bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil disturbance and five-year tree growth in a montane alternative silvicultural systems (MASS) trial
Authors: Maynard D G , Senyk J P
Published: February 2014

Ground-based forestry practices can negatively affect soil productivity by altering the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil. The effect of soil disturbance on soil properties and tree growth was evaluated following single-pass hydraulic excavator and multiple-pass combined excavator and flexible track grapple skidder forwarding in four silvicultural systems treatments: Clearcut (CC), Green Tree Retention (GT), Patch Cut (PC), and Uniform Shelterwood (SW). The effectiveness of an excavator soil-rehabilitation technique (tilling) in decompacting skidtrails (i.e., reducing soil bulk density) and nutrient availability was also evaluated. Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.) and amabilis fir (Abies amabilis Dougl. Ex. Forbes) seedlings were planted on undisturbed plots, within tracks and between tracks of skidtrails, and in rehabilitated trails within the four harvesting treatments in the spring of 1994. Seedling growth was measured after five growing seasons, and nutrient concentrations of current-year foliage were determined at the end of the fourth growing season. Seedling survival and growth was generally reduced by soil disturbances associated with skid-trails. Effects of disturbance on physical properties of soil (e.g., compaction, puddling) and disruption of drainage were the most likely causes. Nutrient deficiencies do not appear to be a factor. Nonetheless, nitrogen concentrations were lower in current-year foliage taken from rehabilitation treatments than from either undisturbed or skidtrail treatments. Effectiveness of soil rehabilitation varied. In well-drained deeper soils, tilling reduced soil bulk density to levels below those of undisturbed soils and, in the short-term (five years), improved tree growth. In wetter conditions, rehabilitation treatment decreased survival and growth of both species. Thus specific rehabilitation (tilling) prescriptions should not be universally applied across a landscape. Key words: Abies amabilis, Tsuga heterophylla, foliar analysis, soil bulk density, soil compaction, soil rehabilitation
Juvenile stand responses and potential outcomes of conifer release efforts on Alberta's spruceaspen mixedwood sites
Authors: Pitt Douglas G , Mihajlovich Milo , Proudfoot Leslie M
Published: February 2014

Twelve Alberta forest regeneration blocks, situated on representative white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) - trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) boreal mixedwood sites, planted to white spruce, and operationally released with glyphosate herbicide, were surveyed in the fall of 2002. Stand structure and composition were quantified and compared for treated and untreated portions of each block. The Mixedwood Growth Model (MGM, Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta) was used to project these stands over a 100-year horizon and to model the outcomes of several additional silvicultural treatments that could be applied to these blocks. A single release treatment provided 17% and 43% gains in planted white spruce height and stem diameter, respectively, an average of five years after treatment. Treatment shifted stands from being deciduous-dominated, with only 12% conifer basal area, to more than 75% conifer basal area, increasing conifer volumes per hectare nearly three-fold, but retaining conifer-deciduous mixture. Model projections suggest that these stands will produce similar total volumes over an 80-year rotation and that conifer release essentially trades deciduous volume for conifer volume, the degree of release dictating the extent to which this trade-off takes place. A single conifer release treatment led to an average simulated mature stand that contains 21% deciduous basal area, likely meeting mixedwood rather than conifer regeneration criteria. Model simulations of additional silvicultural interventions in these stands suggested that a variety of options exist to satisfy a range of stand or landscape management objectives for spruce-aspen mixedwoods, all within a relatively fixed volume production envelope. A clearer understanding of how early stand conditions translate into stand and landscape management objectives seems prerequisite to solving management conflicts on boreal mixedwood sites. Key words: boreal mixedwoods, vegetation management, conifer release, Mixedwood Growth Model, white spruce, trembling aspen
Lodgepole pine site index in relation to synoptic measures of climate, soil moisture and soil nutrients
Authors: Wang G. Geoff , Huang Shongming , Monserud Robert A , Klos Ryan J
Published: February 2014

Lodgepole pine site index was examined in relation to synoptic measures of topography, soil moisture, and soil nutrients in Alberta. Data came from 214 lodgepole pine-dominated stands sampled as a part of the provincial permanent sample plot program. Spatial location (elevation, latitude, and longitude) and natural subregions (NSRs) were topographic variables that might be considered as synoptic measures of climate. Soil moisture regimes (SMRs) were used as synoptic measures of soil moisture supply. Soil nutrient regimes (SNRs) were used as synoptic measures of soil nutrient supply. Simple measures of geographic location (elevation, latitude, longitude) carried the most predictive power, explaining between 33% and 37% of the variation. Site index decreased with elevation, increased with latitude, and had a quadratic relationship with longitude. The Lower Foothills NSR had higher site index (16.1 m) than the Upper Foothills (14.0 m), Montane (11.8 m) and Subalpine (10.3 m) NSRs. Soil moisture regime variables were not significant. Soil nutrient regime variables were also not important, although one was significant in conjunction with elevation, latitude, and longitude (41% explained variation). Standard errors of estimate ranged between 2.64 and 2.94 m for the various synoptic models. Interaction terms between synoptic variables were examined but were found to be non-significant. Key words: site index, climate regime, soil moisture regime, soil nutrient regime, Pinus contorta
A silvicultural systems perspective on changing Canadian forestry practices
Authors: Groot A. , Lussier J -M. , Mitchell A K , MacIsaac D A
Published: February 2014

Canadian forestry practices are changing to meet evolving forest management objectives, and these changes are frequently accompanied by new terminology.We examine the interaction among changing objectives, changing practices, and terminology in three forest types across Canada. Altered silvicultural practices and systems can generally be described using traditional terminology, and applying new terminology may create confusion. The most notable developments in silvicultural practice involve timber harvests with greater levels of tree retention, and new terminology is being applied mainly to designate changed harvest patterns. Timber harvesting is a crucial silvicultural practice, but does not by itself constitute a silvicultural system. It is necessary to more thoroughly define long-term stand-level management objectives, and to delineate complete silvicultural systems that address these objectives. This will require better knowledge of the long-term effects of forestry practices, particularly those resulting in structurally complex stands. Key words: silvicultural systems, forestry practices, terminology, harvesting, Canada, structural retention
Aspects of ecological development in managed stands of jack pine and black spruce in northern Ontario: Understory vegetation and nutrient relations
Authors: Hunt S L , Gordon A M , Morris D M
Published: February 2014

This study investigated relationships between understory vegetation and nutrient pools in managed stands of jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) and black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] BSP) in the Lake Nipigon region of northern Ontario. The species composition, biomass, and nutrient pool sizes in the understory vegetation, as well as biomass and nutrient pools in trees and soils, were determined in 16 managed stands ranging in age from 10 to 53 years since establishment and one mature, natural stand. Patterns of above-ground biomass accumulation in understory vegetation varied with overstory tree species and general site type (dry, sandy soils, or mesic, finer-textured soils). Understory vegetation contributed little (0.3 to 2.6%) to total above-ground organic matter (live biomass plus forest floor) but accounted for higher proportions of total above-ground nutrient pools (e.g., 0.7 to 3.4% of N; 3.2 to 11.7% of K) and net primary productivity (1.2 to 21.2%). The species composition of the understory vegetation was strongly related to stand basal area as well as to concentrations of nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg) in the forest floor and mineral soil. The greatest amount of change in vegetation community composition occurred from the pre-to post-canopy closure stages of stand development; fewer differences were observed among stands of a given species and site type 35 to 50 years after establishment. The effects of silvicultural practices were detected in certain stands 35 years after establishment; for example the most severely treated (bladed and thinned) jack pine stand differed from other stands of similar age and soils with its Cladina/Vaccinium-dominated understory, and large amounts of biomass in the moss/lichen stratum. The understory vegetation communities in other managed jack pine stands, by 35 to 50 years, were similar to that of the mature, natural stand, indicating resilience to silvicultural disturbances. Silviculture may have lasting effects on understory vegetation biomass and species composition through its effects on stand basal area, overstory species, and soil nutrients. This research serves as baseline information for further studies into the ecology of managed stands in northern Ontario. Key words: understory, nutrients, managed forests, jack pine, black spruce, canonical correspondence analysis
New Brunswick's "Jaakko Pöyry" report: perceptions of senior forestry officials about its influence on forest policy
Authors: Ashton Wm. (Bill) , Anderson Bill
Published: February 2014

Pending limited fibre supplies in New Brunswick are of concern to the forest industry, provincial government departments, and special interest groups, alike. All three of these stakeholders employ foresters, and all three are or should be involved in setting public policy regarding New Brunswick's forests. This paper uses a multifaceted framework to assess the role of foresters in the current policy debate regarding softwood fibre supplies that has resulted from New Brunswick's "Jaakko Pöyry" report. The conclusions from this study are that i) both forest policy and the policymaking process in New Brunswick have largely been determined by industry- and government-commissioned reports; ii) the policy-making process remains undefined; and iii) all the stakeholders see a need to improve communications. Key words: forest policy; Jaakko Pöyry report; New Brunswick; perceptions; public policy making.
Challenges, achievements and impacts from interdisciplinary research and training: The Sustainable Forest Management Network
Authors: MacNab Bruce
Published: February 2014

One of the big challenges of research in support of sustainable forest management (SFM) is the need for increased collaboration of researchers from different academic disciplines. The Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) Network's approach to interdisciplinary research has evolved over the past ten years. One of the most significant changes has been a shift to larger and more integrated project teams. Increased integration in research in the SFM Network has resulted in benefits, particularly in relation to Canada's capacity to address SFM-related research questions and management issues. Key words: sustainable forest management, interdisciplinary, research network, training
Impact of initial spacing and precommercial thinning on jack pine tree growth and stem quality
Authors: Tong Q J , Zhang S Y
Published: February 2014

The objective of this paper was to investigate the impact of initial spacing and pre-commercial thinning (PCT) on tree growth, characteristics and stem quality in plantation-grown jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) after 58 years of growth. Four spacings including three initial spacings without PCT treatment, i.e., 1.52 × 1.52 m (5 × 5 ft), 2.13 × 2.13 m (7 × 7 ft) and 2.74 × 2.74 m (9 × 9 ft) and one initial spacing with PCT treatment (5 × 5 ft thinned to 7 × 7 ft at age 14), were chosen to analyze diameter at breast height (DBH) distribution, survival, and various tree and stem quality characteristics (e.g., DBH, total tree height, stem volume, crown size, branch, taper, sweep and wobbling). Tree mortality during the first 25 growth years was quite low for all four spacings, while after 25 years, survival for the four spacings rapidly declined. The decrease in survival for spacing 5 × 5 was the steepest, followed by spacings 7 × 7, 9 × 9 and finally the PCT-treated stand. DBH distributions for all four spacings were significantly different from each other, and five years after PCT, the 5 × 5 to 7 × 7 spacings had a similar DBH distribution to that of the constant 7 × 7 spacing. Mean DBHs differed significantly among the initial spacings. The 5 × 5 spacing produced significantly smaller trees than did the other three spacings through the years, and the 9 × 9 spacing produced significantly larger trees. PCT had positive effects on DBH growth, and yielded longer merchantable stems and better stem quality. PCT had little effect on crown development. Initial spacing significantly affected diameter growth, crown width and branch development, commercial stem length and volume, stem taper and stem deformation. Narrower spacing produced smaller but better quality stems. Spacing 7 × 7 had the worst stem quality in terms of overall sweep and wave-like transversal deformation (wobbling). A narrow initial spacing followed by a PCT treatment may provide a compromise solution for both tree growth and stem quality. Key words: Initial spacing, thinning, survival, tree growth, stem quality
Juvenile response to conifer release alternatives on aspen-white spruce boreal mixedwood sites.Part I: Stand structure and composition
Authors: Pitt Douglas G , Bell F. Wayne
Published: February 2014

Stand structure and composition for planted white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) and other naturally regenerating commercial species were compared seven years after the testing of five conifer release alternatives on three boreal mixedwood sites. No release resulted in aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) -dominated stands with 89% stocking and the highest basal areas (BAs, 5.1 m2/ha) and stem volume indices (SVIs, 10.7 m3/ha) observed. Release by manual or machine cutting increased planted spruce BA and SVI by 67 and 38%, respectively. However, this treatment also caused significant root and stump suckering of aspen, more than doubling stem densities and increasing stocking by 12% over untreated areas. Although cutting reduced the height of aspen from 6 m (untreated) to 2–3 m, equal to or just taller than planted spruce, it is likely that future growth will result in deciduous-dominated mixedwoods. Broadcast foliar application with Release® herbicide temporarily reduced the size of aspen, without causing the increased regeneration observed following cutting. This produced a more varied stand structure that promoted the stature of planted spruce, doubling dominant spruce stocking, BAs, and SVIs, and leading to a more balanced mixedwood. Broadcast release with Vision® herbicide produced conifer-dominated stands with few deciduous stems; these areas contained the lowest observed BAs (1.7 m2/ha) and SVIs (1.9 m3/ha). Relatively low planting densities (1350 sph), coupled with near complete deciduous removal in these plots, created very open-grown conditions that threaten overall productivity and stem quality of the spruce. The five approaches tested are capable of producing a range of stand conditions found in a healthy boreal mixedwood landscape. Key words: boreal mixedwoods, white spruce, trembling aspen, vegetation management, fibre production
Juvenile response to conifer release alternatives on aspen-white spruce boreal mixedwood sites.Part II: Quality of aspen regeneration
Authors: Greifenhagen Sylvia , Pitt Douglas G , Wester Monique C , Bell F. Wayne
Published: February 2014

This study, a component of the Fallingsnow Ecosystem Project, was designed to investigate the effects of conifer release alternatives on the quality of regenerating trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.). A randomized block design was used to compare untreated aspen with aspen growing in areas treated with two broadcast cutting treatments (brushsaw and Silvana Selective) and two broadcast herbicide treatments (glyphosate and triclopyr). The glyphosate treatment virtually eliminated aspen, whereas triclopyr tended to top-kill aspen, resulting in lateral dominance. Both fall cutting treatments generated prolific aspen root suckering and stump sprouting. Stain was common in aspen across the study site in damaged, untreated, and post-treatment stems, indicating that stain develops rapidly in young aspen suckers. Stems damaged by the treatments had higher incidences of decay (33% of cut stems and 10% of herbicide-damaged stems) than untreated aspen (8% of stems); however, decay volume was low for all treatments (1–4% of total stem volume affected). The location of decay (e.g., near ground level in cut stems) and presence of stem crooks in herbicide-treated aspen are important effects of the treatments on aspen quality. Armillaria root disease, which was found throughout the study site, was more prevalent in roots of treatment-damaged and untreated aspen than in suckers that originated post-treatment. These differences can be attributed to proximity to parent stumps, prevalence of root wounds, and older age of damaged and untreated stems. Key words: aspen quality, decay, conifer release, vegetation management, fibre production
Implications of selected approaches for regenerating and managing western boreal mixedwoods
Authors: Comeau Philip G , Kabzems Richard , McClarnon John , Heineman Jean L
Published: February 2014

We describe a range of approaches for managing boreal mixedwood stands composed of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) and white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) in British Columbia and Alberta. Successful management of these complex forests requires a combination of well-defined objectives at the landscape level and flexible planning at the stand level. A variety of management strategies must be applied concurrently across the landscape to ensure that the natural mix of forest types and structural diversity is maintained. Selected approaches are discussed with regard to their suitability to particular stand conditions and sets of objectives, the types of tending and harvesting activities required, expected outcomes, and costs. The three approaches discussed are: 1) creation and management of two-storied intimate mixtures; 2) creation of a single-storied mixture of aspen and white spruce; and, 3) creation of a mosaic of discrete patches of each species. Key words: boreal mixedwood management, mixedwood silvicultural systems, aspen, white spruce, planning
Climate change and protected area policy and planning in Canada
Authors: Scott Daniel , Lemieux Christopher
Published: February 2014

Protected areas are the most common and most important strategy for biodiversity conservation and are called for under the United Nations' Convention on Biological Diversity. However, most protected areas have been designed to represent (and in theory protect for perpetuity) specific natural features, species and ecological communities in-situ, and have not taken into account potential shifts in ecosystem distribution and composition that could be induced by global climatic change. This paper provides an overview of the policy and planning implications of climate change for protected areas in Canada, summarizes a portfolio of climate change adaptation options that have been discussed in the conservation literature and by conservation professionals and provides a perspective on what is needed for the conservation community in Canada to move forward on responding to the threat posed by climate change. Key words: climate change, protected areas, parks, conservation, system planning, impacts, adaptation
Étude rétrospective de l'accroissement en diamètre du sapin baumier (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) et de l'épinette rouge (Picea rubens Sarg.) en peuplements mixtes après une coupe a diamètre limite
Authors: Fortin Mathieu
Published: February 2014

Diameter growth at breast height of 341 balsam fir and red spruce stems has been reproduced over a time lapse of 50 years following a diameter limit cutting. The available information has been analyzed with a statistical model in which the effects of time, species (two levels), ecological type (three levels) and diameter at harvesting have been tested. Results indicate that balsam fir saplings have higher diameter growths than red spruce saplings, but only in the case of better ecological types. The differences between both species are smaller for stems having a merchantable diameter (dbh > 9.0 cm) at harvesting time. On poor ecological station, red spruce diameter growth is more important than for balsam fir and this, whatever the diameter at harvesting time. On the other hand, as indicated by this analysis, stem diameter at the time of silvicultural treatment constitutes a significant variable in the prediction of diameter growth for red spruce stems, while the effect of this variable is less identifiable for balsam fir. Even if significant, the growth differences between the two species are small. The competition created by the balsam fir regeneration on red spruce saplings is definitely not the cause of the depletion of red spruce in second growth stands.. Key words: red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.), balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.), diameter growth, partial cut, mixed stands, linear model, mixed model
Need for sustainability policy – a case study of the Natural Forest Conservation Program (NFCP) in the western region of Tianshan Mountain, China
Authors: Wang Qiang , Ruan Xiao , Pan Cun-De , Xu Ning-Yi , Luo Xia , Huang Min-Ming
Published: February 2014

A case study of the Natural Forest Conservation Program (NFCP) in the western region of Tianshan Mountain was undertaken between 2001 and 2003. Data on the geographic, climatic, ecological, and social economy background of the study area were collected. The impact of the NFCP on the forest, soil, water, and biodiversity in the study area were analyzed and evaluated. The results show that a complete logging ban in the study area cannot replace sustainable forest management; a more flexible policy should be adopted to resolve technical, social and economic problems associated with the complete and suddenly implemented logging ban. In order to strengthen the long-term sustainability of the NFCP, public awareness and funding support China should be increased. Key words: sustainability, Natural Forest Conservation Program, NFCP, forest management, Tianshan Mountain
Performance of planted Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir seedlings in British Columbia's southern mountains
Authors: Lajzerowicz C C , Vyse A. , Jull M. , Newsome T.
Published: February 2014

We compared survival and growth of planted seedlings of Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir across a range of harvest opening sizes (> 10 ha, 1 ha, 0.2 ha, 0.1 ha, 0.03 ha and individual tree selection) from three silvicultural systems trials in high-elevation spruce – subalpine fir forests in south-central British Columbia. Climatic patterns and growing season air and soil temperatures were similar across sites. Seedling survival decreased with opening size. Local site climates, influenced by aspect and moisture and air drainage, were more influential than elevation. Seedling growth was best in large openings and similar in opening sizes from 1 ha to 0.1 ha. Smaller openings created by group selection and individual tree selection methods were not favourable for successful planting at elevations close to timberline. The two species had similar absolute and relative growth rates but spruce responded more strongly to better growing environments. Key words: planted seedlings, Engelmann spruce, Picea engelmannii Parry ex Engelm., subalpine fir, Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt., opening size, elevation effects, silvicultural systems, British Columbia, mountain forests
The John Prince Research Forest: Evolution of a co-management partnership in northern British Columbia
Authors: Grainger Sue , Sherry Erin , Fondahl Gail
Published: February 2014

The John Prince Research Forest (JPRF) was established as a co-managed forest between Tl'azt'en Nation and the University of Northern British Columbia, as an opportunity for these partners to blend their respective ways of understanding and managing forests to contribute to ecological and social sustainability. Using four criteria of successful co-management reported in the literature as critical to the early stages of partnership — partnership building, institutional structure, decision-making, and capacity — we discuss the JPRF's performance during the first half-decade of its existence. The JPRF's early experience provides an example of the evolution of a co-management relationship that, while facing constraints and challenges in regard to some of the criteria, has provided the foundation for a strong future partnership. Key words: co-management, research forest, Aboriginal, First Nation, British Columbia, criteria and indicators (C&I), community forestry, forest management, joint venture, Tl'azt'en Nation, traditional environmental knowledge, forest tenure, partnerships
A stand density management diagram for balsam fir in New Brunswick
Authors: Penner M. , Swift D E , Gagnon R. , Brissette J.
Published: February 2014

A stand management density diagram (SDMD) is presented for balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) forests in New Brunswick. The SDMD incorporates a maximum size density line, as well as quadratic mean diameter and top height isolines. Several mortality functions are evaluated. The resultant SDMD should be a useful tool for projecting early stand development and determining the timing and intensity of thinnings. Key words: Acadian Forest Region, mortality curves
Wetlands in Canada's western boreal forest: Agents of Change
Authors: Foote Lee , Krogman Naomi
Published: February 2014

Wetlands of the western boreal forest are poorly studied. In the last decade (1990–2000) there were approximately 1810 northern hemisphere scientific papers published addressing boreal wetlands, tundra, taiga, or bogs. We explore the extent of understanding and impacts of six major agents of change affecting forested wetlands of the boreal zone: (1) commercial forestry, (2) petroleum extraction, (3) mining (bitumen, coal, peat, ore, and diamonds), (4) agriculture, (5) climate change, and (6) hydrologic alteration. Finally, we address the social context, costs, and recommendations for wetland maintenance. Key words: western boreal forest, wetlands, loss factors, forestry, conversion, wetland retention, wetland values
Impact of the white pine weevil (Pissodes strobi [Peck]) on Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) plantations. Part 2: Lumber properties
Authors: Mottet Marie-Josée , Daoust Gaëtan , Zhang S Y
Published: February 2014

We studied the lumber characteristics of 148 trees acquired for that purpose during commercial thinning operations in three Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) plantations, aged from 32 to 34 years, which had been attacked repeatedly by the white pine weevil (Pissodes strobi [Peck]). The trees, with diameters ranging from 14 to 23 cm, were grouped into three quality classes according to the number of major deformations caused by the weevil. The effects of the deformations on bending strength and stiffness, wood density and lumber defects were examined. Results show that in general deformations caused by the weevil do not affect the lumber properties of Norway spruce on sites of medium to high quality. For the three Norway spruce plantations, the mean values of the modulus of elasticity (MOE) of the lumber varied between 8510 and 9357 MPa, and for the modulus of rupture (MOR) they ranged from 36.0 to 42.5 MPa, whereas wood density varied from 324 and 343 kg·m-3. For comparison purposes, the same measurements were taken on lumber from 38 trees in a white spruce (P. glauca [Moench] Voss) plantation that was unaffected by the weevil, but comparable to the Norway spruce plantation on one of the sites studied. The lumber properties from Norway spruce taken from deformed or undeformed stems were 34% superior to white spruce for MOE, 20% for MOR and 8% for wood density. The smaller knots in Norway spruce could explain this difference. On the other hand, a visual grading of this type of wood reveals few differences in lumber strength and stiffness. Key words: Norway spruce, Picea abies, wood characteristics, MOE, MOR, wood density, lumber, white pine weevil, Pissodes strobi, white spruce, Picea glauca
Post-harvest nitrogen cycling in clearcut and alternative silvicultural systems in a montane forest in coastal British Columbia
Authors: Titus Brian D , Prescott Cindy E , Maynard Doug G , Mitchell Alan K , Bradley Robert L , Feller Michael C , Beese W J. (Bill) , Benton Ross A , Senyk John P , Hawkins Barbara J , Koppenaa Ross
Published: February 2014

The MASS (Montane Alternative Silvicultural Systems) trial was established in the coastal mountains of British Columbia to compare clearcut, patch cut, green tree and shelterwood systems. A number of studies were carried out at the MASS trial to determine the extent to which these variable levels of stand retention retained old-growth attributes of N cycling and associated ecological processes. Harvesting led to increases in N mineralization in the forest floor (2×) and mineral soil (10×), and fluxes of N through the upper 25 cm of mineral soil (2× to 3×). However, fluxes of N were not large (< 0.35 kg ha-1per growing season). Nitrogen mineralized was predominantly ammonium and not nitrate in the forest floor (> 95% in all but clearcut, > 75% in clearcut) and upper mineral soil horizon (42–86%). The nitrate component came from heterotrophic decomposition of organic matter, not conversion of ammonium to nitrate by autotrophs, and nitrate increases resulted from decreased gross nitrate consumption with harvesting, rather than increased nitrate production. The increases in soil N availability resulting from harvesting were reflected in only slight increases in seedling foliar N concentrations for two to four years after logging (peak of ~ 2% for western hemlock and ~ 1.6% for amabilis fir) before decreasing to below deficiency thresholds for both species. Overall, estimated losses of N from the rooting zone after harvesting (1 kg ha-1 yr-1) were minimal in comparison to estimated N inputs (4 kg ha-1 yr-1), N exports in logs at harvesting (250 kg ha-1) and soil reserves (11 400 kg ha-1). Although unlikely to affect future site productivity, losses of N could be reduced somewhat through the use of shelterwood harvesting. Key words: alternative silvicultural systems, variable retention harvesting, nitrogen cycling, litterfall, decomposition, nitrification, N mineralization, microbial ecology, leaching, foliar N, Abies amabilis, Tsuga heterophylla, Thuja plicata
Intensive plantation management for good-site forest lands in northwest Ontario
Authors: Carmean Willard H
Published: February 2014

Intensively managed forest plantations occur or are recommended in several Canadian provinces, in Oregon and Washington, in the southern United States and worldwide. Intensively managed plantations help meet increased demands for forest products in these areas. Northwest Ontario also will need increased wood production for increased present and future national and international wood markets. However, a recent Forest Accord for Northwest Ontario has almost doubled the areas reserved for parks and conservation reserves creating a dilemma where increased wood production will be needed from decreased areas of forest land available primarily for timber management. This dilemma can be partially resolved using intensive management for forest plantations established on productive (good site) forest lands. Intensively managed plantations have the potential for producing greatly increased quantity and quality of wood, thus partially resolving present and future wood supply needs. Concentrating wood production on selected good sites in Northwest Ontario also will allow us to dedicate increased areas of forest land to multiple-use management as well as more parks and conservation reserves. Key words: forest land zonation, site-quality evaluation tools, site-specific silviculture, stand and landscape diversity
Revisiting the work of Fred von Althen – an update on the growth and yield of a mixed hardwood plantation in Southern Ontario
Authors: Pedlar John H , Fraleigh Saul , McKenney Daniel W
Published: February 2014

Dr. Fred W. von Althen, formerly of the Canadian Forest Service, established hundreds of research plantations with a focus on identifying tree species and silvicultural techniques conducive to successful hardwood afforestation in southern Ontario, Canada. Here we provide an update, using 30-year remeasurement data, on the growth and yield of one of his most productive, and compositionally unique, mixed hardwood plantations. At age 30, the plantation exhibited the following characteristics on average: 1) density of 790 stems/ha—reduced from 2222 stems/ha at time of planting through natural mortality; 2) height of 14.4 meters; 3) quadratic mean diameter of 20.1 cm; and 4) gross stand volume of 181 m3/ha. With a mean annual increment (MAI) of 6.1 m3/ha/year, this plantation exhibits one of the highest published growth rates for mixed hardwoods in temperate North America. There was considerable variation in growth and yield between the 10 hardwood species making up the stand—silver maple, white ash, and black walnut had the highest growth rates, and red and white oak the lowest. Several Carolinian species, such as catalpa and sycamore, showed good growth rates, despite the study site being located north of their published range limits. This data set provides rare information on the growth and yield of mixed hardwood plantations in Canada. Key words: growth and yield, southern Ontario, afforestation, mixed hardwoods, Carolinian species
Verifying calculated flow accumulation patterns of mapped and unmapped forest streams by culvert location
Authors: Murphy Paul N.C. , Ogilvie Jae , Castonguay Mark , Meng Fan-Rui , Arp Paul A
Published: February 2014

Access to reliable surface water drainage information is important to forest operations planning in road layout and construction, culvert location and size, cutblock and harvest trail layout, site preparation and regeneration, and off-road navigation. A GIS-based process leading to an improved map of surface drainage is described and tested for the University of New Brunswick forest. This process predicts flow accumulation by combining the predictive ability of a digital elevation model (DEM) with additional information provided by mapped hydrographic features. Previously unmapped flow channels were reliably mapped with this process; 88% of predicted culvert locations were within 40 m of the actual location. Total channel length mapped increased 11.7 times over the existing maps. Key words: digital elevation model, forest operations planning, surface hydrology, flow accumulation
Predicting the productivity of motor-manual workers in precommercial thinning operations
Authors: LeBel Luc G , Dubeau Denise
Published: February 2014

Precommercial thinning is an important part of intensive management in northern forests. Precommercial thinning is largely carried out by motor manual means, and workers are usually paid on a production basis. To establish a piece-rate system that fairly compensates workers, it is important to accurately predict their production for various site conditions. Based on the observation of 129 workers, a model that predicts the number of hours required to thin one hectare of forest as a function of the number of stems per hectare was developed. It was not possible to detect a statistically significant effect from site factors such as slash, rocks, stumps, and terrain slope. The model is compared with similar attempts reported in the literature. The proposed model will be especially useful to those concerned with labour productivity, compensation systems and benefit-cost analysis in silviculture. Key words: workers' performance, productivity modeling, time consumption, thinning, brushsaw
The urban public and forest land-use planning: Tapping into the majority
Authors: Kidd Scott , Sinclair A. John
Published: February 2014

Canadians desire involvement in forest management at normative or early planning phases. One way of accomplishing this is through meaningful public involvement in land-use planning efforts. The Provinces of Ontario and Manitoba have, respectively, completed or are completing the development of land use plans for large areas of forested landscapes. Both governments identified public participation as being an integral part of these processes. This paper examines how well these processes promoted participation by the general public, the vast majority of which resides in urban areas located outside the respective planning regions. It is determined that in both cases this was poorly done. Reasons are given for why and how increased participation by the urban public should be pursued. Key words: public involvement, land-use planning, forest management, urban centres, Lands for Life, East Side Planning Initiative, Canada
A framework for assessing climate change vulnerability of the Canadian forest sector
Authors: Johnston Mark , Williamson Tim
Published: February 2014

We present a framework for assessing the vulnerability of the Canadian forest sector to climate variability and change. The framework includes factors of exposure, system sensitivity and adaptive capacity, which are applied to the Canadian forest sector. We summarize sources of exposure and sensitivities of the Canadian forest sector and then address the adaptive capacity of forest management and forest-based communities. We suggest that the adaptive capacity of the forest sector is likely to be high, but needs to be rigorously tested. We conclude by advocating a national forest sector vulnerability assessment, and emphasize that this needs to be an inclusive, stakeholder-driven process. Key words: climate change, adaptation, vulnerability, forest sector, forest communities
We are all connected: Globalization and community sustainability in the boreal forest, an Aboriginal perspective
Authors: Merkel Garry
Published: February 2014

This paper summarizes my personal perspective on the impacts of globalization on the sustainability of aboriginal communities. Globalization affects communities through changes to the land and the plants and animals it supports, the demographic profiles of the people increasingly through migration, their lifestyles, the persistence of their language and philosophy to living on the land, and their values. At the same time the people are learning to develop businesses, improve community services, and protect their interests through international recognition of their rights. Success in dealing with globalization will depend on the ability of the communities to develop a) appropriate systems of governance, b) mechanisms to accommodate their traditions in the context of contemporary culture, c) networks from the local to international levels, and most importantly d) their own capacities so that they no longer rely on the external "expert/consultant." The forest sector has a role to play in this process by developing a true partnership with the communities on whose land they hope to operate. This includes getting to know the people and their values, treating their knowledge with respect, and assisting them to develop their own capacities. Acting on the fact that we are all connected means that these partnerships will work to our mutual benefit. The distance we have to travel to make these changes may be as little as 6. Key words: Aboriginal communities, Globalization impacts, Forest sector, Working relationships
Will forestry follow agriculture toward unsustainable soil depletion?
Authors: Salonius Peter
Published: February 2014

Human settlement has increased food production by progressively converting complex, self-managing natural ecosystems with tight nutrient cycles into simplified, intensively-managed agricultural ecosystems that are subject to nutrient leaching. Conventional stem wood forest harvesting is now poised to be replaced by intensive harvesting of biomass to substitute for increasingly scarce non renewable fossil fuels. Removal of nutrient-rich forest biomass (harvesting slash) can not be sustained in the long term. Key words: soil nutrient depletion, biomass harvesting, site productivity
Tree species of concern in New Brunswick, Canada. I. Current status and threats
Authors: Loo J A , Beardmore T L , Simpson J D , McPhee D A
Published: February 2014

A process was developed by the New Brunswick Forest Gene Conservation Working Group to identify conservation needs for native tree species in New Brunswick. A multi-stakeholder, consensus-based, expert opinion process was employed to formulate a set of criteria and a rating system, which were then applied to identify tree species in New Brunswick requiring conservation attention at the genetic level. Known or presumed alien invasive insect or fungus species threaten three of these species: butternut (Juglans cinerea), American beech (Fagus grandifolia), and white elm (Ulmus americana). The fourth species, bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa)—with only a few remaining populations in the province—is threatened primarily by land development. Knowledge of the level, type, and pattern of genetic variability differs widely, depending on the species. Only American beech is naturally broadly distributed in the province. The distribution of the other three species is limited by their specific habitat requirements, and contributes to their vulnerability to new threats. Key words: American beech, bur oak, butternut, criteria, gene conservation, genetic variability, species status, threats, vulnerability, white elm
Cars made of wood and hemp fibres? Why not?
Authors: Balatinecz John , Sain Mohini
Published: February 2014

Recent research, innovation and industrial development activities in the rapidly emerging field of natural fibre polymer composites, as well as the involvement and contributions of the Faculty of Forestry, University of Toronto, to this field of bio-materials science, are summarized. Key words: natural fibres, polymer composites, plastics, wood science, forestry, recycling, sustainable products
Filling a public policy gap in Canada: forest certification
Authors: Fraser Sarah Jane
Published: February 2014

With the opening of a policy space between the public's demand for forest regulation and the ability or willingness of governments to fill that demand, forest certification programs have emerged to fill the gap. The Government of Canada supports certification as an assertion of sustainable forest management that can be communicated to buyers of Canadian forest products. The federal government has played several distinct roles during the development and establishment of forest certification in Canada, as expert, landowner, policy-setter, strategic partner and buyer. Key words: forest certification, Canada, trade, procurement, government
Breaking trail through mountains – forest policy implementation case studies
Authors: Smith Guy K.M. , Johnson James E
Published: February 2014

Contemporary forest policy is attuned to present and anticipated future societal needs and to long-term dynamics of ecosystems. Policy regimes across North America tend to accommodate degrees of adaptive management to account for future uncertainty. The metaphor of a hiker in a mountain range illustrates the complexity of policy implementation and the need for tools and actions to manage in a changing environment. Case studies from British Columbia, Ontario, Oregon, and Virginia illustrate specific policy regimes and characterize a common "enabling" role necessary for effective policy implementation. Two key enabling functions emerge: the development of analytical tools and the development of educational programs directed to specific needs of persons charged with policy implementation. Organizational capacity in knowledge transfer and extension is instrumental in supporting policy implementation in all four cases. Key words: forest policy, implementation, extension, knowledge transfer, enabling, case studies, policy regimes
Alberta making strides in mixedwood management
Authors: Grover Gitte , Fast Willi
Published: February 2014

Driven by issues of economics, productivity, biodiversity and climate change, mixedwood management is becoming increasingly attractive. For silviculture to embrace and capitalize on natural stand dynamics, complex processes and interactions must be understood. To facilitate focused, applied research, ten Alberta forest companies have joined forces to cooperatively advance the science and management of boreal aspen/white spruce mixedwood forests. Members of the Mixedwood Management Association have committed collective research funds to develop and test practices that will sustain fibre supply, biodiversity, social and ecological values in Alberta's mixedwood forests. Forest industry members include Ainsworth Engineered Canada LP., Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries Inc., Canadian Forest Products Ltd., Daishowa-Marubeni International Ltd., Footner Forest Products Ltd., Millar Western Forest Products Ltd., Tolko Industries Ltd., Slave Lake Pulp/Alberta Plywood Ltd., Vanderwell Contractors (1971) Ltd. and Weyerhaeuser Company Ltd. The Alberta government and the University of Alberta are supporting partners in the Association. The Association's goals are to increase knowledge of aspen/white spruce mixed forests in the areas of growth and yield, crop planning, monitoring, understory protection and decision support tools. This paper highlights some of the Association-sponsored research projects. Key words: Alberta, Mixedwood Management Association, research, growth and yield, crop plans
Free-to-grow regeneration standards are poorly linked to growth of spruce in boreal mixedwoods
Authors: Lieffers Victor J , Stadt Kenneth J , Feng Zhili
Published: February 2014

For public lands in Canada, the free-to-grow (FTG) standards are part of regulatory surveys of post-harvest juvenile stands that are designed to assess the level of competition on conifer trees. In this paper we analyzed two data sets to test the ability of FTG standards to predict growth of white spruce saplings. Using data from juvenile permanent sample plots, FTG was assessed at age 13 and subsequent diameter increment and height increment were assessed in the measurement interval after year 18. If the growth of trees was adjusted for differences in height at age 13, FTG status made no difference in predicting subsequent growth. A second data set from operational regeneration surveys of 49, 13-year-old boreal mixedwood stands was also evaluated for evidence of competition across a range of cutblock with different percentages of plots classed as FTG. There was no evidence of an increase in variation in size or growth of leading trees in stands when the plots in a cutblock were evenly split between FTG and not-FTG trees, compared to cutblocks with either few plots FTG or nearly all plots FTG. Height attained at year 13 was a sufficient indicator of future growth. Key words: regeneration, standard, free, grow, productivity, mixedwoods