bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studying the impacts of harvest intensity on site productivity of Ontario's black spruce ecosystems
Authors: Morris Dave M. , Duckert Dan R.
Published: February 2014

As a result of a Class Environmental Assessment, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) was mandated to design and implement a research project pertaining to the effects of full-tree harvesting on long-term site productivity. This project, initiated in 1991, was designed to focus on ecosystem processes and the changes occurring to these processes after harvesting (e.g., quantifying the disruption and recovery) for the black spruce working group. A series of replicated, experimental harvest treatments with varying degrees of biomass removal were conducted on nine core study sites, representing different black spruce ecosites located in northwestern Ontario, Canada. The harvest treatments included: uncut — controls, tree length — delimbed at the stump, full tree — delimbed at the roadside, full-tree chipping — chipped debris was returned to the harvest plot, and whole tree — complete removal of vegetation and forest floor. Each site consisted of 16 plots, three replicates of the four harvest treatments (30 m × 30 m plots) and four replicates of the control plots (50 m × 50 m plots). Work on this project is anticipated to continue for a minimum of fifteen years to detail the early and most dynamic stages of post-harvest recovery. Key words: black spruce, site productivity, nutrient cycling, harvesting impacts
The West Arm Demonstration Forest – rising to the challenge
Authors: Smith Jim , Delong Deb
Published: February 2014

The 13 500 hectare West Arm Demonstration Forest near Nelson in southeastern British Columbia was founded in 1992 by the Ministry of Forests in response to public concerns over conventional forestry practices in their watersheds and viewscapes. It has the objectives of demonstrating the latest concepts in landscape level planning, silvicultural systems and public participation. The forest is home to many agency and academic research projects aimed at analyzing the effects of these new concepts on many forest values. As well, the forest is required to produce an annual harvest of timber for the B.C. Ministry of Forests Small Business Forest Enterprise Program. This mix of objectives provides a unique challenge for forest managers, researchers and the local public. Key words: ecosystem management, landscape level planning, public participation, watershed management, silvicultural systems
Timber supply implications of natural disturbance management
Authors: Armstrong Glen W. , Cumming Steven G. , Adamowicz Wiktor L.
Published: February 2014

The timber supply implications of applying an interpretation of the natural disturbance model (NDM) of forest management were examined, using a computer model simulating forest growth and harvest. Under the natural disturbance model, much less timber was available for harvest than under maximum sustained timber yield management. Several questions relating to implementation of the natural disturbance model of management are raised with the intent of stimulating some discussion.
Features of First Nation forest management institutions and implications for sustainability
Authors: Treseder Leslie , Krogman Naomi T.
Published: February 2014

This paper provides an overview of three approaches to forest management being applied by First Nations in Canada: industrial forestry, forest co-management and community forests. Industrial forestry, involving large-scale harvesting of timber, has been successful in increasing employment levels for some First Nations. However, industrial forestry is difficult to pursue due to the significant financial and timber resources it requires, and it may result in social conflicts between timber harvesters and traditional users of the forest. Forest co-management refers to shared management of forest resources by First Nations, government and/or industry. Benefits of co-management for First Nations can include better decision-making, increased employment opportunities, and cultural sensitivity toward First Nation forestry concerns. Disadvantages can include inequality of the partners in co-management arrangements and lack of public involvement in decision-making. Community forests often include local control, local investment of profits, and greater attention to the long term returns from the forest. The community forest approach may be hindered by a lack of profit, an absence of alternative tenure arrangements and other models to follow, and difficult access to financial resources and adequate land bases. The current state of institutional reform offers hope for the incorporation of Aboriginal objectives in sustainable forest management. New institutions can contribute to sustainability in forest-dependent Aboriginal communities by increasing commitment to and support of local forest management practices. Key Words: forest sociology, sustainable forest management, First Nations, social institutions, industrial forestry, forest co-management, community forests
One-way crossing barriers in some interspecific crosses of Aigeiros and Tacamahaca poplars
Authors: Zsuffa Louis , Lin Dolly , Payne Peggy
Published: February 2014

New evidence is described on one way crossing barriers between Aigeiros and Tacamahaca species, gained in experimental full-sib crosses. The technique of crosses and embryo rescue are described. In some crosses of questionable result, the embryo rescue was successful. The possible genetic mechanisms underlying the crossing barriers are discussed. Key words: Populus, hydridization, embryo rescue, crossing barriers
Thinking and acting differently for sustainable management of the boreal forest
Authors: Messier Christian , Kneeshaw Daniel D.
Published: February 2014

Sustainable forest management has replaced sustained yield as the new management strategy for most countries and forest companies. This concept has generated a lot of interest and discussion, and a great deal of effort is being made to modify current forestry practices to be sustainable. In this paper, we argue that the still somewhat vague concept of sustainable forest management calls for a substantial modification in our way of thinking about and practising forestry. To move toward that goal, we recognize important social and economic challenges to sustainable management and suggest nine essential notions: 1) manage the forest ecosystem as a whole and not in parts nor only for the crop species; 2) conserve a significant proportion of the boreal forest (i.e., at least 12%); 3) practice intensive forestry on a small portion of the land to recover the fibre lost from notions 1 and 2; 4) strive for innovation in thinking and acting; 5) foster research and development to support notion 4; 6) balance regional needs with that of the global community; 7) encourage public participation; 8) consider the impact of substantial change in climate over the next 100 years (or next rotation); and 9) substitute regulations that are adaptive for those that are restrictive. An example of the kind of silviculture that could be used in ecosystem management for the black spruce forest is also discussed. Key words: sustainability, ecosystem management, boreal forest, socio-economic and biophysical concerns, natural dynamics
Precommercial thinning in a northern conifer stand: 18-year results
Authors: Brissette John C. , Frank Jr. Robert M. , Stone Timothy L. , Skratt Thomas A.
Published: February 2014

Four levels of precommercial thinning were applied with and without fertilization in a young, even-aged stand of northern conifers in east-central Maine. After 18 years, precommercial thinning resulted in longer and wider crowns and greater survival, growth, and yield of selected crop trees compared to untreated controls. Growth and yield were greater with uniform spacing at approximately 2.4 × 2.4 m and 1.5-m row thinning with crop-tree release in residual strips than with row thinning without crop-tree release. Control of stand species composition was greatest with uniform spacing. Fertilization had no significant effect.
Shared facilities: A model for forest-dependent communities in British Columbia
Authors: Kozak Robert , Hartridge Chris
Published: February 2014

In May of 1999, the Wood Enterprise Centre Shared-use Manufacturing Facility in Quesnel, British Columbia opened its doors to the public, with the aim of job creation and economic stimulation in the forest-dependent community of the North Cariboo. By providing value-added wood producers access to the costly high-tech equipment required to be competitive in this sector, this unique facility gives young companies the opportunity to become successful without bearing the prohibitive capital costs of machine acquisition. By all accounts the facility is a success, with eighteen new jobs having been created in the region to date. This study discusses various models of shared use that forest-dependent communities could deploy. It also outlines some of the exploratory research (site visits around North America) that ultimately helped to shape the centre and the manner in which it operates. It is hoped that results of this study will be used by regional development agencies who are considering, or are in the midst of, developing and implementing a shared facility to stimulate growth in economically recessed forest communities. Key words: shared facilities, shared-use manufacturing, co-operatives, business incubators, multi-tenant facilities, forest-dependent communities, value-added wood products, regional economic development
Development of integrated ecological standards of sustainable forest management at an operational scale
Authors: Kneeshaw Daniel D. , Leduc Alain , Messier Christian , Drapeau Pierre , Gauthier Sylvie , Paré David , Carignan Richard , Doucet René , Bouthillier Luc
Published: February 2014

Within Canada, and internationally, an increasing demand that forests be managed to maintain all resources has led to the development of criteria and indicators of sustainable forest management. There is, however, a lack of understanding, at an operational scale, how to evaluate and compare forest management activities to ensure the sustainability of all resources. For example, nationally, many of the existing indicators are too broad to be used directly at a local scale of forest management; provincially, regulations are often too prescriptive and rigid to allow for adaptive management; and forest certification programs, often based largely on public or stakeholder opinion instead of scientific understanding, may be too local in nature to permit a comparison of operations across a biome. At an operational scale indicators must be relevant to forest activities and ecologically integrated. In order to aid decision-makers in the adaptive management necessary for sustainable forest management, two types of indicators are identified: those that are prescriptive to aid in planning forest management and those that are evaluative to be used in monitoring and suggesting improvements. An integrated approach to developing standards based on an ecosystem management paradigm is outlined for the boreal forest where the variability inherent in natural systems is used to define the limits within which forest management is ecologically sustainable. Sustainability thresholds are thus defined by ecosystem response after natural disturbances. For this exercise, standards are proposed for biodiversity, forest productivity via regeneration, soil conservation and aquatic resources. For each of these standards, planning indicators are developed for managing forest conditions while forest values are evaluated by environmental indicators, thus leading to a continuous cycle of improvement. Approaches to developing critical thresholds and corresponding prescriptions are also outlined. In all cases, the scale of evaluation is clearly related to the landscape (or FMU) level while the stand level is used for measurement purposes. In this view the forest should be managed as a whole even though forest interventions are usually undertaken at the stand level. Key words: sustainable forest management, criteria and indicators, biodiversity, regeneration, soil conservation, aquatic resources, landscape level evaluation, planning and monitoring
Examining the Specifics approach to identifying indicators of sustainable natural resource management in Ontario, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia
Authors: Lautenschlager R. A. , MacLeod Holly , Hollstedt Chris , Balsillie David
Published: February 2014

Natural resource managers, environmental interest groups, and public agencies need identifiable, measurable indicators of sustainability based on meaningful fine-scale specifics that are appropriate for both fine and increasingly broader social/ecological scales. The "Identify the Specifics" framework, field tested in Ontario, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia, uses collective local expert knowledge to integrate and prioritize social/ecological concerns that become the foundation for both local and increasingly broader-scale indicators of sustainable management. Results to date suggest that: (1) local experts have valuable knowledge to contribute; (2) identified local indicators, once reviewed, can contribute to both local- and broader-scale indicators; (3) fewer than 10 indicators may provide an adequate foundation for assessing the sustainability of local range and forest management practices; and (4) local and broader-scale experts commonly identify different indicators because they have different knowledge bases, priorities, and responsibilities. Differences in the indicators identified among experts representing different scales may be minimized if indicators at broader scales are developed with knowledge of specifics from finer scales. The Specifics approach is presently being used across British Columbia to help identify knowledge gaps and related research and extension priorities. Key words: criteria and indicators, ecological concerns, extension, forest management, natural resources, priorities, range management, specifics, sustainability
Effect of seed predation, shade and soil organic matter on the early establishment of eastern white pine and balsam fir seedlings
Authors: Duchesne Luc C. , Herr D. G. , Wetzel S. , Thompson I. D. , Reader R.
Published: February 2014

Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) does not regenerate well in the absence of fire, or without mechanical exposure of mineral soil, while balsam fir (Abies balsamea L. Mill.) is a common understory species on sites occupied by white pine. We conducted two experiments to explain the difference in regenerative success of these two species. First, the effect of shade and soil organic matter on the emergence of white pine and balsam fir were compared using soil monoliths from a regenerating white pine stand. Balsam fir germination was significantly lower than white pine germination at different shade levels and at different levels of soil organic matter. Second, seed predation was compared between balsam fir and white pine in a non-regenerating white pine stand. Predation of white pine seeds was 10 times greater than balsam fir predation even when seeds of white pine and balsam fir were left as a mixture on the forest floor. We speculate that seed predation is a critical factor in white pine succession and that seed predators favour balsam fir succession by selecting white pine seeds. Key words: seed predation, fire ecology, Pinus strobus, Abies balsamea, Peromyscus maniculatus, succession
The Ontario Hardwood Forest Health Survey: 1986 – 1998
Authors: McLaughlin D. L. , Chiu M. , Durigon D. , Liljalehto H.
Published: February 2014

In 1986 the Ontario government established a long-term program to monitor hardwood forest health. The program was initiated in response to widespread reports of forest decline in North America and Europe and the implication that air pollution, specifically acidic deposition, was a causal factor. Visual symptoms of branch dieback, leaf colour, and leaf size, have been quantitatively evaluated on about 15 000 trees in 110 plots. This report summarizes the results of the first 12 years (1986 to 1998). Over that time period, relative to the 1986 baseline year, 84% of the plots have improved in condition, 12% have not changed, and 4% have deteriorated. Generally, hardwood forest health in the province appears to be quite good; severe decline is limited and very site-specific, occurring only in selected northern regions on acid-sensitive and/or marginal sites, or in southern areas on very shallow soils. Northern forests growing on coarse-textured shallow soils underlain by precambrian rock are in poorer health relative to southern forests growing on finer-textured, deeper soil over limestone. On soils sensitive to acidic deposition, tree health deteriorated as soil pH and exchangeable aluminum levels increased. Key words: forest health, forest decline, decline index, Ontario, hardwood, air pollution, acid rain
Mapping conifer understory within boreal mixedwoods from Landsat TM satellite imagery and forest inventory information
Authors: Hall R. J. , Peddle D. R. , Klita D. L.
Published: February 2014

Information about conifer understory within deciduous-dominated mixed-wood stands would increase the possible range of management options for these complex communities, yet cost-effective and accurate inventory methods remain elusive. Maps of conifer understory produced from field-checked photo interpretation were compared with classified images created from Landsat Thematic Mapper data and two image classifiers. The highest accuracy achieved was 71% using an evidential reasoning classifier that integrated satellite remote sensing observations with stand inventory information. The image map did provide an advantage by capturing some of the spatial variability of conifer understory that is not captured by photo interpretation methods. Predicting the presence and spatial distribution of conifer understory is difficult because its establishment is influenced by many factors such as ecosite, available substrate, distance to seed source and mechanisms of recruitment that are not typically available in spatial formats. The image maps are considered estimates that may be suitable for broad strategic planning, and may serve as validation information for national satellite land cover mapping initiatives. Keywords: boreal mixedwood, conifer understory, image classification, Landsat TM, reflectance, forest inventory, vegetation index
Early regeneration conifer identification and competition cover assessment using airborne digital camera imagery
Authors: Haddow K. A. , King D. J. , Pouliot D. A. , Pitt D. G. , Bell F. W.
Published: February 2014

The potential of low cost, high-resolution airborne digital camera imagery for use in early stage forest regeneration assessment was investigated. Airborne imagery with 2.5-cm pixel size was acquired near Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, over a forest vegetation management research site to: i) evaluate capabilities for identification and stem counting of two-year old conifer crop species under leaf-off and leaf-on conditions using classification of spectral and textural image information, and ii) develop models relating vegetation cover parameters to image spectral and texture information. Results indicate strong potential for identification and counting of conifer trees when competing vegetation cover is low or in leaf-off condition. However, systematic decreases in class separability and conifer count accuracy were observed with increasing competition. In image modelling of competition Leaf Area Index and Cover, statistically significant relations were found using primarily spectral measures. Stratification by competition species improved model fits and included texture measures in some models. Key words: airborne remote sensing, forest vegetation management, regeneration, digital cameras, leaf area index, cover, tree classification
The Bioindicators of Forest Condition Project: A physiological, remote sensing approach
Authors: Sampson Paul H. , Mohammed Gina H. , Noland Thomas L. , Irving Denzil , Colombo Stephen J. , Zarco-Tejada Pablo J. , Miller John R. , Freemantle Jim , Treitz Paul M.
Published: February 2014

Objective measures of forest ecosystem condition are needed to gauge the effects of management activities and natural phenomena on sustainability. The Bioindicators of Forest Condition Project seeks to develop a Forest Condition Rating (FCR) system using a physiological, remote sensing approach. In particular, the goal of the project is to test whether hyperspectral remote sensing may be used to infer stand-level information about pigment concentration, chlorophyll fluorescence, and other physiological features of condition. The project spans a four-year period of intensive sampling in tolerant hardwood forests in Ontario using the Compact Airborne Spectrographic Imager (CASI). For each airborne campaign, concurrent ground-based sampling for leaf physiological features was performed. Controlled laboratory and greenhouse studies were also conducted to derive relationships between leaf-based spectral measurements and physiology in the presence of environmental stresses. The project has identified several promising bioindicators of strain that are discernible from hyperspectral images and related to ground-based physiology. The most promising remote indicator for semi-operational testing is estimation of chlorophyll content, which can be used to classify maple stands on a five-stage scale of health. Chlorophyll fluorescence has also been discerned from spectral signatures, but our studies indicate it may be confounded by chlorophyll content. The intent here is to update the forestry community on progress made, insights gained, and the practical implications of the research. Keywords: chlorophyll fluorescence, hyperspectral, indices, pigments, reflectance, tolerant hardwoods
From fur to fir: Lessons for the BC forest industry from the anti-fur campaign
Authors: Myers Heather
Published: February 2014

BC's forest industry is feeling internal and international pressure to change its practices, and there is an increasing move to certification, amidst debates about preferred certification modes. This reflects changes in the economies of many of Canada's rural and northern communities, which have traditionally been dependent upon natural resources, but are now coming under pressure from the global community – not only in economic terms, but in terms of social values. As demography changes, and with it, social and economic values, this pressure is likely to continue. The Canadian North first felt such pressure as a result of the European boycott of the Newfoundland seal hunt, and then anti-trapping boycotts that have occurred periodically since then. These campaigns have had a profound effect on the lifestyles, cultures and sustainability of the northern communities. Over almost three decades, the government, non-government organizations and people of the North have had to learn to deal with and respond to these external campaigns that threaten them. The lessons they have learned about the nature of these campaigns could be useful to the province of British Columbia, which is now coming under increasing pressure from Europe and the US regarding its forestry practices. This paper outlines the evolution and characteristics of the international campaigns against sealing and trapping, as well as the experiences of northerners in dealing with them. It goes on to apply these lessons to the BC situation, with some recommendations for appropriate responses. Fundamentally, these campaigns reflect changing demographic and social characteristics and values in North America and Europe, and the changing relationship of people to natural resources, but they also raise questions about fair reflection of the variety of stakeholder interests in resource decision-making, and the limits on definition of "stakeholders." Key words: Boycotts, resource use
Use of mixedwood stands by wintering white-tailed deer in southern New Brunswick
Authors: Sabine Dwayne L. , Forbes Graham , Ballard Warren B. , Bowman Jeff , Whitlaw Heather
Published: February 2014

On the northern edge of their range, white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) congregate during winter to cope with severe climate conditions. We documented the winter habitat use of deer in southern New Brunswick, where winters are of moderate severity, and tested predictions concerning the influence of food and cover availability on habitat use by deer under different snow depth regimes. Sixty-three radio-collared deer were monitored during the winters of 1995 to 1997. Within wintering areas, deer showed a preference for mixedwoods. Mixedwood stands provided only moderate amounts of food and cover relative to some other cover types, but were the only type to provide both simultaneously. Current habitat management guidelines in parts of northeastern North America consider critical habitat for wintering deer to be softwood-dominated stands. These guidelines may not provide adequate habitat in this region, since deer appear to use mixedwood stands under some conditions. Key words: deer, deer wintering area, deer yard, habitat, habitat management, mixedwood, Odocoileus, winter, yard
Forest harvesting operations in South Africa
Authors: Pulkki Reino
Published: February 2014

The author had the opportunity to spend the past year at the University of Stellenbosch, Faculty of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, as the Chair of Forest Engineering. This article summarizes the forest harvesting situation in South Africa and reflects on some of the dilemmas that forest operations managers must contend with daily. Key words: South Africa, logging, harvesting, mechanization, appropriate technology
Genetically modified poplars in context
Authors: Strauss Steven H. , DiFazio Stephen P. , Meilan Richard
Published: February 2014

Poplars (genus Populus) have emerged as a model organism for forest biotechnology, and genetic modification (GM: asexual gene transfer) is more advanced for this genus than for any other tree. The goal of this paper is to consider the benefits expected from the use of GM poplar trees, and the most significant claims made for environmental harm, by comparing them to impacts and uncertainties that are generally accepted as part of intensive tree culture. We focus on the four traits with greatest commercialization potential in the near term: wood modification, herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, and flowering control. After field trials and selection of the top performing trees, similar to that during conventional poplar breeding, GM poplars appear vigorous and express their new traits reliably. The ecological issues expected from use of GM poplars appear similar in scope to those managed routinely during conventional plantation culture, which includes the use of exotic and hybrid genotypes, short rotations, intensive weed control, fertilization, and density control. The single-gene traits under consideration for commercial use are unlikely to cause a significant expansion in ecological niche, and thus to substantially alter poplar's ability to "invade" wild populations. We conclude that the ecological risks posed by GM poplars are similar in magnitude, though not in detail, to those of routine poplar culture. We also argue that the tangible economic and environmental benefits of GM poplars for some uses warrant their near-term adoption—if coupled with adaptive research and monitoring—so that their economic and ecological benefits, and safety, can be studied on commercially and ecologically relevant scales. We believe that the growing demand for both wood products and ecological services of forests justifies vigorous efforts to increase wood production on land socially zoned for tree agriculture, plantations, or horticulture. This is the key reason for poplar biotechnology: the combination of economic efficiency with reduction of farm and forestry impact on the landscape. Key words: biotechnology, environmental risk assessment, forestry, genetic engineering, Populus
Willow vegetation filters for wastewater treatment and soil remediation combined with biomass production
Authors: Aronsson Pär , Perttu Kurth
Published: February 2014

Vegetation filters of fast-growing trees such as willows and poplars are becoming important as an alternative to conventional treatment of wastewater and landfill leachate. Short-rotation willow coppice is a non-edible crop and has many of the requirements for a suitable vegetation filter. The filtering capacity (e.g., of nitrogen) is very high, and the crop promotes denitrification in the root zone. It has a highly selective uptake of heavy metals, especially cadmium, which enables remediation of contaminated soils. In addition, willows have a high evapotranspiration rate facilitating high loads, e.g., of polluted landfill leachate. Because of the pathogens present in municipal wastewater and sludge, special attention must be paid to storage and distribution of wastewater. In many cases vegetation filters are more cost-effective than conventional treatment methods and also facilitate recycling of valuable resources in society. Key words: bioenergy, economics, heavy metals, landfill leachates, municipal wastewater, pathogens, Salix spp., sewage sludge, wood ash
Secondary manufacturing in British Columbia: Structure, significance and trends
Authors: Wilson Bill , Stennes Brad , Wang Sen , Wilson Louise
Published: February 2014

Similar to many other jurisdictions, British Columbia (BC) is no longer able to expand forest sector production and employment by drawing upon additional timber reserves, so it is seeking to expand value-added (i.e., secondary) manufacturing in forest products. Given the significance of the forest sector to BC, it is important that decision-makers seeking to promote an expansion in secondary manufacturing have accurate sector information. This paper presents the results of a 1998-99 survey of the BC solid wood secondary manufacturing industry. The project gathered operational, employment, production, marketing and financial information on nine defined product groups of business types (BTs) for 1997. The industry information is analyzed to provide a quantitative and qualitative examination on the current structure and significance of the sector, and a discussion on the major challenges confronting secondary manufacturing. An analysis of sector trends is also provided.Sector employment for nine business types totalled 19 490 person years and total sector sales an estimated $3.87 billion (about 22% of total BC forest product sales). Sales for seven business types (excluding panelboards, shakes and shingles) totalled $2.69 billion, up about 40% from 1994 measured in nominal dollars. Direct employment coefficients for a standard volume of timber equivalent are estimated for each of the business types. Key words: forest industry, value-added, employment, markets, policy
Fire-smart forest management: A pragmatic approach to sustainable forest management in fire-dominated ecosystems
Authors: Hirsch Kelvin , Kafka Victor , Tymstra Cordy , McAlpine Rob , Hawkes Brad , Stegehuis Herman , Quintilio Sherra , Gauthier Sylvie , Peck Karl
Published: February 2014

Sustainable forest management in many of Canada's forest ecosystems requires simultaneously minimizing the socioeconomic impacts of fire and maximizing its ecological benefits. A pragmatic approach to addressing these seemingly conflicting objectives is fire-smart forest management. This involves planning and conducting forest management and fire management activities in a fully integrated manner at both the stand and landscape levels. This paper describes the concept of fire-smart forest management, discusses its need and benefits, and explores challenges to effective implementation. Key words: forest fire management, fire-smart forest management, landscape fire assessment, sustainable forest management
Decay, stains, and beetles in ice-storm-damaged forests: A review
Authors: Hopkin Anthony A. , Greifenhagen Sylvia , Holland Jeff
Published: February 2014

A potential long-term threat to ice-damaged forests exists from decays, stains, and wood-boring insects. Damage to large branches or to the main stem can result in heartwood decay, particularly in older or less healthy trees. However, in branch stubs with a diameter of less than 7.5 cm, decay progresses to only a limited degree. Stem damage is not usual after ice storms. However, sunscald is common in sugar maple stands with damaged crowns, sometimes resulting in infection by the sap rot fungus Cerrena unicolor. Fungi of the genera Ophiostoma, Ceratocystis and Ceratocystiopsis (blue stains) can cause significant staining to standing timber in damaged softwood stands; however, these fungi do not cause structural damage. Bark beetles (scolytidae) and wood-borers (buprestidae and cerambycidae), which attack damaged trees in northeastern North America are normally secondary invaders. However, thinning of the canopy from ice damage could cause increased infestation by these insects. Key words: ice storm, decay, fungi, beetle
Landscape-scale forest structure in northern New York and potential successional impacts of the 1998 ice storm
Authors: Rubin Benjamin D. , Manion Paul D.
Published: February 2014

Damage from the 1998 ice storm was evaluated on 50 plot clusters (1667 trees) in northern New York. For seven of the 10 most dominant species, observed diameter distributions fit those predicted by the best fit negative exponential model according to Chi-square analysis (χ2, α = 0.05). The lack of fit for Pinus resinosa, Fraxinus nigra and Tsuga canadensis was attributed to plantation management, variable flooding regimes and harvesting practices, respectively. Trees were then removed from the distributions based on the severity of the ice storm damage. Acer saccharum and Populus tremuloides distributions became significantly different from negative exponential, indicating a possible change in population structure that could impact forest succession. Key words: ice storm, forest structure, diameter distribution
Quantifying ice damage by counting branches on damaged sugar maple trees
Authors: Lautenschlager R. A. , Winters John A.
Published: February 2014

We quantified the productive capacity of sugar maple crowns by counting branches (third order and epicormic) on damaged trees following the 1998 ice storm in southeastern Ontario. The covariates derived from branch counts provided greater statistical confidence, for explaining post-damage root starch and sap (volume and sweetness) production, than did crown damage estimates. When combined with predictive equations for leaf area and biomass per branch, branch counts produce estimates of foliar biomass for individual trees, regardless of the amount of damage received. Although visual estimates of crown damage seem appropriate for documenting stand-level injury, those interested in individual tree responses or comparing damage among trees should consider counting branches as a way to quantify the productive capacity of trees with or without damage. Key words: Acer saccharum, branch counts, damage assessment, foliar biomass, ice damage, sugar maple
Alimentation d'urgence de cerfs de Virginie lors d'hivers rigoureux: Rabattage de tiges non commerciales versus distribution de moulée
Authors: Etcheverry Pierre , Ouellet Jean-Pierre , Maltais Jean , Crête Michel , Huot Jean
Published: February 2014

In northeastern regions of North America, deer sometimes face hard winters, which may kill more than 40 percent of the population. Management of their winter habitat is not enough to avoid extensive losses from starvation. Emergency feeding programs have therefore been developed to reduce population fluctuations, which make it difficult to manage the species. During the winters of 1996 and 1997, we simulated two emergency feeding programs for deer in two deer yards located in Bas Saint-Laurent, Quebec. One of the programs was linked to the cutting of stems of non-commercial species, and the other to the distribution of a specially adapted animal feed. In accordance to the regional intervention strategy, we supplied additional feed to satisfy about 50 percent of the deers' feed requirements. In this study, we have compared the costs of the two programs during four and eight week periods. In comparison to stem cuttings, feed distribution reduces by two to three times the expenses related to the program, while facilitating spatial distribution of the food. In conditions encountered in northeastern North America, feed distribution is definitely the most economically effective method of establishing an emergency feeding program for deer. Key words: costs, branch cutting, browsing, feed, emergency feeding, winter, deer yard, deer, Odocoileus virginianus
Managing succession in conifer plantations: converting young red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.) plantations to native forest types by thinning and underplanting
Authors: Parker William C. , Dey Daniel C. , Newmaster Steven G. , Elliott Ken A. , Boysen Eric
Published: February 2014

The effects of thinning on growth and survival of white pine (Pinus strobus L.), white ash (Fraxinus americana L.), and red oak (Quercus rubra L.), and understory plant diversity were examined in a young red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.) plantation. Five years after thinning, seedling diameter, height, and stem volume were positively correlated with thinning intensity and the size of canopy openings. Percent survival did not differ among thinning treatments, but was significantly higher in white ash and white pine than red oak. Understory vegetation included 113 species, with species richness increasing with thinning intensity and proximity to neighbouring plant communities. Thinning to create relatively large canopy openings in combination with underplanting can promote the natural succession of young pine plantations to native forest species. Keywords: direct seeding, plant diversity, natural regeneration, red oak, restoration, white ash, white pine
Feeding, oviposition and emergence of the white pine weevil (Pissodes strobi (Peck)) under a pioneer broad-leaved forest canopy
Authors: Lavallée Robert , Daoust Gaëtan , Mauffette Yves , Audet Geneviève , Coulombe Charles
Published: February 2014

The white pine weevil's (Pissodes strobi Peck) feeding, oviposition and emergence were studied in a 12-year-old (1998) white pine (Pinus strobus L.) progeny test established under a canopy of mature pioneer species in the Outaouais region (Notre-Dame-du-Laus, Québec, Canada). The basal area of the overstory centred on 63 white pines was used as an indicator of forest cover. With overstory basal area ranging from 0 to 16 m2/ha, some white pine weevil performance parameters such as feeding and oviposition were significantly correlated with forest cover. However, others like the number of pupal chambers, emergence holes, partial survival index (emergence holes/chip-cocoon punctures) and total survival index (oviposition punctures/emergence holes) were not. Results showed that with an increase of forest cover, tree height was not affected but tree bole diameter was reduced. No relation was observed between leader diameter and the number of oviposition punctures. Even under a canopy, natural enemies (Lonchaea corticis Taylor and hymenoptera parasitoids) were also noted to reduce larval and pupal white pine weevil populations. Key words: white pine weevil, white pine, undercover plantation, natural biological control, oviposition, feeding, emerging population, overstory basal area
Precommercial thinning of trembling aspen in northern Ontario: Part 1 – Growth responses
Authors: Rice James A. , MacDonald G. Blake , Weingartner David H.
Published: February 2014

In Ontario, trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) utilization has increased over the past 20 years and this trend is expected to continue. With this increased demand, questions are being raised about stand conditions required for optimum growth. In 1979, a study was initiated across the commercial range of aspen in northern Ontario to determine the optimum precommercial thinning intensities for aspen tree and stand growth. Six pure aspen stands between the ages of five and 22 years were thinned to residual spacings of 2 × 2 m, 3 × 3 m, 4 × 4 m, and 5 × 5 m. Unthinned and thinned plots were measured at regular intervals for up to 17 years after treatment. Diameter increased significantly with residual tree spacing over the range of site conditions, geographic locations, and tree ages. Precommercial thinning resulted in significantly increased height in three of the stands, and height generally increased with increased residual spacing. Fifteen to 17 years after treatment, gross total volume (GTV) was highest in the unthinned plots for all six stands and decreased as residual tree spacing increased. Gross merchantable volume (GMV) did not vary significantly with thinning in all but the oldest stand. The results of this study do not support the use of precommercial thinning to increase aspen fibre yield. However, if the management goal is maximizing individual tree growth, precommercial thinning of aspen should be considered. Key words: Trembling aspen, precommercial thinning, DBH response, height response, northern Ontario
Hierarchical forest management planning and sustainable forest management in the boreal forest
Authors: Tittler Rebecca , Messier Christian , Burton Philip J.
Published: February 2014

In keeping with international efforts to encourage sustainable forest management, new legislation, regulations, and certification criteria have been brought into effect across boreal regions of the world in the past decade or less. These initiatives have established hierarchical systems of forest management planning that consider multiple uses of the forest and various aspects of sustainable forest management at different scales. We describe the systems established in Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia, Russia, Finland, and Sweden. Most jurisdictions employ some form of three-level planning framework, in which strategic, tactical, and operational plans and considerations are presented with successively greater detail and spatial explicitness. However, planning scales and time horizons vary considerably, as does the level of consideration given to biodiversity and social concerns. We examine these systems in the context of sustainable forest management, raising a number of questions to be addressed in future research, adaptive management, and policy reform. In particular, we note (1) a need of new landscape and regional planning tools to evaluate the long-term and large-scale impacts of various land uses and (2) a general lack of responsiveness to global carbon and climate change concerns. Key words: forest management planning, sustainable forest management, boreal forest, forest policy, planning hierarchies, hierarchical planning
Building extension into S&T: Is this the missing link?
Authors: Hollstedt Christine
Published: February 2014

Extension is a multi-faceted learning discipline. It is a process that works with people and the best available science and information to achieve a desired change. While science and technology provide information and tools to support sustainable development, it is the extension of this knowledge to those who must make decisions that enables innovation and sustainable forest management. There are many attempts at improving the links between the forest science and technology community, and the forest policy and management communities. It is time to make a long-term investment in forestry extension infrastructure to enable a science and knowledge-based innovative sector. Key words: extension, sustainable forest management, science and technology, information management, knowledge management
Using science, technology and innovation in support of conserving Canada's ecosystems and habitats
Authors: Cinq-Mars J. , Wiken E.
Published: February 2014

Visions are strong drivers for developing science, technology and innovation. At a time when several signs are indicating a deteriorating global environment, developing a vision for conserving Canada's ecosystem services is timely. Instead of forecasting, backcasting is the approach recommended to facilitate the implementation of the conservation vision. It would include as one of its main components habitat conservation. Recommendations to achieve habitat conservation are provided. With a supporting policy framework, a conservation vision would be a strong incentive for developing science, technology and innovation. Key words: vision, conservation, backcasting, habitat, science, technology, innovation
Intensive forest management: Its relationship to AAC and ACE
Authors: Weetman Gordon
Published: February 2014

Forest companies in British Columbia and Alberta have requested increases in allowable cuts on their public land tenures. The present regulatory framework about allowable cut effects is briefly outlined for each province. Seven requirements are proposed for granting an ACE, including consistent and reliable performance, risk assessments, stable operating and market conditions, robust age class distribution, government and public confidence, adequate benefits, and no unacceptable negative impacts on non-timber values. Some of the important "bad" and "good" news about allowable cuts is itemized, together with the drivers for change in sustainable forest management (SFM). It is concluded that professional and technical rigour is required in requests for an ACE. The cost of access to Crown timber has been increased by SFM and foresters and the industry are challenged to produce credible scenarios using new computer technologies, and then to carry them out. Key words: annual allowable cut, allowable cut effect, sustainable forest management, British Columbia,Alberta, forest regulation
Learning about the forest using alternative curricula  the Guelph experience
Authors: Gordon Andrew M , Larson Doug W , McBride Ray A , Lumis Glen P , Rollins Kim , Humphries Sally
Published: February 2014

The University of Guelph is a mid-sized university in southern Ontario that has many historical underpinnings with respect to both undergraduate and graduate education in forestry and forest-related subjects. Some of the earliest forward-thinking forest policies found in Ontario came from early faculty associated with the predecessor of the University, the Ontario School of Agriculture. Today, the University has numerous faculty in Colleges across campus that are involved in a multitude of teaching and research aspects associated with forested environments. The research-teaching link with respect to forestry is strong and the undergraduate population appears appreciative of this. Undergraduate courses and course segments at both undergraduate and graduate levels exist, and a minor in forest science, housed in the Department of Environmental Biology but drawing on resources from across multiple disciplines, is also available. The University of Guelph is currently evaluating its options with respect to undergraduate education in the forest sciences. Building on past and present strengths, the University is considering offering a non-accredited B.Sc. program that embraces the science and management of forests and the environmental impact and community benefits associated with interventions in the forest. Key words: Ontario forests, historical perspectives, learner-centred undergraduate curriculum, forest environments, forest science, forest and natural resource economics, internationalism, non-accredited B.Sc. undergraduate degree, graduate forest research