. Experimental windthrows were created and regeneration establishment monitored for three seasons. Windthrow greatly modified the availability of seedbeds and enhanced white spruce establishment. Older natural windthrows were sampled to conclude that this effect was still evident more than five years after windthrow occured. We also noticed that white spruce benefited more from the disturbance than did balsam fir. Finally, sampling conducted in mature stands showed that mature white spruce stems were more abundant on the mounds created by old uprootings, indicating that this effect is maintained in the long term. Even though balsam fir also benefited from windthrow, the benefit was proportionally greater for white spruce. Key words: Picea glauca, Abies balsamea, windthrow, microtopography, regeneration
Silviculture for non-timber forest product management: challenges and opportunities for sustainable forest management
Authors: Gautam Krishna H , Watanabe Teiji
Published: February 2014

Recent concerns regarding non-timber forest product (NTFP) management are focused on raw material production. But NTFP ought to be viewed from the perspective of ecological processes, cultural heritage, livelihood of local people, economic values and incentives for forest management. This broader role for NTFP cannot be realised by simply domesticating a few species. Integration of NTFP in forest management is necessary in order to achieve sustainable forestry. Because forestry technologies are developed with timber values uppermost, it is vital to develop forest management technologies that take into account both timber and non-timber values. Global examples show that traditional knowledge could play a vital role while developing silvicultural regimes, and in situ experimentation will strengthen the regimes. Guidelines for ethnobotanical studies are briefly presented. Key words: cultural heritage, ecological processes, ethnosilviculture, livelihoods, non-timber forest product, sustainable forestry
Exploring the availability of Ontario's non-industrial private forest lands for recreation and forestry activities
Authors: Hunt Len M
Published: February 2014

Privately owned forest lands contribute significant amounts of land for wood supply and recreational opportunities in various parts of Canada including areas within Ontario. The decisions that landowners make about permitting various activities on their lands can impact resource managers and current and potential users of forested environments. In this study, the willingness of Ontario's non-industrial private forest landowners to conduct forest harvesting and to permit hunting and wildlife recreational opportunities is examined. The study explores whether the willingness of landowners with large-sized landholdings (i.e., minimum 20 ha) is influenced by characteristics that describe the private lands and the owners of these private lands. The results show that trends towards land parcelization, afforestation and loss of agricultural lands may impact the availability of lands for forest harvesting and hunting. The models also suggest that northern Ontario landowners may make different decisions about conducting forest harvesting or permitting hunting on their lands than do southern Ontario landowners. Key words: non-industrial private forest landowners, forest harvesting, hunting, wildlife viewing, land parcelization
Effects of past management on ice storm damage in hardwood stands in eastern Ontario
Authors: Nielsen Cathy , Van Dyke Olesia , Pedlar John
Published: February 2014

The 1998 ice storm caused damage to forests across much of eastern North America. One of the information needs expressed by landowners and the broader forest community in eastern Ontario was an assessment of the effect of past management on degree of damage in hardwood stands. Ice storm damage was assessed in managed and unmanaged permanent sample plots established prior to the ice storm. In addition, 1587 temporary sample plots established after the 1998 ice storm were used to examine the effect of basal area, stand composition, stand location and tree size on degree of ice damage. Permanent sample plot results showed no significant difference in degree of damage between managed and unmanaged hardwood stands that experienced light to moderate damage in eastern Ontario. Chi-square analysis of temporary sample plots showed that the damage varied with location (township). There was some association with stand type (intolerant hardwood, tolerant hardwood, mixed hardwood/conifer and conifer), stand basal area and tree size. Implications for management are discussed. Key words: ice storm damage, past management effects, hardwoods
Soil and leaf analysis of fertilized sugar maple stands after ice storm damage
Authors: Timmer Vic R , Teng Yuanxin , Pedlar John
Published: February 2014

Lime and/or PK fertilizers were applied as remedial soil treatments to 33 sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) woodlots established on a broad range of sites in eastern Ontario. All woodlots were actively used for maple syrup production and had suffered varying degrees of crown damage as a result of the 1998 ice storm. Soil and foliar samples were collected one and three growing seasons after treatment to assess changes in soil fertility and nutrition of these stands. Except for Ca from liming, the treatments significantly increased soil supply of added elements (P, K, Ca or Mg) as measured by standard laboratory methods. These effects may be relatively short-lived, as soil nutrient levels on treatment plots had started to decline by the end of the third season after treatment. Liming alleviated acidity on acid soils, but pH of neutral calcareous soils was unaffected, thus allaying initial concerns that liming may be "toxic" on these soils. The liming response was rapid, and persisted into the third growing season. Nutrient responses in soils were reflected in foliar analyses. Leaf P, K, Ca, and Mg were significantly raised when added as soil amendments. The results show that first-season nutrient responses to fertilizer additions are sensitive indicators of treatment effects on soil and foliage of sugar maple in the region. Initial growth assessments suggest a 15–22% basal area increment to P and K applications; however, it is not known if these early treatment effects will translate into long-term tree growth and sap yield responses. Key words: Acer saccharum, phosphorous and potassium fertilization, liming, soil tests, foliar analysis, soil acidity
Canada's privately owned forest lands: Their management and economic importance
Authors: Rotherham Tony
Published: February 2014

Canada has the third largest area of forest in the world after Russia and Brazil. About 89% is in public ownership; 11%, or 23 million ha, is privately owned. The comparatively small area of forest in private ownership has been largely overlooked. If it were a national forest, it would be the 11th largest in the world, between Japan and Finland, with the 8th largest production of industrial roundwood, between Finland and Germany. Canada's privately owned forest lands produce 19% of our wood supply, some 36 million m3 per year. There are about 425 000 owners with an average of 45 ha each. Their objectives vary greatly. They own a high percentage of the Deciduous, Great Lakes-St. Lawrence and Acadian Forest Regions. These forests are very important environmental, economic and social resources. We should understand their value better and set in place management programs to ensure their health and productivity. Landowner's rights and management objectives must be respected. Key words: private forest land, Canada, wood production, area of forest, management programs