bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
British Columbia Forest Service's Science Program: Science to support sustainability
Authors: Benskin Henry J , Vyse Alan
Published: February 2014

The prime mandate of the BC Forest Service's Forest Science Program is to bring scientific innovation to bear on sustainable forest management. For over 80 years, its staff has been an integral part of many significant changes to forest policies and practices. Decentralized researchers are in direct contact with local forest managers and resource users throughout the province, ensuring a focus on operationally relevant research as well as providing an accessible source of best available scientific knowledge to support policies and practices. Five core research activities within the program, including growth and yield, silviculture, forest genetics, ecology and earth sciences, yield valuable short and long-term information about how to sustain ecosystems, enhance timber production and manage forests for a variety of resource uses. In cooperation with partners and clients in universities, institutes, government agencies, the forest industry and others in both research and extension, program scientists and staff continue to deliver practical services to front-line practitioners and policy makers in British Columbia's rapidly changing forest sector. Key words: scientific innovation, sustainable management, credibility, operationally relevant, policies, forest practices, partnerships
Technology: The classic Canadian dilemma—Short-term gain for long-term pain!
Authors: Wright Joseph D
Published: February 2014

In a globally competitive world, innovation is an essential component of long-term success. For commodity industries in particular, global companies will dominate, with niche-market, nimble, small companies providing specialized products to select customers. Both will require technology. To survive in international markets, Canadian pulp and paper producers must develop integrated business and technology strategies to meet global competition from low-cost fibres and state-of-the-art mills. For competitive positioning, and for increased returns on investment, the mandatory progress in cost reduction must be balanced with revenue growth through new product innovations. Companies can leverage their limited resources through participation in the programs of a research institute. Paprican, as an example, provides access to broadly based technical skills in areas related to cost reduction, and environmental sustainability. At the same time, it delivers world-class, strategically driven research that enables new product design and development. For technologies related to public policy directives such as environmental performance or global warming initiatives, governments must participate as stakeholders in the solutions to their issues. Key words: pulp and paper industry, international competitiveness, research and development, research institutes, innovation, return on investment, multidisciplinary research, public policy
Severely repressed lodgepole pine responds to thinning and fertilization:19-year results
Authors: Farnden Craig , Herring Les
Published: February 2014

A set of speculative and exploratory treatments was applied to a severely repressed strand of 18-year-old lodgepole pine in 1979. After 19 years, various combinations of row thinning, hand thinning and fertilization have provided a remarkable range of results, with the best treatments gaining 3 m in top height and 8 m in apparent site index (reference age 50 years breast height) over the untreated stand. The best results were observed where both growing space and nutrition were improved. Extrapolation of the results using simulation suggests large gains in yield at harvest. Key words: thinning, fertilization, lodgepole pine, repression, stagnation
Impact du verglas de 1998 dans une érablière à bouleau jaune en Estrie : Situation après trois ans
Authors: Zarnovican Richard
Published: February 2014

La forêt feuillue du sud du Québec a été endommagée à divers degrés par le verglas de janvier 1998. Devant labsence de données sur leffet du verglas sur la production du bois doeuvre, une étude a été réalisée dans une érablière à bouleau jaune en Estrie. Létude analyse lampleur des dégâts dus au verglas ainsi que les pertes en volume et la croissance radiale de principales essences. Les résultats obtenus à laide des tableaux de contingence indiquent que seul le bouleau jaune a subi des dommages importants, alors que les autres essences (lérable à sucre, le frêne dAmérique et le hêtre à grandes feuilles) nont subi que des dommages légers. En ce qui concerne la croissance radiale des arbres, on note quelle présente une tendance à la baisse et les résultats ne permettent pas détablir un effet significatif du verglas sur cette baisse. Mots-clés : dommages dus au verglas, forêt feuillue, érablière à bouleau jaune.
A results-based system for regulating reforestation obligations
Authors: Martin Patrick J , Browne-Clayton Shane , McWilliams Eleanor
Published: February 2014

A results-based system for the regulation of reforestation obligations is described. The system involves establishing performance targets for harvested areas, surveying areas after harvest to assess achieved performance, and maintaining a ledger to tally target and achieved performance over a large number of cutblocks. The obligation to reforest is considered met when total achieved performance exceeds total target performance evaluated over all cutblocks. Reforestation performance is indexed by predicted merchantable volume per hectare 80 years after harvest. To obtain these volume predictions, areas are surveyed 10 years after harvest and estimates of site quality, tree stocking, species composition, and stand height are input to a set of yield prediction tables. This results-based system, which we believe improves the regulatory framework governing the reforestation of harvested areas, will be tested in a management unit (TFL 49) in southern British Columbia in 2002. Key words: results-based regulations, reforestation, yield prediction, silviculture
Inquiries into the role of economics in Canadian forestry
Authors: Luckert M K
Published: February 2014

Forest economists have had a checkered history in showing their relevance to foresters in Canada. At the same time, foresters have sometimes seemed to ignore social considerations, identified by economists, in practices and policies. Although communication seems to be improving, there are still a number of divisive issues and associated viewpoints that inhibit the use of economics in forestry. In this paper, I investigate four hypotheses that could explain why forest economists and foresters in Canada have had such a hard time communicating. Hypothesis #1 is that economic concepts are irrelevant to forestry. Hypothesis #2 is that foresters are actually brilliant, but "dark side," economists that have structured systems to protect forests from economic forces. Hypothesis #3 is that foresters are "enlightened" economists that are catering to real social preferences that most economists do not understand. Hypothesis #4 is that forest economics may be relevant but is difficult within the contexts that it is practised. Analysis shows that while all hypotheses have elements of truth, the higher numbered hypotheses tend to be more supportable. Key words: relevance of forest economics, forest management, forest policy, social forestry, sustained yield
Wicked problems and metaforestry: Is the era of management over?
Authors: Wang Sen
Published: February 2014

The world's forests have all the characteristics of "wicked problems" that are complex, tricky and thorny. Decades of sweeping changes that have taken place worldwide at various levels have resulted in the emergence of "metaforestry" which transcends the field of conventional forestry in response to the need to deal with ulterior and more fundamental problems concerning the forest. Being an overarching objective of metaforestry, sustainable forest management calls for a new line of thinking to promote collaboration in international forums concerning global forest policy. Key words: adaptive management, criteria and indicators, ecosystem, global forest policy, sustainable forest management
A critical assessment of ten years of on-the-ground sustainable forestry in eastern Ontario s settled landscape
Authors: Holmes Elizabeth , Lickers Henry , Barkley Brian
Published: February 2014

Over the past 10 years, the Eastern Ontario Model Forest has been developed by partners and the local community as a means of involving a large and varied group of people in achieving sustainable forestry. In this settled landscape, with over one million residents and 88% private land ownership, involvement of local communities is a given. This critical assessment looks at outstanding issues, dynamics of the operating environment, key accomplishments and unexpected outcomes that have resulted, all in the context of Naturalized Knowledge Systems. Key words: Sustainable forestry, partnerships, criteria and indicators, state of the forest reporting, First Nations Forestry, naturalized knowledge systems, eastern Ontario
Forest tenant farming as tested in Quebec: A socio-economic evaluation
Authors: Masse Sylvain
Published: February 2014

This paper analyzes the socio-economic viability of forest tenant farming, a land leasing system that the Lower St. Lawrence Model Forest has been testing in Quebec since 1994. First, forest tenant farming is described, as is the approach used to evaluate this system. The evaluation approach is based on four criteria: viability of tenant farms, costs of general supervision and technical support, socio-economic impact, and potential for extending the model. The results of five studies are then summarized from the perspective of the evaluation criteria, and the principal issues raised by the testing and extension of forest tenant farming are identified. The paper concludes that this management system is socio-economically viable. Key words: forest tenure, forest tenant farming, community forestry, sustainable rural development
Perceptions of barriers to certification of government forestry in Newfoundland
Authors: Saunders Karen , Duinker Peter N
Published: February 2014

The Newfoundland Forest Service (NFS) directly manages a substantial portion of the province's forests. The two forest-products companies that manage the remainder have registered their forest management systems to the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System Standard. With an eye to getting all managed forest land in the province registered to ISO 14001, the NFS engaged us to undertake a study of the challenges and opportunities it would face in doing so. To meet the study objective, interviews were conducted with 30 people, most of whom work for the NFS. Upper-management commitment was identified as the most significant potential barrier, in part due to its influence on other possible barriers such as funding and commitment of staff time. Political interference, not previously identified in the literature, also poses a potential barrier. We conclude that no potential barriers pose insurmountable hurdles, and that the NFS should proceed expeditiously with ISO-14001 registration of the forests it manages. Key words: certification, ISO 14001, forest management, Newfoundland, perceptions, barriers
Chronologie de la croissance chez des semis de sapin baumier (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) après une coupe à blanc avec protection de la régénération
Authors: Parent Sylvain , Ruel Jean-Claude
Published: February 2014

The method of harvesting with protection of the advanced regeneration consists of a complete removal of the main canopy to release a seedling bank established under the overstory shade. After harvesting, seedlings acclimated to understory conditions could suffer from moisture stress, especially the small, juvenile seedlings (less than six years). The objective of the study is to determine the capacity of understory-acclimated balsam fir seedlings to respond positively and immediately to release. The response to release was studied in two seedling populations belonging to two distinct climatic regions of Quebec, the Western and the Eastern sections of the balsam fir-white birch ecological domain. Results show that the response patterns were similar in both populations. Response to release occurred in two steps. One year after harvesting, basal ring width was on the average five times larger than prior to harvesting (p > 0.001). Height growth only became significantly higher the second year after release (p < 0.001). On average, juveniles showed higher height growth rates (height growth/height) than older seedlings. This rate was negatively correlated to seedling height at harvesting (r = -0,68, p < 0.001). Our study clearly shows that balsam fir seedlings can respond immediately and positively to large openings. The strong response of juvenile seedlings to release indicates that these can contribute significantly to the future stand. The geographic and climatic differences between the two stands under study suggest that these observations apply to a wide range of balsam fir stands. Key words: advance growth, balsam fir, release
Aerial sketch-mapping of the 1998 ice storm in eastern Ontario
Authors: Scarr Taylor A , Hopkin Anthony A , Howse Gordon M
Published: February 2014

The 1998 ice storm in eastern Ontario was quantified using aerial mapping to determine the geographic area affected, and the severity of damage to the forests. Prior to mapping a reconnaissance flight was used to establish methodology. Mapping was accomplished by experienced technicians flying in a helicopter, 60–100 m above the canopy. Damage was sketch-mapped onto topographic maps then digitized using a geographical information system. Remotely sensed ground cover data were used to remove non-forested and sparsely forested areas from map polygons, to better estimate the area of affected hardwood forests. Damage to conifers was sporadic and occurred as small pockets of 1–5 ha. These were mapped as point data. Comparisons to ground plot measurements made in the spring showed the aerial mapping to be accurate. Key words: sketch-mapping, aerial survey, ice storm
Modelling conifer species distributions in mountain forests of Washington State, USA
Authors: McKenzie Donald , Peterson David W , Peterson David L
Published: February 2014

Understanding the effects of climatic change on mountain forests, where snowpacks and short growing seasons limit tree establishment and growth, is a key concern for both ecologists and foresters. We quantified associations between climatic and biophysical variables and individual conifer species distributions in mountain forests with generalized linear models. For the majority of species, a unimodal response to moisture and temperature gradients was evident, suggesting that an environmental niche can be identified. Species known to respond to limiting factors in the abiotic environment showed the strongest associations with predictor variables. The models can improve forecasts of the potential redistribution of species on the landscape in response to climatic change, but disturbance, migration rates, and limits on regeneration are important sources of uncertainty. Nevertheless, by identifying climate-based niches of different species, we can identify effective strategies for reforestation and alert managers to particularly sensitive or vulnerable ecosystems and landscapes. Key words: conifer species, mountain forests, generalized linear models, unimodal response, limiting factors
Impact of thinning on the water balance of a catchment in a Mediterranean environment
Authors: Callegari Giovanni , Ferrari Ennio , Garfì Giuseppe , Iovino Francesco , Veltri Antonella
Published: February 2014

A study on the impact of silvicultural practices on the water balance was carried out in a watershed in Calabria, southern Italy, the prevalent cover of which is Calabrian pine stands. A thinning was carried out in 1993, which removed 50% of the total number of trees (about 30% of the basal area), and the catchment hydrological response before and after the intervention was compared. After thinning, differences were observed in yearly runoff, with a significant increase in groundwater flow during spring and summer. In light of this evidence, we assume that silvicultural interventions can contribute significantly to improve water resources management, particularly in regions with a long dry season, as in the Mediterranean area. Key words: Pinus laricio, runoff, small catchment, thinning, water resources management
Distinguishing foliage from branches in the non-destructive measurement of the three-dimensional structure of mountain forest canopies
Authors: Takafumi Tanaka , Hotaek Park , Shigeaki Hattori
Published: February 2014

Mountainous forest canopies usually present a slanted, rough and porous surface. To clarify the effect of forest on radiative and convective exchanges, the three-dimensional structure of the canopy should be measured. An earlier study examined the laser plane range-finding method as a new non-destructive way to measure it. In this study, to distinguish foliage from branches using the results of measurements, detected values of reflection were adjusted to compensate for varying distances from the detector to canopy elements. When the laser reflection values were adjusted by using the 1.5-th power of the distance, the calculations could distinguish foliage from stems. Key words: Mountainous forest, canopy, non-destructive, three-dimensional structure, laser, range-finding method, NDVI, CCD camera
The effectiveness of public participation in forest management: A case study analysis of the Morice Innovative Forest Practices Agreement
Authors: Jabbour Jason R , Balsillie David
Published: February 2014

In recent decades, the context in which institutions of forest management make decisions to formulate management priorities has changed radically. Today, it is widely accepted that members of the public should be involved in decision-making. Despite a tremendous gain in support, however, previous literature remains critical of the design, implementation and effectiveness of public participation processes. In seeking to identify the attributes that constitute successful public participation, we conducted a critical assessment of a current process. This paper reveals the results of a case study of a land use and forest management planning initiative in central British Columbia. Our primary data include: document review; qualitative interviews with citizen members actively involved in the process (n = 14); and a random telephone survey (n = 100) of local residents (response rate = 45.6%). Through the application of six a priori evaluation criteria, we establish strengths, weaknesses and gaps of the process. Results of the study reflect a lack of institutional mechanisms in place to ensure appropriate public access and adequate representation. The findings also indicate that the incorporation of teamwork, collaborative learning and two-way information flow are important as a basis for constructive and effective public participation. Finally, we argue that the value added by such attributes can be enhanced through better design and facilitation at both the structural and operational levels. Key words: public participation, public involvement, public representation, sustainable forest management, Innovative Forest Practices Agreement
Old-growth forests in the temperate deciduous zone of Quebec: Identification and evaluation for conservation and research purposes
Authors: Villeneuve Normand , Brisson Jacques
Published: February 2014

The Quebec Department of Natural Resources (Ministère des ressources naturelles du Québec) is working to identify and protect old-growth forests in the deciduous forest zone of the province. A total of 88 sites was visited and a multivariate analysis of the main attributes of old growth allowed the development of quantitative definitions and criteria for identifying old-growth sugar maple (Acer saccharum), eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), eastern white-cedar (Thuja occidentalis), and red spruce (Picea rubens) stands. Life expectancy of various species according to environment was determined through a statistical analysis of 21 500 study trees taken from the province's forest inventory. Four different identification criteria for old-growth forests were developed that include a number of indicators for old growth. Along with advanced age of forest cover, the criteria that best reflected the nature of old-growth forests were the presence of large dead trees, low cutting intensity, and the importance of shade-tolerant species. Old-growth forests identified during this validation work occupy roughly 60 km2 in Quebec's deciduous forest zone. Among other things, old-growth sugar maple stands of over 400 years old were discovered, containing stems with a diameter at breast height of 140 cm and a height of over 38 m. The very great potential of many of these exceptional forests for scientific research and biodiversity conservation is illustrated by the work carried out in the Boisé des Muir. Despite its small size, this sugar maple stand, which is over 300 years old, has advanced knowledge in fields as varied as forest dynamics, biodiversity, and climate studies, and has also served as a control site for various scientific studies. Key words: old-growth forests, definitions, criteria, indicators, inventory, Quebec, conservation, scientific value
A comparison of forest structure among old-growth, variable retention harvested, and clearcut peatland black spruce (Picea mariana) forests in boreal northeastern Ontario
Authors: Deans Aaron M , Malcolm Jay R , Smith Sandy M , Carleton Terance J
Published: February 2014

Harvesting techniques that retain structural elements of the original forest may help to preserve the characteristic ecological features and biological diversity of old-growth forests. Harvesting with advance regeneration protection (HARP) is one such technique practised in the Lake Abitibi Model Forest of northeastern Ontario on peatland sites. In this system, winter harvesting operations clear trees in strips about 5–7 m wide and using a minimum diameter limit cut extract trees from the adjacent residual forest rows, 5–9 m wide. In order to assess the effectiveness of HARP in retaining forest structure, we quantified forest and understorey structural features in 24 1.65-ha plots spanning a wide range of forest retention, including clearcuts, three levels of HARP, and the edge and interior of unharvested forest (logging had occurred 2.5–3.5 years before the study). Mean tree age, diameter, and height in HARP forests in all cases exceeded 68% of the mean values found in unharvested forest, which was strikingly higher than the percent retention of basal area (20–43%). Also, unlike clearcuts, HARP forests retained the inverse-J curves between stem density and size class observed in unharvested forests, although stem densities in all size classes were lower. The percentage of black spruce regeneration originating from seed versus vegetative layering was directly related to the amount of forest basal area retained, averaging 2–5% in unharvested forests, 9–38% in HARP forests, and 67% in clearcuts. Many understorey characteristics closely followed the harvest intensity gradient, with amounts of moss, lichen, and Ledum highest at the unharvested end of the gradient and amounts of decaying moss, coarse and fine downed woody debris, exposed soil, and sedge highest at the clearcut end of the gradient. When the structural features were combined into a single composite variable using Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and the scores plotted against basal area, the relationship was curvilinear, with HARP treatments retaining greater amounts of structural characteristics than expected based solely on the basal area of wood harvested. This research suggests that the retention and redevelopment of old-growth features in peatland black spruce forests will be better under a HARP system than under a traditional clearcut system. Longer-term research, specifically on the edge habitats created by the HARP system, is required. Key words: boreal, peatland, black spruce, alternative harvesting methods, forest ecology
Old-growth forests: Data gaps and challenges
Authors: Hendrickson Ole
Published: February 2014

How much old growth is there? How much was there? Is remaining old growth disappearing? If so, how fast and why? Is any more old growth being created? How fragmented are old-growth forests? What other forest types and land uses surround them? Scientists see these as challenging questions, never to be fully resolved. Policy makers see information gaps and want answers. They assume that because the public values old-growth forests, their continuing availability must be assured. Forest managers need to be convinced that old-growth forests provide unique values before taking costly measures to conserve them. The relative stability of old-growth forests is interesting from a management perspective. Are old-growth forests more resistant to high-intensity disturbances, such as crown fires and violent storms? Do they resist insect outbreaks? A related issue is the quality of ecosystem services provided by old-growth forests. Do they have an exceptional ability to provide clean water, to stabilize hydrologic regimes, and to moderate local climates? Can they be used to test hypotheses about complexity, stability, resilience, and ecosystem change? These questions provide a strong rationale for developing working definitions of old-growth forests, for retaining areas of old-growth forest, and for replicating old-growth features in landscapes managed for timber production. Old-growth forests are desirable sites for monitoring, serving as benchmarks for adaptive management. Knowledge about old-growth forests has already had a considerable impact on policy and management, particularly in coastal regions. Current research and monitoring systems may not be adequate for the task of identifying and describing the biological complexity and diversity inherent in old-growth forests. New investments in collecting and managing data from old-growth (and secondary) forests are needed, and will pay manifold dividends to future generations of Canadians. This paper suggests that the central role of old-growth forests in developing sustainable forest management should create an incentive for the forest science, policy, and management communities to unite in support of their conservation. Key words: biodiversity, gene conservation, resilience, ecosystem approach, information management, ecosystem services
Le service canadien des forêts: Agent de changement dans un environnement forestier en évolution
Authors: Hardy Yvan
Published: February 2014

The Canadian Forest Service (CFS) has set new goals and priorities in its Strategic Plan 20032008, re-examining the knowledge it creates and the ways in which that knowledge is created. This is in line with the Government of Canada's pursuit of a global strategy for Canadian science and technology, supporting more collaborative international research at the frontiers of knowledge. Also, with the Canadian forest industry facing new and non-traditional competitors and repositioning its product mix, CFS is encountering increased expectations from its external partners, clients and stakeholdersas the primary forest research agency in the country and the main federal body ensuring the competitiveness of the industry. CFS is, therefore, re-defining its role as the leading player in the Canadian forest sector by re-evaluating how it does business. CFS will spearhead the development and implementation of a new national forest S&T agenda, becoming Canada's premier source of authoritative, value-added forest information. It will also champion Canadian forest interests and expertise internationally while strengthening national consensus on Canadian forest policies and programs and advocating Canada's forest agenda within the federal government. To this end, CFS will attract and support talented personnel by creating a workplace conducive to creativity. Key words: Strategic Plan, global S&T strategy, non-traditional competitors, product mix, value-added forest information
Canadian Council of Forest Ministers: Champions of sustainable forest management
Authors: Rousseau André H
Published: February 2014

The Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM), established in 1985, is composed of the federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for forests. Its role has evolved into one that stimulates the development of policies and initiatives for strengthening the forest sector, including the forest resource and its use. One of the most important functions of the CCFM is that it sets the overall direction for the stewardship and sustainable management of Canada's forests by addressing issues and stimulating joint initiatives. Under its guidance, four successive National Forest Strategies and three Forest Accords have been developed. Another major achievement has been the development of the CCFM Criteria and Indicators Framework: Defining Sustainable Forest Management  A Canadian Approach to Criteria and Indicators. Today, the CCFM works under five strategic themes: sustainable forestry; international issues; forest communities; science and technology; and information and knowledge. The ongoing, positive cooperation between the two levels of government helps maintain healthy and productive forests and their sustained contribution to Canadians' economic, environmental and social well-being over the long term. Key words: stewardship, governments, collaboration, national framework for action, criteria and indicators, integrated information
Forest resources education in Canada
Authors: Nordin Vidar J , Comeau Roxanne
Published: February 2014

In a new focus on forest education, forest practitioners and forest workers will redefine their roles and modify their educational training to reflect changing needs. Challenging working environments compatible with a new generation of high-tech forest practitioners need to be established by employers. Information technology will revolutionize the delivery of forest resources education and the procedures and motivation for life-long learning. The educational environment will transform increasingly from didactic to interactive problem-based learning and professors will emerge as creative facilitators of knowledge, and have a profound influence on the development of forest education. The forestry schools will need creative partnerships at home and abroad to support their mandates in education, research, and public service. Inventive, visionary leadership by the forestry schools will be essential so that the schools become leading players in national and global affairs. Aboriginal communities are facing new challenges and assuming growing responsibilities in managing their forest lands and enterprises. Exceptional measures are needed to educate forest practitioners and forest workers of Aboriginal ancestry via partnerships with forest industry, governments, academic institutions, and forestry resources associations. Key words: education, forestry resources, teaching, accreditation, information technology, curriculum, continuing education, Aboriginal.
The Canadian Institute of Forestry/Institut forestier du Canada "The Voice of Forest Practitioners"
Authors: Gelinas Don
Published: February 2014

Since 1908, the Canadian Institute of Forestry/Institut forestier du Canada (CIF/IFC) has been the national voice of forest practitioners. Membership includes foresters, forest technologists and technicians, educators, scientists and others with a professional interest in forestry. The CIF/IFC is the only national organization promoting professionalism and competency of forest practitioners as well as leadership and awareness in Canadian and international forestry issues. Through the CIF/IFC's twenty-three regional Sections and the CIF/IFC professional and scientific journal, The Forestry Chronicle, members are provided with opportunities to remain current. With this knowledge, members are able to influence decision-makers by identifying forest resource issues. CIF/IFC members also provide opportunities for public education relative to the importance of forestry in Canada. Key words: forest practitioners, professional, foresters, forest technologists, forest technicians, competency.
The Canadian Institute of Forestry/Institut forestier du Canada « La voix des professionnels de la forêt »
Authors: Gelinas Don
Published: February 2014

Since 1908, the Canadian Institute of Forestry/Institut forestier du Canada (CIF/IFC) has been the national voice of forest practitioners. Membership includes foresters, forest technologists and technicians, educators, scientists and others with a professional interest in forestry. The CIF/IFC is the only national organization promoting professionalism and competency of forest practitioners as well as leadership and awareness in Canadian and international forestry issues. Through the CIF/IFC's twenty-three regional Sections and the CIF/IFC professional and scientific journal, The Forestry Chronicle, members are provided with opportunities to remain current. With this knowledge, members are able to influence decision-makers by identifying forest resource issues. CIF/IFC members also provide opportunities for public education relative to the importance of forestry in Canada. Key words: forest practitioners, professional, foresters, forest technologists, forest technicians, competency
Growth following single-tree selection cutting in Québec northern hardwoods
Authors: Bédard Steve , Majcen Zoran
Published: February 2014

Eight experimental blocks were established in the southern part of Québec to determine the growth response of sugar maple (Acer saccharum) dominated stands after single tree selection cutting. Each block contained eight control plots (no cut) and eight cut plots. The intensity of removal varied between 21% and 32% and residual basal area was between 18.2 and 21 m2/ha. Ten year net annual basal area growth rates in cut plots (0.35 ± 0.04 m2/ha) were significantly higher (p = 0.0022) than in control plots (0.14 ± 0.06 m2/ha). The treatment particularly favoured diameter growth of stems between 10 and 30 cm in dbh, whose crowns were released by removing neighbouring trees. These results show that if the same net growth rate is maintained in the next decade most of the cut plots will reach their pre-cut basal area in about 20 years after cutting. Key words: northern hardwoods, selection cutting, uneven aged silviculture, basal area growth, diameter growth
Integrating biodiversity and forestry practices in western Canada
Authors: Work Timothy T , Spence John R , Volney W. Jan A. , Morgantini Luigi E , Innes John L
Published: February 2014

In western Canada, some forestry companies are attempting to incorporate conservation of biodiversity as a new management priority. Here we provide a review of management strategies currently implemented through a survey of companies in this region. Representatives from fourteen companies were asked to complete 30 questions designed to assess six broad issues, all of which are important for integrating biodiversity protection with timber production. Differences in provincial legislation were a major factor contributing to the prioritization of biodiversity objectives. All companies stressed that a variety of stand age classes and compositions was important for maintaining biodiversity. Green tree retention was a common approach proposed by all companies. Definitions of green tree retention varied significantly among companies, ranging from residual material left following standard clearcutting to merchantable trees selected specifically to foster wildlife and biodiversity. Most companies have proposed some monitoring aimed at biodiversity, although most plans target habitat structural features rather than directly monitoring species. Key words: biodiversity, sustainability, monitoring, green tree retention, coarse filter, fine filter, rare and threatened species, forest industry
Three methods for avoiding the impacts of incompatible site index and height prediction models demonstrated on jack pine curves for Ontario
Authors: Rose C E , Cieszewski C J , Carmean W H
Published: February 2014

Fixed base-age site indices are commonly used as a covariate in height prediction models, whereby separate site index prediction equations are used with measured age and height to predict the site index when it is unknown. In such systems, a bias may result in the height prediction if the site index equation is incompatible with the height equation. We demonstrated such bias using as an example recently published models for jack pine in northern Ontario with incompatible site index and height equations. Then we offered solutions that reduce the bias in height predictions assuming that the primary objective was to predict height. First, we re-estimated the site index equation parameters using both the site index and height equations as a common prediction system and holding the published height equation parameters constant while minimizing errors in height predictions. This substantially reduced the incompatibility between the site index and the height equations. Second, we demonstrated the use of two dynamic equations as alternatives to the fixed base-age equations. Even using an irrelevant dynamic equation for another species substantially reduced the bias in short-term jack pine height projections. However, the dynamic equation fit to the jack pine height model was the most effective in reducing the bias for height projections relative to all other considered solutions and produced the least biased, most parsimonious, and most flexible solution. Key words: incompatible site index and height equations, fixed base age equations, dynamic equations
An economic impact analysis of market and policy changes in a New Brunswick Fundy Model Forest community
Authors: Lantz Van A , Yigezu Yigezu A
Published: February 2014

A two-sector computable general equilibrium model is calibrated to the New Brunswick community of Petitcodiac using translog cost function regression analysis, and a questionnaire. Simulations are conducted for marginal reductions in both the price of lumber and the timber supply. We observe that both reductions have negative impacts on output and most production factors in the forest sector. Other production sectors tend to expand as production factors flow to where they receive their highest return. Results of this study indicate that the New Brunswick community is more (less) significantly impacted from timber supply (forest price) changes than a comparative study reports for a region in Alberta. Key words: CGE model, translog cost function, timber supply, lumber prices, regional economics, community impact
Birds as indicators of sustainable forest management
Authors: Venier Lisa A , Pearce Jennie L
Published: February 2014

This paper discusses the potential of birds as indicators of sustainable forest management. Several reviews have been critical of birds as indicators of environmental change, and we discuss the major criticisms in the context of forest management. We address these criticisms by suggesting alternative approaches for an indicator research program including the use of focussed studies to identify cause-and-effect relationships, habitat modelling to act as a surrogate to extensive monitoring of populations, and spatially-explicit population modelling (1) to conduct exploratory sensitivity analysis to identify the most important parameters; (2) to incorporate the spatial configuration of habitat into consideration of the impacts of management; (3) to anticipate future impacts as an alternative to measuring past impacts; (4) and, as a means of evaluating alternative management scenarios including natural disturbance regimes. Birds are unlikely to be able to act as a precise tool for the measurement of some forest condition, but they could be useful indicators of sustainable forest management as part of an iterative research program. Key words: sustainable forest management, biological indicators, forest birds, habitat modelling, population modelling, natural disturbance regimes
Guiding principles for developing an indicator and monitoring framework
Authors: Rempel Robert S , Andison David W , Hannon Susan J
Published: February 2014

Sustainable forest management ideally involves five elements: 1) establishing a clear set of values, goals and objectives and, 2) planning actions that are most likely to meet desired goals and objectives, 3) implementing appropriate management activities, 4) monitoring the outcomes to check on predictions, effectiveness, and assumptions, and 5) evaluating and adjusting management depending on the outcome of monitoring. Within this framework, indicators are used to determine whether the outcome of management has met the intended goals. In this paper we provide general guidance for developing an integrated and logical monitoring system, define and differentiate between "evaluative" and "prescriptive" indicators, provide more specific advice on choosing evaluative indicators (including a comparison of types of ecological indicators), and provide specific advice on defining prescriptive indicators. Our guidelines for developing an indicator and monitoring framework are based on three principles. The first principle is to develop a logical framework, including 1) establishing clear values and goals before setting indicators and objectives, and 2) linking prescriptive and evaluative indicators directly to plan objectives, and to each other. The second principal is to use the framework to learn adaptively by: 1) designing management activities to address specific questions, 2) learning about thresholds, and 3) testing assumptions. The third principal is to create a formal plan for learning. Key words: biodiversity, indicators, focal species, adaptive learning, sustainable forest management
Forests and forest protection in Cyprus
Authors: Ciesla William M
Published: February 2014

Cyprus, an island located in the eastern Mediterranean Basin, was heavily forested prior to human settlement. Human influence since about 6000 BC has significantly changed the area and composition of the island's forests. Approximately 40% of the Island is presently occupied by forest, maquis and garigue vegetation. The dominant tree species in Cyprus' forests is Pinus brutia, which has been planted extensively on abandoned agricultural lands and areas burned by wildfire. P. brutia forests are subject to periodic wildfire episodes. In addition, young plantations are subject to defoliation by the pine processionary caterpillar, Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Lepidoptera: Pityocampidae), and older forests are subject to attack by several species of bark beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytidae). A policy of extensive planting of pines will, most likely, result in continued problems with wildfire, pine processionary caterpillar and bark beetles in the foreseeable future. Long-term measures to effectively manage these problems include examination of opportunities to plant alternative tree species and to manage the vegetation to increase the diversity of the Island's wildland ecosystems. Key words: Cyprus, forest protection, pine processionary caterpillar, bark beetles, wildfire
A proposed framework for developing an integrated growth and yield monitoring system for Alberta
Authors: Huang Shongming , Yang Yuqing , Heidt Jack
Published: February 2014

A province-wide growth and yield (GY) monitoring program, composed of three data collection systems, is proposed for Alberta for the main purpose of verifying GY predictions for various stand types. The first system, based on the 20-km grid proposed for the National Forest Inventory, is recommended for collecting monitoring data on GY predictions for untreated, natural-origin stands. A denser, 10-km grid is recommended for the second system for monitoring GY predictions for untreated, post-harvest stands. The third system is designed for monitoring GY predictions for silviculturally treated stands. The sample plots for the third system will be randomly selected from eligible stands. To enable comparison of site index estimates between natural-origin and post-harvest stands, paired plots are recommended whenever possible in the second system. In the first phase, 500 installations each for untreated natural-origin and post-harvest stands, and 250 installations for silviculturally treated natural-origin and post-harvest stands, are proposed. Detailed plot designs are presented, along with the planned implementation strategies. Key words: growth and yield monitoring, natural-origin stands, post-harvest stands, silviculturally treated stands, paired plots, site index comparison
A results-based system for regulating reforestation obligations: Some developments in 2003
Authors: Martin Patrick J , Browne-Clayton Shane , Taylor Greg
Published: February 2014

In a recent paper, we described a multi-block approach to the regulation and management of reforestation (P.J. Martin, S. Browne-Clayton, and E. McWilliams (2002), "A results-based system for regulating reforestation obligations," Forestry Chronicle 78(4): 492–498). Under the multi-block approach, indicators are devised that portray the degree to which the condition of regeneration on harvested areas is consistent with forest management goals. A population of harvested areas is sampled. The current levels of the indicators are estimated and compared to threshold values. If observed levels exceed threshold levels, the population is considered adequately reforested and all reforestation obligations are met. In this paper, we describe some recent enhancements of this concept and demonstrate how the multi-block approach provides characteristics desirable in a regulatory regime. By shifting the focus of reforestation regulation from the stand level to the level of a population of harvested areas, the multi-block approach provides effective regulation, permits efficient management, and addresses several shortcomings in British Columbia's current reforestation regulations. Key words: reforestation, regulation, British Columbia, indicators, multi-block approach
Regeneration imputation models for complex stands of southeastern British Columbia
Authors: Hassani Badre T , LeMay Valerie , Marshall Peter L , Temesgen H. , Zumrawi Abdel-Azim
Published: February 2014

Two imputation techniques for predicting natural regeneration in complex stands prevalent in southeastern British Columbia (BC) were compared using data from the Interior Cedar-Hemlock moist warm subzone variant 2 (ICHmw2) in the vicinity of Nelson, BC. Imputation approaches offer advantages over other modeling approaches in that they provide estimates of many variables at one time (multivariate) and there are no assumptions regarding the probability distributions of the variables to be predicted. For the tabular imputation, the average regeneration per ha was calculated for each combination of five site groups, two residual density classes, five time-since-disturbance intervals, species, and height classes. For Most Similar Neighbour (MSN) imputation, data with both regeneration information, and overstory trees and site information (called reference plots) were used to impute regeneration of plots with only overstory trees and site information (called target plots), by selecting the most similar plot. Of the two approaches studied, the MSN approach gave better results than tabular imputation. The tabular imputation approach is simpler to implement, since tables of results can be published and made available for use. However, the MSN software has been made freely available, resulting in greater ease of access. Key words: multi-species, multi-cohort, nonparametric imputation, multivariate prediction, regeneration estimation