bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reviewing Canada's National Framework of Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management
Authors: Bridge S R.J. , Cooligan D. , Dye D. , Moores L. , Niemann T. , Thompson R.
Published: February 2014

The Canadian Council of Forest Ministers' (CCFM) framework of Criteria and Indicators (C&I) for Sustainable Forest Management, published in 1995, provide a science-based framework to define and measure Canada's progress in the sustainable management of its forest. In 2001, the CCFM launched a review of its C&I to ensure the continued relevance of the indicators to Canadian values and to improve the ability to report on indicators. This paper describes the threestep review process, which engaged a broad array of representatives of various sectors of society. First, focus groups were used to identify public values, issues and concerns with respect to the sustainable use of Canada's forest. Second, technical experts from across the forest sector revised the indicators. Third, the revised C&I were validated with users of the framework. The revised framework, released in September 2003, consists of six criteria and 46 indicators. The number of indicators has been reduced, compared to the 1995 framework, by focusing on indicators that are most relevant to Canadians' values, are most often measurable with available data, and are understandable to policy makers, forest managers and an informed public. Links between criteria are better defined and, in some cases, indicators address multiple values under different criteria. A number of tools and techniques originally developed for use at the sub-national level were adapted for use at the national level in this review. Canada's experience with reviewing its indicators may serve as an example and model to other countries now considering reviewing their national C&I frameworks. Key words: Canada, Canadian Council of Forest Ministers, criteria and indicators, C&I, sustainable forest management, review
Forest Management in New Brunswick: the Jaakko Pöyry Study, the Legislative Select Committee on Wood Supply, and where do we go from here?
Authors: Erdle Thom , MacLean David A
Published: February 2014

In late 2001, the New Brunswick Forest Products Association submitted a letter to the New Brunswick Minister of Natural Resources, which triggered a three-year sequence of events whose potential to change New Brunswick forestry is more profound than any development since passage of the Crown Lands and Forests Act 25 years ago. Forestry in New Brunswick has risen to a level of prominence in the public and professional consciousness that is unprecedented in recent decades; the public voice is louder and stronger, industrial concerns are greater, and the economic vulnerability of the province is clearly evident. In this paper, we chronicle these events and identify some resulting and important challenges that confront the New Brunswick forestry community as it faces the future. The forestry community faces huge challenges to create a healthier forest and forest economy, which will require concerted, coordinated, and constructive efforts of practitioners, researchers, and policy-makers from the domains of social, management, and environmental science. Key words: forest policy, intensive forest management, public hearings, public participation, future directions of Crown land management
Influence of stand size on pattern of live trees in mixedwood landscapes following wildfire
Authors: Smyth Cheryl , Schieck Jim , Boutin Stan , Wasel Shawn
Published: February 2014

Burned areas and patches of residual live trees were mapped from post-fire aerial photographs of 168 mixedwood stands (a total of 9367 ha), in eight large wildfires in the boreal forest of northern Alberta. The stands were stratified into three size classes: small (<10 ha), medium (10–60 ha), and large (>60 ha).We described the area occupied by single live residual trees, unburned patches of live trees and partially burned patches of live trees within these mixedwood stands. Although results from individual stands were highly variable, there was proportionally more area covered by live residual trees in large fire-killed stands compared to medium stands, which in turn had proportionally more than small stands. For most sizes and types of live tree patches, larger fire-killed stands had a greater proportion of live tree area compared to smaller stands. Results of this study are compared to similar studies and current harvest guidelines. We outline the amount and distribution of live tree patches that would be needed to create harvest areas similar to that found after wildfire. Key words: natural disturbance, wildfire, live residual trees, ecosystem management, forest harvest pattern, boreal mixedwood
The impact of forest certification labelling and advertising: An exploratory assessment of consumer purchase intent in Canada
Authors: Archer Hadley , Kozak Robert , Balsillie David
Published: February 2014

This exploratory research of four Canadian cities, conducted in 2003, compares the impact of forest certification labelling and advertising on the purchase intent of wood and paper products by end-use consumers. Telephone survey results indicate that Canadians are concerned about the environment, have positive attitudes towards certification, and are willing to alter their purchase habits to favour certified wood and paper products. Respondents indicated that labelling would more likely influence their purchase decision than advertising. They also indicated a lack of awareness regarding forest certification, and that advertising was the preferred strategy to increase general awareness among consumers. A segment of consumers was identified, representing 70% of the sample, which is highly concerned about the environment, willing to seek out certified products, and favours labelling as a source of information to assist with their purchase decisions for certified forest products. Key words: forest certification, eco-labelling, green advertising, consumer purchase intent, green consumers
Selecting intensive timber management zones as part of a forest land allocation strategy
Authors: Norfolk Christopher J , Erdle Thom
Published: February 2014

Establishing zones to be intensively managed for timber production is proposed by some in Canada as one way to meet the numerous and diverse objectives for which society expects forests to be managed. Concentrating timber production in such zones could make possible the expansion of protected and other areas where non-timber objectives prevail. The jury is out as to the desirability of such a land allocation strategy relative to the alternative of integrated management where low intensity timber management is practised and multiple timber and non-timber objectives are sought from the same lands. In the event some agencies opt for a zoned forest land allocation, a critical issue becomes where to situate the intensive timber management zones. To help address this issue, we present a simple and flexible quantitative process for ranking candidate areas based on their suitability for intensive timber management. The framework involves: (1) defining candidate areas, (2) specifying indicators for economic, ecological, and social criteria of suitability and scoring each candidate relative to those indicators, and (3) ranking candidates using a composite index that factors in all suitability indicators. The process is sufficiently flexible to have application in any jurisdiction, but we demonstrate its use for the 3 million ha of Crown forest in New Brunswick. We conduct several exploratory analyses designed to provide insight into selection of suitable intensive timber management zones. These analyses include controlling the geographic dispersion of candidates, quantifying sensitivity of candidate rankings to differential weighting of suitability criteria, and identifying those candidates that consistently score well across a variety of criteria weightings. Use of the ranking framework to conduct such analysis could prove of significant value in the process of selecting intensive timber management zones. Key words: intensive timber management, New Brunswick, zoning, land allocation
Multidisciplinarity, interdisciplinarity and training in forestry and forest research
Authors: Innes John L
Published: February 2014

The nature of forestry is changing rapidly, with the social component becoming as or even more important than the traditional biophysical components. The role of participatory approaches to forestry has increased dramatically, and meeting the needs of people is now seen as a primary function of forestry. Increasingly, those needs are being defined through bottom-up approaches, rather than by governments or corporations. Foresters and forest scientists are poorly equipped to deal with this change, which is necessitating a much broader knowledge than has previously been required. At the undergraduate level, forestry programs are failing to teach the skills necessary for successful participation in this new form of forestry. At the graduate and post-graduate levels, young scientists are particularly disadvantaged, as the conservative nature of the academic system can actually work against attempts to be more interdisciplinary and more relevant. Scientists who are genuinely interdisciplinary may have difficulties finding employment, and current academic reward systems do not cope well with individual contributions to team efforts. The problem extends to the forestry profession, with many professional foresters being ill-equipped for their new roles, while at the same time they and/or their employers remain reluctant to enter into any form of re-training. Key words: university education, graduate training, interdisciplinarity, multidisciplinarity, pedagogy, forestry training, forestry paradigms
A method for estimating vulnerability of Douglas-fir growth to climate change in the northwestern U.S.
Authors: Littell Jeremy S , Peterson David L
Published: February 2014

Borrowing from landscape ecology, atmospheric science, and integrated assessment, we aim to understand the complex interactions that determine productivity in montane forests and utilize such relationships to forecast montane forest vulnerability under global climate change. Specifically, we identify relationships for precipitation and temperature that govern the spatiotemporal variability in Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) growth by seeking similarities in patterns of growth/climate models across a significant portion of the climatological range of the species. In the 21st century and beyond, sustainable forestry will depend on successful adaptation to the impacts of climate change and climate variability on forest structure and function. The combination of these foci will allow improved prediction of the fate of montane forests over a wide range of biogeoclimatic conditions in western North America and thus allow improved management strategies for adapting to climate change. We describe a multi-disciplinary strategy for analyzing growth variability as a function of climate over a broad range of local-to-regional influences and demonstrate the efficacy of this sampling method in defining regional gradients of growth-limiting factors. Key words: Douglas-fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii, climate variability, climate impacts, mechanism-response, tree rings, growth-climate relationships
Integrating local and expert knowledge using participatory mapping and GIS to implement integrated forest management options in Akok, Cameroon
Authors: Robiglio V. , Mala W A
Published: February 2014

A spatially explicit understanding of local knowledge about land use and tenure is fundamental to developing and assessing sustainable management options for tropical forests in Central Africa. This paper presents a case study in the Humid Forest Zone of Cameroon to demonstrate the effectiveness of integrating participatory rural appraisal techniques with remote sensing and vegetation mapping in a geographic information system (GIS) environment. The full integration of biophysical and socio-cultural patterns within a GIS can identify spatial units important for ecosystem management and relate social institutions to land units across a variety of scales. Key words: landscape, forest-agriculture interface, tropical forest management, land tenure, participatory mapping, local knowledge
Seedling response following partial cutting in lodgepole pine forests on caribou winter range in west-central British Columbia
Authors: Daintith N M , Waterhouse M J , Armleder H M
Published: February 2014

Group selection and irregular group shelterwood silvicultural systems were applied to older lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) forests in west-central British Columbia to determine their potential for maintaining northern caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) habitat. These silvicultural systems created small openings 15–30 m wide,which were planted with lodgepole pine and interior spruce (Picea glauca x Picea engelmannii) seedlings. Fifth-year survival and growth results indicate that either species could adequately regenerate the small openings created by partial cutting. Pine survival in the partial cuts (93–95%) was comparable to the clearcuts (94%). Pine height and height growth did not vary significantly between treatments; however, diameters were significantly larger in the clearcuts. After five years across all treatments, pine seedlings were 38–42 cm tall with diameters ranging from 7–11 mm. Spruce survival varied considerably between the clearcuts (35–98%) but was more consistent in the partial cuts (66–97%). Total height and height growth differed significantly among treatments, with the shortest spruce seedlings found in the clearcuts. Seedling diameter did not differ among treatments. Average fifth-year height ranged from 31 cm to 44 cm and diameters ranged from 7 mm to 9 mm. To maintain caribou habitat, species should be planted in similar proportions to the pre-harvest stand composition to avoid potential impacts on the terrestrial and arboreal lichens, which are important caribou forage. Key words: caribou, lodgepole pine, partial cutting, planted seedlings, interior spruce, group selection, irregular group shelterwood
Managing Canada's forests under a new social contract
Authors: Wang Sen
Published: February 2014

Changes in human attitudes and societal values significantly influence forest management objectives and approaches. There are important signs indicating the emergence of a new social contract for forestry on Crown lands in Canada. From the perspective of forest companies, it is imperative to manage forests for multiple purposes under a tiered and nested relationship with various stakeholders. Resource professionals, including foresters, face several challenges in their effort to facilitate innovative institutional reforms and manage forests across scales. Key words: corporate social responsibility, social licence to cut timber, stakeholders, sustainable forest management
Predictive spatial modelling of landscape change in the Foothills Model Forest
Authors: Huettmann Falk , Franklin Steven E , Stenhouse Gordon B
Published: February 2014

Modelling landscape change has been identified as one of the most significant challenges relevant to wildlife management and conservation, but many spatial tools are not well understood and there are few practical examples of their use. We present an approach to predictive spatial modelling to derive future landscape scenarios ranging from 0 to 100 years in the Foothills Model Forest. A basic input in modelling future landscapes is a land cover classification developed from satellite imagery; subsequent landscape changes are introduced with model subcomponents for forestry, fire, oil and gas exploration and development, natural succession, and vegetation growth (forest age). The resulting landscapes are used in wildlife management planning. Key words: future landscapes scenario, satellite imagery, wildlife management, spatial modeling
The adaptive capacity of forest management to changing fire regimes in the boreal forest of Quebec
Authors: Le Goff Héloïse , Leduc Alain , Bergeron Yves , Flannigan Mike
Published: February 2014

Climate influences natural processes at multiple spatial and temporal scales. Consequently, climate change raises many challenges for sustainable forest management; among them, the integration of fire and forest management is increasingly discussed. We propose here an evaluation of the adaptive capacity of forest management under changing forest fire regimes under climate change in the boreal forest of Quebec. Adaptation begins by reinterpreting current practices dealing with climatically driven variability. Among them, fire suppression, and regeneration enhancement can contribute to coping with some impacts of climate change. However, there is an increasing need to develop more integrative and spatially explicit management strategies to decrease the vulnerability of forest management to changing fire risk. Some developing management strategies, such as fuel management or the triad approach (zoning system for conservation, intensive, and extensive forest management), present an interesting potential for integrating the fire risk in management plans. While fuel management and fire suppression are indicated for particularly severe fire regimes, protection against insects, and maintaining a shorter disturbance cycle using forest management represent the preferred adaptation options where the fire cycle is lengthening under climate change. Key words: forest fire, fire risk, climate change, vulnerability, impacts, adaptation strategy, adaptation options, sustainable forest management, fire management
Climate change impacts and adaptation in Canada: Is the forest sector prepared?
Authors: McKinnon Greg A , Webber Shelley L
Published: February 2014

Key words: forests, climate change, vulnerability, adaptation, sustainable forest management
Disturbing forest disturbances
Authors: Volney W. Jan A. , Hirsch Kelvin G
Published: February 2014

The forest sector in Canada makes a significant contribution to the wealth of the nation. Many of our forest ecosystems, like the phoenix, need fire for rebirth and renewal. In contrast, other forests rely on a cool, wet disintegration driven by insects and their commensal fungi feeding on trees to effect this renewal. This disparity has a manifest difference in the character of these forests and how they have developed and evolved over thousands of years. While there are characteristic natural temporal and spatial patterns to these disturbances, recent work has shown that they are being perturbed by global change. Compounding these perturbations is the emergence of extensive anthropogenic disturbances in these forests. If humans continue trying to manage complex natural systems as though they were machines, problems with unknown consequences will compound. For example, we have only recently begun to understand that changes in disturbance regimes can generate positive feedbacks leading to what could amount to sudden and drastic change for certain forest communities. Systems-based techniques aimed at adapting to these consequences are emerging and will need to be implemented in a timely fashion to minimize the risks and maximize the opportunities associated with sustainable forest management under a changing climate. Key words: insects, diseases, fire, disturbances, climate change, adaptation, FireSmart, partial harvesting
Perceptions of climate change risk to forest ecosystems and forest-based communities
Authors: Williamson T B , Parkins J R , McFarlane B L
Published: February 2014

Perception of risk or subjective risk is playing an increasingly important role in risk assessment. This paper describes a study that investigated perceptions of climate change risk to forest ecosystems and forest-based communities among a sample of Canadian forestry experts. Data were collected by questionnaire from participants at a climate change and forestry workshop, sponsored by the Canadian Climate Impacts and Adaptation Research Network Forest Sector and the McGregor Model Forest held in Prince George, British Columbia in February 2003. These forestry experts were somewhat concerned about the impacts of climate change, and they appeared unlikely to oppose strategies for preparing for and adapting to climate change. The respondents felt that the effects of climate change on forests and forest-based communities are not well understood by the general public or forest managers. They also felt that there is a relatively high level of uncertainty about the effects of climate change, especially with respect to forest-based communities. These results have important implications, including reinforcement of the need for greater awareness of climate change risks and for increased research and monitoring effort targeted at reducing levels of uncertainty about future impacts at local scales. Key words: climate change, risk perceptions, forest ecosystems, forest-based communities
An assessment of expert-based marten habitat models used for forest management in Ontario
Authors: Bowman Jeff , Robitaille Jean-François
Published: February 2014

We used marten snow tracking data and a previously developed empirical habitat model from northeastern Ontario to validate a number of expert-based, non-spatial marten habitat models. In particular, we tested the non-spatial Ontario Wildlife Habitat Analysis Model, the Boreal East Habitat Suitability Matrix (including tests of both standard forest units and development stages), and Allen's (1982) HSI model. Marten habitat use as measured by tracks in the snow was consistent with predictions of all the expert-based models, suggesting that these models correctly characterized the stand-level forest cover selected by marten in winter. Suitability ranks for individual stands derived from standard forest units and development stages also were consistent with their use by marten. The empirical model was consistent with the expert-based models in that it considered suitable forest stands to be those with tall trees dominated by spruce (Picea spp.) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea) trees, with a large amount of coarse woody debris, and high canopy closure. Our findings suggested that the expert-based models were able to characterize stand structure used by marten despite some of the models using only inputs available from stand inventories. This was accomplished because stand structural elements such as coarse woody debris were integrated into OWHAM and HSM indirectly, through relationships with stand age and species composition. Key words: boreal forest, forest inventory, habitat, habitat suitability, guidelines, Forest Ecosystem Classification, landscape, Martes americana, resource selection, snow tracking, spatial autocorrelation, stand structure
Salvage harvesting – past lessons and future issues
Authors: Lindenmayer David
Published: February 2014

The increasing prevalence and/or increasing intensity of large-scale natural disturbance events in forests means that post-disturbance salvage logging is becoming more widespread. Salvage logging can have a wide range of environmental impacts, but some of these are not well known or not well understood by policy makers and natural resource managers. Some of these impacts are briefly summarized in this paper. Improved long-term forest planning needs to be embraced that takes into account the not only the environmental but also the social and environmental impacts of salvage harvesting. Past mistakes and future opportunities associated with salvage harvesting are illustrated by a case study from the Lower Cotter Catchment in south-eastern Australia. Key words: salvage harvesting, natural disturbance, environmental impacts, ecologically sustainable forestry, forest planning, long-term forest sustainability
A characterization of the British Columbia log home and timber frame manufacturing sector
Authors: Thony Paul , Mabee Warren , Kozak Robert , Bull Gary
Published: February 2014

This study characterizes the log home and timber frame manufacturing sector in British Columbia, with a focus on the potential of utilizing insect-killed wood from the mountain pine beetle outbreak. A mail survey was conducted in the spring of 2003 to assess the industry's status. In 2002, an estimated 200 companies were active within BC using approximately 200 000 m3 of fibre, employing 1500 workers, and producing 2200 homes to generate sales of $140 million CDN. Results indicate that these sectors are poised for growth and that firms are willing to using insect-killed wood. Key words: log homes, timber frame homes, industry overview, British Columbia, mountain pine beetle
Exploratory analysis of forest harvest and regeneration pattern among multiple landowners
Authors: Sader Steven A , Jin Suming , Metzler Jacob W , Hoppus Michael
Published: February 2014

A land cover map (1993) was combined with an updated forest change detection map (19912000) to examine forest harvest activity, mostly on private commercial forest lands. Landsat change detection methods indicated that industrial forest owners harvested a higher percentage of forest than non-industrial owners in a northern Maine study area. In the 1980s, the percentage of forest harvested across all ownership classes (five) was higher, the mean harvest patch size was larger, patches were more compact, and the mean perimeter to area ratios were smaller compared to data from the 1990s. For all patch metrics, there was a significant time period effect but there was no effect among landowners. Larger harvest patch size in the 1980s may be partially explained by extensive salvage logging that occurred in the wake of a massive spruce budworm infestation in the 1970s. Softwood types were dominant (> 80%) in regeneration stands approximately 1525 years old on all ownerships. Medium spatial resolution Landsat imagery shows promise as a landscape level tool to monitor forest change patterns and trends across multiple ownerships. Key words: remote sensing, Landsat, change detection, harvest intensity, forest regeneration, forest landowners
Evolving consumer preferences for residential decking materials
Authors: Fell David R , Thomas Jon , Hansen Eric
Published: February 2014

Major changes are taking place in the residential decking market driven by concerns over wood preservatives and the resulting phase-out of chromated copper arsenic (CCA)-treated wood and recent entry into the marketplace by wood-plastic composites. Using conjoint analysis, this study explores consumer perceptions regarding residential decking materials over two time periods, 2000 and 2003. Type of material and lifetime were the most important decking attributes. Of lesser importance were annual maintenance and price. Major changes took place over the three-year study period with respect to opinions towards treated wood and wood-plastic composites. Consumers became much more negative towards treated wood and wood-plastic composites received nearly equivalent gains. The CCA controversy clearly had an impact in the marketplace and we demonstrate the usefulness of conjoint analysis in capturing this change. Key words: decking, consumer, conjoint analysis, plastic lumber, treated wood, cedar, substitution
Triad forest management: Scenario analysis of forest zoning effects on timber and non-timber values in New Brunswick, Canada
Authors: Montigny Michael K , MacLean David A
Published: February 2014

Triad forest management is a form of zoning under which land is allocated into extensively managed, intensively managed, and reserve zones, with management tailored in each zone such that all objectives are met collectively across the landbase. We evaluated the utility of triad management on the privately-owned, industrial, 190 000-ha Black Brook District in New Brunswick, Canada. Scenario planning was used to simulate effects of 64 allocation scenarios (0–15% reserve area, 39–64% intensively managed softwood, and 21–61% extensively managed) on forest species composition, age class distribution, timber growing stock, harvest levels, and old forest habitat. Softwood harvest in the short term (30 years) was insensitive to reserve and intensive management allocations but doubled in the long term as the intensive management zone was increased from 39% to 64%.Hardwood harvest was sensitive only to area in reserves, declining as the area allocated to reserves was increased. Abundance of old forest generally increased with the amount of reserve area, but varied by species composition. Management of this landbase is focused on timber production, and intensive management clearly provided major increases in timber yield. It also could permit setting aside additional reserve area; old mixedwood habitat in particular is in short supply. These were hypothetical scenarios, and the landowner is not necessarily pursuing any of modeled strategies. Although the range of desired values may differ on other landbases, a scenario analysis of alternative zoning is an effective means to select a management strategy. Key words: scenario planning, intensive forest management, reserves, extensive forest management, triad, land allocation, forest zoning
Cutting versus herbicides: Tenth-year volume and release cost-effectiveness of sub-boreal conifer plantations
Authors: Dampier Jason E.E. , Bell F. Wayne , St-Amour Michel , Pitt Douglas G , Luckai Nancy J
Published: February 2014

Few cost-effectiveness studies of vegetation management in conifer plantations are reported in the literature. This study provides follow-up cost-effectiveness analysis from research conducted at the Fallingsnow Ecosystem Project in northwestern Ontario, Canada with the objective of determining the relationship between release treatment costs and planted white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench] Voss) stem volume ($ m-3) ten years after alternative release treatments. Treatment cost estimates for 2003 were calculated by applying 1993 time-study data to estimated 2003 market costs for each treatment component. Untreated control plots had no treatment costs and were not included in the analysis. Including them will always suggest that doing nothing will be the most cost-effective, regardless how limited spruce volume is. The most cost-effective treatment was the aerial application of herbicide Vision ($12.16 m-3), followed by the aerial application of herbicide Release ($12.18 m-3), cutting with brushsaw ($38.38 m-3) and mechanical tending by Silvana Selective ($42.65 m-3). No cost differences were found between the herbicide treatments (p = 0.998) or between the cutting treatments (p = 0.559). The herbicide treatments were three-fold more cost-effective than the cutting treatments (p = 0.001). This analysis only considered the planted conifer component of these young stands. Key words: clearing saws, competition, forest vegetation management, glyphosate, Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Forest, herbicide alternatives, mixedwood, pesticide, release treatment, triclopyr, weed
Impact du charançon du pin blanc (Pissodes strobi Peck) dans les plantations d'épinettes de Norvège (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) Partie 1 : Productivité et qualité des sciages
Authors: Daoust Gaëtan , Mottet Marie-Josée
Published: February 2014

A study to assess the effects that major deformations in merchantable stems of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.), caused by the white pine weevil (Pissodes strobi [Peck]), have on lumber productivity and quality was performed on logs obtained from the second commercial thinning operation in three weevil-affected plantations. Deformed stems were found to be 6.3% shorter than undeformed stems and their lumber characteristics — merchantable volume, number of board feet and lumber monetary value — were 14.7%, 20.6% and 23.7% lower, respectively. However, when the respective proportions of deformed and undeformed stems were analyzed for a given plantation over a time horizon of a complete rotation, these shortfalls almost disappeared, with a loss of less than 3% being noted for total merchantable volume. The presence/absence of major deformations had no effect on visual grading of the lumber, which considers defects such as wane, knots and compression wood. For two of the three sites studied, almost 75% of the lumber was graded as Select Structural, No. 1 or No. 2. The plantation site and its characteristics (spacing and level of thinning) were found to have a more significant effect than deformations on productivity, lumber quality and monetary value. Furthermore, using the same methodology, one of the Norway spruce sites was compared with a white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench] Voss) plantation containing trees of similar quality and height but no weevil problems. The Norway spruce stems, including those with deformations, were found to yield higher merchantable and usable log volumes, a larger number of board feet and a higher monetary value than the white spruce. On average, for the diameter-at-breast-height values tested — 14 to 23 cm — the monetary value of the lumber was 26% higher for Norway spruce. These findings are largely attributable to the less pronounced taper of Norway spruce. In conclusion, in spite of weevil attacks and its negative impact, Norway spruce trees growing on sites of moderate to very good quality maintain lumber potential, in terms of both quantity and quality for second thinning logs. The negative impact should gradually diminish at the time of next thinnings and final harvest. Key words: white pine weevil, Pissodes strobi (Peck), Norway spruce, Picea abies (L.) Karst., wood quality, plantation, productivity
Predicting lodgepole pine site index from climatic parameters in Alberta
Authors: Monserud Robert A , Huang Shongming , Yang Yuqing
Published: February 2014

We sought to evaluate the impact of climatic variables on site productivity of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engelm.) for the province of Alberta. Climatic data were obtained from the Alberta Climate Model, which is based on 30- year normals from the provincial weather station network. Mapping methods were based on ANUSPLIN, Hutchinson's thin-plate smoothing spline in four dimensions (latitude, longitude, elevation, climatic variable). Site indices based on stem analysis (observed dominant height at an index age of 50 years at breast height) were used as a measure of forest site productivity. A total of 1145 site index plots were available for lodgepole pine, the major forest species in Alberta. Regression analyses were used to predict site index as a function of climatic variables for each plot. The strongest linear predictors of site index were growing degree days > 5° (GDD5), the Julian date when GDD5 reaches 100 (D100), and July mean temperature (MTWM).A nonlinear model with D100 as the predictor variable was chosen as the final model. Both the observed and the predicted site indices from the 1145 locations were interpolated using ANUSPLIN and mapped using ArcView. We concluded that climate is an important component of site productivity, accounting for about one quarter of the variation in lodgepole pine site index across the province. Key words: site index, climate variable, Alberta Climate Model, ANUSPLIN, site productivity map, lodgepole pine
White spruce growth to age 44 in a provenance test at the Petawawa Research Forest
Authors: Morgenstern Kristian , Penner Margaret
Published: February 2014

Twenty-five provenances of white spruce were planted in 1963 in 144-tree plots and three replications as part of a provenance test series for eastern Canada. The experiment was well maintained and thinned to 50% of its original stocking in 1986 (age 26 years from seed).Measurements at age 44 were subjected to analyses of variance and correlation and compared with height and survival at age 15. The results demonstrated that at age 15, identification of the best provenances is ineffective because of changes in rank and the late expression of survival differences. At age 44, significant differences among provenances were observed for survival, mean height, diameter, basal area, and volume. The greatest volume was produced by a provenance from Cushing in the Ottawa Valley in Quebec, 287 m3per ha, which was 11% greater than the volume of the local provenance, Chalk River, Ontario. When ranked on the basis of survival and volume, the best eight provenances included five from Quebec, and one each from New Brunswick, Ontario, and Wisconsin. The experiment shows that at the appropriate stage in a selection program, large plots can yield significant results, which has important implications for the design of experiments. Key words: provenance tests, jack pine, experimental design, growth and yield
Impact du charançon du pin blanc (Pissodes strobiPeck) dans les plantations dépinette de Norvège (Picea abies(L.) Karst.). Partie 2 : Propriétés du bois des sciages
Authors: Mottet Marie-Josée , Daoust Gaëtan , Zhang S Y
Published: February 2014

We studied the lumber characteristics of 148 trees taken for that purpose during commercial thinning operations in three Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) plantations, aged from 32 to 34 years, which had been attacked by the white pine weevil (Pissodes strobi [Peck]). The trees, with diameters ranging from 14 to 23 cm, were grouped into three quality classes according to the number of major deformations caused by the weevil. The effects of the deformations on rigidity, bending strength, wood density and lumber defects were examined. Results show that in general the deformations caused by the weevil do not affect the lumber properties of Norway spruce on sites of medium- to high-quality. For the three Norway spruce plantations, the mean values of the modulus of elasticity (MOE) of the lumber vary from 8510 to 9357 MPa, and for the modulus of rupture (MOR) range from 36.0 to 42.5 MPa, whereas wood density varies from 324 to 343 kg·m-3. For comparison purposes, the same measurements were taken on lumber from 38 trees in a white spruce (P. glauca [Moench] Voss) plantation that was unaffected by the weevil, but otherwise comparable to the Norway spruce plantation on one of the sites studied. The lumber properties from the Norway spruce taken from deformed or undeformed stems are 34% superior to the white spruce for the MOE, 20% for the MOR and 8% for wood density. The smaller knots in the Norway spruce could explain this difference. On the other hand, a visual classification of this type of wood reveals few differences in the lumber's bending strength or rigidity. Key words: Norway spruce, Picea abies, wood characteristics, MOE, MOR, wood density, lumber, white pine weevil, Pissodes strobi, white spruce, Picea glauca
Suitability of two methods of evaluating site quality for sugar maple in central Ontario
Authors: Buda Nicholas J , Wang Jian R
Published: February 2014

Stem analyses data collected in central Ontario stands were used to develop site index (height and age) and site form (height and diameter) models and curves for sugar maple. The suitability of both methods for evaluating sugar maple site productivity was examined. Two different equation forms were evaluated for both site index and site form models. A common modification of Richard's (1959) equation was most suitable for predicting dominant height at index age (site index) and reference diameter (site form). Potential effects of species mixture on sugar maple site index were examined. We found no significant effects on sugar maple height growth and site index in mixed stand conditions common in the region when compared to pure stands. The potential of site form as an alternative to site index was investigated through correlation analyses with site index and other site variables known to influence sugar maple height growth. Site form was not related to site index, nor any site variables related to sugar maple height growth. It is therefore inadequate for evaluating sugar maple site quality. We recommend height growth models and site index curves developed in this study be used to replace those from other regions currently used in central Ontario. Key words: site index, site form, sugar maple, site quality evaluation, mixedwood, uneven-aged
Coarse and fine filters, gap analysis, and systematic conservation planning
Authors: Lemelin Louis-Vincent , Darveau Marcel
Published: February 2014

This paper compares the principal concepts and methodologies that have been developed in conservation planning over the past few decades. Of these, the terms coarse filter and fine filter have been used inconsistently, we propose, therefore, consensual grounds for a definition. The term "gap analysis" has been used to refer to the prescriptive methodology of Gap Analysis and the latter is not consensual among conservation biologists. Nevertheless Gap Analysis has contributed greatly, along with the systematic conservation planning methodology, to the development of conservation planning. Overall, conservation planning has proved sound enough to merit interest and involvement from forest managers. Key words: coarse filter, fine filter, gap analysis, systematic conservation planning, ecological representation, protected areas
Are chemical or mechanical treatments more sustainable for forest vegetation management in the context of the TRIAD?
Authors: Fortier Julien , Messier Christian
Published: February 2014

Chemical and mechanical forest vegetation management (FVM) treatments are analyzed and compared to assess which is the most sustainable in intensively managed plantations in the context of the TRIAD. At the biological and ecological level, herbicides have been found to have more impacts on flora and fauna compared to mechanical treatments, but the differences are of short duration. The effects of noise generated by manual or mechanical brushing on wildlife have not been investigated, however. Local application of herbicide at the base of the tree should further lower these impacts. At the social level, the general public has a negative perception of chemical treatments, while mechanical treatments are well perceived. However, in terms of worker safety, chemical treatments are less risky than manual brushing (brushsaw or chainsaw). At the economic level, herbicides globally cost less and are more effective at increasing fibre production than mechanical operations. We conclude that it is difficult to assess globally what is the most sustainable option to control competing vegetation. However, the careful use of herbicide may be the most sustainable option if the added productivity thus obtained is used to increase protected areas and ecosystem-based management, as is intended with the TRIAD concept. Key words: forest vegetation management, chemical release, mechanical release, functional zoning, plantations, ecological impacts, social impacts, economical impacts, intensive management, sustainable forestry
Linking juvenile growth of white spruce with site index
Authors: Feng Zhili , Stadt Kenneth J , Lieffers Victor J , Huang Shongming
Published: February 2014

The goal of this study was to link the growth of juvenile white spruce stands with an estimate of their site index. We applied a previously developed technique for correcting the height bias created by dominance switching among juvenile trees before trees reached the site index base age (50 years at breast height), using stem analysis data of white spruce from five mixedwood stands in central Alberta. For white spruce of approximately 15 years total age, we found the height of the current top height trees was approximately 14% greater than the height of the top height trees that would be selected close to breast height age 50. This height correction is essential to avoid an overestimate of site index. Secondly, to avoid the difficulties of determining breast height age or growth increment required for juvenile site index determination, we developed a linkage to site index using data from 168 white spruce trees that were longitudinally sectioned along the pith, selected from juvenile (age 6–15) spruce stands. Using this new equation, coupled with the correction for bias, we found that site index for white spruce from 49 test stands in Alberta, ranged from 9.0 to 31.8 m at base age 50, with a mean of 17.8 m; these values are in the range for spruce in mixedwood stands in Alberta. Key words: juvenile stand, height age curve, height bias adjustment, site index
A brief review of the past use of baculoviruses for the management of eruptive forest defoliators and recent developments on a sawfly virus in Canada
Authors: Moreau Gaétan , Lucarotti Christopher J
Published: February 2014

An overview is presented of the state of knowledge on the use of baculoviruses—a family of virulent insect viruses exhibiting narrow host ranges—for the suppression of insect outbreaks in Canadian forests. Emphasis is on recent investigations using NeabNPV against the balsam fir sawfly and the pine false webworm. Key words: Acantholyda erythrocephala, Baculoviridae, Baculovirus, balsam fir sawfly, biological control, forest protection, insect outbreak, Neodiprion abietis, pine false webworm
Flowering phenology and seed viability of native and non-native poplars in north-central Alberta
Authors: Huybregts Arlene A , Thomas Barb R , Dancik Bruce P
Published: February 2014

In Alberta, Canada, the provincial government currently restricts the establishment of hybrid poplars to private land or small research plantings on Crown lands, because of the unknown risks associated with using non-native trees. Industry is interested in utilizing hybrid poplars on a larger scale for fibre production and reclamation. This interest has driven the need to better understand the genetic risks associated with the deployment of these non-native trees within a matrix of natural poplar stands and agricultural plantings. The first step to understanding the potential risks associated with the use of non-native poplars is to assess flowering phenology and seedling development of both native and non-native poplars growing in the same region. Flowering data were collected and graphed for 38 clones of native Populus balsamifera, 20 clones of native P. tremuloides, and 13 non-native poplar clones (seven hybrid poplar clones and six P. davidiana seedlings) in north-central Alberta. Based on the overlapping flowering patterns and the development of normal seedlings, some potential for hybridization between native and non-native poplars exists. Key words: hybridization, hybrid poplars, Populus balsamifera, P. davidiana, P. tremuloides, risk
Mise au point d'une sylviculture adaptée à la forêt boréale irrégulière
Authors: Ruel J -C. , Roy V. , Lussier J -M. , Pothier D. , Meek P. , Fortin D.
Published: February 2014

The Canadian boreal forest covers a wide territory within which the natural disturbance regime varies widely. The specific dynamics of the eastern portion is responsible for an abundance of stands of irregular structure, which influences ecosystem biodiversity. Partial cuts should therefore play an important role in an adapted silviculture that focuses on maintaining biodiversity. However, the practice of partial cuts in the context of irregular boreal forests still needs to be developed. In this context, an integrated experiment comparing the current harvesting practices (careful logging preserving advance regeneration, cutting leaving small merchantable stems) and two selection cutting methods was put in place. It will enable us to compare the effect of these practices on operational plans, silviculture, wildlife and wood processing. This experiment has already shown that it is possible to operationally maintain a well-developed stand structure after cutting. Both selection cutting approaches have led to increases in harvesting costs but these were kept low. Future monitoring will clarify the effects of these treatments in terms of vegetation and wildlife, and whether gains can be obtained when processing wood from partial cuts. This project is part of the research program of the Industrial Research Chair NSERC-Laval University in silviculture and wildlife. Key words: irregular stands, selection cutting, biodiversity