bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management for red spruce conservation in Québec: The importance of some physiological and ecological characteristics – A review
Authors: Dumais Daniel , Prévost Marcel
Published: February 2014

The physiological and ecological characteristics of red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) are reviewed and integrated into ecosystem management options. Red spruce is a shade-tolerant, late-successional conifer species found in the temperate forests of northeastern North America. Its wood, being of excellent quality, is prized by the forest industry. Unfortunately, this high-value species has been in decline throughout its entire range for the past 50 years. At high elevations, in northeastern United States, crown dieback caused by the combined effect of atmospheric pollution and climate is largely responsible of this decline. In other areas, such as Québec (Canada), the scarcity of red spruce is mainly caused by forest management practices that are poorly adapted to the species' ecophysiology. Many physiological studies have shown that the species is sensitive to full sunlight (at juvenile and advance growth stages), high temperatures and frost. It also has particular microsite requirements for seed germination and early seedling establishment, such as the presence of large decaying woody debris. Hence, a management strategy adapted for red spruce should favour the use of partial cutting, maintaining some overstory and dead wood. This will emulate the natural dynamics of small canopy gaps and minimize the physiological stresses to regeneration. The ecophysiological aspects of natural and artificial regeneration of red spruce should be examined with respect to the increased use of partial cutting techniques. Key words: advance regeneration, balsam fir (Abies balsamea L.), ecophysiology, ecosystem management, frost susceptibility, light response, microenvironment, red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.), seedling establishment, shade tolerance, silvicultural systems, thermosensitivity
The influence of forested landscape attributes on hunter site choice and participation
Authors: Kuhnke D H
Published: February 2014

This work illustrates the use of a non-timber valuation model linked to a number-of-trips prediction model to examine the significance of various forestland attributes and hunter characteristics on hunting site choice and participation in the Foothills Model Forest in west-central Alberta. Data were obtained through a survey that featured determination of hunting trip locations over a three-year period. Clearcut density, fire density, two access variables and, in particular, habitat suitability for ungulate game species were found to be significant variables that influenced hunter site choice. Welfare estimates determined by the number-of-trips prediction model highlight the applicability of the linked model in presenting a more complete picture of the effects of two landscape change scenarios. These scenarios show how the models could be used by land managers to balance economic and social benefits in a bid to move towards sustainable development of forest resources. Key words: non-timber valuation, revealed preference, habitat suitability, random utility theory, landscape attributes, hunter behaviour, multinomial logit
Cultures intercalaires avec arbres feuillus : quel potentiel pour le Québec?
Authors: Rivest David , Olivier Alain
Published: February 2014

Hardwood plantations constitute a good opportunity to intensify the production of high-quality timber. However, in the absence of short-term investment returns, their economic benefits seem uncertain for landowners. Intercropping systems, which are stimulating interest in many temperate countries, could constitute an innovative way to increase the use of hardwood plantations and maximize their profitability, in particular in the mixedwood plain ecozone in Quebec. Results from recent studies show that intercrops do not usually affect tree growth and could even stimulate it in some cases. Furthermore, in addition to their various environmental benefits related to soil fertility, biodiversity and landscape, intercropping systems are quite often more profitable than conventional forest plantations. Finally, even though trees can compete with crops for light, water and nutriments, decreasing crop productivity, the technical itinerary specific to intercropping systems allows for the control of at least part of this competition. The development perspectives of intercropping systems are discussed, taking into account the biophysical and socio-economic context specific to the mixedwood plain ecozone in Quebec. Key words: environmental benefits, high-value wood, resource competition, tree growth, mixedwood plain ecozone, technical itinerary, hardwood plantation, crop productivity, profitability, intercropping systems
National circumstances in the international circumboreal community
Authors: Wulder Michael A , Campbell Celina , White Joanne C , Flannigan Mike , Campbell Ian D
Published: February 2014

Boreal forest nations are often thought to have similar environmental, social, and economic contexts. In this communication we show that boreal forest nations are a disparate grouping, with some similarities and many differences. Highlighting these differing national contexts provides insights into how a given nation utilizes the boreal forests over which it holds stewardship responsibilities. Current national contexts are related to each nation's physiography, climate, history, legacy of past forest management, the timing of transition from natural to plantation forests, population density and distribution, and access to resources and markets. Boreal forests are dominated by pioneer species that are resilient to disturbance and have a demonstrated ability to adapt to past climate changes. National responses to natural disturbances are linked to forest area, ownership, and management intensity. Boreal forests in large nations (e.g., Canada, Russian Federation) are typically publicly owned, and disturbances such as fire are allowed to progress naturally over remote areas. In smaller nations, where there is often a greater proportion of private ownership and a focus on production forestry, natural disturbances are more aggressively controlled (e.g., Sweden, Finland). Large nations with low boreal human population densities have a greater proportion of natural boreal forest, with relatively higher levels of biodiversity when compared to the fully managed forests of some smaller boreal nations. In smaller nations, the combination of limited forest area and private ownership has facilitated the dominance of intensive sustainable forestry management practices (e.g., Finland). Conversely, in nations with more spatially extensive forest assets that are publicly owned and managed to meet multiple objectives, extensive sustainable forest management practices dominate (e.g., Canada, Russian Federation). Key words: boreal forest, global, national circumstances, environmental, social, economic, forestry practices, Canada
Has the time come to rethink Canada's Crown forest tenure systems?
Authors: Haley David , Nelson Harry
Published: February 2014

Two important questions are addressed: has the time come to rethink Canada's forest tenure systems; and, if so, what directions might these reforms take? The evolution of Canada's Crown forest tenure systems are described and their role as instruments of public policy are discussed in the context of changing demands on, and attitudes towards, forest resources. The desirable features of a tenure system designed to pursue sustainable forest management (SFM) are presented and current provincial Crown forest tenure arrangements are critically examined in the light of these criteria. A range of alternative approaches to tenure reform are suggested but no definitive recommendations are made. Key words: public forest policy; forest tenure reform, sustainable forest management
The National Forest Strategy in comparative perspective
Authors: Rayner Jeremy , Howlett Michael
Published: February 2014

This paper evaluates the ability of the National Forest Strategy to meet the challenges of a newly internationalized forest policy environment while preserving the strengths of a decentralized national system of forest policy formulation and implementation. It outlines the challenges to forest governance in Canada in the 21st century, notably the globalized marketplace and the consolidation, increasing sophistication and international linkages of new actors in forest policymaking. Canada's NFS is compared with the development of National Forest Programs in Europe in order to assess Canada's progress in these areas compared to that of other jurisdictions. Key words: forest policy, forest governance, National Forest Strategy, National Forest Programs, internationalization
Draining an unproductive black spruce peatland stand: 18-year post-treatment tree growth and stand productivity estimation
Authors: Jutras Sylvain , Bégin Jean , Plamondon André P , Hökkä Hannu
Published: February 2014

In the eastern Canadian boreal forest, drainage of unproductive black spruce peatlands is an infrequently used silvicultural treatment. The sparse scientific literature concerning its influence on tree growth is, however, relatively positive about the possibility of using drainage to convert unproductive stands into productive ones. This study aimed to address this issue by assessing the individual tree growth and by estimating the future stand productivity on a drained black spruce peatland stand. Results showed larger mean annual post-drainage stump diameter increment with increasing ditch proximity but they also showed the lack of effect of the treatment at distances greater than 15 m from the ditch. Small-sized trees reacted more strongly to the treatment than larger ones. Estimated site productivity was also influenced by the ditch proximity. The presence of excavating mounds on only one side of the ditch greatly influenced tree growth and site productivity. Considering the obtained results, intensive drainage operations, utilizing narrow ditch spacing, would be necessary in order to transform the type of unproductive sites studied into productive ones. Key words: diameter growth, site index, forested peatland, forest drainage, Picea mariana
Seasonal susceptibility of boreal plants: red raspberry phenology as a bioindicator of optimum within-season timing of glyphosate applications
Authors: Bell F W , Pitt D G
Published: February 2014

In Canada, forest managers operating under public licenses are under pressure from the public to cease using herbicides or at minimum reduce the quantity of active ingredient applied in the environment. Lacking in their decision-making toolbox is information about biological cues that could help optimize herbicide performance. In 1990, two rates of the herbicide glyphosate, 1.1 and 1.7 kg acid equivalent (a.e.) ha-1, were applied bi-weekly between July 21 and September 25 using a backpack sprayer to release jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) seedlings from red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L. var. strigosus (Michx.) Maxim.) competition. On average, the higher application rate reduced raspberry cover by at least 6% more than the lower rate (p < 0.01). Control of raspberry was poor with the earliest application, peaked with mid- to late-summer applications, and decreased with late-season applications. Peak jack pine performance, as measured by stem volume index, followed a mid-August application at the low rate. Earlier applications resulted in substantial herbicide injury and later applications were not as effective at reducing raspberry competition. The optimum timing for jack pine performance corresponded with the period between the beginning of raspberry's floricane senescence (i.e., end of full flowering) and the initiation of primocane senescence (i.e., fruit maturation). Seedlings released in mid-August maintained a growth advantage over other seedlings from the fifth through to the tenth year of this study. Discerning forest managers may choose to use phenological cues from the target species, such as red raspberry, as a bioindicator of glyphosate efficacy. Key words: forest vegetation management, herbicides, herbicide efficacy, phenology, Pinus banksiana, Vision®, glyphosate, Rubus idaeus
Effects of timing of glyphosate application on jack pine, black spruce, and white spruce plantations in northern Manitoba
Authors: Fu Songling , Chen Han Y.H. , Bell F. Wayne , Sharma Mahadev , Delaney Jeff R , Peterson Glenn
Published: February 2014

Deferring conifer release treatments is sometimes necessary, but its effects on crop tree performance are not well understood. We investigated the effects of deferring glyphosate applications on jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.), black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] BSP), and white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench.] Voss.) plantations established on a dry site with moderate competition and a moist site with heavier competition in The Pas, northern Manitoba. At each site, experimental treatments included no herbicide and one glyphosate (formulated as Vision®) at 1.42 kg acid equivalent glyphosate ha-1application between one and five years after planting with three replications. Survival, root collar diameter, and height of the three conifers were repeatedly measured for ten consecutive years following planting. Survival of the three conifers was not affected by glyphosate application. For all the three species, root collar diameter and stand volume of crop trees increased significantly in glyphosate-treated plots, compared to control plots. Varying the timing of glyphosate application between year 1 and 5 resulted in a similar conifer dimensions. Glyphosate application significantly improved height growth of black spruce and marginally white spruce, but not jack pine. On these sites, glyphosate reduced the cover of woody species, but grass, forbs and shrubs rapidly captured the newly available growing space. A two variable regression analysis revealed that grass cover negatively affected stand volume of all three conifer species. Cover of tall shrub, forbs, and interaction of cover and height of tall shrubs were the next most important variables to explain jack pine, black spruce, and white spruce volume growth, respectively. Key words: vegetation management, forest herbicides, survival, growth, stand volume, long-term repeated measurements
Uncertainty in expert knowledge of forest succession: A case study from boreal Ontario
Authors: Drescher M. , Perera A H , Buse L J , Ride K. , Vasiliauskas S.
Published: February 2014

Expert knowledge of forest succession is used widely in forest management planning, but its level of uncertainty is unknown. Using boreal Ontario as an example, we examined the level of uncertainty in expert knowledge of forest succession and explored possible sources of this uncertainty. Overall, the level of uncertainty associated with expert knowledge was high for all aspects of forest succession, except for post-fire species establishment. Higher levels of uncertainty were associated with knowledge of forest succession for mixed forest types and moderate site conditions, as opposed to coniferous or non-coniferous forest types and extreme dry/wet or poor/rich sites. We hypothesize that uncertainty in expert knowledge is highest when vegetation dynamics are highly stochastic as with complex species assemblages, environmental controls on succession are weak, and effects of disturbances are less drastic. Awareness about the degree of uncertainty in expert knowledge of forest succession could be incorporated into forest management decision processes. It could also help researchers to identify critical knowledge gaps to guide further studies. Key words: uncertainty assessment, post-fire establishment, natural succession, knowledge elicitation
Current status and future directions of traditional ecological knowledge in forest management: a review
Authors: Cheveau Marianne , Imbeau Louis , Drapeau Pierre , Bélanger Louis
Published: February 2014

In the last 25 years, the number of published studies that refer to traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) has constantly increased, with now more than 200 papers published each year. The objective of this review was to determine how this knowledge is used in current forest management around the world, and how local communities are involved in forest management planning. Published papers from 1983 to 2005 relating to TEK were found using the ISI Web of Science database. Despite the growing amount of literature published on TEK, we found only 21 studies that specifically address forest management per se. In these studies, TEK integration took different paths: using traditional management rules as a framework (five studies), using value maps to adapt practices in time and space (three studies), or by a zoning process that divides the land into areas in which different land uses are emphasized (six studies). Some community involvements are “active” with co-management committees composed of stakeholders (including community members), each having a voice; some are “passive” with external managers using criteria and indicators previously developed from community values and objectives. Although important changes in mentality and firm political decisions are still required before more efficient partnership between TEK and western science is reached in forest management planning, our review showed that Canadian initiatives proposed promising processes that could ensure better TEK incorporation and improved community participation. Key words: traditional ecological knowledge, TEK, sustainable forest management, community participation, first nations, forest management planning
Embedding science and innovation in forest management: Recent experiences at Millar Western in west-central Alberta
Authors: Van Damme Laird , Duinker Peter N , Quintilio Dennis
Published: February 2014

Research from scientists embedded within Millar Western’s forest management planning process over the last 14 years was enabled by strong corporate leadership, cooperation by Alberta’s Ministry of Sustainable Resource Development, and funding by the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta. Results of the supporting research are described in the articles that follow and are important contributions to Canada’s commitment to sustainable forest management (SFM). The process is as noteworthy as the results and is the subject of this paper. When scientists and practitioners work closely together in developing a forest management plan, as they have in this case, there is a much greater opportunity for science-based emergent strategies to be created and applied through the personal interactions among scientists and practitioners. For example, input from the science-based collaborators influenced the harvest schedule in the detailed forest management plan to minimize negative effects on water flow, biodiversity and fire risk. This approach to SFM is one of many being developed in Alberta. The diversity of input has clear benefits, not the least of which is the maintenance of innovation and intellectual enterprise in support of SFM. Key words: forest management planning, forest science, innovation, Alberta, biodiversity, timber supply, guidelines
Integrating multi-discipline teams into forest planning: A case study in west-central Alberta
Authors: Simpson Richard D , Gooding Ted
Published: February 2014

Millar Western Forest Products Ltd. completed its 2007–2016 detailed forest management plan for its forest management agreement area by engaging multi-discipline expertise to better manage forest values. Disciplines were formed into impact assessment groups, which were charged with developing indicators and targets for identified values and objectives and with constructing models to predict the impacts of forest management activities. Three different modeling approaches were used in developing the plan and the best results were obtained by integrating indicators directly into the forecasting model even when the indicators were simple versions of complex models. Integrating indicators into the forecasting model reduced the penalty cost on other indicators, permitted the model to find better solutions, provided almost immediate feedback to the plan development team, permitted more scenarios to be investigated, and provided a better understanding of the dynamics and tradeoffs. The other two techniques used in the DFMP involved the assessment of forecasted scenarios with more complex discipline specific models, which provided more detailed information about the indicators. Key words: forecasting, forest management planning, Patchworks, forest management modeling, timber supply analysis, trade-off analysis, VOIT
Aboriginal expectations and perceived effectiveness of forest management practices and forest certification in Ontario
Authors: Kant Shashi , Brubacher Doug
Published: February 2014

The paper aims to develop a better understanding of Aboriginal peoples’ expectations of the forest environment, and their perceptions of forest planning and management operations on Crown forestlands. The paper also examines the variation in Aboriginal expectations and perceptions across different Aboriginal communities, communities with certified and non-certified forests, three primary user groups (Traditional users, Commercial users, and Leadership), and Aboriginal people with and without knowledge of certification. The understanding is developed on the basis of data from five First Nations, two having FSC-certified forests and three having non-certified forests, all from Ontario. Data were collected using Conceptual Cognitive Content Mapping (3CM) techniques, and were analyzed using various non-parametric statistical tests, including the Freidman test, Sign test, and Kruskal–Wallis test. We conclude that Aboriginal people place the highest importance on a group of expectations related to Aboriginal and Treaty Rights and the second highest on Environmental Values and SFM-related expectations. Expectations related to Participatory Decision-Making and Economic Opportunities and Development are ranked at the same importance level, but of lower importance than Aboriginal and Treaty Rights and Environmental Values and SFM. Aboriginal people generally perceive that forest management is meeting their expectations related to Environmental Values and SFM better than it is meeting their expectations related to Aboriginal and Treaty Rights, Participatory Decision-Making, and Economic Opportunities and Development. Forest certification is perceived to be as important as First Nation negotiations with the Ontario government, Negotiation with industry, Improved business/profitability outlook for the forest industry, Court cases and legal decisions, and Aboriginal claims filed with the federal government. Key words: Aboriginal and treaty rights, Aboriginal expectations, Conceptual Cognitive Content Mapping (3CM), forces of change, forest certification
Timber: An ancient construction material with a bright future
Authors: Smith Ian , Snow Monica A
Published: February 2014

Since before recorded history mankind has used timber for construction and, in "tree rich" rural societies, timber has remained a primary construction material ever since. This reflects the ease with which it can be sourced, its excellent mechanical properties, light weight and easiness to shape. However, over the centuries there has developed widespread aversion within the world's burgeoning urban areas to using timber, because construction practices led to poor fire performance if timber was used. Urbanized societies essentially forgot over recent centuries that if used properly timber is a high-performance construction material. Modern advances in construction know-how and fire suppression techniques coupled with concerns over sustainability of other options, have created conditions wherein timber is re-emerging as a major construction material. Timber has begun to be used in construction of relatively tall urban buildings, rather than being regarded as only suitable for small buildings, and occasional large showpieces that are well isolated from neighbouring structures. This paper summarizes the story of the discovery, diminution and beginnings of re-emergence of timber as a major structural and construction material, and links that to contemporary research at the University of New Brunswick and collaborating institutions. Key words: design, fire, fire engineering, performance-based design, seismic response, structural design, structural response, timber, timber engineering, urbanization, wood
Sustainable forest management for Galicia
Authors: Robak E W. (Ted)
Published: February 2014

Galicia is the most important forestry region of Spain, but its potential as an engine for economic growth is underdeveloped. Most forests in Galicia are privately owned in small holdings that make it difficult to carry out the sustainable forest management required for forest sector development. This paper outlines a sustainable forest management strategy, and then describes forest management processes and supporting technologies that are seen as necessary for promoting sustainable forest management in a region predominated by small forest ownerships. The paper ends with a brief description of the initial steps that have been taken to implement the strategy. Key words: forest sector planning, small private ownerships, rural and regional economic development, Spain
Temperature and plant hardiness zone influence distribution of balsam woolly adelgid damage in Atlantic Canada
Authors: Quiring Dan , Ostaff Don , Hartling Lester , Lavigne Dan , Moore Keith , DeMerchant Ian
Published: February 2014

Management of balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges piceae Ratz.) and of trees damaged by this pest may pose one of the biggest challenges to forest management in Atlantic Canada during the next decade. Feeding by the balsam woolly adelgid is restricted to Abies species in which it causes gouting, branch and upper crown death. Approximately 100 years after its introduction into eastern Canada, symptoms of feeding by the balsam woolly adelgid on balsam fir are found throughout all of Nova Scotia, most of Newfoundland and in southern and eastern New Brunswick. The distribution of symptomatic balsam fir trees coincides with areas where mean January temperatures are below -11°C and where plant hardiness zones are higher than 4a. The presence of balsam fir trees with obvious symptoms of BWA damage throughout much of Atlantic Canada emphasizes the ubiquitous presence of this pest in these provinces and highlights the need to develop hazard rating systems to establish pest management programs to diminish its impact. Key words: global warming, Adelges piceae Ratz., forest insect pest management, abiotic factors
On buds man
Authors: Powell Graham R
Published: February 2014

The nature of scaly buds, homologies of their bud scales and degrees of preformation of contained leaf primordia are briefly described. Distinction is made among vegetative, reproductive, mixed, latent, and adventitious buds. Character of buds as associated with position along and around their supporting shoots and with relative vigour of those supporting shoots is discussed. Reference is made to how knowledge of buds and their fates is useful not only in species identification but also in understanding and modelling development of tree crowns, and in how inter- and intra-generic differences must be accounted for when devising measures to affect development in tree crowns. Key words: bud-scale homology, conifers, hardwoods, lateral buds, leaf primordia, long-shoot versus short-shoot buds, position on shoots, pseudoterminal buds, reproductive buds, terminal buds, vegetative buds
Applying research for enhanced productivity on the Canadian Ecology Centre – Forestry Research Partnership forests
Authors: McPherson Scott , Bell F. Wayne , Leach Jeff , Street Peter , Stinson Al
Published: February 2014

The application of enhanced forest productivity (EFP) through intensive silviculture on designated forest areas is arguably one means to maintain or increase fibre supply and global market competitiveness. The Canadian Ecology Centre – Forestry Research Partnership’s (CEC-FRP) 10/10 objective (to increase sustainable fibre production by 10% in 10 years) has focused many years of forest research largely on the practical application of EFP. Large-scale implementation of this research, through a process of adaptive management, is incumbent on first identifying forests that are available and potentially suitable to implement EFP with more intensive silviculture on portions of the landbase. This paper describes forests in northeastern Ontario that were evaluated for EFP potential, and provides some of the rationale for their selection or rejection for this purpose. To date, the Gordon Cosens, Romeo Malette, Martel, and Nipissing forests are identified as potential CEC-FRP core forests in which research can be directed towards sustainable increases in forest production. These 4 forests are located in Ontario’s boreal and Great Lakes–St. Lawrence regions and have the necessary tenure, potential productivity, protection from fire, insect and disease, and are managed under a suitably enabling planning and legislative environment. In addition, forest management planning teams for these forests are closely integrated with the CECFRP through core teams that are critical to identifying science priorities based on local operational issues, and moving subsequent research into practice. As such, it seems timely to move forward with EFP implementation through a process of adaptive management on these forests. Key words: enhanced forest productivity (EFP), intensive forest management (IFM), intensive silviculture, forest management planning (FMP), adaptive management
A comparison of existing surficial hydrological data layers in a low-relief forested Ontario landscape with those derived from a LiDAR DEM
Authors: Remmel Tarmo K , Todd Kenton W , Buttle James
Published: February 2014

The current provincial-extent digital elevation model (DEM) and corresponding hydrological maps for Ontario have been produced using traditional photogrammetry and aerial photograph interpretation. This process is labour-intensive and requires visual interpretation of stereo image pairs. The ground surface and small hydrological features may be inaccurately delineated in areas where vegetation is dense or the ground is otherwise shielded from aerial view. In an effort to improve and automate delineation of hydrological features, we examined the behaviour and final products of the D8 flowrouting algorithm in 2 software environments (TAS and TauDEM for ArcGIS) operating on a high spatial resolution DEM derived using canopy-penetrating light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology in a pilot study in the Romeo Malette Forest (41.25°N, 81.50°W). Filtered LiDAR data points (5-m spacing) were interpolated using IDW, TIN, and splines, each resulting in a 2.5-m spatial resolution DEM. Results demonstrate improved realism in the characterization of surficial hydrology by LIDAR derived products as compared to applying identical algorithms on existing coarser provincial data. Benefits include the ability to represent streams of lower Strahler order to define crisp watershed boundaries, and the more accurate identification of local depressions that form potentially wet sites. This approach identifies wet sites that should be avoided during forest operations (e.g., skidder traffic) and can provide additional information for trail layout, road planning, and water crossings. By increasing the number of uses of LiDAR, the capital investment in these data becomes increasingly palatable for forest companies interested in obtaining detailed plans of their forest holdings. Key words: LiDAR, DEM, OBM, spatial resolution, interpolation, Strahler stream order, flow routing, topographic wetness
Linking survey detection accuracy with ability to mitigate populations of mountain pine beetle
Authors: Coggins Sam B , Wulder Michael A , Coops Nicholas C , White Joanne C
Published: February 2014

In 2007, the mountain pine beetle impacted an estimated 10.1 million hectares of pine forest in British Columbia, Canada. Surveys to detect the location, size, and impact of infestations are conducted from field, airborne, and satellite perspectives. Importantly, the differing survey approaches characterize the infestation over dissimilar spatial scales (i.e., trees, stands, landscapes), and with varying levels of detection accuracy. In this communication, we provide background for understanding differing survey approaches, the nature of the information generated, the resultant detection accuracies that may be expected, and the link between survey accuracy and the ability to mitigate a given mountain pine beetle infestation. A detection accuracy of 100% implies that all infested trees could be mitigated; however, no survey method achieves this level of detection accuracy, and therefore some residual infestation will persist, facilitating further population expansion if other environmental factors are conducive. Based upon this understanding, we model the number of years of mitigation effort required to maintain endemic beetle population levels, as a function of the survey approach used and the expected detection accuracy. Key words: mountain pine beetle, survey, detection, remote sensing, accuracy, mitigation, insect, Landsat, QuickBird, aerial-overview survey, heli-GPS
Hardwood lumber industry in the Appalachian region: Focus on exports
Authors: Naka Kozma , Parsons Brigitte A , Hammett A.L. (Tom)
Published: February 2014

Exports can provide income, employment, and risk diversification. However, the decision to enter the export market requires commitment of sufficient managerial, economic and financial resources. A survey of 214 hardwood lumber mills across 10 states in the Appalachian region was conducted to assess motivation and differences between hardwood lumber exporters and non-exporters. The study examined marketing strategies, business practices, manufacturing equipment used, and exporting process. Business size was the most important criterion to determine the likelihood of export. Hardwood lumber exporters invested more money in equipment, manufactured larger amounts of higher quality lumber, and utilized more species that capture greater value in the marketplace. The findings of this study will help the Appalachian forest industry and government agencies to identify strategies that lead to export opportunities for hardwood lumber. Key words: lumber, lumber industry, lumber export, hardwood lumber, Appalachian region
Trends in the US decking market: A national survey of deck and home builders
Authors: Ganguly Indroneil , Eastin Ivan L.
Published: February 2014

The deck-building industry is going through a period of rapid growth and dramatic change with respect to the types of materials available to build decks. Naturally durable timber species (i.e., redwood, western redcedar, Alaska yellow-cedar and tropical hardwoods) are facing acute competition from engineered decking products, primarily plastic lumber and composite wood products. The results of a 2004 national survey of 156 deck builders and 212 home builders indicate that wood–plastic composites are quickly gaining popularity among deck-building professionals as they increase their market share. This paper investigates deck-building professionals’ use and perceptions of the different decking materials. The study also reveals the usage patterns of the various decking materials in the primary end-use applications (substructure, deck surface and deck accessories). Finally, a comparative assessment of the different decking materials relative to a common set of material attributes is presented. Key words: decking market, deck-building practices, decking material, residential housing, deck builders, homebuilders
Climate indices and mountain pine beetle-killing temperatures
Authors: Thomson Alan J
Published: February 2014

Average minimum January temperature in British Columbia and Alberta is related to the interaction of the Pacific/North American Pattern (PNA) and the Northern Annular Mode (NAM) climate indices. Average minimum temperature at a station, modified by elevation effects, determines the number of days in the month falling below threshold levels of -20°C, -30°C and -40°C; i.e., determines the likelihood of unseasonably low temperatures that have lethal consequences for mountain pine beetle (MPB). Key words: cold tolerance, response surface, climate change, El Niño – Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO)
Characteristics of transborder wood flow to sawmills in eastern Canada
Authors: Anderson Nate , Germain René , Bevilacqua Eddie
Published: February 2014

This paper characterizes the wood procurement operations of Canadian sawmills within 300 kilometres of the Northern Forest, which is a 12 million hectare area of mixed hardwood and coniferous forest that spans 4 states in the northeastern United States. Based on data collected from a mail survey administered in 2006, wood procurement is quantified in terms of the percentage of supply from transborder sources, the geographic range of procurement operations, the relative importance of alternative sawlog sources, and perceived changes in the availability and quality of the sawlog resource. Over 1/3 of the 5.17 million m3 of procurement reported in the survey originated in the United States. On average, mills that have little or no procurement in Canada routinely range 240 kilometres or more to meet procurement requirements, predominantly from roadside sources in the United States. Mills that procure all of their wood within Canada range 114 kilometres on average, and procure 73% of their wood supply from provincial Crown lands. A majority of mills in the sample reported that the quality of logs and the volume per log within their woodshed declined between 1994 and 2005. Based on a logistic regression model of 4 predictor variables, distance to the U.S. border and access to logs from provincial Crown lands are significant predictors of the use of transborder log sources. In addition to providing valuable baseline data, results suggest that mills without access to provincial Crown lands may be disproportionately impacted by high fuel prices and parcelization of private forest land in the United States. Results are discussed in light of these and other industry trends. Key words: sawmill industry, log imports, international trade, wood procurement
Population trend status of Ontario’s forest birds
Authors: Blancher Peter J , Phoenix R. Dean , Badzinski Debra S , Cadman Michael D , Crewe Tara L , Downes Constance M , Fillman Don , Francis Charles M , Hughes Jack , Hussell David J.T. , Lepage Denis , McCracken Jon D , McNicol Donald K , Pond Bruce A , Ross R. Ken , Russell Rich , Venier Lisa A , Weeber Russ C
Published: February 2014

Recent population trends of Ontario’s forest birds were assessed by integrating results across 8 bird surveys to provide an estimate of trend status for all of Ontario, and for 2 forested regions of Ontario separately. Surveys with mid- and longterm trends were relied on most extensively in this assessment. Comparison of the first and second Breeding Bird Atlases was especially important for estimating trends in northern forests, but overall reliability of status assessments in the north was considered poor due to limited coverage and significant potential for bias. Trends of most forest birds were stable or positive at the Ontario-wide scale, with trends at least as positive as forest birds elsewhere in North America, and showing more positive trends overall than birds of agricultural landscapes. Nevertheless, individual species trends ranged from large declines to large increases, and several forest birds have been added to Species at Risk lists largely because of population declines. There were few differences in trend status among forest birds grouped by habitat association or migratory guild, although all 5 aerial insectivore species have declined. Better monitoring coverage of the boreal will be needed if improved reliability of trends is desired in the near future. Key words: Ontario, forest birds, boreal forest, population trend, bird surveys, monitoring reliability
Forest birds and forest management in Ontario: Status, management, and policy
Authors: Thompson Ian D , Baker James A , Hannon Susan J , Rempel Robert S , Szuba Kandyd J
Published: February 2014

This paper presents a summary of presentations and discussions at a 3-day workshop on research and management of forest birds in Ontario forests. While many forest birds in Ontario do not appear to be negatively affected over the long term by forest management, some species were noted as declining using Breeding Bird Atlas data and more research is required to understand the causes, some of which may well be related to habitat change on the wintering grounds. For example, the aerial foragers as a group have declined significantly during the past 20 years. Recent research suggests landscape convergence between managed and fire-origin stands for bird species over time, but negative effects were suggested for boreal chickadee (Poecile hudsonsicus), brown creeper (Certhia familiaris), and some cavity-users, although there is no evidence of declines in these species from the current atlas data. This inconsistency needs to be evaluated. In Carolinian forests, even small-scale tree harvesting in this already highly fragmented landscape can have deleterious effects on breeding success for some species, such as wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) and rose-breasted grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus). New modelling techniques and meta-analyses seem to hold considerable promise as tools to help managers understand key habitats, species that require special attention, and as predictive models of forest management effects. A large number of recommendations to improve the management of forest birds are provided and as is a suggested research agenda to improve our understanding of key factors affecting birds in managed forests. Key words: forest birds, forest management, boreal forest, Great Lakes–St. Lawrence forest, Carolinian forest, indicators, modelling, cavity nester, spruce budworm, forest policy, Ontario
Juvenile growth of black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] BSP) stands established during endemic and epidemic attacks by spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana [Clemens]) in the boreal forest of Quebec, Canada
Authors: Krause Cornelia , Morin Hubert , Plourde Pierre-Y.
Published: February 2014

In the boreal forest of Quebec, 80% of harvested black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] BSP) stands regenerate naturally. In the remaining 20%, forest regeneration is ensured by planting seedlings and these plantations are expected to increase future forest yields. However, predictions of future yields using the information from very young plantations in this ecosystem may have low accuracy. To compare juvenile growth in plantations versus naturally regenerated stands, and also to evaluate the impacts of spruce budworm Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens) defoliation periods during the juvenile phase, annual height and volume growth were calculated from measurements on nine black spruce stands. The nine sites consisted of two plantations and seven post-fire, naturally regenerated stands. Of the seven naturally regenerated sites, four were epidemic and 3 endemic. The term “epidemic” refers to stands regenerated during known spruce budworm defoliation periods. The term “endemic” refers to stands regenerated during periods without severe defoliation. For height and volume growth, 5 different methods were used and compared. The annual height and volume growth of all black spruce showed a sigmoid trend, characterized by low values in the first years after germination, followed by an exponential acceleration and finally oscillation around a horizontal asymptote. The black spruce stands established during endemic periods were more productive than those established during epidemic periods, but plantations were the most productive. Key words: black spruce, juvenile growth, plantation, post-fire stands, spruce budworm outbreak, volume, yield
Canadian pulp fibre morphology: Superiority and considerations for end use potential
Authors: Watson Paul , Bradley Michael
Published: February 2014

Four physical attributes of fibres confer the end use potential of a pulp, namely fibre length, fibre coarseness, fibre strength and uniformity. Long, slender, fine fibred pulps, which are low in thick-walled summerwood content, provide superior reinforcement strength. The natural species endowment that Canada enjoys can, when accompanied by superior operational performance and technical vision, result in significant advantages for strategically focused companies and their customers. Factor and multivariate analysis of more than 60 industrial pulp samples confirm that on the basis of fundamental morphological differences, Canadian pulps exhibit clear superiority. Canadian northern bleached softwood kraft pulp is the undoubted industry leader, yet unrealized potential still exists, and additional research effort is required, to maintain this market position. Key words: kraft pulp, softwood, fibre morphology, intrinsic properties, length, coarseness, fibre strength, tensile strength, biogeoclimatic zone, factor analysis, reinforcement, premium reinforcement pulp, PRP, refining
Forest sustainability in Ontario
Authors: Van Damme Laird
Published: February 2014

In formulating policy it is sometimes necessary to apply constructive ambiguity in defining new ideas so as to gain broadbased support. Forest sustainability, like justice, is a concept with which everyone can agree. Problems arise when sustainability is used rhetorically as in black and white context of sustainable versus not sustainable. Although criteria and indicators help define sustainability along a continuum, there remains the question on selecting acceptable levels or thresholds for selected indicators. Both science and the politics of principled debate are necessary to help set these thresholds and monitor outcomes. In addition, foresters and resource management professionals should take care to use terms like sustainability in the proper context. Key words: forest sustainability, criteria and indicators, forest management, forest audits, Crown Forest Sustainability Act
The Sustainable Forest Management Network (1995–2009): An overview of its organizational history and perceived legacies
Authors: Klenk Nicole L , Hickey Gordon M
Published: February 2014

As the Sustainable Forest Management Network draws to a close, it is timely to take stock of this distinct research organization in the Canadian forest sector. This paper offers an overview of the SFM Network’s organizational history and perceived legacies. The paper’s scope includes the Network’s institutional/policy context, its organizational structure, and its partnership evolution over time. It then presents some of the Network’s most important outputs and outcomes and reports perceived legacies drawn from interviews with individuals who have been heavily involved in the evolution of the SFM Network. Key words: knowledge network, cross-sector partnerships, collaboration, forest history, networks of centres of excellence
Still invasive after all these years: Keeping gypsy moth out of British Columbia
Authors: Nealis Vince
Published: February 2014

The gypsy moth is an alien invasive insect in North America. In Canada, management objectives and approaches have often collided with public opposition and resulted in a shifting public policy. The history of this interaction between science and policy is best illustrated in British Columbia where gypsy moth remains unestablished after 30 years of repeated invasions and eradications. The case study provides unique lessons to improve sciencepublic dialogue in achieving common socioeconomic objectives. It shows that despite the availability of sufficient scientific knowledge and technical capacity to reduce risk, the absence of effective risk communication can compromise the effectiveness of management action and increase the risk of invasion. Key words: pest management, invasive species, gypsy moth, science and policy