bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CSA's SFM Program: Market access through sustainable forest management
Authors: Johnson Peter J , Borgiel Teresa M
Published: February 2014

A growing number of national and international buyers are now specifying "certified" forest products in their procurement policies. In response, the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) has worked with a diverse range of stakeholders interested in Sustainable Forest Management in Canada to develop CSA's Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) Program. CSA's SFM Program consists of four distinct, yet inter-related components: CAN/CSA Z809, Canada's National Standard for Sustainable Forest Management; chain of custody for forest products; product marking with CSA International's SFM Mark; and, CSA International's Forest Products Group. When these components are combined they provide a comprehensive, credible, and affordable forest certification and product-marking program. The list of organizations accepting forest products certified through the CSA SFM Program is growing within Canada, the United States and abroad. Key words: Canadian Standards Association (CSA), forest certification, certified forest products, chain of custody, product marking, criteria and indicators.
Discrepancies in forest products trade statistics
Authors: Eastin Ivan , Perez-Garcia John
Published: February 2014

This paper describes the factors that contribute to discrepancies in the trade statistics between partner countries and the extent to which discrepancies occur within the forest products sector. The analysis of the trade data demonstrates that the discrepancy ratio becomes smaller as the degree of processing increases. A statistical analysis found that there was a significant difference between the size of the trade statistics discrepancy ratios between developed and less-developed economies. Finally, the trade statistics were statistically analyzed to establish what might loosely be described as a "normal" range of trade statistics discrepancies. Key words: trade discrepancy, forest products, trade statistics, international trade, bi-lateral trade, trade flows, illegal smuggling
Group and single-tree selection cutting in mixed tolerant hardwood–white pine stands: Early establishment dynamics of white pine and associated species
Authors: Raymond Patricia , Munson Alison D , Ruel Jean-Claude , Nolet Philippe
Published: February 2014

In mixed tolerant hardwood – white pine stands of Southwestern Quebec, the effects of group selection cutting on eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.), red oak (Quercus rubra L.), yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britton) and paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.) regeneration are compared to the currently used single-tree selection cutting. The experimental design, initiated in 1998, comprised three cover reduction treatments (circular gap (45 m, 1590 m2)), 25% and 35% single-tree selection cutting), two scarification treatments (scarified and non-scarified) and two seeding treatments for white pine (seeded and non-seeded). The effect of white pine seed predation was studied in the gaps and the adjacent understory, with exclosures for small mammals. After three years, scarification had a positive effect on white pine, yellow birch and paper birch regeneration but also on aspen (Populus spp.) and pin cherry (Prunus pensylvanica L.f.) in the three cover reduction treatments. Red oak regeneration was negatively affected by scarification. Shade-tolerant species (sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) and American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.)) tended to be less present in the regeneration gaps than in the single-tree selection cutting. Considering that white pine seed predation can be critical in mixed tolerant hard-wood – white pine stands, a greater rate of seeding is recommended for direct seeding. Key words: group selection cutting, regeneration gap, single-tree selection cutting, tolerant hardwoods, eastern white pine, yellow birch, paper birch, red oak, scarification, direct seeding, regeneration, seed predation
Forest and community sustainability – An Ontario perspective
Authors: Miller Gord
Published: February 2014

Challenges to the sustainability of communities in northern and central Ontario are both ecological and socio-economic in nature. Ecological challenges include persistent impacts such as acid deposition as well as emerging challenges such as the advance of forestry northward and its impact on wildlife populations. Socio-economic challenges of the communities in this region include a declining population level as well as a workforce that is aging. Despite these challenges, northern communities, and forestry planners in particular, have knowledge and experience of value to community planning throughout Ontario. Examples include the fact that foresters and forestry-based communities know how to plan at the landscape ecosystem level, integrate biodiversity conservation and decide on the long-term disposition of land. This knowledge could make a significant contribution to community sustainability in southern Ontario communities, and inadvertently enhance the credibility and influence of forest planning methods and foresters in urban centres. Key words: sustainability, Environmental Commissioner, land use, forest, caribou, ecology, population
Non-timber forest products in community development: Lessons from the Russian Far East
Authors: Shmatkov Nikolay , Brigham Tim
Published: February 2014

One of the components of the IUCN – The World Conservation Union project, "Building Partnerships for Forest Conservation and Management in Russia" funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), is designed to assist remote communities of the Russian Far East to sustainably develop their NTFP resources. In our project, NTFPs are viewed as one part of a local sustainable livelihood strategy (including tourism, cultural activities, hunting, herding). We provide business and legal issues training, consultation on small business and community-based enterprise development, and support for sustainability and monitoring programs. One of the basic principles of the project has been a participatory approach to project development and implementation. It is the hope of project participants that the successful development of NTFP and other opportunities will decrease the pressure to move forward with potentially damaging resource exploitation activities. Although community economic development is the primary goal, the revival and sharing of indigenous knowledge about NTFPs has been identified by participants as a key issue, and is a focus of educational materials being developed through the project. Key words: non-timber forest products (NTFPs), community economic development, sustainable use of natural resources, Native communities, traditional knowledge, the Russian Far East, Kamchatka, Sakhalin, boreal forests, IUCN – The World Conservation Union, Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
White spruce establishment in two boreal Ontario mixedwoods: 13-year results
Authors: Sutton R F , Weldon T P
Published: February 2014

An experiment to investigate techniques for establishing white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench] Voss) in boreal Ontario mixedwood was begun in 1985 in Oates Twp. Eight 25-tree plots were established in each of nine treatments: three mechanical site preparation treatments (none, disk- trenching, and toothed-blading) in combination with three kinds of chemical weed control (none, Velpar L® at the time of planting, and Vision® during the second growing season). The experiment was repeated the following year in the adjacent township of Oswald. The mechanical treatments were applied as planned, but the herbicide treatments deviated somewhat from the plan. Fifth-year results were reported in this journal in 1995. In the eighth growing season, a ground-spray release treatment with Vision® was applied to four randomly selected 25-tree plots in each original treatment. Performance of white spruce after 13 growing seasons was significantly influenced by site preparation: survival averaged 65 and 79% without release in the blading and trenching treatments, respectively, and 22% in the untreated control; with release, survival averaged 74 and 80% in the blading and trenching treatments, respectively, and 24% in the untreated control. Growth was greatest in the bladed treatment, poorest by far in the untreated control. The ineffectiveness of herbicides in these experiments is surprising in view of successes elsewhere. The modest response to release was significant for 13th -year increment. Key words: site preparation, toothed blading, trenching, release
Long-term changes in tree species composition in the Dinaric mountain forests of Slovenia
Authors: Boncina Andrej , Gaspersic Franc , Diaci Jurij
Published: February 2014

This study utilizes data from long-term research sites in managed fir-beech forests (Hrusica, Leskova dolina and Rog) and a virgin forest remnant (Rajhenav), used as a reference site. Data obtained from old forest management plans and forest inventories were analysed. The results of the study support the hypothesis that two main tree speciessilver fir (Abies alba Mill.) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.)alternate site dominance. The causes of species dominance alternation include both natural processes and anthropogenic factors, in particular silvicultural practices and the impact of ungulates. More than a hundred years ago, European beech dominated stand volume. The proportion of silver fir increased until 19401970 when a gradual decrease started. All indicators suggest that the proportion of silver fir will decrease further in the coming decades. Key words: tree species composition alternation, diameter distribution, silver fir, European beech, forest history, forest planning, managed forests, virgin forest remnant
Ecological classification for mountain forest sustainability in northeast China
Authors: Dai Limin , Shao Guofan , Xiao Baoying
Published: February 2014

This paper introduces the classification of Ecological Land Types (ELT) in eastern mountainous regions of northeast China and demonstrates ELT mapping for the Baihe Forestry Bureau on Changbai Mountain, lying along the border of China and North Korea. The development of ELTs will facilitate the adoption of ecological forest management and the restoration of native forest vegetation in northeast China. By overlaying forest inventory data with the ELT map, suggestions on ecosystem forest management are discussed in this paper. Key words: China's forestry, ecosystem management, ecological land types, geographic information systems, digital elevation models
Effects of human activities on monarch butterfly habitat in protected mountain forests, Mexico
Authors: Ramírez M Isabel , Azcárate Joaquín G , Luna Laura
Published: February 2014

Since the monarch butterfly overwintering habitat was discovered in the mountainous fir forests in central Mexico three presidential decrees have been issued (1980, 1986, 2001) to protect it. But these forests are the source of livelihood for many local people, whose activities (wood extraction and clearance for subsistence farming) represent a major threat to the forests, and thus to the butterfly population. This study identifies important deforestation, disturbance, and recovery processes caused by human activities in the protected areas and their surroundings. Contrary to our expectations, the protected areas have been most negatively affected by human activities, whereas areas devoted to multiple uses have been more adequately preserved. Key words: monarch butterfly habitat, deforestation, forest disturbance, protected areas
Regeneration methods for dipterocarp forests of wet tropical Asia
Authors: Ashton Mark S
Published: February 2014

Dipterocarp forests of the Asian wet tropics have a long history of silvicultural research. This paper provides a review of this history and a summary of the ecological principles guiding the regeneration methods used. Dipterocarp forests are here defined as those of the seasonally wet regions of Thailand, Burma, and India, and those that are considered of the mixed dipterocarp forest type that dominate the aseasonal wet regions of Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and parts of Indonesia and the Philippines. Two silvicultural regeneration methods are described, shelterwoods and their variants, and selection systems. Both systems can be justified but emphasis is given to the development of shelterwood and selection regeneration methods that are tailored to the particular biological and social context at hand. The paper concludes with a call for improved land-use planning and stand typing to better integrate service and protection values with those values focused on commodity production. Key words: Dipterocarpus, hill forest, non-timber forest products, polycyclic, regeneration, selection, shelterwood, Shorea
Regeneration of Picea engelmannii and Abies lasiocarpa in high-elevation forests of south-central British Columbia depends on nurse logs
Authors: Brang Peter , Moran Jonathan , Puttonen Pasi , Vyse Alan
Published: February 2014

We studied the regeneration niche of Picea engelmannii and Abies lasiocarpa in wet sub-zones of the Engelmann spruce-subalpine fir (ESSF) zone of southern British Columbia. We characterized the niche on transects from clearcuts into adjacent old-growth stands, in terms of aspect, elevation, micro-relief, light, seedbed, canopy cover, and competing vegetation. Fourteen transects were sampled at four watersheds. The sampling design ensured similar representation of small (130 cm), medium (31100 cm) and tall (101300 cm) saplings, and of both species. In total, 465 Picea and 623 Abies saplings were sampled. For every third sapling, an adjacent microsite with no sapling was selected using a random procedure and correspondingly characterized, enabling a pairwise comparison of microsites with and without saplings. Recruitment of both species was related to rotten wood seedbeds, i.e., mainly logs, but also stumps and root plates. This effect was stronger for Picea saplings, and it decreased with increasing sapling size, suggesting lower survival on rotten wood seedbeds. A higher occurrence of tall Abies saplings, in comparison to small ones, under the cover of canopy trees suggests higher survival under canopy than in gaps. Levels of direct light did not generally differ either between microsites with and without regeneration, or between Picea and Abies saplings. The microsite effects on sapling occurrence were quite consistent across gentle south- and north-facing slopes, upper and lower ESSF forests, sites, and along clearcut  old-growth gradients. The results suggest a strong dependence of Picea and Abies establishment on logs in ESSF forests. Key words: seedling establishment, microsite, seedbed, nurse logs, direct light, advance regeneration, ecological niche
Old-growth forest: An ancient and stable sylvan equilibrium, or a relatively transitory ecosystem condition that offers people a visual and emotional feast? Answerit depends
Authors: (Hamish) Kimmins J P
Published: February 2014

As a species, humans depend heavily on their visual sense, make decisions as much from their hearts as from their heads (emotion-and value-based decisions versus analytical, logic- and knowledge-based decisions), and dislike environmental and other change. Societies in early stages of development have generally revered old people for their wisdom and experience, whereas many societies at more advanced stages of development have adopted a culture of youth. Attitudes toward forests have shown a similar trend. Respect for large and old trees was a feature of some early societies, whereas societies in and after the industrial revolution became more interested in younger, faster growing trees for technical and utilitarian reasons. However, as human population growth caused the area of unmanaged forest, old forest, and forests of large trees to decline, reverence has revived for large, old trees and for old forests. This trend has not been matched by a renewed respect for scientific knowledge about forests and for wisdom about forests based on long experience. Reflecting the pervasive effects of the culture of youth, issues in forestry, including the issue of old forests, are being judged largely on an aesthetic basis, on human emotional response to snapshot visual aspects, and on a dislike for changethe Peter Pan syndrome. "Old-growth" forest, whatever it is, has been deified as a symbol of the mythical "balance of nature," a concept discredited by ecologists as a Victorian anachronism. There are important spiritual, aesthetic, wildlife, and environmental values associated with old forests, and the area of such forests is declining. There are many valid reasons (social, scientific, and environmental) for sustaining significant and representative areas of such forests. However, conservation of such forests and ensuring a future supply of the values they provide will not be achieved unless the reverential respect for such forests is matched by another meaning of respect: understanding such forests and basing our relationship with them on that understanding. This paper challenges forest managers and forest scientists to gain a significant understanding of "old growth" to provide a logical, knowledge-based, and experience-based foundation for the identification, inventory, conservation, and management of this forest ecosystem condition, and to assert this understanding as a counterbalance to the necessary, but insufficient, value-based attitude toward old forests that arises largely from visual snapshots and the emotions they arouse. Key words: old growth, biodiversity, sustainability, stability, succession, stand dynamics, respect for nature
Natural disturbance and old-forest management in the Alberta Foothills
Authors: Bonar Richard L , Lougheed Hugh , Andison David W
Published: February 2014

There is no widely accepted definition of old growth for west central Alberta. The Foothills Model Forest used tree species composition and time since major disturbance to more broadly define old forest and a stochastic model to project levels of old forest across a landscape. Historically, the simulated "natural" forest landscape was, at any one time, mostly covered by young forest due to active fires. Areas of mature and old forest were, and likely always have been, in the minority. There were even rare times historically when virtually no old forest existed over vast landscapes, and what little did persist occurred in small, isolated patches. The single greatest human influence on old growth in the Alberta Foothills appears to have been successful fire control, which has produced forests today that are on average older than would be expected under natural conditions. Managers of both protected areas and working forests are implementing or developing strategies to restore forests to more natural conditions, and at the same time managing old forest to ensure that it remains a part of current and future forest landscapes. We describe an old-forest analysis and strategy recently incorporated into a new Forest Management Plan for the Weldwood of Canada Limited Forest Management Area. Traditional attitudes toward old forest and its role in highly dynamic landscapes are being revisited on the path to a consistent and broadly supported old-forest strategy. Key words: old growth, management, natural disturbance, Alberta
The Acadian forest: Historical condition and human impacts
Authors: Loo J. , Ives N.
Published: February 2014

The Acadian Forest Region comprises the three Maritime Provinces of Canada, each of which has a distinct history resulting in different patterns of land ownership, land use, and impacts on the forest. The region encompasses a high degree of physiographic and biological diversity, being situated where the warm, moist influence of the Gulf Stream from the south collides with the cold Labrador Current and the boreal forest gradually gives way to mostly deciduous forest. Natural forest types in the Acadian Forest Region include rich tolerant hardwood, similar to the deciduous forests to the south; spruce-fir forest, similar to boreal forest to the north; and an array of coniferous, deciduous, and mixed intermediate types. Red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.), yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britt.), sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) are considered characteristic of the Acadian Forest Region. Except for one quantitative study in one county of New Brunswick, and another study on Prince Edward Island, most knowledge of the historical forest condition has been gleaned from early descriptions by explorers, surveyors, and settlers of the Maritimes region. Although some regions have been affected much more than others, little, if any forested area has escaped human influence over the past four centuries. A general result of human activities has been a shift in successional status and age distribution, with increased frequency of relatively young, often even-aged, early successional forest types including balsam fir, white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss), red maple (Acer rubrum L.), white birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.), and trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.). Both the abundance and age of late-successional species such as sugar maple, red spruce, eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis L. Carrière), yellow birch, cedar (Thuja occidentalis L.), and beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.) have declined. Key words: pre-European forest, Maritime Provinces, historical ecology, witness trees, Acadian forest types, natural disturbance
Canadians and their forest: Development of the National Forest Strategy
Authors: Apsey T M. (Mike)
Published: February 2014

Canada's forest has evolved since the retreat of the last ice age, over a period of about 10 000 years. The forest has been modified by humans over much of this time, beginning with Aboriginal peoples' use of fire. Since the arrival of European colonists in the 16th century, use of the forest has been based on a changing series of policies and practices, leaving 94% of the original forest. Over the past 25 years, extensive public processes have led to a series of national forest strategies, each reflecting the evolving importance that Canadians hold for their forest. Key words: forest history, policy development, national forest strategy, Canada Forest Accord, sustained yield, sustainable forest management.
Canada's Model Forest Program
Authors: LaPierre Louis
Published: February 2014

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

Until 1900, Canada had no foresters involved in logging, practising forestry or doing research. Forest engineering as a discipline held no importance whatsoever. The forest was simply exploited for its timbers and most of the forest products were sold abroad. During the next 50 years, four Canadian universities opened forestry schools, some research activities were organized by the federal government, provincial governments, and industry. However, the importance of forest engineering did not grow much. Since 1950, however, the situation was turned around completely, as was the industry. While forest operations were completely mechanised everywhere in Canada with machines or concepts often developed in the USA or in Scandinavia, more forestry schools were opened, the federal government opened forest research laboratories, provincial governments acquired more expertise in this field, and forestry equipment manufacturers did considerable development work. A national forest engineering research institute was even created. In the future, the forest community will have to team up to raise the profile of forest engineering. Key words: co-operation, forest engineering, forestry, forestry education, forestry research, sustainable management
Root system modifications by nursery culture reflect on post-planting growth and development of coniferous seedlings
Authors: Krasowski Marek J
Published: February 2014

A decade of the author's work evaluating effects of nursery culture on root system development in coniferous seedlings is reviewed. The studies include the evaluation of mechanical stability of young trees grown from different types of planting stock, root system deformations resulting from nursery culture, effects of mechanical and chemical pruning on root system development, hydraulic properties of the roots, and post-planting growth performance. Key words: root pruning, containerized stock, root
Making adaptive management for biodiversity work  the example of Weyerhaeuser in coastal British Columbia
Authors: Bunnell Fred L , Dunsworth B G
Published: February 2014

In 1998, MacMillan Bloedel (now Weyerhaeuser) committed to a system of Stewardship Zones and to replacing clearcutting with variable retention over its 1.1 million ha coastal tenure. The decision began a grand experiment in forest planning and practice, which the company committed to monitor and refine through an adaptive management program. The program was most challenging to design and implement for biodiversity. Key elements of the program were: creating a criterion and associated indicators, developing a list of focused questions, and developing a cost-effective design for monitoring and learning. The final step in any adaptive management program is linking the monitoring back to specific management actions. We provide examples of successful linkages back for each of the three major indicators of biodiversity: ecosystem representation, habitat structure, and organisms. We discuss major difficulties that arise when developing management responses to the complex issue of sustaining biological diversity and note four major challenges to the design and implementation of any adaptive management program. Key words: adaptive management, biodiversity, indicators, monitoring, variable retention harvesting
Genetic gains from 20 years of cooperative tree improvement in New Brunswick
Authors: McInnis Bryce , Tosh Kathleen
Published: February 2014

The New Brunswick Tree Improvement Council analyzed 20-year data from plantations of unimproved and first generation improved black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] BSP) and jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.). STAMAN, a computer model, conservatively projected an 11% merchantable volume gain at 40 years based on 20-year measurements of 36 000 trees. At age 20 years, first generation black spruce was 12% taller and 25–30% greater in total volume. Projections from over 160 000 individual measurements of height from age five to 20 years indicate that by 40 years, gains of 7–8% in height and 18–20% in total volume are likely. Ten year assessments from over 10 000 measurements of second generation black spruce indicate a 30% height gain over first generation material of the same age. For jack pine first generation material, the projections indicated a height gain of 14% and a total volume gain of over 30% at 40 years. Faster growth can provide greater volume at rotation age, a shorter rotation interval, or earlier interventions for commercial thinning. Key words: genetic gain, tree improvement, black spruce, jack pine
The influence of site tree selection method on site index determination and yield prediction in black spruce stands in northeastern Québec
Authors: Mailly Daniel , Turbis Sylvain , Auger Isabelle , Pothier David
Published: February 2014

Site index is a common and convenient indicator of forest site productivity. The concept is well suited for growth and yield predictions, although there appears to be no universal consensus on the type or number of site trees needed for its application. We compared four methods for assessing site quality using data from black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) stands of northeastern Québec. Data were analysed with a univariate repeated measures analysis of variance design using the MIXED procedure of the SAS system. Significant differences were found between the method based on the mean height of the 100 largest trees per hectare and three other methods that calculate site index using information from average site trees (codominants and dominants) and an equation to estimate top height from stand level data. We concur with many others that using the mean height of the 100 largest trees per hectare is a more standard procedure than simple averages of codominant and dominant tree heights for site quality assessment and growth modelling. We recommend that the next yield table system developed in the province should be based on top height trees, instead of using average codominants and dominants and an equation to estimate dominant height. Key words: site index, top height, yield table, site trees
Growth limitations of planted conifers regenerating under Montane Alternative Silviculture Systems (MASS): Seven-year results
Authors: Mitchell A K , Dunsworth B G , Arnott J T , Koppenaal R. , Benton R. , Goodmanson G. , Bown T. , Sandford J.
Published: February 2014

As part of the Montane Alternative Silviculture Systems (MASS) project, this study investigates limits on the growth of montane conifers resulting from varying overstory retention under conventional and alternative silvicultural systems. After harvesting treatments were complete in 1993, Abies amabilis (amabilis fir) and Tsuga heterophylla (western hemlock) seedlings were spring planted in replicated blocks of shelterwood (SW), patch cut (PC), green tree retention (GT) and clearcut (CC) systems. In addition, sub-plots were established within each silvicultural system in which fertilization (at planting) and vegetation control post-planting treatments were applied alone and in combination to test the extent to which growth limitations are related to nutrient availability and vegetative competition. The impact of overstory retention was most pronounced in the reduced light environment of the SW where height growth after seven years was 26-30% lower in both species compared to the untreated CC, GT and PC systems. Although the effect on growth of both species in the SW was mitigated somewhat by fertilization and vegetation control treatments, amabilis fir did not attain free-to-grow height (1.3 m) regardless of post-planting treatment. Time to free-to-grow height in the more open silvicultural systems was reduced in both fir and hemlock with fertilization and vegetation control alone and in combination, except in the CC where the initial growth response to fertilization alone was diminished by the end of the seven-year study. In contrast to fertilization, the effects of vegetation control on height growth were not apparent until three to five years and seven years after planting in the CC and GT, PC, SW, respectively. Combining vegetation control and fertilization had an additive effect on growth in amabilis fir but not in western hemlock. The effect of silvicultural systems and post-planting treatments on the two species illustrate that both above- and below-ground resource availability (light and nutrients) availability was potentially limiting to growth, particularly in the shelterwood treatment. Key words: MASS, silviculture systems, regeneration, Tsuga heterophylla, Abies amabilis, shelterwood, patch cut, green tree reten-tion, clearcut, fertilizer, vegetation control
An ecological rationale for sustainable forest management concepts at Riverside Forest Products, southcentral British Columbia
Authors: D'Eon Robert G , Hebert Daryll , Viszlai Stephen L
Published: February 2014

Riverside Forest Products (Kelowna, British Columbia) has embraced a sustainable forest management approach for the management of one its forest tenuresTree Farm License 49. This document discusses the rationale behind many of the concepts within this approach in the context of current ecological theory. We focus specifically on the following concepts: (1) forest retention, (2) ecosystem representation, (3) ecological contributions from unharvested forests, (4) zoning and the TRIAD approach, (5) stand-level habitat elements and landscape-level features, and (6) ecological indicators. This document provides an example of the application of current ecological theory within a commercial forestry operation in Canada and is thus broadly applicable to foresters, forest managers, and researchers in most jurisdictions. Key words: British Columbia, criteria and indicators, ecological representation, forest retention, sustainable forest management, Riverside Forest Products, TRIAD
Is regulated even-aged management the right strategy for the Canadian boreal forest?
Authors: Bergeron Yves
Published: February 2014

Over the past decade, there has been an increasing interest in the development of forest management approaches that are based on an understanding of historical natural disturbance dynamics. The rationale for such an approach is that management to favour landscape compositions and stand structures similar to those of natural ecosystems should also maintain biological diversity and essential ecological functions. In fire-dominated landscapes, this approach is possible only if current and future fire frequencies are sufficiently low, in comparison to pre-industrial fire frequency, that we can substitute fire with forest management. I address this question by comparing current and future fire frequency to historical reconstruction of fire frequency from studies in the Canadian boreal forest. Current and simulated future fire frequencies using 2× and 3×CO2 scenarios are lower than the historical fire frequency for most sites, suggesting that forest management could potentially be used to recreate the forest age structure of fire-controlled pre-industrial landscapes. Current even-aged management, however, tends to reduce forest variability: for example, fully regulated, even-aged management will tend to truncate the natural forest stand age distribution and eliminate overmature and old-growth forests from the landscape. The development of silvicultural techniques that maintain a spectrum of forest compositions and structures at different scales in the landscape is one avenue to maintain this variability. Key words: boreal forest, even aged management, fire regime, old-growth forests, climate change, partial cutting
Stock type in intensive silviculture: A (short) discussion about roots and size
Authors: Thiffault Nelson
Published: February 2014

I present an overview of some main issues related to the role of stock type in the intensive silviculture of conifers. The aim of my analysis is to answer some aspects of the question of whether or not foresters involved in intensive silviculture in eastern Canada should be concerned with stock type selection. When artificially establishing a forest stand, stock type selection can interact with other treatments to influence plantation success and productivity. Of particular importance are seedling size and root system characteristics. Research has demonstrated the greater intrinsic growth potential and competitive ability of larger seedlings as compared to standard stock sizes. These results also illustrate the multiplier effect of planting large spruce (Picea spp.) seedlings, combined with a release treatment to reduce competing vegetation. The larger size of bareroot seedlings compared to container seedlings has often been seen as improving their competitive potential, although mortality of such stock has been higher. However, recent nursery practices are increasing the size of containerized seedlings and improving the quality of bareroot stock. The issue is now more dependent on practical reforestation considerations than on field performance. Other considerations, such as seedling genetic potential and seedling nutritional status can be raised. The production of seedling characteristics specifically for growth performance is essential to intensive plantation management, but plantation success requires both proper stock type selection and appropriate silviculture. Key words: plantation, intensive forestry, seedling size, root systems, silviculture, boreal conifers
Méthodologie pour l'analyse des données forestières historiques : le cas de la forêt expérimentale du Lac Édouard, Québec
Authors: Hébert Rémi
Published: February 2014

Permanent sampling plots in experimental forests have generated large quantities of data over the past decades. Methods used to collect certain of these data have often varied over the course of the sampling. The objective of this study was to develop a process to evaluate sampling differences in historical forest data. The proposed approach is to: (1) examine available data and seek out the missing ones in archives of the concerned organizations; (2) regroup data by inventory periods; (3) search for the sampling methodology in each of the different inventory periods; and (4) evaluate the impact of differences in methodology on data continuity. When using this approach on the historical data of the Lake Edward experimental forest, we were able to better define the strengths and the weaknesses of the database. Key words: forest inventories, La Mauricie National Park, permanent sample plots, regeneration inventories
Divided landbase, overlapping tenures, and fire risk
Authors: Cumming Steven G , Armstrong Glen W
Published: February 2014

The Tardis forest modeling program was used to investigate the effects on timber supply and delivered wood cost of alternative forest tenure policies on a forest management agreement area in northeastern Alberta. Under the current tenure policy (business as usual), the woodlands divisions of one large pulp company and several sawmill companies are responsible for different aspects of planning and forest management on the area. We propose an alternative tenure policy (global planning) whereby one forest management entity is responsible for harvesting timber and delivering it to the various mills. The global planning alternative has several advantages over business as usual, especially for the sawmill companies. With business as usual, the sawmill companies experience shortfalls in timber harvest volume. No shortfall is seen with global planning. Under global planning, delivered wood cost for the sawmill companies is reduced by $2.81 m3 , on average. Forest fire is an important disturbance affecting timber supply in the area. We examine the joint effects of tenure policy and fire using Monte Carlo simulation. The superiority of global planning is even more apparent with fire incorporated in the model. According to our simulations, many sawmills are very likely to experience persistent sharp decreases in delivered wood volume under business as usual. No such decreases occur under global planning. Key words: forest tenure, simulation modeling, timber harvest scheduling, forest fire, policy analysis, boreal mixedwood, sustainable forest management
Forest management guidelines for forest-dwelling caribou in Québec
Authors: Courtois Réhaume , Ouellet Jean-Pierre , Dussault Claude , Gingras André
Published: February 2014

The forest-dwelling ecotype of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) is vulnerable to predation, hunting, and disturbances due to anthropogenic activities. Its strategies of space and habitat use are oriented towards reducing the effects of these limiting factors. Caribou occupy large home ranges, undertake extensive movements, and avoid fragmented areas. They use various habitats, but especially mature and over-mature conifer stands with irregular structure, which are less suitable for other ungulates, wolves and black bears. In order to protect habitat for forest-dwelling caribou, we suggest an ecosystem approach based on the protection of large forested blocks, the concentration of forest harvesting in large management blocks, and the maintenance of habitat connectivity. This strategy focuses on short-term conservation of minimum caribou habitats in the protected blocks, a medium-term habitat recovery in the management blocks, the maintenance of forest activities, and facilitation of seasonal and dispersal movements. Within the management blocks, we recommend creation of an irregular forest structure similar to the pattern created by natural disturbances inherent to spruce-moss forests. These guidelines have been tested in Québec for the last few years and were well received by forest and wildlife agencies as well as the forest industry. Key words: adaptive management, boreal forest, ecosystem management, forest-dwelling ecotype, forest management, spruce forest, woodland caribou
Comparison of four glyphosate herbicide formulations for white spruce release treatment
Authors: Mihajlovich Milo , Pitt Douglas G , Blake Peter
Published: February 2014

An operational field trial was established to compare the efficacy and white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss.) tolerance of three alternative glyphosate formulations to Vision®, Canada's originally registered forestry formulation. The trial was done at operational scale (minimum treatment unit 7 ha) using helicopter application of all products. The tested alternatives included two new generic formulations, recently registered for forestry in Canada (Glyfos-Forza® and Vantage®), and one widely used formulation in the United States (Accord®). All four formulations provided greater than 90% control of bluejoint reedgrass (Calamagrostis canadensis (Michx.) Beauv.) through 23 months post-treatment (p > 0.27). Assessed over the same period, the three Canadian formulations provided equivalent white spruce tolerance (p > 0.10), with seedlings exhibiting only minor, non-lethal herbicide injury. Accord®, not registered for use in Canada, consistently provided the best crop tolerance, but differences were only statistically significant 11 months post-treatment (p = 0.10). The results suggest that foresters may choose among the glyphosate formulations available in Canada without concern for product-related differences in efficacy and white spruce tolerance. Key words: glyphosate, white spruce, conifer tolerance, Calamagrostis canadensis, efficacy
The presettlement hardwood forests and wildlife of Algonquin Provincial Park: A synthesis of historic evidence and recent research
Authors: Quinn Norman W. S.
Published: February 2014

The hypothetical structure and composition of the presettlement tolerant hardwood forests of Algonquin Provincial Park are contrasted with current conditions, primarily via a review of the literature and recent research in the Park. Change over time of the overstory and gap structure of the forest and also of riparian habitat is examined, and implications made regarding the wildlife community, in particular the wolf-prey system. There has, since the early 1800s, been a loss of conifer, alteration in gap size structure, qualitative change in woody debris, a reduction in basal area and of "supersize" trees, and a reduction in early successional riparian (beaver) habitat. Overall, the presettlement community of terrestrial vertebrates was probably richer, but it is emphasized that these changes are not fundamental; the forest ecosystem is substantively similar to the past. Key words: northern hardwoods, wildlife, tolerant hardwoods, Algonquin Park, moose, beaver, wolves, presettlement
Describing condition-specific determinants of competition in boreal and sub-boreal mixedwood stands
Authors: Green D. Scott
Published: February 2014

There is a growing economic and ecological incentive in developing best-management practices for broadleaf-conifer mixedwood stands in boreal and sub-boreal regions of Western Canada. Current free-growing guidelines employed in these areas appear to be poor predictors of interactions between primary growth determinants and environmental conditions in these complex stands. Density dependent relations between broadleaf and conifer components in mixedwood stands may vary across a range of conditions due to interactions discussed in this paper between primary growth determinants (i.e., light limitations, edaphic limitations and species specific traits) and local environment. Clarifying these interactions will promote the development of adaptable tools that can be used to develop context-specific mixedwood management strategies. Key words: mixedwood management, free-growing guidelines, boreal, sub-boreal, density-dependent competition
Mapping mountain pine beetle infestation with high spatial resolution satellite imagery
Authors: White Joanne C , Wulder Michael A , Brooks Darin , Reich Richard , Wheate Roger D
Published: February 2014

The on-going mountain pine beetle outbreak in British Columbia has reached historic proportions. Recently, management efforts at the local level shifted from exhaustive mapping of the infestation, to detection and mitigation of sites with minimal levels of infestation, creating an operational need for efficient and cost-effective methods to identify red-attack trees in these areas. High spatial resolution remotely sensed imagery has the potential to satisfy this information need. This paper presents the unsupervised classification of 4 metre IKONOS multispectral imagery, for the detection of mountain pine beetle red-attack, at sites with minimal infestation (< 20% of trees infested). A 4-metre buffer (analogous to a single IKONOS pixel) was applied to the red-attack trees identified on the IKONOS imagery in order to account for positional errors. When compared to the independent validation data collected from the aerial photography, it was found that 70.1% (lightly infested sites) and 92.5% (moderately infested sites) of the red-attack trees existing on the ground were correctly identified through the classification of the remotely sensed IKONOS imagery. These results demonstrate the operational potential of using an unsupervised classification of IKONOS imagery to detect and map mountain pine beetle red-attack at sites with minimal levels of infestation. Key words: mountain pine beetle, remote sensing, accuracy assessment, IKONOS, red-attack