bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The short-term economic impacts of the Private Woodlot Silviculture Program in New Brunswick
Authors: MacFarlane Derek D. , Zundel Pierre
Published: February 2014

The economic impacts of the 1990–91 private woodlot silviculture program expenditures in New Brunswick were estimated. This program is part of a Federal-Provincial forestry agreement which provides woodlot owners with financial assistance to carry out a variety of stand improvement and reforestation activities. A survey was conducted in the spring of 1992 to gather information on financial, educational and social characteristics of program participants and employees. The economic impacts were quantified using an input/output simulation model. The impacts are modest due to the province's heavy reliance on imports of consumer goods. Multipliers (i.e. direct, indirect and induced impact) for wages and salaries, gross domestic product at factor cost and employment were 1.23, 1.36 and 1.41, respectively. Multipliers are also presented for the individual program participant groups surveyed. An in-depth study to examine the origin of imports is recommended. Silviculture employees earn an average weekly gross pay of $606 but only work 15.21 weeks/year. Approximately 26% of gross pay was absorbed by work-related expenses. The silviculture contractors interviewed depended on the private woodlot program for almost 70% of their annual income. Eliminating the private woodlot silviculture program would cause financial hardship to the silviculture contracting sector. Key words: employment, Federal/Provincial forestry agreement, input/output model, multipliers, New Brunswick, private woodlot silviculture program, economic evaluation
A review of tree crown management in conifer orchards
Authors: Ho Rong H. , Schooley Hugh O.
Published: February 2014

Literature on tree crown management, including topping and branch pruning, is reviewed to provide information to foresters who are managing conifer seed orchards. The production of short, wide tree crowns facilitates cone harvesting, supplemental mass or controlled pollination, and the control of insects and diseases. However, the changes in tree architecture can also cause problems that result in self pollination and vulnerability to physical damage. Key words: topping, pruning, apical control, pollination, cone collection, seed production, seed orchard
Indices de qualité de station du sapin baumier dans le sous-domaine écologique de la sapinière à bouleau blanc humide
Authors: Bélanger Louis , Paquette Sylvain , Morel Steve , Bégin Jean , Meek Philippe , Bertrand Lucie , Beauchesne Patrick , Lemay Serge , Pineau Marius
Published: February 2014

Balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L) Mill.) site indices (height at 50 years at stump height) were estimated for the principal ecological types of the boreal and humid balsam fir-white birch climatic subdomain in central Québec. Ecological types consisted of units homogeneous as to their geomorphological deposit, their drainage class and vegetation dynamic. Mean site index varied from 15.9 m for rich mesic seepage sites to 9.4 m for very thin and poorly drained sites. To the three productivity classes generally used for boreal balsam fir stands in Québec (Linteau 1955), our results demonstrated the need to recognize a fourth class to distinguish operational groups. Rich mesic seepage sites are clearly more productive than other mesic sites with which they were grouped in the past. The proposed classes are: 1) I+ (SI > 15 m) comprising rich seepage sites; 2) class I−, comprising mesic sites (SI from 13.5 to 15 m); 3) class II (SI from 10.5 to 13.4 m) which comprises sites that possess moderate growth limitations including imperfectly drained sites, thin (< 50 cm) mesic sites and coarse textured dry sites; 4) and class III (SI < 10.5 m) comprising poorly drained sites. Growth studies of four ecological types based on permanent plots of similar densities, show the same relative order in productivity as the one established with their site indices. Mean annual growth of these somewhat under-stocked plots were 2.9, 2.0 and 1.5 m3/ha/year for classes I+, I− and II respectively. The principal ecological variables that influenced fertility of these boreal sites were drainage class and the presence of seepage. Soil depth and, to a point, soil texture were not very significative variables in this humid climatic zone. It must also be emphasized that all site indices of ecological types showed high variability.
The windthrow triangle: A relative windthrow hazard assessment procedure for forest managers
Authors: Mitchell Stephen J.
Published: February 2014

Wind is a major cause of damage in North American forests. Salvaging windthrow is costly and may disrupt silvicultural and management plans. Non-salvaged windthrown trees provide bark beetle habitat, increase fuel loading, and limit the mobility of wildlife and recreationists. Freshly exposed stand edges and recently partially cut stands are particularly prone to wind damage. Windthrow results from complex interactions of many environmental factors, which can be grouped into three broad components of hazard: topographic exposure, soil properties, and stand characteristics. These three component groups form the three sides of the Windthrow Triangle. This simple model can be used to evaluate the relative windthrow hazard of forested sites. The evaluation will assist managers with the formulation of treatment prescriptions designed to reduce losses from endemic windthrow. The model incorporates stand level attributes and is not intended to replace existing methods for individual hazard tree assessment. Key words: windthrow, blowdown, clearcutting, partial cutting
Public attitudes towards forest herbicide use and the implications for public involvement
Authors: Buse L. J. , Wagner R. G. , Perrin B.
Published: February 2014

Public opposition to herbicide use in forest vegetation management has been an important issue for forest managers for more than a decade. Despite severe restrictions or elimination of herbicide use in many regions of North America, there have been limited attempts to understand public concerns and develop approaches for gaining public support of forest vegetation management programs. A three-part study was conducted in Ontario consisting of a comprehensive literature review of the herbicide issue, guided discussions with 12 focus groups, and development of a strategy for public involvement. A strategy for public involvement on forest vegetation management issues is proposed that includes: 1) information sharing, 2) resource sharing, 3) cooperative planning, and 4) collaborative action. Many of the ideas are applicable to other areas of natural resource management. Key words: public involvement, herbicides, forest vegetation management
Ecosystem management: Implications and opportunities of a new paradigm
Authors: Galindo-Leal Carlos , Bunnell Fred L.
Published: February 2014

Resource management is undergoing a shift in paradigms (Kessler 1992; Kessler et al. 1992; Franklin 1994; Rowe 1994). A paradigm is "an implicit theory or conceptual framework from which other theories or understandings derive their validity" (O'Donnell 1990); within science a paradigm provides researchers with model problems and solutions (Kuhn 1970). Advances in our understanding of how ecosystems function combined with changes in society's expectations are rapidly changing the way we perceive, study, and manage our resources. Contributions from the relatively new, and broadly integrative, fields of landscape ecology and conservation biology emphasize the importance of spatial context in planning and managing (Crow 1990; Bunnell and Kremsater 1994). Management emphasis is on the maintenance of large, dynamic systems. Central to this shift in paradigm is the concept of "ecosystem management". The term is increasingly being used by scientists, managers, policy makers and the general public, but not always with the same meaning (Johnson and Agee 1988; Salwasser 1988, 1992; Joyce 1992; Scientific Panel for Sustainable Forest Practices in Clayoquot Sound [CSP] 1994; Grumbine 1994; Franklin 1994). Several authors provide historical reviews of the concept's development from different perspectives (Franklin 1994; Grumbine 1994; Jensen and Everett 1994). In this paper we examine the development of the concept, its implications, and the opportunities within a Canadian context. Key words: Ecosystem management, conservation biology, landscape ecology, forest management
Wood properties of exotic larch grown in eastern Canada and north-eastern United States
Authors: Chui Y. H. , MacKinnon-Peters Glenda
Published: February 2014

The rapid growth performance of exotic larch such as Japanese larch (Larix leptolepis (Sieb. et Zucc) Gord.) and European larch (Larix decidua Mill.) has attracted the attention of the forestry sector in eastern Canada and north-eastern United States for lumber and pulp production. While growth performance of these species in North America has been well documented, little is known with regards to their wood properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the primary lumber grade yields, mechanical properties, fiber length, specific gravity and cold-water soluble extractives of larch from plantations in Maine, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Samples were obtained from a Japanese (age 31), three European (age 17, 34 and 63) and one Japanese × European hybrid (age 22-27) larch stands. It was found that the structural grade yields of these species were relatively low because of the influence of knots. The mechanical properties (modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity) of the mature European larch appeared to be comparable with published data for some native softwood species. Fiber length, specific gravity and cold-water soluble extractive content of all samples were similar to those found for other softwood species which are used for pulp production. Fiber length of the juvenile wood of European larch was significantly shorter than that of mature wood. Extractive content was highest in newly formed heartwood. Contrary to common belief, extractive content in young trees may not be low. Key words: Japanese larch (Larix leptolepis Gord.), European larch (Larix decidua Mill.), European × Japanese hybrid (Larix eurolepis), Wood properties, Lumber yields
Biotechnology in forestry: Examples from the Canadian Forest Service
Authors: Charest Pierre J.
Published: February 2014

As a general trend, research activities related to biotechnology in the Canadian Forest Service (CFS) have increased significantly during the last decade as illustrated by a marked increase in resources committed to this field and in the number of publications produced by the scientists involved. The three areas covered by CFS biotechnological activities are forest regeneration, forest protection and environmental impact assessment. In forest regeneration, the tissue culture of conifers using somatic embryogenesis is a good example of potential application of biotechnology to conventional tree improvement. This technology is being used on a large scale in British Columbia and involves private firms such as BC Research Inc. Other technologies are also being developed such as genetic engineering which eventually will allow the incorporation of advantageous traits into trees which would otherwise be difficult or impossible to achieve. In forest protection, Bacillus thuringiensis is a well known success of biotechnology. This bacterium is used as a biopesticide in Canada to control spruce budworm and gypsy moth. Its use has been increasing during the last few decades and, with the phasing out of chemical insecticides for forestry use, Bacillus thuringiensis will become one of the few alternatives available for insect control. Insect viruses are also becoming more attractive for the biological control of forest pests. The CFS has registered three viruses for forestry use and the next generation of viruses will be genetically engineered to increase their efficiency and effectiveness. The last area of activity encompasses environmental impact studies of biotechnology products for forestry use. The CFS has been a pioneer in the development of microcosms (soil and aquatic) for studying microbial pesticides used to evaluate the impact of engineered biopesticides. Key words: biotechnology, genetic engineering, biopesticides, molecular biology, tissue culture, microcosm, regulation, environmental impact
Forest type distribution on a calcareous terrain in western Newfoundland
Authors: Kesteren A. R. van
Published: February 2014

Terrain factors influencing forest type distribution on a calcareous terrain in western Newfoundland were investigated. Landform elements were mapped at a scale of 1:12,500 utilizing air photo interpretation. Minimum and maximum elevation data along with dominant forest type occurrence were determined in the field. Frequencies of landform element and forest type correspondence were tested using a log-linear G2 analysis. Additionally, elevational differences of both landform elements and forest types were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Null hypotheses of no significant landform influence on forest type distribution and no significant elevational differentiation of landform elements were rejected. However, no significant direct elevational differentiation of forest types was detected. Results are supportive of the observations of Damman (1967), indicating a primary toposequence control on forest type distribution. Verified forest type–landform associations could aid the development of a statistically based phytogeomorphic mapping system for forest land use management in Newfoundland. Key words: forest type, landform element, phytogeomorphic mapping, air photo interpretation
Height growth–elevation relationships in subalpine forests of interior British Columbia
Authors: Klinka K. , Chen H. Y. H. , Wang Q. , Carter R. E.
Published: February 2014

Stem analysis data from even-aged Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii Parry ex Engelm.) and subalpine fir [Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt.] stands on zonal sites in the Engelmann Spruce—Subalpine Fir biogeoclimatic zone of British Columbia were used to examine the relationships of site index and height growth and elevation, latitude, and longitude. Elevation and latitude were found to be strongly negatively correlated with site index of both study species. Spruce site index (bh age 50) was predicted to decrease 2.9 m and fir site index 2.5 m with every 100 m and 1° increase in elevation and latitude, respectively; however, (i) site index of both species appeared to decline faster with increasing latitude than elevation, and (ii) decrease appeared to be faster for spruce than for fir. Comparison of height growth curves for stands on zonal and azonal sites with similar site index from different elevations and latitudes suggested that there are probably inconsequential differences between the shape of curves for either species. These findings imply that (i) subalpine fir is better adapted to subalpine boreal climates than Engelmann spruce and (ii) development of polymorphic site index curves for estimating site index of both species may be appropriate. Key words: elevation, latitude, longitude, site index, height growth, Abies lasiocarpa, Picea engelmannii, Engelmann Spruce—Subalpine Fir zone
Causes and amelioration of nutrient deficiencies in cutovers of cedar-hemlock forests in coastal British Columbia
Authors: Prescott C. E. , Weetman G. F. , Barker J. E.
Published: February 2014

Poor growth of conifer regeneration occurred on sites formerly occupied by old-growth cedar-hemlock (CH) forests in coastal British Columbia, 5–8 years after clearcutting and slashburning. Symptoms included chlorotic foliage and growth check of Sitka spruce, western hemlock, western red cedar and amabilis fir, coincident with the expansion of the ericaceous shrub, salal, on the cutovers. Fertilization trials identified N and P deficiencies as the cause of the growth check of conifers, and additions of 300 kg N ha−1 and 100 kg P ha−1 significantly improved tree growth rates. Equivalent growth responses were achieved with additions of sewage sludge and fish silage. Burning, cultivating, liming, higher planting densities or herbicide application, were less effective in promoting conifer growth. The nutrient deficiencies in conifers on CH cutovers were the result of two factors: low nutrient availability in soil and humus, and competition and interference from salal. Salal immobilized substantial amounts of N in biomass and an in vitro study suggested it was able to use organic forms of N through its mycorrhizal fungi. The mycorrhizae of salal also interfered with those of hemlock, which further reduced their ability to take up nutrients. High concentrations of phenolic acids were associated with salal, which interfere with mineralization and uptake of N. The low availability of N and P in CH cutovers originated in forest floors of the old-growth forests prior to clearcutting. Nutrient availability was low in all layers of the forest floor in CH forests, and this appeared to result from three main factors. First, cedar litter contains less N and more decay-resistant material than other species, and produces forest floors with low rates of N mineralization. Second, the forest floors in CH forests are wetter and have less soil fauna than in HA forests, leading to incomplete decomposition and mineralization of N. Third, the salal understorey in CH forests interferes with mineralization of N through the production of tannins. Key words: growth check, fertilization, herbicide, ericaceous shrub, sewage sludge, mycorrhizae, allelopathy, nitrogen availability, nutrient cycling, NMR analysis
Silvicultural approaches to integrated insect management: The Green Plan Silvicultural Insect Management Network
Authors: MacLean David A.
Published: February 2014

This issue contains a series of seven papers related to the development of silvicultural approaches to integrated pest management. This paper presents a brief introduction to the role of silviculture as a component of Integrated Forest Pest Management, and describes the Silvicultural Insect Management network. Key words: silviculture, Integrated Pest Management, spruce budworm, white pine weevil, spruce budmoth
Dispersal of Pissodes strobi in putatively resistant white spruce in Vernon, BC
Authors: McIntosh R. L. , McLean J. A. , Alfaro R. I. , Kiss G. K.
Published: February 2014

White pine weevil Pissodes strobi behaviour was observed in a five-year-old plantation of white spruce in Vernon, British Columbia. Seasonal weevil-host interactions were monitored in four susceptible and four putatively resistant reciprocal cross family pairs in three of five replicates. Classification of susceptibility to weevil attack was based on previous weevil attack history. Performance of eight reciprocal cross pairs was ranked as a function of visitation, oviposition and brood establishment resulting in top-kill. The four putatively resistant family crosses ranked 1 to 4 for resistance to weevil attack, while the four susceptible crosses were ranked 5 to 8 and were consistently attacked. Seasonal and diurnal weevil movement was monitored using mark-recapture techniques. Diurnally, weevils moved within the tree. Feeding occurred at dawn in the leader and upper laterals after which weevils moved down the tree into the forest floor during the high mid-summer temperatures. Later in the season weevils fed in mid-morning on the leader and on the under-sides of lateral branches. A dispersal index was developed to describe seasonal movement. Weevils did not move far throughout the season. Overall dispersal index for both males and females was less than 0.24 m, suggesting that on average, weevils do not move further than the adjacent tree throughout the season after mating and oviposition. Key words: Dispersal, pest management, Pissodes strobi, resistance, silviculture, white spruce
One and two years impact of commercial thinning on spruce budworm feeding ecology and host tree foliage production and chemistry
Authors: Bauce Éric
Published: February 2014

Field rearing experiments of spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.), were conducted in conjunction with foliar chemical analyses, one and two years after a commercial thinning (removal of 25% stand basal area) in a 50-year-old balsam fir, Abies balsamea (L.) Mill., stand. The first year after thinning, spruce budworm larvae reared on the residual trees developed five days faster and removed 43% more foliage than those reared on control trees, but in the second year they developed two days faster and removed 37% more foliage. The increase in larval development rate was related to an increase in foliar soluble sugars while a reduction in foliar monoterpenes caused by the thinning apparently accounted for the greater amount of foliage ingested by the larvae. The first year after thinning, trees were more vulnerable to spruce budworm because there was no increase in foliage production and the trees were more heavily defoliated. However, in the second year trees were less vulnerable to the insect because there was an increase in foliage production that exceeded the increase in defoliation, hence a net gain in foliage. Results from this study showed that commercial thinning could reduce the vulnerability of balsam fir trees to spruce budworm if thinning is conducted two years prior to budworm outbreak, but the same silvicultural procedure could increase the vulnerability to the insect if it is conducted during an outbreak. Key words: spruce budworm, balsam fir, chemistry, thinning, defoliation
Forest management strategies to reduce spruce budworm damage in the Fundy Model Forest
Authors: MacLean David A.
Published: February 2014

Spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) outbreaks cannot be prevented, but the amount of damage that occurs can be managed. Tree species, stand age, hardwood content, and drainage class, as well as the outbreak severity and length, determine the amount of tree mortality during budworm outbreaks. Silviculture and forest management can be used to reduce the incidence of the most damaged stand types across the landscape. The amount of defoliation in mixed balsam fir-hardwood stands is strongly negatively related to hardwood content, especially with hardwoods > 40%. The Spruce Budworm Decision Support System (DSS) links models of stand and forest response to budworm outbreaks and inventory interpretation to a GIS, and can be used to evaluate effects of outbreaks and management on forest structure and timber supply. An example using the Spruce Budworm DSS for a portion of the Fundy Model Forest indicated that losses from a future budworm outbreak could be reduced 34% by directing harvesting and silviculture towards conversion of one-half of the most vulnerable stand types into low susceptibility or non-susceptible species. Key words: decision support system, vulnerability, silviculture, insect damage
Sustainable forestry and certification in the Commonwealth
Authors: Wood P. J.
Published: February 2014

Sustainable forest management is the goal of most foresters and of the informed public and it is the main mission of the Commonwealth Forestry Association. Certification of forest products is a recent market phenomenon, driven partly by Non-Government Organizations and partly by retailers; it is largely a western initiative with parallels in agricultural and pharmaceutical products. Certification does not guarantee sustainability—it only defines what the buyer demands, like lumber dimensions. Environmental or social certification is a contractual specification and the European market seems currently to be the furthest forward with such schemes. Without such market pull, interest in certification would collapse. There are now many initiatives world wide; the Forest Stewardship Council began as an accrediter of independent certifiers, but countries are now developing their own criteria and especially seeking approaches through the International Standards Organization (ISO), an ISO 14000 or ISO 9000 approach. The relevance of certification to many smaller tropical Commonwealth countries is limited, since international trade is of little concern, and many newcomers to the international market have not yet adopted certification requirements. The challenge for the future is to find norms of country-specific good forest stewardship and certifiers are now turning their attention to other objects of trade.
An aggregate travel cost approach to valuing forest recreation at managed sites
Authors: Boxall Peter C. , McFarlane Bonita L. , Gartrell Michael
Published: February 2014

Travel cost models were estimated for camping trips to designated recreation areas in the Rocky-Clearwater Forest in Alberta during 1994. Trips were aggregated by postal code and resulting trip counts from each postal code were utilized in truncated Poisson and negative binomial regressions. The study involved the design of a camping fee collection permit which allowed a census of users rather than a sample to be utilized in the analysis. Per trip consumer surplus estimates resulting from the Poisson model revealed that aggregate nonmarket benefits provided by the Alberta Land and Forest Service forest recreation areas were about $750,000 in 1994. The study suggests that with little effort and some planning, fee collection permit systems can be used in concert with travel cost and geographic information systems to provide estimates of some nontimber values in Canada's forests. Key words: nontimber values, camping, travel cost models, forest recreation, geographical information systems
Exploring forest and recreation management preferences of forest recreationists in Alberta
Authors: McFarlane Bonita L. , Boxall Peter C.
Published: February 2014

Understanding social values of stakeholder groups is an essential part of ecosystem management. Values of one stakeholder group, campers at managed sites in the Rocky-Clearwater Forest of Alberta, were examined using campground management preference and forest attitude scales. On-site and mail surveys were used to collect data from campers during 1994. Four specialization clusters were delineated that identified differences in management preferences. Campers most familiar with the area and those with the most camping experience were the least supportive of traditional timber management and campground development. Overall, campers did not support increased facility development at campgrounds. This study suggests that campers may be supportive of an ecosystem approach to forest management that incorporates nontimber values. Key words: camping, ecosystem management, forest recreation, management preferences, recreation specialization, social values
Evaluating a dimensionally compatible height growth modelling approach
Authors: Wang Yonghe , Payandeh Bijan
Published: February 2014

McDill and Amateis (1992) developed a dimensionally compatible height growth model which may be applied as either a base-age specific or a base-age invariant site index model. Its relative performance was compared with four published site index models on three stem analysis data sets from Ontario and the Northwest Territories of Canada. Results indicated that the modified McDill and Amateis (1992) model performed as well as, if not better than, the other models. Key words: base-age specific and base-age invariant site index models, nonlinear regression models, sum of squared errors
Productivity, cost, efficacy and cost effectiveness of motor-manual, mechanical, and herbicide release of boreal spruce plantations
Authors: Bell F. Wayne , Ride Kevin R. , St-Amour Michel L. , Ryans Mark
Published: February 2014

Although the release of spruce plantations with herbicides is an important part of Ontario's reforestation program, the people of Ontario do not support the use of any pesticides in the forest environment. Of the available alternatives, those most feasible for conifer release in northern Ontario appear to be cutting with brush saws and using mechanized cleaning machines. In this study, a component of the Fallingsnow Ecosystem Project, we quantified the relative productivity, costs, treatment efficacy and cost effectiveness of: 1) motor-manual cutting (brush saws), 2) mechanical brush cutting (Silvana Selective/Ford Versatile), 3) helicopter application of Release® (a.i. triclopyr) herbicide, and 4) helicopter application of Vision® (a.i. glyphosate herbicide and compared these to control (untreated) plots. Productivity (productive machine hours ha−1) was lowest for brush saws, followed by Silvana Selective and highest for helicopter operations. Treatment and super-vision costs ($ ha−1) were highest for Silvana Selective, followed by brush saw, Release®, and lowest for Vision®. One year post-treatment, vegetation indices (percent cover × mean height) for non-conifer woody plants decreased in the Vision®, Silvana Selective, Release®, and brush saw treatments respectively and increased on control plots. Vegetation indices for herbaceous plants were lowest for Vision®, followed by brush saw, Silvana Selective, control and highest for Release® plots. The average cost effectiveness ratio was lowest for Vision®, followed by Release®, Silvana Selective, and highest for brush saws. As empirical data from the project becomes available, longer-term economic evaluations will be made. Key words: clearing saws, cleaning, conifer release, cost effectiveness, Fallingsnow Ecosystem Project, glyphosate, herbicides, machine evaluation, productivity, Release®, Silvana Selective, triclopyr, forest vegetation management, Vision®
Motor–manual, mechanical, and herbicide release affect early successional vegetation in northwestern Ontario
Authors: Bell F. Wayne , Lautenschlager R. A. , Wagner Robert G. , Pitt Doug G. , Hawkins John W. , Ride Kevin R.
Published: February 2014

Cover and height of vegetation before and one growing season after: 1) motor-manual cutting, 2) mechanical brush cutting (Silvana Selective/Ford Versatile), 3) aerial application of Release® (a.i. triclopyr) herbicide, 4) aerial application of Vision® (a.i. glyphosate) herbicide, and 5) control (no treatment) were quantified. Multivariate analysis permitted the study of vegetation response as a whole, while accounting for correlations that exist among the individual vegetation groups. Univariate analysis were used to study the responses of individual vegetation groups. Although no pre-treatment differences in percent cover were observed (P = 0.128), deciduous tree, shrub, forb, grass, and sedge groups responded differently to the treatments after one growing season (P < 0.018). Post-treatment cover of deciduous tree and shrub groups was lower in herbicide treated plots than in cut plots. Forb, grass and sedge covers varied greatly among treatments. Brush saw and Silvana Selective treatments decreased cover of deciduous trees. Release® decreased cover of deciduous trees and shrubs. Vision® decreased cover of deciduous trees, shrubs and ferns. Cover of all vegetation groups increased on the untreated control. Among the conifer release treatments examined, Vision® reduced woody and herbaceous vegetation most. Key words: clearing saw, conifer release, Falingsnow Ecosystem Project, glyphosate, herbicides, Release®, Silvana Selective, spruce, triclopyr, vegetation management, Vision®.
Alternative conifer release treatments affect below- and near-ground microclimate
Authors: Reynolds Phillip E. , Buckley Donald A. , Simpson James A. , Gordon Andrew M. , Gresch Donald A. , Lautenschlager R. A. , Bell F. Wayne
Published: February 2014

Li-Cor weather stations and thermistor/resistance soil cells were used during 1994 to monitor microclimate in young spruce plantations during the first growing season after the following replicated alternative conifer release treatments [brush saw, Silvana Selective, Release® (a.i., triclopyr) herbicide. Vision® (a.i., glyphosate) herbicide], and control (no treatment) were applied. Treatments were conducted in mid-August (herbicides) and late October and early November (cutting) 1993. In 1994, temperature, photosynthetically-active radiation (PAR), and relative humidity (RH) were monitored near (0.25 m) and above (2 m) the forest floor. Fiberglass thermistor/resistance soils cells were installed 15 and 30 cm deep, and soil moisture and temperature were read bimonthly. In relation to controls, PAR near and above the forest floor increased on all conifer release treatments. By July, PAR near the forest floor declined on both the cut and herbicide treatments. That decline occurred in early July for the brush saw treatment, but in late July for the Vision® treatment. PAR at 2 m was similar among conifer release alternatives and significantly greater than for controls throughout the growing season. Increased solar radiation resulted in significant soil warming following the conifer release treatments. During the growing season, duff (5 cm) and mineral (15 cm) soil temperatures were highest for the Vision® and Release® treatments, and lower on the brush saw and control treatments. November soil temperatures were slightly cooler in released than control plots. Frequent rains resulted in relatively high RH and soil moisture readings during the 1994 growing season. Relative humidity near the forest floor was lowest for the Vision®, intermediate for the brush saw, and highest for the control treatments. During the growing season after treatments, soil moisture levels were higher on treated than control plots. Key words: microclimate, alternative conifer release treatments, Fallingsnow Ecosystem Project, photosynthetically-active radiation (PAR), soil temperature and moisture, relative humidity, ecosystem study
Alternative conifer release treatments affect small mammals in northwestern Ontario
Authors: Lautenschlager R. A. , Bell F. Wayne , Wagner Robert G.
Published: February 2014

Density changes of small mammals responding to different conifer release treatments (motor-manual [brush saw] cutting; mechanical [Silvana Selective] cutting; helicopter-applied herbicides [Release® (a.i. triclopyr), Vision® (a.i. glyphosate)]; controls [no treatment] were quantified. A total of 4,851 small mammals were captured and released during the three-year study. The most commonly captured (81% of total) species were: shrews (masked [Sorex cinereus Kerr], pygmy [S. hoyi Baird], arctic S. arcticus Kerr]), southern red-backed voles (Clethrionomys gapperi Vigors), and deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus Wagner). Northern short-tailed shrews (Blarina brevicauda Say), eastern (Tamias striants L.) and least (T. minimus Bachman) chipmunks, meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus Ord), ermine (Mustela erminea L.), and meadow jumping mice (Zapus hudsonius Zimm.) were common. Shrew (masked, pygmy, arctic, short-tailed) densities were statistically unaffected by these treatments. Red-backed vole densities were highest on control plots during the first post-treatment growing season, and highest on control and Vision® plots during the second post-treatment growing season. During the first two growing seasons after treatment, deer mouse densities were highest on Silvana Selective plots; eastern chipmunk densities were highest on control, Vision® and Silvana Selective plots; least chipmunk densities were highest on Vision® and Release® plots; and meadow vole densities were highest on Release® plots. Small mammal responses to the alternative conifer release treatments examined were species specific one and two-growing seasons post-treatment, but similar to responses common to the standard (Vision® herbicide) conifer release treatment. Key words: conifer release, Fallingsnow Ecosystem Project, glyphosate, herbicides, Release®, small mammals, spruce plantation, triclopyr, vegetation management alternatives, Vision®, wildlife habitat
L'inventaire forestier multiressource : les variables critiques de l'habitat faunique
Authors: Bissonnette Jean , Bélanger Louis , Marchand Stéphane , Larue Pierre , Huot Jean
Published: February 2014

A multiresource forest inventory can be defined as a coherent group of methods used to collect the information required for integrated forest management. It represents a management tool that can provide a common data base to evaluate simultaneously wood production, wildlife habitat quality and sensitive ecological variables. The objective of this study was to develop a multiresource inventory adapted to the needs of wood and wildlife habitat supply analysis in Quebec's public forests. Special attention was given to identifying the additional variables needed in the present forest inventory to adequately evaluate wildlife habitat quality. Most of the critical habitat variables used in Habitat Suitability Indices Models for a large number of species are already integrated in Quebec's forest inventory. However, two critical habitat variables should be added : the shrub layer and snags. The former plays a major ecological role for the survival of most not hibernating herbivores such as snowshoe hare and moose. These species are major game species and the staple prey of many furbearers. The low shrub layer provides both browse and escape cover. Large diameter snags are a limiting factor of many species for nesting. Moreover, those two components are vulnerable to an intensification of forestry practices. In certain situations other variables could be added, notably vegetation physionomy and coarse wood debris.
Harvesting peatland black spruce: Impacts on advance growth and site disturbance
Authors: MacDonell Marc R. , Groot Arthur
Published: February 2014

A project was established in the Lake Abitibi Model Forest to study the effects of several harvesting systems on advance growth protection and site disturbance. Tree-length and cut-to-length harvesting systems were compared to a full-tree system on peatland black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) sites. The impacts of the various harvesting systems were compared by summarizing the structural and mensurational properties of the stands before and after harvest, by evaluating damage to residual trees, and by assessing site disturbance. The tree-length and full-tree systems, which were compared in winter harvesting, produced similar results. The cut-to-length system was compared to the full-tree system in both winter and summer harvesting, and protected substantially more advance growth, especially in the summer. Additionally, the cut-to-length system produced less damage to residual trees and lesser amounts of site disturbance. All harvesting systems resulted in or maintained residual stands with an uneven-size structure. Key words: black spruce, advanced regweneration, tree harvesting, systems
Algorithmic versions of black spruce stand density management diagrams
Authors: Newton P. F.
Published: February 2014

Algorithmic versions of stand density management diagrams (SDMDs) were developed for natural and managed black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) stands. Specifically, the IBM-compatible PC-based algorithms (1) graphically illustrate site-specific size-density trajectories for eight user-specified initial density regimes, (2) given (1), calculate and subsequent tabulate periodic yield estimates (mean dominant height, density, mean volume, total volume, total merchantable volume, quadratic mean diameter, and basal area), and (3) given (2), graphically illustrate empirically-derived yield production curves for total merchantable volume ha−1 and stems m−3 with user-specified operability criteria superimposed. Instructions on acquiring the executable algorithmic versions including the required graphical subroutines via the Internet are described. Currently, the algorithms are restricted in applicability to central insular Newfoundland. Key words: stand density management diagrams, black spruce, algorithms, microcomputer, World-Wide Web (WWW), hypertext browser, file transfer protocol (FTP).
A framework for the use of economic thresholds in forest pest management
Authors: Fox Glenn , Beke John , Hopkin Tony , McKenney Dan
Published: February 2014

This paper explores the use of economic thresholds as an aid to decision making in forest pest management. Economic thresholds have been applied to insect, weed and fungus control problems in agriculture. The motivation for the use of economic thresholds in pest control is both the reduction of the total amount of pest control product used and the more cost-effective use of the product that is applied. To date, however, the application of economic thresholds has been limited in forestry. Extensions of the available framework, particularly extensions to accommodate the temporal dimensions of forest production, are described. Issues related to data needs are identified. Key words: economic thresholds, forest pest management, rotation models
Fiber availability in Russia and outlook for trade
Authors: Backman Charles A. , Blam Yuri
Published: February 2014

The forest resources of Russia are discussed in terms of two broad regions, focusing on their ability to support harvest. Long-term economic harvest levels are identified. The ability of the Russian forest resource to support export of wood fiber is examined through scenario analyses linking capital, forest resource, and domestic demand. Key words: Russia, forest resource, AAC, trade, capital, domestic demand
A sustainable plan for conserving forest biodiversity in far East Russia and northeast China
Authors: Marcot Bruce G. , Ganzei Sergei S. , Zhang Tiefu , Voronov Boris A.
Published: February 2014

An ongoing, trinational project is providing the first environmentally sustainable economic development plan for the Ussuri River watershed (URW) in Far East Russia and northeast China. The URW is host to a unique mix of northern taiga and southern subtropical biota, and contains many endemic, relict, and highly threatened species of plants and animals. In Russia, severe monetary inflation and a shift to a market economy have left some aspects of forest biodiversity in jeopardy, particularly policing for wildlife poachers, regulating CITES (international wildlife trafficking) violations, ensuring long-term sustained production of timber and non-timber forest products, protecting unique habitats, and adequately staffing scientific reserves and funding needed research. In China, broad scale conversion of remaining wetlands to agriculture and rice paddies, and of diverse native forests to intensively managed, monocultural plantations, is helping to sustain the economy but is sacrificing biodiversity. A proposed sustainable land use plan has (1) mapped resource use areas, including both proposed and existing transborder nature areas, (2) encouraged foreign investment in both countries, and (3) encouraged sustainable development of natural resource markets that will be compatible with long-term conservation of biodiversity. A hallmark of this plan is integrating the needs of the people with the capacity of the land through both environmental protection and wise resource use. Key words: Russia, China, Far East, Ussuri River watershed, biodiversity, sustainable, land use plan, wildlife
Stump height effects on sprouting of mountain maple, paper birch and pin cherry — 10 year results
Authors: Jobidon Robert
Published: February 2014

Stump sprouting of mountain maple, paper birch and pin cherry was studied in relation to residual stump height. The three-year-old stems were cut at stump heights of 0, 15, 45 and 75 cm in a completely randomized plot design. Two growing seasons after cutting, the percent of stumps with live sprouts was lower for the low stump heights. Two years after cutting, the mean number of sprouts per stump of the three species significantly increased with stump height but the effect was no more significant after 10 years. Initially, total height of the sprouts was significantly greater for the higher stump heights of the three species, which is explained by the point of origin of the sprouts along the stump. After 10 years, this effect was no more significant. Except for pin cherry after the first growing season, the three species produced sprouts of similar vigor during the first 10 years, expressed in terms of both diameter and height growth, among the four stump heights. In view of the increasing stump mortality of these three species after manual or mechanical release treatments of a conifer regeneration, a cut height of 15 cm is recommended. Conversely, increasing stump height will likely favor sprout production, which could be advantageous in wildlife habitat management for browse consumption. Key words: stump height, vegetation management, sprout production, vegetative reproduction, wildlife habitat
Alternatives to clearcutting in BC Coastal Montane Forests
Authors: Arnott J. T. , Beese W. J.
Published: February 2014

The Montane Alternative Silvicultural Systems (MASS) partnership was formed in 1992 to test new approaches to harvesting high-elevation old-growth forests of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Uniform Shelterwood (SW), Green Tree Retention (GT) and Patch Cuttings (PC) were tested as alternatives to Clearcutting (CC). All systems were compared to an Old Growth (OG) control. Harvesting was completed in 1993. This paper summarizes the conclusions from the operational aspects of the study and reviews some early results from studies of the biological impacts. Harvesting costs to roadside were about 12% greater for the PC and GT and 49% greater for the SW. Cumulative losses to windthrow after three years were 25% in the GT and 5% in the SW. Site disturbance, soil compaction and rates of organic matter decomposition were low across all harvested treatments. Rates of organic matter decomposition and N mineralization on SW, GT and PC were intermediate between CC and OG. Nutrient loss in soil solution was reduced with partial harvesting but lack of available nitrogen is limiting the early growth of coniferous regeneration among all systems. During spring and summer, SW and CC treatments were generally cooler than PC or GT. Damage to understory vegetation and advanced conifer regeneration was least in the SW, which also provided the greatest amounts of seedfall among all harvested treatments. Key words: Abies amabilis, Tsuga heterophylla, Thuja plicata, Chamaecyparis nootkatensis, harvesting costs, site impacts, silvicultural systems, shelterwood
Chain of Custody
Authors: Rotherham Tony
Published: February 2014

A chain of custody provides a link between the forest of origin and the forest product at point of sale. Several systems have been proposed, strengths and weaknesses, problems and solutions are discussed.I will address two aspects of Chain of Custody.• What is it?• What benefits will it bring to Canadian forestry?Chain of Custody can be broadly defined as a system or way to provide a link between the Forest of Origin and a Forest Product at point of sale. Chain of Custody is usually associated with the broader subject of Forest Certification or Forest Product Certification. At least three types of approaches have been proposed. Each has its strengths and weaknesses.