bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solid wood supply impediments for secondary wood producers in British Columbia
Authors: Kozak Robert A , Maness Thomas C , Caldecott Tim
Published: February 2014

Many nations are attempting to strengthen the development of secondary wood manufacturing in an attempt to cope with job losses due to declining annual allowable cut levels, increasing global competition and decreasing prices of commodity lumber products. This paper describes the results of a survey conducted in the province of British Columbia aimed at uncovering the impediments to wood supply relationships between secondary and primary manufacturers. The study looks at the raw material needs of different categories of secondary manufacturers pertaining to wood quality, price and service and highlights similarities and differences between these groups. In general, the study found that the majority of secondary manufacturers are experiencing lumber procurement problems. Lumber grading issues are the biggest overall concern of manufacturers, and manufacturers of engineering building components were found to experience the most difficulties. The paper concludes with a discussion and recommendations to improve synergies between primary and secondary wood producers in British Columbia. Key words: value-added wood products, wood quality, supply chain management, customer-oriented manufacturing
Twenty-year assessment of four tree species planted in the mountain hemlock zone of coastal British Columbia
Authors: Burgess D , Mitchell A K , Goodmanson G
Published: February 2014

Concerns about low seedling survival and poor growth in plantations in montane areas resulted in a study to assess the field performance of amabilis fir (Abies amabilis (Dougl. Ex Loud) Dougl. Ex J. Forbes), noble fir (Abies procera Rehd.), yellow cedar (Chamae-cyparis nootkatensis (D. Don) Spach) and mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana (Bong.) Carrière). Seedlings were planted on six sites within the Mountain Hemlock zone of coastal British Columbia. The most recent results, based on a field assessment completed 20 years after the study was started, are presented. Little variation was noted among seedling stock types or between fall and spring planting. Seedling survival was greater than 78% for all four species. Although the sites were initially considered similar, large differences in productivity and species response on the six sites are now evident. Key words: silviculture, high-elevation forestry, montane forests, reforestation, seedling establishment, Abies amabilis, Abies procera, Chamaecyparis nootkatensis, Tsuga mertensiana
Selected Nova Scotia old-growth forests: Age, ecology, structure, scoring
Authors: Stewart Bruce J , Neily Peter D , Quigley Eugene J , Benjamin Lawrence K
Published: February 2014

A study of four old-growth stands in Nova Scotia was conducted to document the ecological characteristics of these currently rare Acadian forest ecosystems. Stands were selected to represent the two dominant climax forest types, hemlock–red spruce–eastern white pine, and sugar maple–yellow birch–beech. Data include measurements of age structure, species composition, diameter distribution, basal area, height, coarse woody debris, snags, vertical structure, and canopy condition. All stands were determined to be uneven-aged. Old-growth reference ages calculated for the stands ranged from 164 to 214 years. All stands displayed broad diameter distributions that had peak basal area representation in the 40- to 50-cm diameter classes. Volumes of dead wood ranged from 111 to 148 m3/ha in the softwood stands and from 63 to 83m3/ha in the hardwood stands. Dead wood consisted of approximately one-third snags and two thirds downed coarse woody debris. Measurements from the stands were used to evaluate Nova Scotia's recently developed Old Forest Scoring System. Six stand attributes were rated for a maximum score of 100: stand age, primal value, number of large-diameter trees, length of large-diameter dead wood, canopy structure, and understorey structure. Based on the age attribute, three of the four stands were classed as Mature Old Growth and one was very close, indicating that all are in the shifting mosaic stage of late forest succession. The scores for all stands were relatively high, ranging from 75 to 85, as would be expected from some of the best old-growth stands in the province. Key words: old growth, climax, primal, late succession, uneven-aged, scoring, coarse woody debris, age structure, diameter, Acadian forest, northern hardwood, red spruce, eastern hemlock, white pine, sugar maple, yellow birch, American beech
The bioeconomy and the forestry sector: Changing markets and new opportunities
Authors: Duchesne Luc C , Wetzel Suzanne
Published: February 2014

The bioeconomy is expected to replace the current information economy and will depend heavily on the manufacturing and trade of bioproducts, which are all commodities generated by living organisms through the use of technology and biotechnology, as well as non-timber forest products. In Canada alone, markets for bioproducts are in excess of $100 billion annually. The bioeconomy should impact most of Canada's economic sectors: energy and transportation, food and agro-food, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, forestry, materials and manufacturing, waste management and a large variety of consumer goods. The bioeconomy holds promises to wean the Canadian economy from its dependence on fossil fuels as a primary source of energy as well as platform chemicals in materials and manufacturing, while meeting the Kyoto commitments on greenhouse gas reductions. Finally, the bioeconomy will reduce the environmental impact of economic growth by increasing the use of industrial and urban wastes and developing goods that are biodegradable. Key words: NTFP, ecology, forest economics, biomass, energy, pharmaceuticals, forest policies, agroforestry
Transborder interactions in the sawmill industry of Chaudière-Appalaches, Québec: A survey analysis
Authors: Straussfogel Debra , Howard Theodore , Masse Sylvain , Zhang Difei
Published: February 2014

The objectives of this mail survey of sawmills in the Chaudière-Appalaches region of southern Québec were (1) to establish the level of transborder interaction of these sawmills, with regard to wood sources and final markets; (2) to discover their perceptions of local versus international economic and business factors with regard to their business success; and (3) to examine the role and importance of the size of the sawmills in Chaudière-Appalaches relative to the nature of their engagement in either raw material import from or finished product export to the US. Our results demonstrate that a transborder forest economy exists and that the conception of "local" in transboundary regions must be flexible enough to permit resource management strategies, that, to some extent, ignore national boundaries. Key words: sawmill industry, transborder interaction, Chaudière-Appalaches, Québec, Northern New England
The importance of superior-quality wildlife habitats
Authors: Thompson Ian D
Published: February 2014

While animals may use many habitat types, relatively few are preferred and fewer yet are superior in quality (referring to individual fitness as the measure of quality). Historical reduction in habitat quality for some wildlife species has occurred such that we may now have limited reference to original superior-quality habitats. As time passes, managers may be unaware that superior habitats are slowly disappearing and that the slow but cumulative change is significant to a species at the population level. The perception of superior-quality habitat also changes with each successive generation of managers based on their experiences. This paper raises the concern that retrospective work may often be required to determine past forest habitats and associated animal populations to avoid the risk of falling into a trap of not recognizing ever-declining habitat quality through time and relegating animals to what is in fact much poorer quality habitat than those to which they are actually best adapted. Further, the relationship between relative abundance and habitat quality may often be uncertain owing to maladaptive habitat selection by animals, inappropriate survey timing or interannual population differences. While we have begun to appreciate aspects of habitat selection for many forest species, few data are yet available that relate selected habitats to fitness of individual animals. Hence, while we may have models to predict habitat use, considerable research remains to be done to be able to predict long-term sustainability of species in managed landscapes. Key words: habitat quality, forest management, sustainability, biodiversity
Protecting culturally significant areas through watershed planning in Clayoquot Sound
Authors: Mabee Holly Spiro , Hoberg George
Published: February 2014

Through the Scientific Panel Planning process, First Nations in Clayoquot Sound have had the opportunity to identify and map their culturally significant areas in order to ensure their protection in forest management activities. In this study, individuals involved in forest management from government, industry, and First Nations sectors were interviewed to measure the success of this undertaking. It was found that despite many challenges, First Nations cultural values mapping in Clayoquot Sound has been beneficial for all parties involved in forest management. Key benefits has been an improvement in consultation effectiveness for all parties, and increased confidence among First Nations that their values are being protected. Funding should be provided to allow this process to be completed for the remainder of the landbase. Key words: First Nations, cultural values mapping, British Columbia, Nuu-chah-nulth
Effect of summer cattle grazing on aspen stem injury, mortality and growth
Authors: Dockrill Craig W.M. , Blenis Peter V , Bailey Arthur W , King Jane R
Published: February 2014

Conflicts may arise between cattle and aspen fibre production if both occur on the same landbase. The effect of cattle on aspen regeneration was evaluated by determining the effect of four treatments (No grazing, June-only grazing, July-only grazing and continuous June-July grazing on five variables (aspen height and density, percentage of aspen trampled, foraged and dead). Continuous June-July grazing impeded aspen regeneration relative to the control. The effect of cattle on aspen mortality was likely indirect, rather than a consequence of foraging and trampling. Reducing stocking levels or delaying cattle grazing may be necessary to reduce the adverse effect of cattle grazing on aspen regeneration. Key words: grazing, cattle, aspen, regeneration, browsing, trampling
One strategy at work for more than 260 reasons
Authors: Young Jeff
Published: February 2014

Canadians are taking action to advance sustainable forest management with the National Forest Strategy (NFS) 2003–2008, A Sustainable Forest: The Canadian Commitment. This national policy framework reaffirms Canadians' long-term vision and defines strategic targets to be achieved by the forest community at large. Seen as an international model, the NFS serves to establish partnerships and to promote policies as encouraged by the Final Statement issued at the XII World Forestry Congress. Canada and the United States of America have national forest programmes that are advancing a sustainable North American forest and are contributing to the well-being of the global forest. Stronger mechanisms and liaisons between developed countries with such programmes will help Canada and other likeminded countries to push sustainable forest management concepts even further as they evolve. Key words: global forest convention, international network, national forest programme, National Forest Strategy Coalition, sector roundtable
Monitoring Canada's forests: The National Forest Inventory
Authors: Gillis M D , Omule A Y , Brierley T.
Published: February 2014

A new national forest inventory is being installed in Canada. For the last 20 years, Canada's forest inventory has been a compilation of inventory data from across the country. Although this method has a number of advantages, it lacks information about the nature and rate of changes to the resource, and does not permit projections or forecasts. To address these limitations a new National Forest Inventory (NFI) was developed to monitor Canada's progress in meeting a commitment towards sustainable forest management, and to satisfy requirements for national and international reporting. The purpose of the new inventory is to "assess and monitor the extent, state and sustainable development of Canada's forests in a timely and accurate manner." The NFI consists of a plot-based system of permanent observational units located on a national grid. A combination of ground plot, photo plot and remote sensing data are used to capture a set of basic attributes that are used to derive indicators of sustainability. To meet the monitoring needs a re-measurement strategy and framework to guide the development of change estimation procedures has been worked out. A plan for implementation has been drafted. The proposed plan is presented and discussed in this paper. Key words: Canada, forest cover, inventory, monitoring, National Forest Inventory, re-measurement, panel
Afforestation on private land in Canada from 1990 to 2002 estimated from historical records
Authors: White T M , Kurz W A
Published: February 2014

Information on afforestation on private lands in Canada from 1990 to 2002 was compiled from a variety of sources in support of the Government of Canada's Feasibility Assessment of Afforestation for Carbon Sequestration (FAACS) initiative. Data collection focused on afforestation that was verifiable and consistent with definitions in the Kyoto Protocol. Analysis of the dataset provides insight into the scale, scope and trends in afforestation activity in Canada. Most of the planting occurred in Quebec and Ontario. Ninety-five percent of the afforestation events were smaller than 10 ha. The national average area planted in an afforestation event is 2 ha. Regional averages were higher in the west than in the east. The annual area planted declined from 1990 to 2002 in most provinces, though the Prairie Provinces were an exception. The data agree with other sources of information on afforestation activity in Canada. An analysis of carbon sequestration in the plantations documented in the FAACS database is presently underway and will be reported in the near future. Key words: afforestation, reforestation, climate change, carbon sequestration, Kyoto Protocol, private forest lands
Augmenting the existing survey hierarchy for mountain pine beetle red-attack damage with satellite remotely sensed data
Authors: Wulder M A , White J C , Bentz B J , Ebata T.
Published: February 2014

Estimates of the location and extent of the red-attack stage of mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins) infestations are critical for forest management. The degree of spatial and temporal precision required for these estimates varies according to the management objectives and the nature of the infestation. This paper outlines the range of information requirements associated with mountain pine beetle infestations, from the perspectives of forest inventory, planning, and modeling. Current methods used to detect and map red-attack damage form a hierarchy of increasingly detailed data sources. The capability of satellite-based remotely sensed data to integrate into this hierarchy and provide data that is complementary to existing survey methods is presented, with specific examples using medium (Landsat) and high (IKONOS) spatial resolution imagery. The importance of matching the information requirement to the appropriate data source is emphasized as a means to reduce the overhead associated with data collection and processing. Key words: mountain pine beetle, red-attack, remote sensing, detection, Landsat, IKONOS
A Canadian S&T strategy for pest management methods
Authors: Hall J. Peter
Published: February 2014

The outcome from a stakeholder workshop on pest management methods describes the elements of a national S&T strategy to address the issues of ecological integrity, sustainable management of forests and the need for collaboration in forest stewardship. The workshop looked beyond current problems to prepare the forest sector for the challenges of sustainable and competitive wood supply in the face of new and varied demands on the forest coupled with the anticipated impacts of climate change. Workshop participants emphasized the need for forest pest management as an essential component of sustainable forest management and identified several themes and goals to achieve sustainability. Participants developed a vision for our forests that incorporates social and economic sustainability, of ecologically healthy forests providing fibre, while demonstrating that we live in harmony with our forest environment. Key words: integrated pest management, ecological integrity, forest ecosystem science
Large-area mountain pine beetle infestations: Spatial data representation and accuracy
Authors: Nelson Trisalyn , Boots Barry , Wulder Michael A
Published: February 2014

Point data generated from helicopter surveys are used to determine the location and magnitude of mountain pine beetle infestations. Although collected for tactical planning, these data also provide a rich source of information for scientific investigations. To facilitate spatial research, it is important to consider how to best represent spatially explicit mountain pine beetle infestation data. This paper focuses on the spatial representation of point-based aerial helicopter surveys, which can be difficult to represent due to issues associated with large data quantities and data uncertainty. In this paper, the benefit of using a kernel density estimator to convert point data to a continuous raster surface is demonstrated. Field data are used to assess the accuracy of the point-based aerial helicopter survey data and the kernel density estimator is extended to incorporate data uncertainty. While the accuracy of point-based aerial surveys is high, with 92.6% of points differing by no more than ± 10 trees, there is a general tendency to overestimate infestation magnitude. The method developed for incorporating uncertainty into the kernel density estimator reduces overestimation and improves the correspondence between estimated infestation intensities and field data values. Key words: mountain pine beetle, data representation, visualization, kernel density estimators, uncertainty
Lichens as indicators of forest health in Canada
Authors: Thormann Markus N
Published: February 2014

Canadian forests are naturally dynamic ecosystems, changing species composition and abundance as the ecosystem evolves through succession or reacts to disturbances, such as wind and insects. Pollution and climate change will be the largest stressors to Canada's forests in the future. Their future impact on the health of Canada's forests remains speculative. Lichens have been identified as valuable indicators of forest health; however, there are no comprehensive datasets on which lichens are indicative of forest health in Canada. An analysis of the existing literature reveals a large number of lichens that can be used to monitor levels of various pollutants (general pollution: 51 species; sulphur dioxide: 42 species; photochemicals: 23 species; fluoride: 18 species; heavy metals: 3 species; acid precipitation: 8 species; sulphite: 2 species; nitrate: 2 species). The use of lichens as indicators of climate change is also reported in the literature but, there are insufficient data to monitor the effects of climate change on lichen communities in North America. While various provincial and federal government departments and industries have been monitoring lichen communities across Canada for up to nearly three decades, there exists no standard monitoring protocol for lichens in Canada, which makes comparisons among studies challenging. The development of a standard monitoring protocol would allow integration of the various initiatives into a nationwide lichen monitoring program. Key words: lichens, biomonitoring, forest health, pollution, climate change
Is Intensive Forest Management a misnomer? An Ontario-based discussion of terminology and an alternative approac
Authors: Bell F. Wayne , Pitt Douglas G , Wester Monique C
Published: February 2014

The term forest management refers to the science and business of operating a forest property, which, on Crown lands in Ontario, is typically a forest management unit. Silviculture is a component of forest management that refers to the suite of stand-level activities used to control stand composition and growth. Intensive forest management (IFM) is a concept that has been discussed and considered in Ontario for at least 30 years. Originally, it referred to an intensively managed forest in which most stands are subject to relatively intensive silvicultural practices. Over time, both professional foresters and stakeholders began using the term IFM as if it were synonymous with intensive silviculture. As a result, IFM has been inappropriately used to reference stand-level activities in several published definitions and key policy documents, creating confusion among the science community, professionals, and the public. This confusion has made it difficult to implement aspects of the 1999 Ontario Forest Accord, which calls for the use of IFM (meaning intensive silviculture) to increase forest growth and productivity in some areas to offset the withdrawal of lands for parks and protected areas. We call on forest managers to refer to the term IFM correctly and to portray forest management to stakeholders as consisting of a portfolio of natural and/or anthropogenic disturbance regimes. With this approach, forest managers could more meaningfully define the intensity of forest management and silviculture on their landbase.Key words: forest policy, land use planning, intensive silviculture, portfolio concept of forest management, triad principle of land-use zoning, Forest Research Partnership, NEBIE Plot Network
Implementation of natural disturbance-based management in northern British Columbia
Authors: DeLong S. Craig
Published: February 2014

Ecologically based landscape units and associated characteristics of natural disturbance (e.g., seral stage and patch size distribution) were recently developed for the northeast corner of British Columbia and used as the basis for establishing guidance and policy for natural disturbance-based management for two large timber supply areas. I discuss the development of the landscape units; development of guidance for the units; and implementation of the guidance for old forest, interior old forest, and early seral patch size objectives. This paper demonstrates how natural-disturbance-based management can be successfully implemented. Key words: natural-disturbance-based management, natural range of variability, seral stage distribution, old-forest requirements, patch size, guidance, implementation
Incorporating water quantity and quality modelling into forest management
Authors: Li Xiangfei , Nour Mohamed H , Smith Daniel W , Prepas Ellie E , Putz Gordon , Watson Brett M
Published: February 2014

Under the authority of the Millar Western Forest Products Ltd. (MWFP) Forest Management Agreement, the company has the right to harvest trees, grow trees, manage the forest and plan activities that assure forest productivity and industry profitability without jeopardizing the quality of the environment. Thus, as part of obtaining provincial government approval, the company has to submit a Detailed Forest Management Plan that includes a comprehensive assessment of the environmental implications of forestry operations and the mitigation of impacts. Forest management planning for environmental sustainability will become more and more difficult with increased land use pressures from other industries, agriculture and recreation. Therefore, the planning process will require increasingly more sophisticated modelling tools to identify and avoid significant impacts. The Forest Watershed and Riparian Disturbance (FORWARD) project proposes a hybrid modelling tool that relies on inexpensive remote sensing data, with few ground truthing requirements, to model streamflow, suspended solids and nutrients in streams on the Boreal Plain. Incorporating modelling tools into the MWFP planning process provides MWFP additional strategies to operate in an environmentally sensitive manner. Thus, the company can maintain an allowable cut, while ensuring that ecological and physical values are considered. Key words: forest management and planning, modelling, artificial neural networks, SWAT, remote sensing, MODIS, GIS
Temporal change in wood quality attributes in standing dead beetle-killed lodgepole pine
Authors: Magnussen Steen , Harrison Dave
Published: February 2014

The number and size of checks, wood moisture content, extent of blue-stain, rot and decay was examined by stem analysis in 360 mature standing beetle-killed lodgepole pines. Trees came from three areas (Burns Lake, Quesnel, and Vanderhoof) in Central British Columbia. Each area was represented by 14 to 16 sampling areas (stands) distributed evenly across three soil moisture regimes (dry, mesic, wet). Year of death was estimated from tree ring-analysis, local knowledge and insect and disease survey maps. An approximately equal number of trees had been dead for one or two years, three or four years, or for five or more years. During the first five years since death by beetle attack the number of checks per tree increased from 2.5 to 10.2 and the average depth of checks increased from 4.3 cm to 5.1 cm. Checks were deeper, wider, and longer on the drier sites than on mesic and wet sites. Moisture content of sapwood and heartwood was near the fibre saturation point (ca 30%) one year after death and continued to decrease at a rate of approximately 1.7% per year. Both the incidence and the extent (relative to basal area) of rot and decay increased significantly with time since death. All trees had an extensive blue-stain discoloration. Deterioration of wood quality was fastest during the first two years after a beetle attack. Key words: wood checks, moisture content, blue-stain, wood quality, spiral grain, bark beetle
Making sense of the “forestry research game” at universities
Authors: MacLean David A
Published: February 2014

In this article, I discuss forestry research as conducted in universities. The research process is summarized as a cycle of six steps, including 1) an idea, question, testable hypothesis, or user need; 2) that gets expanded into a proposal and required budget; 3) which is used to seek funding to conduct the project; 4) and also the need to find the right student or personnel, to 5) then do the project, and 6) convey the results. This may lead to more questions and thus restart the "cycle." Elements that contribute to success at each step of the process and to effective researcher–client partnerships are discussed.

Key words: effective forestry research partnerships, research ranking, publications, joint projects between university researchers and industry or government clients
Ontario's forest growth and yield modelling program: Advances resulting from the Forestry Research Partnership
Authors: Sharma Mahadev , Parton John , Woods Murray , Newton Peter , Penner Margaret , Wang Jiang , Stinson Al , Bell F. Wayne
Published: February 2014

The province of Ontario holds approximately 70.2 million hectares of forests: about 17% of Canada’s and 2% of the world’s forests. Approximately 21 million hectares are managed as commercial forests, with an annual harvest in the early part of the decade approaching 200 000 ha. Yield tables developed by Walter Plonski in the 1950s provide the basis for most wood supply calculations and growth projections in Ontario. However, due to changes in legislation, policy, and the planning process, they no longer fully meet the needs of resource managers. Furthermore, Plonski`s tables are not appropriate for the range of silvicultural options now practised in Ontario. In October 1999, the Canadian Ecology Centre- Forestry Research Partnership (CEC-FRP) was formed and initiated a series of projects that collectively aimed at characterizing, quantifying and ultimately increasing the economically available wood supply. Comprehensive, defensible, and reliable forecasts of forest growth and yield were identified as key knowledge gaps. The CEC-FRP, with support from the broader science community and forest industry, initiated several new research activities to address these needs, the results of which are outlined briefly in this paper. We describe new stand level models (e.g., benchmark yield curves, FVS Ontario, stand density management diagrams) that were developed using data collected from permanent sample plots and permanent growth plots established and remeasured during the past 5 decades. Similarly, we discuss new height–diameter equations developed for 8 major commercial tree species that specifically account for stand density. As well, we introduce a CEC-FRP-supported project aimed at developing new taper equations for plantation grown jack pine and black spruce trees established at varying densities. Furthermore, we provide an overview of various projects undertaken to explore measures of site productivity. Available growth intercept and site index equations are being evaluated and new equations are being developed for major commercial tree species as needed. We illustrate how these efforts are advancing Ontario’s growth and yield program and supporting the CEC-FRP in achieving its objective of increasing the supply of fibre by 10% in 10 years while maintaining forest sustainability. Key words: permanent sample plots (PSPs), permanent growth plots (PGPs), normal yield tables, sustainable forest management, NEBIE plot network, forest inventory, Forest Vegetation Simulator
Knowledge transfer and extension in the Canadian Ecology Centre – Forestry Research Partnership: From awareness to uptake
Authors: Smith Guy KM , Pineau John F , Bell F. Wayne
Published: February 2014

Knowledge transfer, including awareness, transfer, extension, training, and education activities, was purposely incorporated into the Canadian Ecology Centre – Forestry Research Partnership (CEC-FRP) at an early stage as part of an adaptive management approach. Over the course of 7 years, the level of involvement from researchers, policy-makers, and forest resource managers in knowledge transfer activities progressed from passive to interactive participation, with each successive stage requiring greater attention to timing and the capacity of participants to take in new knowledge. An interactive approach, dubbed core teams, proved essential in overcoming barriers to the flow of knowledge into practice. Four case examples: (1) revising growth and yield predictions, (2) integrating spatial and nonspatial landscape analysis tools, (3) developing and applying advanced silvicultural decision-making, and (4) applying spray delivery systems, are used to convey the success of knowledge transfer and extension efforts in the CEC-FRP and the essential role of the core teams. Physical, human, and financial resources, coupled with strong involvement by partner organizations, were key factors in the success of knowledge transfer efforts. Key words: active adaptive management, forest management
Bringing home the bacon: Industry, employment, and income in boreal Canada
Authors: Patriquin Mike N , Parkins John R , Stedman Richard C
Published: February 2014

Questions about the contribution of forestry to the socio-economic status of Canadian boreal communities have risen to the fore as debates have emerged about extending areas of protection in the region. Our previous research showed that boreal communities tend to be worse off socio-economically than other Canadian rural communities, and that labour income from the forest industry is relatively small. Because boreal development and protection initiatives are likely to be province-specific, this paper uses 2001 Statistics Canada data to examine the socio-economic status of boreal communities and the relationship between forest dependence and status—by province. We find a generally positive relationship between forest sector employment and employment income across the boreal region, but no such positive relationship between forest employment and unemployment rates, suggesting that the particular indicator chosen to represent wellbeing is a crucial consideration. Further, we see a great deal of inter-provincial variation in the relative importance of resource industries, suggesting the utility of province-specific and joint national initiatives. Finally, although the forest sector looms large in the collective psyche of the boreal region, we find diversified employment: other sectors (i.e., energy, agriculture, and hospitality) make a significant contribution to the economy of boreal communities. Key words: community status, well-being, forest dependence, forest policy, triad land management, boreal forest
Are forest sector firms maximizing the economic returns from their timber? Evidence from British Columbia
Authors: Nelson Harry , Cohen David , Nikolakis William
Published: February 2014

Understanding the components of the forest value chain and linkages is essential in designing a system that will maximize the economic value of Canadian fibre. A key part of the system is how firms incorporate the fibre quality and attributes of their timber supply into the decision over what kinds of products to manufacture. The linkage between timber supply and how firms decide to utilize fibre is critically important, especially in Canada, where government policy plays a key role in governing access to fibre. We explore this question by looking at whether firms try to maximize the economic return from their fibre, or instead focus on other objectives such as maximizing the production volume they can generate from their timber supply. We surveyed sawmills and woodland managers in British Columbia in the Fall of 2006 and focused on a particular characteristic—the extent to which sawmills and operations are responding to value-based signals rather than to other kinds of signals. We found that the majority of BC forest sector firms we interviewed are emphasizing volume-based measures on a daily basis, whether they are in sawmill or woodlands operations, and while economic measures become more important as the period lengthens, it is unclear as to how firms reconcile these 2 different types of measures. Key words: organizational behaviour, firm operations, Canadian forest industry, value chain optimization
Polarized debate surrounding Tasmania’s old-growth forests
Authors: Hickey Gordon M
Published: February 2014

The debate surrounding Tasmania’s old-growth forests in 2004 represents a good example of a situation where, despite both sides of a highly polarized policy field drawing on science to support their world view (to varying degrees), little common ground was found to enable robust and shared discussions that were required to resolve the conflict and collectively define a sustainable future for Tasmania’s old-growth forests. This paper reviews the scientific and policy-related literature on old-growth eucalypt forests and outlines recent developments in old-growth forest policy in Tasmania. It describes the highly polarized public policy debate surrounding Tasmania’s old-growth forests in the lead up to the 2004 Federal election, and considers the challenges posed by polarized democratic debate when developing public policy. It then considers the different dimensions of forest-related scientific knowledge and discusses the role of science in informing and resolving the polarized old growth debate in Tasmania. Key words: Sustainable forest management, strategy, politics, research, government, Australia
Planted stock performance 10 years after partial cutting in west-central British Columbia
Authors: Waterhouse M J , Wallich E. C. , Daintith N. M. , Armleder H. M.
Published: February 2014

Mature lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) forests were harvested using group selection (GS) (0.02-ha openings) and irregular group shelterwood (IGS) (0.05-ha openings) systems to maintain arboreal and terrestrial lichens in the winter range of northern woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou). Ten years after planting, lodgepole pine showed excellent survival, but were smaller in the partial cut openings compared to the clearcuts. Pine grew less in the Sub-Boreal Pine–Spruce biogeoclimatic subzone (SBPSxc) than in the Montane Spruce subzone (MSxv), and trees were smaller in the GS versus IGS treatment within the MSxv subzone. Interior spruce (Picea glauca × engelmannii) grew best in the MSxv and partial cut treatments, but was significantly affected by summer frost in the clearcuts. In an operational-scale Adaptive Management trial, openings were enlarged to 0.15 ha, and both pine and spruce showed excellent survival, minimal frost damage, and 10-year size similar to clearcut conditions. This study suggests that lodgepole pine and interior spruce can be successfully regenerated in partial cut openings with acceptable growth in gaps of 0.15 ha.

Key words: caribou, group selection, interior spruce, irregular group shelterwood, light level, lodgepole pine, Montane Spruce zone, partial harvest, soil moisture, soil temperature, Sub-Boreal Pine Spruce zone, summer frost
Protected areas and sustainable forest management: What are we talking about?
Authors: Duinker Peter , Wiersma Yolanda F , Haider Wolfgang , Hvenegaard Glen T , Schmiegelow Fiona K.A.
Published: February 2014

Recent research investigating the relationship between protected areas and sustainable forest management has revealed the need for clarity of language if cooperation is to move forward. Here, we develop a parallel framework to compare the concepts of protected areas and sustainable forest management. We address the challenge inherent in the concept of protected areas as places and sustainable forest management as a process or paradigm. Our framework outlines dominant values, management paradigms, and terms for the places managed under each paradigm.

Key words: protected areas, sustainable forest management, terminology
A retrospective and lessons learned from Natural Resources Canada’s Forest 2020 afforestation initiative
Authors: Dominy S W.J. , Gilsenan R. , McKenney D W , Allen D J , Hatton T. , Koven A. , Cary J. , Yemshanov D. , Sidders D.
Published: February 2014

Canada is seeking cost-effective means to mitigate anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, particularly CO2, that have been linked to global climate change. In 2003 the Government of Canada launched the Forest 2020 Plantation Development and Assessment Initiative to assess the potential for fast-growing woody crops to sequester carbon from the atmosphere. Across the country 6000 ha of plantations were established and monitored on nonforested lands (afforestation) using a variety of methods. Economic analyses assessed the investment attractiveness of this mitigation measure for a range of species and suitable lands, taking into account such factors as growth rates, agricultural opportunity costs and a range of possible carbon values. Analyses illustrated that at current trading prices for carbon and for much of the available lands and expanding markets for forest bioproducts, expected rates of return on investment for afforestation were relatively low. However, higher future carbon prices, combined with monetary values for environmental benefits, could dramatically change the economics of afforestation in the future.

Key words: afforestation, carbon sequestration, forest carbon offset project, climate change mitigation, policy analysis, risk analysis, forest investment analysis, hybrids, hybrid poplar, fast-growing trees
Linking stand attributes to cartographic information for ecosystem management purposes in the boreal forest of eastern Québec
Authors: Côté Guillaume , Bouchard Mathieu , Pothier David , Gauthier Sylvie
Published: February 2014

In the North American boreal forest, the adoption of forest ecosystem management strategies usually increases the number of forest stands to be treated with irregular or uneven-aged silvicultural systems. However, it is difficult to properly target the stands most appropriate for partial cut treatments in remote areas where road access is limited, because current inventory data do not include an assessment of key stand characteristics for silvicultural prescriptions, such as the abundance of small stems in the understory. In this study, we present a forest classification performed using classification and ordination methods, based on ground-measured structural and compositional stand characteristics, in a region of eastern Québec, Canada. This classification resulted in six forest types, which range in composition and structure from relatively regular post-fire stands dominated by black spruce (Picea mariana) to relatively irregular stands co-dominated by balsam fir (Abies balsamea) and black spruce. This classification was linked with cartographic information currently available to forest managers. Information from a fine-scale forest map predicted slightly better the presence of forest types with irregular stand structures compared with a coarse-scale forest map complemented with a fire map. Thus, areas most suitable for the implementation of uneven-aged silvicultural systems can be roughly delineated from existing cartographic information, which will facilitate their integration into large-scale and long-term forest management plans.Key words: boreal forest, forest classification, forest dynamics, stand structure, silviculture
Effects of structural retention harvesting on seed production and seed characteristics of old-growth eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) stands in northern Ontario
Authors: Parker William C. , Noland Thomas L. , Brown Brian
Published: February 2014

Seed production and seed characteristics were examined during a mast seeding year in unmanaged, old-growth eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) stands located in northeastern Ontario and compared with those in adjacent stands partially harvested 16 years earlier using a structural retention system. Seed yields from old-growth stands were comparable to those of mature, second growth white pine stands but seed production assessed relative to unit area (# ha-1) and pine basal area (# m-2) was lower in partially harvested stands. In both unmanaged and harvested stands, seed production rate of trees growing in localized areas of lower pine basal area was higher. Seed characteristics and seed viability did not differ between harvest treatments. Although structural retention harvesting reduced seed production, results suggest that supply and viability of seed are unlikely to limit seedling recruitment in managed or protected old-growth white pine forests. Key words: germination, old-growth forest, partial harvest, seed mass, seed production
The potential of forest biomass as an energy supply for Canada
Authors: Paré David , Bernier Pierre , Thiffault Evelyne , Titus Brian D
Published: February 2014

There is a growing interest in using forest biomass as an energy source. The main objectives of this paper are to give somefigures and perspectives on Canadian forest biomass supply with respect to Canada’s energy demand and to examine thepotential of using this feedstock for reducing our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Published estimates of forest biomasssupply as harvest residues are reported and discussed. The range of estimates listed here indicates that this source ofenergy is important but that it is still a fraction of our energy demands. The potential of using this biomass to reduce ourGHG emissions is strongly dependent, among other factors, on the technological pathways that are used, with direct heatproduction and combined heat and power (CHP) ranking amongst the best options available. The relative scarcity of theresource behooves us to use it efficiently.

Key words: forest biomass, residue, greenhouse gas, mitigation, energy, sustainable forestry
Development of integrated design methodology for various types of product — service systems
Authors: Tran Tuan A. , Park Joon Y.
Published: February 2014

We propose a new generic design methodology for different types of PSS. Product – Service System (PSS) has received much attention recently from academia and industry because of its benefits. PSS can provide customers values and functionalities, as well as physical products, to fulfill economic, social and environmental goals.Many methodologies have been proposed for designing PSSs. Most of the existing methodologies are domain specific and were proposed to solve specific problems in certain projects. Some methodologies are generic but they provide neither guideline to practitioners and designers nor reflect the differences in various PSS types. As a generic approach to guide practitioners and designers in designing PSS effectively, the proposed methodology also takes into account user in-volvement, business model and organizational structure. The proposed methodology is demonstrated through design examples of different types of PSSs.
Is Ginkgo biloba and/or a Multivitamin-multimineral Supplement a Therapeutic Option for Parkinson's Disease? A Case Report
Authors: Conrad Gary D.
Published: February 2014

For a number of years, there has been speculation about the potential benefit of Parkinson's disease by treatment with Ginkgo biloba. In this case report, my grandfather, who had a known history of Parkinson's, had dramatic improvement after supplementation with ginkgo and a multivitamin-multimineral supplement. Human studies are needed for confirmation.
Identification of an LGP2-associated MDA5 agonist in picornavirus-infected cells
Authors: Deddouche Safia , Goubau Delphine , Rehwinkel Jan , Chakravarty Probir , Begum Sharmin , Maillard Pierre V , Borg Annabel , Matthews Nik , Feng Qian , van Kuppeveld Frank J M , Reis e Sousa Caetano
Published: February 2014

The RIG-I-like receptors RIG-I, LGP2, and MDA5 initiate an antiviral response that includes production of type I interferons (IFNs). The nature of the RNAs that trigger MDA5 activation in infected cells remains unclear. Here, we purify and characterise LGP2/RNA complexes from cells infected with encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV), a picornavirus detected by MDA5 and LGP2 but not RIG-I. We show that those complexes contain RNA that is highly enriched for MDA5-stimulatory activity and for a specific sequence corresponding to the L region of the EMCV antisense RNA. Synthesis of this sequence by in vitro transcription is sufficient to generate an MDA5 stimulatory RNA. Conversely, genomic deletion of the L region in EMCV generates viruses that are less potent at stimulating MDA5-dependent IFN production. Thus, the L region antisense RNA of EMCV is a key determinant of innate immunity to the virus and represents an RNA that activates MDA5 in virally-infected cells.
Falling on deaf neurons
Authors: Sober Samuel J , Calabrese Ronald L
Published: February 2014

The brain of a bird that is singing appears to be able to block out certain signals and prevent them from influencing brain activity.
Digoxin as a Treatment for Patients With Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
Authors: Haagensen Jen , Hoegerl Carl
Published: February 2014

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH)—sometimes called pseudotumor cerebri—is a neurologic condition distinguished by any of the following symptoms: headache, increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure, papilledema, vision loss, diplopia, tinnitus, deafness, nausea and vomiting, or sixth nerve palsy. Medical and surgical management options are available for patients with IIH. The authors report a case of IIH that was successfully resolved with digoxin after standard avenues of therapy were exhausted.