bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison of historical and current forest cover in selected areas of the Great LakesSt. Lawrence Forest of central Ontario
Authors: Leadbitter Paul , Euler David , Naylor Brian
Published: February 2014

Crown survey notes from the late 1800s were used to reconstruct forest cover at that time in four forest management units in central Ontario, Canada. Historic forest cover was then compared to forest cover in 1990 based on Forest Resources Inventory (FRI) maps. Regional results indicate that the proportions of maple (Acer spp.) in the forest increased by 12.5%, while balsam fir (Abies balsamea) declined by 3.5%, hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) by 2.3% and other conifers (larch (Larix laricina) and cedar (Thuja occidentalis)) by 2.1%. The frequency of occurrence of maple, ash (Fraxinus spp.), yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), poplar (Populus spp.) and spruce (Picea spp.) also increased while white birch (Betula papyrifera), hemlock and other hardwoods (e.g., oak (Quercus spp.), basswood (Tilia americana), beech (Fagus grandifolia), elm (Ulmus spp.), ironwood (Ostrya virginiana) and black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.)) declined. The region-wide proportional increase in maple is likely due to timber harvest techniques such as selective logging, effective fire suppression and the ecology of the maple species. Crown survey notes have been a useful tool in reconstructing presettlement forest cover. Survey notes can easily be obtained and used by forest managers and planners to understand presettlement conditions of this forest. Managers can achieve zero net loss of forest types in relation to the presettlement condition by using appropriate silvicultural practices to reduce the proportion of maple. Key words: Crown Survey records, presettlement forest, Great LakesSt. Lawrence Forest, working group, frequency of occurrence
Synthesizing knowledge of the Claybelt to promote sustainable forest management
Authors: Lefort P , Harvey B , Parton J , Smith G KM
Published: February 2014

A review of the scientific literature relevant to the Claybelt region was undertaken under the initiative of Lake Abitibi Model Forest (LAMF) and in collaboration with the Canadian Forest Service, the Ontario and Quebec Ministries of Natural Resources and the NSERC-UQAT-UQAM (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council  Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue  Université du Québec à Montréal) Industrial Chair in Sustainable forest Management. The objective was to synthesize this information in order to develop better forestry practices and identify knowledge and research gaps. Forestry-related knowledge was gathered on six broad topics: i) natural disturbances, ii) forest ecosystems, iii) past and present forest practices, iv) biological diversity, v) forest management and vi) examples of current applications of natural disturbance-based forest management. The work allowed us to synthesize a large body of knowledge into one publication that will be a useful reference for foresters in both provinces. Key words: biodiversity, Claybelt, even-aged/uneven-aged forests, fire, silvicultural practices
Implementing wildfire-based timber harvest guidelines in southeastern Manitoba
Authors: Ehnes James , Keenan Vince
Published: February 2014

The Manitoba Model Forest and Tembec Industries (Pine Falls Operations) are operationalizing the overall goal of sustainable forest management: maintain forest ecosystem health while harvesting timber. Timber harvest guidelines intended to approximate the effects of a large wildfire were developed for spatial scales that span from the operating area down to the site. Operating area issues are addressed through landscape design guidelines that locate cutblocks and other activities (e.g., roads) within an operating area. Cut-block guidelines determine how harvesting, site preparation and regeneration are completed. These wildfire-based guidelines are being tested in four large-scale harvest trials in southeastern Manitoba. This paper describes the rationale behind the approach taken, the landscape design and cutblock operating guidelines that were developed, operational experiences from the harvest trials, and some of the challenges that arose. Key words: wildfire, operating guidelines, landscape design, timber harvesting, site preparation, regeneration, natural disturbance emulation, ecosystem processes, ecosystem health, maintaining biodiversity, maintaining ecosystem condition
Forest fragmentation and forest management: A plea for empirical data
Authors: G. D'Eon Robert G
Published: February 2014

Forest fragmentation is one of the most important conservation issues of recent times. Most of what we know about forest fragmentation is based on speculation and untested theory due to a paucity of empirical data. The lack of empirical data can be attributed to (1) the extreme difficulty in conducting good fragmentation studies, and (2) confusion between habitat loss and fragmentation effects. Empirical data from well-designed fragmentation studies is direly needed to validate theoretical predictions stemming from the fragmentation paradigm. Since the best data will come from landscape-scale experiments in managed forests, partnerships and support from researchers and forest managers is critical in this pursuit. Key words: empirical data, forest fragmentation, landscape spatial patterns
Effects of herbicide treatments on biotic components in regenerating northern forests
Authors: Lautenschlager R A , Sullivan Thomas P
Published: February 2014

We reviewed literature, primarily since 1990, that documents effects of herbicide treatments on major biotic components in northern forested ecosystems. Vegetation changes are responsible for changes in all other biotic components. Non-conifer vegetation is commonly reduced for two to five years following broadcast herbicide treatments. Fungal components, however, seem relatively unaffected. Short-term vegetation reductions in cover, density, and related biomass, if they occur, are species and/or vegetation group specific; longer-term changes are linked to conifer stocking, site quality, and the ability of conifers to dominate treated sites. Herbicide treatments do not reduce, and may increase, stand- and landscape-level plant species richness. Those treatments seldom produce monocultures when used by foresters for boreal or boreal mixedwood management. The active ingredients in the herbicide products used in forestry in northern ecosystems have no direct effect on the general health (survival, growth, reproduction) of animals in treated areas. Specific, stand-level forest management practices, particularly effects of site preparation and conifer release, must be examined in relation to the landscape mosaic and the desired future forest conditions. At broad scales, across boreal and boreal mixedwood ecosystems, conifers have been consistently replaced by hardwoods since Europeans began harvesting timber from those ecosystems. Herbicides provide a safe, effective tool for restoring conifers in previously conifer-dominated ecosystems. Forest scientists presently have a reasonable understanding of effects of a variety of herbicide treatments on conifer growth and a variety of environmental components. However, they need to continually update that understanding relative to treatments (replicates, chemicals, combinations, or timing) that may be used in the future. Key words: amphibians, conifer release, deer, disturbance, environment, glyphosate, herbicides, invertebrates, landscape, moose, reptiles, site preparation, small mammals, songbirds, snowshoe hare, triclopyr, vegetation
The economic impact of the 1998 ice storm on eastern Ontario woodlots: Case studies of red pine and white cedar
Authors: Heigh Jeremy , Fox Glenn , McKenney Daniel , Rollins Kimberly
Published: February 2014

This paper reports estimates of the economic costs of the 1998 ice storm at the enterprise and regional levels for owners of red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.) and white cedar (Thuja occidentalis L.) woodlots. The results are based on alternative management regimes and response strategies and illustrates the broader issues currently discussed in forestry such as intensive silviculture and harvest practices. A partial capital budget approach was used to estimate representative per hectare losses for red pine and white cedar. Stochastic simulations and sensitivity analyses were used to examine the robustness of the estimates of economic damages. Per hectare losses for red pine ranged from $560 per hectare for minimal damage for a 25-year-old stand being managed under a target harvest regime to $13,236 per hectare for a 55-year-old stand subjected to severe damage and being managed under a Faustmann harvest regime. Total economic loss for red pine plantations is estimated to be between $21.2 and $32.5 million (1999 constant dollars) at the regional level. This estimate varies with the harvest regime being used. Per hectare losses for white cedar ranged from $307 per hectare for a 70-year-old stand suffering minimal damage and being harvested under a mean annual increment rule on site index 12 land to $1721 per hectare for a 70-year-old stand suffering severe damage and being managed under a mean annual increment rule on site index 10 land. The range of estimated aggregate losses for white cedar is larger than the range for red pine, extending from $3.56 million to $39.6 million with a mean estimate of $22 million (1999 constant dollars) for the mean annual increment harvest regime. Key words: partial capital budget, stochastic simulation, sensitivity analysis, natural disaster policy
Ice storm damage: Effects of competition and fertilization on near-ground vegetation
Authors: Lautenschlager R A , Pedlar John H , Nielsen Cathy M
Published: February 2014

Increasing ice damage to tree canopies led to increased cover of near-ground deciduous tree species, herbaceous species, and total vegetative cover but reduced fern cover in managed sugar maple stands in southeastern Ontario. Near-ground vegetation did not respond to the addition of fertilizers [2000 kg/ha of dolomitic lime, 200 kg/ha of both phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), or both lime and P and K]. Vegetation management with glyphosate in these stands reduced near-ground deciduous tree cover 86%, while grass and sedge cover were reduced 69%, and shrub cover was reduced 98% two years after treatment. Although species richness was initially reduced by vegetation management, species richness levels on treated plots were comparable to, or higher than, those on untreated plots by two years after treatment. Key words: Acer saccharum, glyphosate, plant cover
Response of advance regeneration to intensity of harvest and fertilization on boreal wetlands
Authors: Teng Y. , Bailey S E , Foster N W , Hazlettr P W
Published: February 2014

Post-harvest nutrient status and growth of understory black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] B.S.P.) advance regeneration during the first seven years after harvest with advance regeneration protection (HARP) was evaluated on two boreal wetlands in northeastern Ontario. Three intensities of HARP were investigated: light, medium and heavy, corresponding to 35, 50, 100% basal area removal of merchantable trees. Limiting nutrients were diagnosed with a nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) potassium (K) fertilization trial. Release by HARP significantly improved foliar N by 43–214%,and P by 40–317%, stimulated needle mass by 13–114% and annual height increment of spruce by 6–50% on all three HARP treatments. Growth of spruce was statistically greater after heavy release than the other two HARP treatments by the sixth year. Fertilization with a combination of N and P further increased needle biomass and height increment by 23–46% and 16–26%, respectively. Nitrogen and, secondly, P were limiting for rapid natural reestablishment of black spruce stands on boreal peatlands. Key words: black spruce, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, clearcut
Post-harvest regeneration of montane Abies amabilis forests in northern Washington, USA
Authors: Elman Ella , Peterson David L
Published: February 2014

The effects of regeneration treatments on current stand composition were analyzed in a high-elevation forest approximately 20 years after harvest in the Cascade Range, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington (USA). Post-harvest treatments included sites that were (1) broadcast burned and planted with Abies amabilis, (2) unburned and seeded with A. amabilis and A. procera, and (3) unburned and planted with A. amabilis. All sites are currently dominated by A. amabilis and Tsuga heterophylla. Burned-planted sites have a smaller proportion of A. amabilis than unburned sites, and burned sites have less advance regeneration of all species than unburned sites. Although future stand composition is difficult to predict, comparison with historical stand data for this location indicates that regeneration treatments, including seeding and planting, have not had significant effects on overstory species dominance. If rapid regeneration of A. amabilis is a management objective, then post-harvest burning should be avoided to encourage advance regeneration of this species. Key words: Abies amabilis, forest regeneration, subalpine forest
Above-ground biomass predicts growth limitation in amabilis fir and western hemlock seedlings
Authors: Mitchell Alan K , Dunsworth B Glen , Bown Tom , Moran Jonathan A
Published: February 2014

Conifer regeneration on clearcut montane sites is frequently affected by post-planting growth stagnation. The ability to predict such stagnation would be a valuable asset to forest managers. In this study, we tested the usefulness of above-ground biomass and photosynthetic efficiency (as estimated by foliar nitrogen concentration) in diagnosing growth limitations in western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) and amabilis fir (Abies amabilis). Seedlings were grown under different silvicultural systems (clearcut, patch cut, green tree retention and shelterwood) and post-planting treatments (fertilization, vegetation removal) at the Montane Alternative Silvicultural Systems (MASS) site on Vancouver Island, BC. Foliar nitrogen was found to be a poor predictor of height and stem volume growth. However, above-ground biomass predicted current height and stem volume (year 3 after planting), as well as future stem volume (year 7 after planting), in both species. Above-ground biomass therefore represents a useful measure of likely future growth performance, and may provide early warning of incipient growth stagnation in these species. Key words: amabilis fir, Abies amabilis, biomass, western hemlock, Tsuga heterophylla, growth limitation, photosynthetic capacity, biomass, seedling growth, regeneration
The influence of mountain temperate forests on the hydrology in northeast China
Authors: Wei Xiaohua , Zhou Xiaofeng , Wang Chuankuan
Published: February 2014

Presented is a review of results from long-term hydrological studies at the Mao-Er-Shan ecological station in northeast China. In comparison to harvested watersheds in northeast China, unlogged temperate forests reduced peak discharge and surface flows at all observed watershed scales (2m2 to > 10 000 ha). However, no consistent patterns on low flows and annual mean flows were observed. The reason for the inconsistency is unclear and may be due to the utilization of different methodologies applied at the various spatial scales. We also found that stemflow is an important mechanism for Mongolian oak (Quercus mongolica Fisch) to adapt to nutrient-poor and dry soils. These results are important for developing forest management strategies and reforestation programs in northeast China. Key words: Temperate forest, hydrology, stemflow, interception, streamflow, evapotranspiration
Relations between peak snow accumulation and canopy density
Authors: Teti Patrick
Published: February 2014

Snow was monitored for five years in plots from which 30% of the timber had been previously removed in the form of group selection and in an unlogged control at a sub-alpine site in British Columbia. Average peak snow water equivalents (SWE) ranged from 38 to 52 cm and occurred between late March and mid-April. Canopy density was measured in circular areas of sky in 10-degree increments from the zenith to the horizon. The optimum parameter for explaining the variability of peak SWE was canopy density within a 60- to 80-degree-wide cone. Results suggest that where openings are 1 ha or less, peak SWE approached a locally consistent maximum value when canopy density approached zero. This improves our ability to predict the effects of group selection on snow accumulation in high elevation forests. Key words: forest canopy, snow interception, snow accumulation, group selection
Structural characteristics of wet montane forests in east-central British Columbia
Authors: DeLong S C , Arocena J M , Massicotte H B
Published: February 2014

Structural characteristics of forest stands were examined along a post-fire age chronosequence for wet montane sub-boreal and sub-alpine forests in the northern portion of the Rocky Mountains in British Columbia, Canada. The objective was to develop criteria that could be used to assess the extent to which managed stands approximate the structural characteristics of natural stands. Twelve and fifteen stands were sampled in wet montane sub-boreal and high-elevation subalpine forests, respectively. Tree density, variation in tree size, snag density by size class and coarse woody debris volume were examined for young (070 years), mature (71140 years), and old (> 140 years) stands. Apart from a general increase in average tree size and a decrease in snag density, changes in other stand attributes over time since disturbance were limited, especially when compared to forests in drier climates at similar latitudes. The combination of low density and large variability in tree size of the young wet montane sub-boreal stands appear to be unusual for low elevation forests that originate from stand-replacing wildfire. In the study area, current management practices of salvage-logging fire-killed stands and planting relatively high densities of spruce on harvested sites should be examined in light of our data. This study illustrates the importance of developing area-specific ecosystem management guidelines relating to stand structure. Key words: stand structure, woody debris, snags, Picea engelmannii, Abies lasiocarpa, wildlife habitat
Canada's National Forest Inventory: What can it tell us about old growth?
Authors: Gillis Mark D , Gray Stephen L , Clarke Dennis , Power Katja
Published: February 2014

Canada's National Forest Inventory is a periodic compilation of existing inventory information from across the country. The main sources of information are detailed, stand-level descriptions contained in provincial, territorial, and industrial management-level inventories. Typical management inventories do not identify old growth as a specific attribute. Therefore, the National Forest Inventory, based on management-level inventories, does not specifically show old growth. Indicators of old growth, such as stand age and maturity, are contained in the national inventory and are analysed to illustrate the distribution of forest in Canada by age and maturity. A further analysis by selected species is also provided. Finally, a new plot-based national inventory that will provide additional old-growth indicators is discussed. Key words: forest inventory, inventory attributes, old growth, old-growth indicators, NFI, CanFI, EOSD
Adapting forestry practices to address old-growth concerns in the Great LakesSt.Lawrence forests of Ontario
Authors: Pinto Fred
Published: February 2014

The Great Lakes–St. Lawrence forest, particularly the eastern white (Pinus strobus L.) and red pine (P. resinosa Ait.) forests around Temagami and Sault Ste. Marie, was the centre of controversy regarding the treatment of old-growth forests in Ontario in the 1980s and 1990s. The controversy stemmed from changes in forest composition and structure occurring in the forest. For example, the Ontario public was concerned with the obvious reduction in numbers of large eastern white and red pine trees and their replacement with small, often poor quality, white birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.), aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.), and jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) trees. Over the past two decades, changes in legislation, forest planning and stand prescriptions have been made in Ontario and practices at the forest and stand levels have also changed significantly. The new practices are based on linking forest activities to a better understanding of ecological processes in the forest; in particular, linking harvest and regeneration activities to our current understanding of natural disturbances and plant adaptations. These practices attempt to match more closely the conditions found in forests with a heritage of natural disturbance and reproduction, i.e., old-growth forests. For example, stand-initiating disturbances result in some trees being killed, some being damaged, and some surviving. The new harvest practices consider tree adaptations and site factors when deciding whether a tree will be cut or not. This paper provides examples of how this ecosystem-based forestry is being applied in Ontario. Key words: old growth in Ontario, conservation of old growth, application of old growth conservation practices, stand practices for old growth, landscape practices for old growth
Creating win-wins in BC's forests... Taking on the sacred cows
Authors: McElligott Paul
Published: February 2014

TimberWest Forest Corporation became Canada's only publicly traded private timberland investment vehicle in 1997. In addition to private lands, the company holds two renewable Tree Farm Licenses and other public tenures. Revenues from logging represent 80% of the company's total revenue. The company has outperformed its industry peers in Canada and the United States. This success is attributed to the predominance of private lands in the company's business mix and to its ability to export logs off these lands. A case is presented for privatization of some, if not all, commercial forest land in British Columbia. Key words: log exports, privatization, coastal forest industry, industry restructuring
The Canadian Forest Service: Agent of change in an evolving forest environment
Authors: Hardy Yvan
Published: February 2014

The Canadian Forest Service (CFS) has set new goals and priorities in its Strategic Plan 20032008, re-examining the knowledge it creates and the ways in which that knowledge is created. This is in line with the Government of Canada's pursuit of a global strategy for Canadian science and technology, supporting more collaborative international research at the frontiers of knowledge. Also, with the Canadian forest industry facing new and non-traditional competitors and repositioning its product mix, CFS is encountering increased expectations from its external partners, clients and stakeholdersas the primary forest research agency in the country and the main federal body ensuring the competitiveness of the industry. CFS is, therefore, re-defining its role as the leading player in the Canadian forest sector by re-evaluating how it does business. CFS will spearhead the development and implementation of a new national forest S&T agenda, becoming Canada's premier source of authoritative, value-added forest information. It will also champion Canadian forest interests and expertise internationally while strengthening national consensus on Canadian forest policies and programs and advocating Canada's forest agenda within the federal government. To this end, CFS will attract and support talented personnel by creating a workplace conducive to creativity. Key words: Strategic Plan, global S&T strategy, non-traditional competitors, product mix, value-added forest information
Aboriginal forestry in Canada
Authors: Parsons Reginald , Prest Gordon
Published: February 2014

Many factors influence forestry in Canada; one gaining prominence is the practice of Aboriginal forestry. "What is Aboriginal forestry?" and "What are the driving forces behind Aboriginal forestry advancement?" are questions that are addressed in this paper. Aboriginal forestry can be seen as sustainable forest land use practices that incorporate the cultural protocols of the past with interactions between the forest ecosystem and today's Aboriginal people for generations unborn. Aboriginal forestry combines the strengths of current forest management models with traditional cultural Aboriginal forest practice. Aboriginal forestry practice is more than just following a prescription outlining when, where, and how to harvest, but prescribes how a respectful relationship with the natural world can be developed. There have been several factors driving Aboriginal forestry: forest certification, landmark court cases on Aboriginal rights and title, meaningful consultation and accommodation of potential infringements upon Aboriginal rights, modern treaty-making processes, and modern comprehensive and specific claims and treaty land entitlements. These lead to greater recognition and involvement of Aboriginal people in forestry. Key words: Aboriginal forestry, traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), community consultation, forest certification systems, forest management planning, Aboriginal forest values, Aboriginal worldview, Aboriginal and treaty rights.
A strategy for Canada's urban forests
Authors: Kenney W A
Published: February 2014

Urban forests are where 80% of Canadians live and work and, as such, represent their most intimate contact with their natural environment. The trees and woodlands in and around our cities and towns provide a broad range of environmental and socio-economic benefits to society. A recent survey in Ontario indicates that urbanites in that province not only consider their urban forests to be very important to them; they are also concerned about their conservation and management. A strategy for a collaborative, sustained, and nationally based effort to advance urban forestry in Canada is presented under the themes of community action, interdisciplinary relations, policy, professional development, research, and urban forests and planning. Key words: urban forest, strategy, community action, interdisciplinary relations, policy, professional development, research, planning.
Forestry and Canada's foreign aid program
Authors: Roberts Ralph W , Roper John
Published: February 2014

Assistance in forestry has been provided to more than 100 developing countries across a span of more than a half-century. The delivery channels for this aid, through the Canadian International Development Agency, have remained relatively unchanged over the years. However, the level of funding as well as the nature and scope of the type of support provided continues to evolve. The emphasis in earlier years tended to focus on stand-alone projects aimed at forest industries development and economic expansion. More recently, despite budget cutbacks, priority has been given to improved governance in the sector through institutional strengthening and capacity building. Multi-sectoral approaches are favoured wherein trees and forests play a key role in sustaining the provision of a range of economic, environmental, social and cultural values. Examples of these types of projects in all parts of the world are described. The strong comparative advantage enjoyed by Canada in the sector positions CIDA to pursue with partners and other donors a number of new directions in addressing pressing forest management and conservation issues in the South. Key words: development assistance, CIDA, IDRC, agroforestry, poverty alleviation, food security, deforestation, community forestry, national forest programs, international.
Knowing a socially sustainable forest when you see one: Implications for results-based forestry
Authors: Sheppard Stephen
Published: February 2014

The wider forestry community is struggling to define what the third leg of sustainability—social sustainability—actually means. While work is now underway to develop better social Criteria and Indicators for sustainable forest management in BC and elsewhere, it is already becoming clear that the social process of decision-making and management can be as important to society as the social outcomes. This has significant implications for a results-based system such as certification or a new Forestry Code in BC. This paper explores what a truly open and accountable planning process might look like. The achievement of social sustainability depends in part on society seeing tangible proof that forestry is ecologically sustainable and carefully designed. For many of the local and global publics, the forest landscape itself provides strong evidence of forest manager's performance. The concept of Visible Stewardship, the obvious expression of care and commitment to sustainable forestry, and emerging tools such as computer visualisation of future forests, may be vital to building trust in sustainable forestry. Key words: social sustainability, social criteria and indicators, public involvement, forest stewardship, visual quality, visualization, public perceptions
Species diversity and forest health in northwest British Columbia
Authors: Woods Alex J
Published: February 2014

Forest management in the Interior Cedar Hemlock (ICH) zone of the Kispiox TSA in northwest British Columbia has focused on two tree species. Interior spruce (Picea engelmanni Parry ex Engelm. × Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) and lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia Dougl. ex Loud.) have dominated plantations, while historically, western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.), true firs (Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt. and (Abies amabilis (Dougl. ex Loud.) Dougl. ex Forbes) and western redcedar (Thuja plicata Donn ex D. Don), have dominated the landscape. Tomentosus root disease (Inonotus tomentosus (Fr.) Teng) and Dothistroma needle blight (Mycosphaerella pini Rostr. in Munk) are the principal diseases affecting interior spruce and lodgepole pine plantations, respectively. Tomentosus root disease was found in 92% of spruce-dominated stands 100 years and older in the study area. The annual recruitment of dead interior spruce and lodgepole pine tree volume due to the disease in those stands is 4.29 m3/ha or 51 990 m3. The incidence of Tomentosus root disease in ten randomly selected spruce leading plantations aged 25–30 years ranged from 0.6% to 10.4% and averaged 5.9% of the host trees. Dothistroma needle blight was the most prevalent pest in a survey of 100 randomly selected lodgepole pine plantations and has caused considerable crop tree mortality. The disease has even caused mortality in 55-year-old lodgepole pine trees. Maintaining species diversity is essential to long-term forest health. Intensive planting of interior spruce and lodge-pole pine in this study area appears to have exacerbated disease problems. Key words: forest health, species diversity, interior spruce, lodgepole pine, Tomentosus root disease, Dothistroma needle blight
Assessing the probability of crown fire initiation based on fire danger indices
Authors: Cruz Miguel G , Alexander Martin E , Wakimoto Ronald H
Published: February 2014

The initiation of crown fires in conifer stands was modelled through logistic regression analysis by considering as independent variables a basic physical descriptor of the fuel complex structure and selected components of the Canadian Forest Fire Weather Index (FWI) System. The study was based on a fire behaviour research database consisting of 63 experimental fires covering a relatively wide range of burning conditions and fuel type characteristics. Four models were built with decreasing input needs. Significant predictors of crown fire initiation were: canopy base height, wind speed measured at a height of 10 m in the open, and four components of the FWI System (i.e., Fine Fuel Moisture Code, Drought Code, Initial Spread Index and Buildup Index). The models predicted correctly the type of fire (i.e., surface or crown) between 90% and 66% of the time. The C index, a statistical measure, varied from 0.94 to 0.71, revealing good concordance between predicted probabilities and observed events. A comparison between the logistic models and Canadian Forest Fire Behaviour Prediction System models did not show any conclusive differences. The results of a limited evaluation involving two independent experimental fire data sets for distinctly different fuel complexes were encouraging. The logistic models built may have applicability in fire management decision support systems, allowing for the estimation of the probability of crown fire initiation at small and large spatial scales from commonly available fire environment and fire danger rating information. The relationships presented are considered valid for free-burning fires on level terrain in coniferous forests that have reached a pseudo steady-state and are not deemed applicable to dead conifer forests (i.e., insect-killed stands). Key words: Canadian Forest Fire Danger Rating System, crown fire initiation, fire behaviour, fire danger indices, logistic regression
Effects of forest management practices on red-shouldered hawks in Ontario
Authors: Naylor Brian J , Baker James A , Szuba Kandyd J
Published: February 2014

The red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus) is a species of special concern throughout its northern range. It is considered to be sensitive to forest management practices because it requires dense mature hardwood forest for nesting. In Ontario, guidelines that prescribe spatial and temporal buffers were developed in about 1990 to mitigate the potential impacts of harvesting. We monitored 84 nesting areas of red-shouldered hawks in central and southeastern Ontario from 1988 to 1995 to describe the effects of forest management practices on the occupancy and productivity of nesting areas, to evaluate the effectiveness of the guidelines, and recommend modifications as appropriate. The number of years nesting areas had been used previously had a significant negative effect on activity status, but not on nest success. Nesting areas harvested with application of the guidelines had a similar probability of being active to those in uncut forest but nesting areas harvested without application of the guidelines did not. Neither the area nor proximity of selection cuts with a moderate to high residual basal area ( ≥18 m2/ha) affected the activity status of nesting areas. In contrast, the area and proximity of heavy cuts (shelterwood cuts or selection cuts with a residual basal area of 1416 m2/ha) appeared to have a negative effect on activity status. When nesting areas were active, the proximity and amount of harvesting did not influence nest success. We concluded that the impact of harvesting on the activity status of nesting areas could be mitigated by prohibiting heavy cuts within 300 m of active nests and retaining ≥20 ha of forest dominated by tolerant and mid-tolerant hardwood trees, ≥18 m tall, with ≥70% canopy closure around nests. Key words: Buteo lineatus, effectiveness monitoring, habitat guidelines, nest success, Ontario, red-shouldered hawk, forest management, selection, shelterwood, tolerant hardwoods
Potential indicators of the impacts of forest management on wildlife habitat in northeastern Ontario: A multivariate application of wildlife habitat suitability matrices
Authors: Malcolm Jay R , Campbell Brian D , Kuttner Ben G , Sugar Alissa
Published: February 2014

Protocols to select ecological indicators of sustainable forest management will benefit from a proactive approach that identifies species likely to be most seriously impacted by management. Here, we use an objective approach that couples forest resource inventory information from logged and unlogged landscapes in northeastern Ontario with information from the provincial vertebrate habitat suitability matrix to assess habitat suitability (the amount of used and preferred habitats) in the landscapes and to identify potential indicators of the impacts of forest management activities. Because they may be most representative of potential future logged landscapes in the region, we contrasted the oldest post-clearcut landscapes in the region (1950s and 1960s era, n = 27) with unlogged landscapes (n = 16). Each landscape was a 2-km radius circle (12.6 km2). In light of reported invasions of hardwood species into logged conifer sites, we considered two regeneration scenarios for very young post-harvest stands: full and partial regeneration control. Logged landscapes differed markedly from unlogged landscapes with respect to forest age and forest type. These differences resulted in strong distinctions between logged and unlogged forests for bird and mammal communities, but relatively weak separation for herpetofauna. Redundancy analysis indicated that the percent variation in habitat suitability attributable to logging was 27% for birds, 17–18% for mammals, and 8–12% for herpetofauna. More than 40% of bird and mammal species showed highly significant differences in habitat suitability between the two landscape types (P<0.01), with more species having higher suitability in unlogged than logged forests. This higher habitat suitability in unlogged forests was associated with a greater amount of older forests and a higher richness of forest types in unlogged compared to logged forests. The effect of the two regeneration scenarios was discernible for all communities, but had a relatively weak effect, with the possible exception of higher snowshoe hare (Lepus americana) densities under partial compared to full regeneration control. Various lines of evidence are presented suggesting that these differences between logged and unlogged landscapes may be maintained into the future unless actions are taken to ameliorate these effects of clearcut logging. The technique presented here may prove useful in forest monitoring and adaptive management planning because it is objective, can simultaneously consider a large number of forest taxa, focuses on real rather than projected landscapes, and outlines, in a succinct way, the main habitat-related gradients in habitat suitability matrices. Key words: wildlife habitat supply, clearcut logging, boreal forest, indicator species, forest age, forest regeneration, multivariate analysis
Régénération artificielle des pessières noires à éricacées : effets du scarifiage, de la fertilisation et du type de plants après 10 ans
Authors: Thiffault Nelson , Cyr Guillaume , Prégent Guy , Jobidon Robert , Charette Lise
Published: February 2014

Site invasion by ericaceous shrubs after perturbation, either natural or human, is a major concern on some sites of the boreal forest of Québec. A dense cover of ericaceous shrubs often induces a conifer "growth check," which can last several decades. An interaction study was initiated in 1991 with the general objective of developing silvicultural strategies to ensure plantation success on such sites. Black spruce, jack pine, and tamarack seedlings were planted. Stock type, scarification, and fertilization treatments were organised in a randomized block split plot design. We measured seedling total height periodically over a ten-year period and assessed basal area and survival ten years after plantation. Most responses to treatments were additive. Results indicated that mechanical soil scarification is of major importance to ensure seedling growth, both in height and basal area, on spruce-ericaceous shrub sites of northeastern Québec. Scarification allowed a better expression of the site index, implying a sustainable impact on microsite characteristics that is greater than short-term effects on mineralization and nutrient availability. Fertilization positively influenced seedling growth, but less than soil scarification. Species choice had a strong impact on site productivity. Over a ten-year period, stock types only had a minor influence on plantation success, when compared to scarification or fertilization effects. Key words: Kalmia angustifolia, ericaceous shrubs, survival, growth, regeneration, black spruce, jack pine, tamarack
Using geographic information systems to investigate uncertainty in forest planning outcomes
Authors: Cerda Juan Pablo , Mitchell Stephen J
Published: February 2014

Forests are complex systems with forest ecosystem, resource, stakeholder and policy subsystems. Knowledge about forest systems is always incomplete, and uncertainty pervades decision-making. Forest planning should account for complexity and address uncertainty, using feedback on past outcomes to inform future planning. Complexity in the forest system and uncertainty in planning have a spatial dimension, which can be represented and analyzed using geographic information systems (GIS). These principles apply to both strategic and operational planning. In this paper we present a GIS-based method for spatially analyzing forest planning outcomes and uncertainty (SAFEPLAN). Results obtained for a southeastern BC case study show how this method can be used to identify specific sources of uncertainty and remedies for improving the effectiveness of operational forest planning. Anticipating the effects of recurring events on plan outcomes will increase effectiveness of operational planning and will improve the ability of forest managers to achieve the desired results. Key words: uncertainty, risk, forest planning, geographic information system, natural disturbance
A parameter recovery model for estimating black spruce diameter distributions within the context of a stand density management diagram
Authors: Newton P F , Lei Y. , Zhang S Y
Published: February 2014

The objectives of this study were to develop and subsequently demonstrate a parameter prediction approach for estimating black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill. ) BSP) diameter frequency distributions within the context of a stand density management diagram (SDMD). The approach consisted of three sequential steps: (1) obtaining maximum likelihood estimates for the location, scale and shape parameters of the Weibull probability density function for 153 empirical diameter frequency distributions; (2) developing and evaluating parameter prediction equations in which the Weibull parameter estimates were expressed as functions of stand-level variables based on step-wise regression and seemingly unrelated regression techniques; and (3) explicitly incorporating the parameter prediction equations into the SDMD modelling framework. The results indicated that the Weibull function was successful in characterizing the diameter distributions within the sample stands: the fitted distributions exhibited no significant (p ≤ 0. 05) differences in relation to their corresponding observed distributions, based on the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The parameter prediction equations described 94, 94 and 89% of the variation in the location, scale and shape parameter estimates, respectively. Furthermore, evaluation of the recovered distributions in terms of prediction error indicated minimal biases and acceptable accuracy. As demonstrated, incorporating the parameter prediction equations into an algorithmic version of the SDMD enabled the prediction of the temporal dynamics of the diameter frequency distribution by initial density regime and site quality. Additionally, an executable version of the resultant algorithm with instructions on acquiring it via the Internet is provided. Key words: 3-parameter Weibull probability density function, stepwise and seemingly unrelated regression, predictive error, product value, algorithm, Internet
Approaches to setting forestry research priorities: Considering the benefits of reducing uncertainty
Authors: Nilsson G. , Luckert M K , Armstrong G W , Hauer G K , Messmer M J
Published: February 2014

This paper reviews current approaches to research topic selection in forest management. Most current approaches are based on soliciting expert opinion of researchers within an environment where research demands may enter through media and political events. A number of potential problems are identified with these types of approaches including: research issues changing too rapidly for research programs to adapt, inability of surveys to capture long term trends in priorities, potential for processes to be captured by special interests of particular stakeholders, potential for consensus seeking to lead to research priorities that are too broad, a lack of statistical differences between topics leading to no significant priorities, a lack of explicit linking of the supply and demand for forestry research, and the potential for media to misrepresent research demands. Building on this literature, we suggest that current research selection methods be supplemented by developing new frameworks to provide more explicit information for research topic selection in forest management that would reduce the current pervasive role of subjectivity, provide research guidelines for local regions, and incorporate quantitative methods. This framework could be based upon the idea that one value of information is the reduction of costly mistakes. We suggest that sensitivity analyses on savings from potentially reduced uncertainty, within the context of different institutional constraints, could provide explicit information to assist with research topic selection. Key words: forestry research priorities, returns to research, value of information
An active adaptive management case study in Ontario boreal mixedwood stands
Authors: MacDonald G. Blake , Rice James A
Published: February 2014

Active adaptive management has recently been advocated for efficiently reducing resource management uncertainties, but no documented applications to forestry issues exist in Ontario. This paper reports the experience of a diverse partnership applying active adaptive management to improve techniques for obtaining desired boreal mixedwood structure and composition in northeastern Ontario. Institutional and economic barriers have been more limiting than technical barriers. Building and maintaining the partnership have required considerable effort, and opportunities for conflict were greatest in the assessment and design steps of the adaptive management cycle. The partnership has maintained its progress by promoting flexibility, trust, and consensus-building. This study demonstrates that classical adaptive management can be simplified for application in local management units. A broader application of active adaptive management in Ontario will require senior decision-makers to endorse a strategy that includes staff retraining, admission of management uncertainties, cooperation among management agencies, stability of long-term funding, encouragement of innovation, and regular adjustment of policies and practices. Key words: consensus-building, designed learning, forest management policies, modelling, monitoring, partnerships, response indicators
Systematics: Its role in supporting sustainable forest management
Authors: Huber John T , Langor David W
Published: February 2014

Understanding the natural world around us requires knowledge of its component parts. From an ecological function perspective, these parts are species. Partitioning the world of living things into distinguishable, universally recognized species, each with a unique scientific name, is difficult, especially when one considers the numerous kinds of microscopic organisms that make up most of the planet's biodiversity. Biosystematics is the study of the origin of biological diversity and the evolutionary relationships among species and higher-level groups (taxa). Taxonomy is the theory and practice of identifying, describing, naming and classifying organisms. Despite the emergence of national and international issues and programs concerning conservation of biodiversity, climate change and invasive alien organisms, all of which demand significant taxonomic input and require an increased investment in systematics, Canada's investment in this discipline has not risen to meet the challenge. Since the mid-1970s the number of taxonomists employed by the federal government has been reduced by about one half. Canada must do more than maintain the inadequate status quo by increasing its investment in systematics in order to meet our nation's obligations, both domestically and internationally. Key words: systematics, taxonomy, definitions, importance for biology, sustainable forestry, biodiversity, invasive pests