bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progress toward sustainable forest management: Insight from the New Brunswick experience
Authors: Erdle Thom
Published: February 2014

The concept of "sustainability" is central to forest management in Canada today. Sustainable forest management strategies are deemed to be so (a) with respect to the values for which the forest is being managed, and (b) given the forest characterization used in design of those strategies. If the values of concern are changed, and/or forest characterization used in strategy formulation is changed, the verdict about sustainability of the strategy will also change. Dramatic changes in forest values and forest characterization have occurred in the last two decades, making "sustainability" a moving target. The future is apt to be no different. Thus, one challenge to forest management is to change, that is to incorporate new values, better biological understanding, and more accurate forest characterization data to devise management strategies which are deemed sustainable in the context of the day. A second challenge is to design management in a way which facilitates discovery and explanation of flaws in existing strategies and which enables continual improvement through systematic strategy revision. The first challenge suggests the need for a flexible and responsive management design system, and the second, a stable foundation underpinning that system. This paper analyses evolution of forest management on Crown Land in New Brunswick since passage of landmark legislation in 1980 and use of one management design approach as it has been applied to progress toward the moving target of sustainable forest management. Lessons from the past 18 years may have application in the next 18 years.
Canada's national forest strategies: A comparative analysis
Authors: Young Jeff L. , Duinker Peter N.
Published: February 2014

Canada's national forest strategies (NFS) advance a commitment to maintain the diversity of social, economic, and ecological values throughout the nation's forests. This paper tracks and compares four major events in the progression of Canada's national forest policy: (i) the 1981–1987 forest sector discussion paper; (ii) the 1987–1992 forest sector strategy; (iii) the 1992–1997 NFS; and (iv) the 1998–2003 NFS.The 1987 NFS consisted of recommendations, whereas the 1992 NFS presented commitment statements. Unfortunately, the 1992 strategy did not reference the Canada Forest Accord nor vise-versa. Further, the Accord signatories simply endorsed a set of national commitments - these were not binding on the provinces. The 1998 NFS strengthened the connection to the second Canada Forest Accord, but connection is still not complete, as the second Canada Forest Accord does not reference the 1998 NFS. Nonetheless, both 1998 documents direct signatories to produce measurable action plans by 1999, thereby determining their specific responsibilities and deadlines. Together, the 1998 Canada Forest Accord and NFS accommodate regional differences while instilling a level of responsibility to achieve sustainable forests nationwide.The process to develop the NFS has improved through each iteration due to the greater range of discussion topics and wider spectrum of participants, especially Aboriginal people. The flexibility in allowing additional time to consult stakeholders and draft better strategies has also strengthened the 1998 NFS, as the 1998 National Forest Congress was delayed.Maintaining wide consultation to address key stakeholder values, retaining flexibility while encouraging a significant level of commitment, and keeping strong connectivity between the Canada Forest Accord and the strategy are components for developing successful national forest policy in the future. Key words: Canada Forest Accord, Canadian forest policy, forest values, national forest strategy, policy development, public consultation, sustainable forests
Towards a list of science priorities for the conservation and management of southern Ontario Forests — Results of a workshop
Authors: Strobl Silvia
Published: February 2014

To define science priorities for the conservation and management of southern Ontario's remaining forest, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources invited resource managers, planners and scientists working with numerous government and non-government agencies to a workshop on March 24 and 25, 1998. Participants identified their three top resource concerns for this region's forests. Some of these included: (1) protection of remnant natural areas, (2) declines in forest cover and woodlot quality, and (3) ineffective information transfer to private woodlot owners. Recommendations, including those which require science input, are discussed under three goals: protect existing forest cover, increase forest cover, and improve our understanding of human impacts of forest ecosystems. Key words: conservation, management, restoration, forest cover, resource concerns, science needs, private woodlots, information transfer, policy
Forest management guidelines based on natural disturbance dynamics: Stand- and forest-level considerations
Authors: Bergeron Yves , Harvey Brian , Leduc Alain , Gauthier Sylvie
Published: February 2014

Although the concept of forest ecosystem management based on natural disturbance has generated a great deal of interest, few concrete examples exist of FEM principles being put into application. Silvicultural practices that emulate natural disturbances are proposed with examples from the principal vegetation zones of Quebec. With the exception of the large-scale use of careful logging to protect advanced regeneration in ecosystems generally controlled by fire, stand-level silvicultural practices currently used are reasonably similar to natural disturbances, although important differences exist. In contrast, at the forest-level, even-aged management, as is currently practised, rarely permits adequate reproduction of the variety of age classes, stand types, and structural components normally found in the boreal forest. A model that allows an even-aged management approach inspired by natural dynamics is proposed.
The role of microbial indicators of soil quality in ecological forest management
Authors: Staddon W. J. , Duchesne L. C. , Trevors J. T.
Published: February 2014

Ecological management is gaining acceptance as an encompassing philosophy in forest resource management. In keeping with this new paradigm, the Canadian Standards Association is creating a forest certification process to ensure that forest products are generated through sustainable forestry. However, a great deal of research is needed to develop and assess soil indicators of ecological sustainability. This paper discusses the role and usefulness of microbial indicators of soil quality in the ecological management of forests and the forest certification process. Suitable microbial indicators of soil conservation should be closely linked to critical ecological processes, should be documented properly across various ecosystem types, should be easy to use, and must evolve with new scientific knowledge. Key words: ecological management, soil quality, criteria and indicators, Canadian Standards Association, soil microorganisms, fire
Possible impact of forest product certification on the worldwide forest environment
Authors: Côté Marc-André
Published: February 2014

Supporters of forest and wood product certification are generally seeking to improve forest management and to ensure market access to forest products. Although wood products certification can be seen as an interesting marketing tool, it is doubtful whether it will improve forest management at the international level. Forest and wood product certification is already seen as a complementary tool to other existing instruments such as regulations and subsidies. However, a closer analysis shows that certification could be focused on the wrong countries, management units, scales of management, actors and problems to be potentially effective. This article aims to assess the possible impact of certification processes on the worldwide forest environment. The identification of possible limitations of forest product certification process could help to make that instrument more effective. Key words: forest certification, environmental impact
A retrospective look at 80 years of silvicultural research at Petawawa
Authors: D'Eon Steve
Published: February 2014

Canada's oldest forest research plot was laid out at Petawawa in 1918. Since then, hundreds of researchers have established plots, gathered data, and published results utilizing the Petawawa Research Forest. Many of the projects and plots were designed as long-term studies meant to endure and be re-measured over the decades. Although control plots were utilized, these early experiments were established prior to the benefits of repetition and experimental design. Later experiments were installed with three or more reps and factorial designs strengthening their analytical capabilities. Research priorities have shifted over time from documenting the results of a particular silvicultural treatment to understanding why silvicultural responses are obtained. Factors that influenced the continuance of some studies and the discarding of others are reviewed.Some studies achieved their original goals and have been continued for longer periods or utilized for additional goals. Characteristics such as tenure, experimental design, and site characteristics are described for several of these studies. Key words: long-term research, permanent sample plots, Petawawa
The Lake Duparquet Research and Teaching Forest: Building a foundation for ecosystem management
Authors: Harvey Brian
Published: February 2014

The Lake Duparquet Research and Teaching Forest is situated in northwestern Quebec in the Boreal Shield Ecozone. Managed by two constituents of the Université du Québec, in collaboration with two forest companies, Norbord and Tembec, the Lake Duparquet Forest has a strong research program focussed on natural forest ecosystem dynamics that provides the scientific basis for management and silvicultural trials recently begun in the Forest. A bibliographical review of research activities is presented. Keywords: boreal, mixedwood, natural dynamics, fire, disturbance, ecosystem management, silviculture
The Salal Cedar Hemlock Integrated Research Program (SCHIRP): Management through understanding
Authors: Prescott Cindy E. , Blevins Leandra L.
Published: February 2014

The problem being addressed is the poor growth of regenerating western redcedar, western hemlock, amabilis fir and Sitka spruce on cutovers of coastal old-growth cedar-hemlock (CH) forests invaded by salal. The approach has been dual; a series of field trials was established to determine the best practices for improving the productivity of CH sites, and ecological studies have investigated the underlying causes of the poor regeneration. SCHIRP is based on partnerships among individuals from forest industry, government, and universities. There have been multiple funding sources during the 15-year history of the project, most notably NSERC and Forest Renewal BC. The involvement of forest industry in the research program has helped to ensure funding for research, completion of projects during ebbs of funding, and the extension of findings to forestry practices. The project has a coordinator who is responsible for communicating with funding agencies, synthesising information, producing proposals and reports, carrying out extension activities, and facilitating communication among researchers. Decisions concerning the administration and future directions of SCHIRP are made by a consensus among researchers through e-mail or at annual meetings. The SCHIRP database contains data from the silvicultural trials and consists of plain text data files and programs which perform various functions. SCHIRP results are summarised in two synthesis reports and a field guide, and are available on the SCHIRP web-site. SCHIRP results have been presented in scientific journals, in pamphlets distributed to the public, at meetings, and through field tours. Key words: silvicultural trials, cedar, hemlock, salal, fertilization, vegetation control, organic fertilizers, data management, regeneration, extension, project management
Improving long-term forest ecology research for the 21st century
Authors: Lautenschlager R. A.
Published: February 2014

Changes in scientific views, approaches, and the public's environmental concerns have broadened the foci of silvicultural research from individuals in stands to these plus other interacting components at broader temporal and spatial scales. Present studies have benefited from increasing interdisciplinary ecological study; however, even the most interdisciplinary research and management could be improved by (1) moving beyond public comment to incorporating the public's environmental concerns into experimental and management designs; (2) being conducted at scales (time and space) that are appropriate to ecosystem components of greatest concern; (3) encouraging researchers and managers to test their knowledge using landscape-level forest vegetation management and checking predictions using sufficient monitoring; and (4) recognizing that within-study integration will require identifying study-appropriate integrative currencies. Key words: ecosystem research, integrative currency, landscape, monitoring, public values, scale, solutions
The Forest Ecosystem Research Network of Sites (FERNS)
Authors: Mitchell A. K. , Lee C.
Published: February 2014

The Canadian Forest Service (CFS) has organized a National Forest Ecosystem Research Network of Sites (FERNS). These sites are focussed on the study of sustainable forest management practices and ecosystem processes at the stand level. Network objectives are to promote this research nationally and internationally, provide linkages among sites, preserve the long-term research investments already made on these sites and provide a forum for information exchange and data sharing. The 17 individual sites are representative of six ecozones across Canada and address the common issue of silvicultural solutions to problems of sustainable forest management. While the CFS coordinates and promotes FERNS, the network consists of local autonomous partners nationwide who benefit from the FERNS affiliation through increased publicity for their sites. Key words: long-term, silviculture, network, interdisciplinary, ecozone, ecosystem processes
Automated environmental monitoring and database management: Fantasies and realities
Authors: Benton R. A. , Pettersen K. M.
Published: February 2014

Modern dataloggers and the ever-increasing number of sensors can measure a wide range of environmental parameters, from air temperature and relative humidity through energy flux density, in minute detail and summarize the data for you at any interval your research requires. The cost of collecting environmental data using automated data recorders and their associated sensors continues to drop with advancements in microprocessor development. The value of the data collected by these systems is largely determined by decisions regarding overall project and individual study component design. The utility and versatility of the information collected is a function of the planning performed at the beginning of the research program. The initial design of the monitoring system and the database produced by the system will determine whether or not the data may be useful for other work being conducted on site or nearby. The expected and actual functionality of the database produced can be quite different depending on the resources applied to the monitoring system during initial setup and with ongoing maintenance. This paper incorporates the experiences gained from three long-term research programs involving extensive automated environmental monitoring networks, the problems encountered, the success stories, and the lessons learned. Suggestions and considerations for system design and database management are proposed. Key words: environmental monitoring, system design, database management
An overview of LEOPARDS: The Level of Protection Analysis System
Authors: McAlpine R. S. , Hirsch K. G.
Published: February 2014

The Level of Protection Analysis System (LEOPARDS) allows the structured assessment of the outcomes and costs associated with alternative fire management policies, budgets, and suppression resource mixes. Its primary component is a deterministic, spatially conscious simulation model that emulates the daily fire suppression activities of a provincial fire management agency. Inputs for the model include historical fire weather and fire occurrence data, land-use objectives and operational rules, and infrastructure and suppression resource information. The model estimates physical outcomes (e.g., response time, number of escaped fires, area burned), fiscal results (e.g., fixed and variable costs), and resource utilization information. LEOPARDS has been used to address a number of strategic fire management issues in the province of Ontario and is being assessed for use in other parts of Canada.
Enhancing social indicators research in a forest-dependent community
Authors: Parkins John
Published: February 2014

Forest industry host communities are receiving increased attention from policy makers, academics, and municipal leaders. Recently, this attention is trained on measuring social and economic change at the community level and on identifying and developing avenues to greater community well-being. This paper examines aspects of two common social indicators, employment and migration, in the context of a forest-dependent community in Northern Alberta. By using statistical information along with two other major data sources that include interviews with local residents and a variety of reports from local institutions, specific social changes taking place within the community are described. Readers are cautioned against relying solely on statistical information to measure change and are encouraged to triangulate data with local sources. Such efforts may be more time consuming but the results are likely to provide more important insights into how and why certain communities are prospering while others are struggling. The paper concludes with a discussion of social capital as a crucial dimension of community well-being. Key words: forest-dependent communities, social indicators, employment, migration, mobility, community well-being, social capital
New voices in the debate: The Quesnel Women's Resource Centre and sustainable community development
Authors: Halseth Greg , Lo Jenny
Published: February 2014

To increase local diversity, and to enhance prospects of sustainability, two very distinct challenges must be addressed. First, attention must be given to local capacity building so that people and places can react to the challenges and opportunities encapsulated within processes of "change" or "adjustment." Second, there must be a wider participation in the sustainable development process and debate – after all, we cannot call it "community development" if the broader community does not participate. This paper provides an illustration of how one community group in small town British Columbia is working to address both the capacity building and participation challenges. Key words: community capacity building, diverse participation, women
FOREST CARE: Evaluating progress toward sustainable forest management in Alberta
Authors: Carpenter Andrew M. , Kessler Winifred B.
Published: February 2014

Forest certification programs establish standards for sustainable forest management (SFM), and processes for evaluating the practices of companies relative to those standards. FORESTCARE is a volunteer, provincial-level certification program initiated by the Alberta Forest Products Association, its members, and stakeholders. Using a participating woodlands operation in northern Alberta as a test case, we examined how SFM criteria are applied in the FORESTCARE program, and whether measurable progress is evident. We also compared the FORESTCARE audit process with corporate and government audits performed in the same year. The test case revealed specific, measurable changes in management that represent actual or potential progress toward SFM. However, the improvements could not be directly attributed to the FORESTCARE Program. Recommendations are provided for strengthening FORESTCARE processes and practices. Key words: Alberta forestry, ecosystem management, FORESTCARE, forest certification, forest planning, public participation, sustainable forest management
The conflict in managing New Brunswick's forests for timber and other values
Authors: Erdle Thom A.
Published: February 2014

A key forest management challenge in Canada, and elsewhere, is to strike an acceptable balance between the various values for which forests are to be managed. Striking that balance between commodity, aesthetic, environmental, and other values is difficult because (a) what defines an acceptable balance varies between parties who weight such values differently, and (b) some values are incompatible, in that managing for the betterment of one occurs at the expense of another. Timber supply is an important economic value in Canada, but there is clear evidence of an increasing social demand to favour non-timber values in forest management to a greater extent than has occurred in the past. Accommodating this demand often has negative timber supply consequences, thus forcing difficult decisions involving tradeoffs between values. Such tradeoffs occur when management decisions affect any of three primary factors of timber production, namely, landbase size, stand growth rates, and treatment timing choices. In New Brunswick, where aggressive industrial development has resulted in intensive use of the forest for timber production, the tradeoffs between timber and non-timber values are particularly difficult to make. Using New Brunswick as an example, this paper explores the mechanisms by which forest values conflict. It employs a simple land allocation schematic to illustrate the nature of that conflict, to identify plausible future scenarios in which that conflict is likely to intensify, and to discuss possible mitigating strategies. Key words: forest management, land zoning, nontimber values, trade-offs, New Brunswick forestry
Impacts of climate warming on forests in Ontario: Options for adaptation and mitigation
Authors: Papadopol C. S.
Published: February 2014

This paper summarizes current knowledge about the optical properties of greenhouse gases and general climate-warming influences. It explains the influence of this new phenomenon on the major ecosystems of the world, and considers the process of deforestation. It then analyzes the warming trends in Ontario based on data from two weather stations with continuous records of more than 120 years, to determine the rate of warming in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Region. The results indicate a temperature increase of about 0.76 °C per century and an 8% increase in annual total precipitation.Current climate change models indicate that for a scenario of 2 × CO2 levels some general, probable prognoses can be made, including a temperature increase of up to 4.5 °C, which might be disastrous for existing forest ecosystems. Specifically, the consequences of climate warming on (a) northward shifts of ecological conditions, (b) forest productivity, and (c) forest physiology and health, are examined. In the context of global warming, the paper then recommends practical management measures necessary to ensure adaptation of existing forest ecosystems to the warming that is already developing. These measures are intended to provide a no-risk environment for existing forests until rotation age. Next, a wide range of mitigative measures is examined with a view to securing the long-term preservation of forest ecosystems to avoid major ecological disruptions and, gradually, to reverse climate warming. Application of these measures requires international consensus, but countries that apply these recommendations first have a chance to profit from them due to the "CO2 fertilization" effect. Key words: climate change, silviculture, forest management
Strategic planning in urban forestry: A 21st century paradigm shift for small town Canada
Authors: Wassenaer P. J. E. van , Schaeffer L. , Kenney W. A.
Published: February 2014

The pressures created by urban sprawl are leading to a reduction in forested land in Canada and North America. Poorly controlled land-use planning contributes to the haphazard urbanization of many small communities within commuting distance of major urban centres. Urban forests are largely ignored as an asset and the potential benefits they can offer to communities are often not acknowledged in the planning process. Relatively few communities across Canada have any form of urban forest management. A new definition of the urban forest is proposed that recognizes the need for an ecosystem approach to urban forest management and the integral role that humans play in that ecosystem. To facilitate the implementation of urban forest management plans in small communities, a simple strategic planning framework is presented. Using this approach, many small towns can maintain their rural character and benefit from a wealth of environmental, social and economic benefits. Key words: urban forestry, community planning, forest benefits, strategic planning, ecosystem approach, forest fragmentation
Land development pressure on peri-urban forests: A case study in the Regional Municipality of York
Authors: Puric-Mladenovic D. , Kenney W. A. , Csillag F.
Published: February 2014

Forests patches and forest fragmentation were quantified for seven area municipalities within the Regional Municipality of York for the period from 1975 to 1988. This quantification made it possible to determine the extent of forest changes in space and time. In 1988, forest cover shrank to 30%–50% of its 1975 extent. At the same time, the number of forest patches doubled or tripled and mean patch size and the area of interior (based on a 100 m wide edge) declined indicating a high rate of forest fragmentation. Key words: development, fragmentation, remote sensing, forest
A conceptual model of biotic disturbance ecology in the central interior of B.C.: How forest management can turn Dr. Jekyll into Mr. Hyde
Authors: Lewis Kathy J. , Lindgren B. Staffan
Published: February 2014

In forested ecosystems, insects and pathogens play an important role in ecosystem function, and there is increasing evidence that these organisms are primary determinants of forest structure and composition. Recent research has confirmed this even in sub-boreal forests, where fire was traditionally thought to be the major agent of disturbance and hence the main driver of successional processes. This paper presents a conceptual model of biotic disturbance ecology in sub-boreal forests of central B.C. We also describe how forest management practices can lead to forest health problems by disrupting these ecological processes, and the natural population dynamics of insects and pathogens. Key words: disturbance ecology, succession, forest pest, sub-boreal, forest management, forest health
Third Millennium Forestry: What climate change might mean to forests and forest management in Ontario
Authors: Parker William C. , Colombo Stephen J. , Cherry Marilyn L. , Greifenhagen Sylvia , Papadopol Chris , Flannigan Michael D. , McAlpine Robert S. , Scarr Taylor
Published: February 2014

Climate change may profoundly influence Ontario's forest ecosystems and their management. Elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations, increased temperature and altered precipitation regimes will affect forest vegetation through their influence on physiological (e.g., photosynthesis, respiration) and ecological processes (e.g., net primary production, decomposition), and may result in dramatic northward shifts in the natural range of forest types and species. More importantly, climate change is expected to increase the frequency of natural disturbances. Silvicultural intervention will increasingly be relied on to maintain forest health, manage declining stands, regenerate disturbed areas and cutovers with desired species and genotypes, maintain genetic diversity, and assist in species migration. Given the increasingly important role of Ontario's forests in national and provincial efforts to meet greenhouse gas emission reduction targets of the Kyoto Protocol, afforestation, conservation of existing forests, and increased forest management activities to accelerate the storage of carbon in Ontario's forests will be key aspects of forestry at the start of the third millennium. Key words: adaptation, afforestation, bioenergy, carbon dioxide, climate change, disturbance, intensive forest management, migration, mitigation, sequestration, succession
Soil disturbance and aspen regeneration on clay soils: Three case histories
Authors: Stone Douglas M. , Elioff John D.
Published: February 2014

Sustaining forest productivity requires maintaining soil productivity and prompt establishment of adequate regeneration following harvest. We determined effects of commercial, winter-logging of aspen-dominated stands on soil disturbance and development of regeneration on three sites with clay soils. We established transects across each site, recorded pre-harvest stand information, post-harvest site disturbance, and first-year aspen sucker density and height. Use of large logging equipment produced heavy disturbance on 38% of a well-drained site; 45% of the area had no aspen suckers and 82% had less than the recommended minimum of 15 000 (15 k) suckers per ha (6 k ac−1). Mean height of dominant suckers was 45 cm (18 in). Hand felling and a small skidder caused heavy disturbance on 12% of a moderately well-drained site. Sucker density averaged 34 k ha−1 (14 k ac−1) and height was 97 cm (38 in). Cut-to-length (CTL) equipment produced heavy disturbance on 11% of a somewhat poorly-drained site, mean sucker density of 24 k ha−1 (9.6 k ac−1), and height of 101 cm (40 in). These severely disturbed areas essentially are removed from the aspen-producing land base. Retaining the northern hardwood and conifer growing stock would result in less site disturbance and help maintain natural hydrologic and nutrient cycling processes. Key words: aspen management, site disturbance, sustainable management, logging damage, soil rutting, root damage, evapotranspiration, soil aeration, clearcutting with residuals
Spatial implementation of models in forestry
Authors: Fournier R. A. , Guindon L. , Bernier P. Y. , Ung C. -H. , Raulier F.
Published: February 2014

Advances in GIS and digital remote sensing are improving our ability to obtain estimates of spatially distributed forest properties such as forest biomass or productivity. The availability of such tools for implementing models in a spatially explicit manner provides opportunities to integrate ecological or process-based models into resource management applications. This article provides guidelines for implementing such models for spatially explicit applications to forest management. Project objectives may vary greatly from one application to another, but scaling, model evaluation, error assessment, and procedural improvement are all aspects that require a common strategic approach. Three examples of implementation of spatial models dealing with the mapping of forest biomass, site index and forest productivity are also presented. The guidelines can be extended to other applications, in particular to those in resource management where either ecological modelling or the inclusion of new technologies such as remote sensing is required. Key words: GIS, model integration, ecophysiology, remote sensing, forest modelling
Competition and critical-period thresholds for vegetation management decisions in young conifer stands
Authors: Wagner Robert G.
Published: February 2014

Thresholds define the time when management action is required to prevent a loss in yield, but have remained relatively elusive in forest vegetation management. Hundreds of studies quantifying the effects of competing vegetation in young forest stands, however, have produced reasonably consistent patterns and magnitudes of tree responses. These consistencies reveal a set of general guidelines that can be used to assist forest managers in deciding when vegetation management treatments are needed. Among the variety of vegetation management thresholds that have been defined, competition and critical-period thresholds can be interpreted from existing forest vegetation research. Competition thresholds define the vegetation density at which yield loss begins to occur and varies depending on whether the manager's objective is to maximize survival, height increment, basal area growth, or biomass. These interactions also appear to vary depending on whether woody or herbaceous plants are the principal competitors. The critical-period threshold defines the time period when vegetation control must occur to prevent yield loss. Results from one critical-period study indicate that capturing the potential for conifer growth requires control of vegetation for the first several years after planting. Key words: interspecific plant competition, forest vegetation management, intensive silviculture, stand dynamics
Policies and practices: Options for pursuing forest sustainability
Authors: Oliver Chadwick D.
Published: February 2014

Achieving a goal of sustainable forestry will probably take time as people agree on what sustainability means at the global, subcontinental, national, and regional scales. Comparing seven criteria of sustainable forestry with information at different scales suggests that the world could practice sustainable forestry, but there are currently imbalances in economic development, forest area change, harvesting and wood-use rates and purposes, and other factors that are impeding it. Different countries could adopt different policies and practices to help correct these imbalances. Until a globally agreed-upon set of policies and practices is established, each country will probably define its best efforts toward sustaining its "fair share" of the criteria. Managing large areas of forests for many values with some areas reserved in each forest type will probably be more ecologically, socially, and financially effective than having small areas of plantations supply the world's wood – and the rest of the world's forests set aside as reserves. Disseminating accurate information, addressing sustainability at different scales, addressing rural/urban lifestyles, increasing uses for the very abundant, environmentally sound wood, incorporating the other values into the economic system, and avoiding central planning are primary issues and challenges to sustainability. Technology, policies, and various organizations can be marshalled, and each organization can play a constructive, rewarding role. Key words: sustainable forestry, Montreal Process criteria, world forests, landscape management, rural populations, carbon sequestration, wood uses
Increasing partnerships between scientists and forest managers: Lessons from an ongoing interdisciplinary project in Québec
Authors: Côté Marc-André , Kneeshaw Daniel , Bouthillier Luc , Messier Christian
Published: February 2014

Adaptive management presupposes stronger links between scientists and forest managers in order to adapt research processes and findings to production activities. Partnerships between these two groups are starting to emerge in the forest sector in Quebec. However, local forest managers have not always had the occasion in the past to contribute to research processes. Moreover, scientists have not always had the opportunity to harmonize all their respective research projects at the local level. This research project was thus aimed at establishing a link between local forest managers and scientists in order to direct research projects towards local needs and concerns. The purpose of establishing this contact between local forest managers and scientists was to create opportunities for inter-disciplinary research projects. This experiment demonstrated that the roles and attitudes of scientists and forest managers still need to evolve in order to increase the chances for successful partnerships between these two groups. On the one hand, forest managers need to view research (1) as part of their daily activities and (2) as bringing benefit in the long-term. On the other hand scientists must (1) invest time in understanding what the forest managers are doing and (2) consider forest managers as equal partners with useful knowledge and skills in developing the research questions and protocols. Key words: adaptive management, interdisciplinary research, collaborative learning, sustainable forestry
eBusiness in the forest products industry: A comparison of the United States and Canada
Authors: Vlosky Richard P. , Pitis Olivian T.
Published: February 2014

This study compares eBusiness capabilities of the forest products industries in the United States and Canada. Structural and functional factors limiting or encouraging eBusiness development, attitudes and perceived value of eBusiness, concerns and possible impacts of eBusiness on traditional business practices were studied. Results indicate that high potential exists for eBusiness to flourish in the forest products sectors in both these countries. However, the study indicated that Canadian respondents were further along in Internet implementation in 1998 relative to their U.S. counterparts. In addition, Canadian respondents had a higher degree of satisfaction in achieving the desired benefits of using the Internet, had fewer concerns, and faced fewer impediments. Key words: eBusiness, Internet, forest products, United States, Canada
Predicting natural regeneration of white spruce in boreal mixedwood understories
Authors: Stewart James D. , Landhäusser Simon M. , Stadt Kenneth J. , Lieffers Victor J.
Published: February 2014

Successful mixedwood management in the boreal forest of Alberta requires better knowledge of the occurrence and success of natural white spruce regeneration. In this study we developed statistical models to predict the natural establishment and height growth of understory white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) in the boreal mixedwood forest in Alberta using data from 148 provincial permanent sample plots, supplemented by measurements of the amount and height growth of regenerating white spruce, and the amount and type of available substrate. A discriminant model correctly classified 73% of the sites as to presence or absence of a white spruce understory based on the amount of spruce basal area, rotten wood, ecological nutrient regime, soil clay fraction and elevation, although it explained only 30% of the variation in the data. On sites with a white spruce understory, a regression model related the abundance of regeneration to rotten wood cover, spruce basal area, pine basal area, soil clay fraction, and grass cover (R2 = 0.36). About half of the seedlings surveyed grew on rotten wood, and only 3% on mineral soil, and seedlings were 10 times more likely to have established on these substrates than on litter. Exposed mineral soil was rare, covering only 0.3% of the observed transect area, rotten wood covered 4.5%, and litter/undisturbed forest floor covered the remainder. The regression models developed for average relative height growth rate included feather moss cover, stand age and birch basal area for seedlings ≤ 1 m (R2 = 0.23), and feather moss cover, elevation, other moss cover and soil clay fraction for seedlings between 1 m and 3 m (R2 = 0.27). Key words: Picea glauca, seedling establishment, seedbeds, site factors, coarse woody debris, predictive models, mixedwood management
The impact of regulatory change on the international competitiveness of the Canadian softwood lumber industry
Authors: Eastin Ivan L. , Fukuda Jun
Published: February 2014

The decade of the 1990s have seen the introduction of several regulatory changes in international markets that have had a dramatic impact on the competitiveness of the Canadian softwood lumber industry. These regulatory changes have occurred in virtually every major market to which Canadian softwood lumber manufacturers export, including Europe, the US, and Japan. The objective of this paper is to describe the regulatory changes that have been implemented in the major markets for Canadian softwood lumber and provide an objective discussion of the impact of these changes on the international competitiveness of Canadian softwood lumber. Key words: softwood lumber, non-tariff barriers, international trade, Softwood Lumber Agreement (SLA), pinewood nematode, regulatory change, international competitiveness
Étude des facteurs associés au dépérissement du bouleau à papier en peuplement résiduel après coupe
Authors: Roy Vincent , Jobidon Robert , Blais Louis
Published: February 2014

Following harvesting operations within the Quebec mixedwood region, decadence symptoms are frequently observed on residual paper birch trees, compromising future harvests. Simultaneously, these residual stands are often a constraint to the establishment and growth of valuable regeneration. In the context of intensive forest management and preservation of the conifer component in mixedwood stands, it is important to identify factors associated with paper birch post-logging decadence. Ninety-eight (98) stands were sampled along a partial cutting chronosequence of 1 to 11 years old in order to examine five site variables and six stand variables susceptible of explaining post-logging decadence. Classification and regression tree (CART) models indicated that stand variables, mainly residual basal area and time since harvest, were the best predictor variables of decadence. This study suggests maintaining a basal area of at least 16 m2/ha and preserving larger diameter stems when the objective is to maintain healthy paper birch for further harvesting. When the silvicultural objective is to regenerate softwoods, this study recommends keeping a residual basal area after partial cutting of no more than 4 m2/ha. Keywords: residual trees, competition, mixed stands, partial cutting, tree regression, regeneration
Leaf area index change in ice-storm-damaged sugar maple stands
Authors: Olthof Ian , King Douglas J. , Lautenschlager R. A.
Published: February 2014

Changes in Leaf Area Index (LAI) between the summers of 1999 and 2000 were measured using the TRAC optical instrument in sugar maple stands damaged by the 1998 ice storm. Changes were determined to be significant if they were greater than the 95% bounds of the instrument precision. They were evaluated in relation to 1998 canopy damage estimates, 1999 stand treatments (lime, fertilizer, lime + fertilizer, herbicide, none), and 1999 understory vegetation cover. Results show that LAI change is significantly related to overstory damage, and understory abundance in the 0–7-m height range. Plot treatments were not related to these LAI changes, possibly due to the short time interval between application and LAI measurement. Keywords: forest damage, ice storm, leaf area index, optical instruments, TRAC
Impact of an ice storm on resident bird populations in eastern North America
Authors: Blais Jonatan , Savard Jean-Pierre L. , Gauthier Jean
Published: February 2014

The January 1998 ice storm was very dramatic, particularly in Québec, with five days of nearly non-stop freezing rain and temperatures below 0 °C. We compared results of Christmas Bird Counts (complete counts conducted during one day within a 12-km radius by volunteers in winter) conducted before (1997–1998) and after (1999) the storm in control areas (16 sites) and in affected areas (15 sites). Abundance ratios (after/before) were significantly higher in control versus affected sites for Rock Dove Columba livia, Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura, Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus, Blue Jay Cyanocitta cristata, Black-Capped Chickadee Parus atricapillus and House Sparrow Passer domesticus. Paired -t- tests also indicated that the abundance of Brown Creeper Certhia americana and Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens was lower in affected sites following the storm. Only European Starling Sturnus vulgaris abundance increased significantly in affected sites. Species found in open habitats that forage mostly on the ground were less affected by the storm than tree foragers were. The effect of the storm on bird populations was quite significant and increased frequency of such storms could have drastic consequences on bird populations in the long term. Key words: ice storm, birds, Christmas Bird Counts, winter survival, climate change
Precommercial thinning of trembling aspen in northern Ontario: Part 2 – Interactions with Hypoxylon canker
Authors: Pitt Doug , Weingartner David , Greifenhagen Sylvia
Published: February 2014

Hypoxylon canker [Entoleuca mammata (Wahlenberg:Fr) J.D. Rogers and Y.-M. Ju] incidence and mortality were monitored in six northern Ontario trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) stands following precommercial thinning. At each of the six sites, a randomized complete block design experiment was established with four replicates of five thinning levels (none, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-m spacing). At the time of thinning, three stands were five years old; the remaining were ages 10, 15, and 22. Over the 15- to 17-year observation period, Hypoxylon-related mortality increased to 6–9% by the end of the period, regardless of thinning age or density. Hypoxylon infection incidence (excluding mortality) also increased, to 2–6% in unthinned stands and 8–11% in thinned stands by year 15. No differences among the thinning levels were observed. Prevalence, infection expressed as a percentage of surviving trees, did not differ among thinned and unthinned stands. Mortality attributed to factors other than Hypoxylon was 31–44% in unthinned stands and 7–23% in thinned stands, with no significant differences among thinning levels. Trees dying of other causes were typically small in diameter and of more subordinate crown classes than survivors. In contrast, Hypoxylon-caused mortality was independent of tree size and canopy position. Results suggest that log size and stand yield may be manipulated through density regulation, without concern for interacting impacts associated with Hypoxylon canker. Models are provided for estimating disease losses; predictions can then be factored into the crop-planning process. Key words: trembling aspen, precommercial thinning, Hypoxylon canker, growth and yield, crop planning
The innovation system in Quebec's forest sector
Authors: Côté Marc-André
Published: February 2014

An innovation system not only depends on the underlying scientific and technical bases of a given sector, but also on the characteristics of the environment in which the innovative organizations evolve, the linkages among innovation actors and the inner capacity of these organizations to innovate. In early 2001, a study was undertaken by the Conseil de la recherche forestière du Québec for the purpose of describing the innovation system in Quebec's forest sector. This was achieved by assessing 33 indicators using a database detailing the research projects underway in 19992000 in academic, governmental and private research centres in Quebec. This assessment showed that Quebec has many programs that provide training in natural sciences, yet programs focusing on forest sciences attract very few Quebec students. The assessment also showed that Quebec does particularly well in terms of infrastructure when it comes to forest-related research. More than 1300 scientists, research professionals, technicians and graduate students work in some twenty establishments, where $120 million is spent on research in the areas of forest management and resource processing. Furthermore, the assessment showed that there are numerous ways that innovation actors can interact with one another. Popular initiatives include meetings among interested parties to define research priorities, the development of joint research projects and the pooling of research resources. However, mechanisms encouraging the mobility between research centre personnel and organizations involved in forest management or the processing of forest resources are still very scarce. Key words: forest research, innovation system