bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Commercialization potential of somatic embryogenesis in black spruce tree improvement
Authors: Adams G. W. , Doiron M. G. , Park Y. S. , Bonga J. M. , Charest P. J.
Published: February 2014

The somatic embryogenesis process was evaluated as a potential tool for operational vegetative propagation using individuals from families currently used in the J.D. Irving, Ltd. black spruce tree improvement program. Most families were responsive although the number of individuals within families capable of producing embryogenic tissue (ET) varied greatly (1–70%). Seventy-four percent of the ET clones produced mature embryos and most of these germinated. Greenhouse survival was initially low (11%) but improved in subsequent experiments to 45% as growing regimes were refined. Demonstration plantings of the resulting somatic plants were established at two sites in New Brunswick. A total of 206 clones were cryopreserved. The potential for integrating somatic embryogenesis techniques into tree improvement and stock production programs is discussed. Key words: tree improvement, somatic embryogenesis, clonal propagation, black spruce, biotechnology
Community forestry in developed and developing countries: A comparative study
Authors: Mallik Azim U. , Rahman Hafizur
Published: February 2014

Concerns about the ecological and economic sustainability of industrial forestry led to the revival of community forestry (CF) in the developing countries. Recently, the developed countries are also examining the feasibility of CF as a land management alternative for the similar reasons. This paper compares the opportunities and challenges of CF in the developing and developed countries. Particular emphasis is placed on the goals and objectives, participants and beneficiaries, land tenure, size and management, ecology and economics of CF. In the developing countries CF is generally small, labour intensive and geared to meeting the basic needs of the community people. By contrast, CF in the developed countries is large, capital intensive and market oriented. Notwithstanding the differences, CF provides an opportunity for ecosystem management to maintain community stability and ecological integrity in both developing and developed countries. Key words: community forestry, sustainability, ecosystem management, community stability
Accuracy and signal reception of a hand-held Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver
Authors: D'Eon Stephen P.
Published: February 2014

Accurate and precise reporting of forest survey locations is required to integrate forest survey data with Geographical Information Systems. The accuracies of five Global Positioning System (GPS) survey methods using a hand-held receiver were tested in a mixed forest of trembling aspen and spruce. Accuracy improved by eliminating positions obtained under poor satellite configurations and by using position averaging methods. Single fix positions, taking as little as two minutes to obtain, yielded better than 100m accuracy more than 80% of the time. Allowing the receiver to continuously collect fixes for 15 to 30 minutes and then averaging the fixes yielded a median position error of 17 m. Sixty one stands representing a diversity of cover types, canopy heights, and crown closure in the Petawawa Research Forest were tested during June and July of 1992 for canopy interference with GPS signals. A GPS position was obtained under the canopy in 74% of the stands. Launches of additional GPS satellites since the summer of 1992 have further improved the probability of obtaining accurate geographical positions under forest canopies. Key words: global positioning system, position accuracy, signal reception, canopy interference
Direct seeding of black spruce in northwestern Ontario: Temporal changes in seedbed coverage and receptivity
Authors: Fleming R. L. , Mossa D. S.
Published: February 2014

Temporal changes in black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] B.S.P.) seedbed coverage and seedbed receptivity were investigated on coarse-textured upland sites near Thunder Bay (48°25′N 89° 15′W), in northwestern Ontario. Sowing was completed in May for three consecutive years following summer scarification at each of 12 sites. Infilling by organic debris reduced the proportion of receptive soil strata three to five years after scarification by 50–95%. Receptive seedbed coverage declined more quickly on fresh Soil Moisture Regimes with a variety of deciduous trees and shrubs than on moist Soil Moisture Regimes dominated by eracaceous shrubs. Pioneer mosses, which are also good seedbeds, invaded moist sites more readily than fresh sites, and mitigated losses in seedbed coverage. Compact Sphagnum seedbeds in lowland depressions maintained good areal coverage much longer than did receptive upland soil strata. Seedling establishment ratios varied greatly among seeding years, seedbeds and sites, but there was an underlying trend of decreasing seedbed receptivity with time since scarification. Seedlings originating from the first seeding year were taller at age 7–10 than those originating from the second or third seeding years. Key words: direct seeding, seedbed coverage, seedbed receptivity, scarification, black spruce, Picea mariana
Effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and magnesium fertilizers on growth of a semimature jack pine forest, northwestern Ontario
Authors: Morrison I. K. , Foster N. W.
Published: February 2014

In the spring of 1969, an experiment to test response (mean DBH, BA, BA%, and total and merchantable volume increments) to nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg) fertilizers, singly and in combination, was established in a semimature jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) forest on a Site Class III sandy site in the Dryden-Sioux Lookout area of northwestern Ontario, Canada. Analysis of variance of 10-year increments revealed highly significant (P = 0.01) responses of mean DBH increment, BA and percent BA increments, and total and merchantable volume increments to N, but no response to either P or Mg. An interaction between N and P was noted, however, in relation to BA and to total and merchantable volume increments. The best treatment in terms of total volume increment over that of the control was 151 kg N ha−1 plus 62 kg Mg ha−1, which produced ca. 16 m3 ha−1 of extra wood over 10 years. Key words: forest fertilization, nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium fertilizers, jack pine growth response
Understanding windthrow: Silvicultural implications
Authors: Ruel Jean-Claude
Published: February 2014

Windthrow is a damaging agent that can be of paramount importance in silviculture. Windthrow depends on a number of factors interacting with each other. This paper tries to incorporate windthrow concerns into the silvicultural decision making process by understanding the windthrow process and its interaction with silviculture. The forces involved in the windthrow process are reviewed. The effects of natural factors on these forces are examined and the potential impact of silviculture on these factors is discussed. Some available hazard rating systems are reviewed, trying to underline their applicability in the Eastern Canadian context. Climate affects the severity and frequency of storms. However, wind speed in a particular stand is influenced strongly by local topography. Soil and root characteristics determine the sturdiness of the anchoring system. Many stand-related factors, such as stand height, age, density and stem form, can also exert an influence on the resistance to uprooting. Silviculture can modify the vulnerability to windthrow by acting on these factors. In stands at risk, stripcutting, thinning or the creation of new margins can cause important losses. The impact of stem form also indicates the need for an early control of stand density. Among the hazard rating systems available, the British system seems the most complete but would require some adjustments for use in the Eastern Canadian context. Key words: windthrow, uprooting, blowdown, wind
The importance of insect taxonomy and biosystematics to forestry
Authors: Eidt D. C.
Published: February 2014

Insects constitute the largest single class of animals or plants in an ecosystem in terms of numbers of species. Yet it is not easy for foresters to appreciate the importance of defining an insect species or taxonomic group before its place and importance in a forest ecosystem can be understood. A few examples emphasize this critical point. The most significant of these in the context of the current Canadian emphasis, is that the forest ecosystem cannot be intelligently managed for sustained fibre production and species diversity without a better knowledge of the species and roles of the organisms involved. Key words: insect taxonomy, biosystematics, forest sustainability, forest entomology
Error assessment for a provincial timber inventory
Authors: Gál János , Bella Imre E.
Published: February 2014

In this case study of the Saskatchewan provincial timber inventory, the major sources of errors were identified and suitable procedures presented for their estimation. Applying those procedures on a pilot area, the results showed that sampling error was by far the most important component affecting the accuracy of volume estimates. Variances arising from the use of taper functions to estimate tree volumes were under 0.05%, and variances from 3P subsampling were about 3% of the total variance. A computer simulation experiment showed that a 2% measurement bias in both diameter and height measurements may result in 8% bias in the volume estimate. Key words: 3P sampling, taper functions, error budget
Can nonmarket values be used as indicators of forest sustainability?
Authors: Kooten G. Cornelis van
Published: February 2014

A distinction is made between the economic benefits of recent BC forest policies and their income distributional consequences. Changes in employment and tourism are examples of the latter, while economic surpluses accruing to recreationists and citizens as passive-use values are an important form of economic benefits. Recent controversies about the contingent valuation method for detemining passive-use values are reviewed, as are estimates of the values residents attach to the protection of forest amenities in BC. It is argued that constantly updated estimates of annual nonmarket values can be used as an economic indicator of forest sustainability, to be compared against the sustainable rent from logging operations. Key words: Indicators of economic sustainability in forestry; contingent valuation of forest amenities; recreation benefits and tourism
Clearcutting — a regeneration method in the boreal forest
Authors: Youngblood Andrew , Titus Brian
Published: February 2014

Clearcutting is a method of regenerating an even-aged stand in which a new age class develops in a fully exposed microclimate after a single cutting of all trees in the previous stand. It is a common regeneration method used throughout the boreal forest of North America. The ecological basis for reliance on this method of regenerating forest stands is examined, including considerations for specific tree species, for stands, and increasingly more important, for forest ecosystems. Despite past success and continued reliance on this method of regeneration in the boreal forest, alternative regeneration methods are proving to be equally feasible. Key words: clearcutting, forest regeneration, boreal forest
Forest health in boreal ecosystems of Alaska
Authors: Werner R. A.
Published: February 2014

Deteriorating forest health is causing unprecedented damage to the boreal forests of Alaska. Forest health is a complex issue that must be addressed within the context of ecosystem management and the goal of managing ecosystems for long-term productivity and maintaining ecosystems that will sustain biodiversity and provide desired values, products and uses. Instead of treating symptoms, forests must be managed to be more resistant to pest outbreaks through proper ecosystem management. Forest health can be addressed through short-term tactical approaches and long-term strategies. Management practices must match the ecological capabilities of each site in order to create and maintain healthy forests. This is the focus of ecosystem management. Key words: forest health, boreal forest, ecosystem management
Wood products environmental certification: The United States perspective
Authors: Ozanne Lucie K. , Vlosky Richard P.
Published: February 2014

Consumers are becoming interested in the environmental impacts caused by the production, packaging and disposal of the products they purchase and consume. As a result, environmental certification of forest products and forestry practices, part of the more encompassing green movement, is proliferating globally. In response to these environmental concerns, some environmental organizations, retailers and wood products companies have developed a set of standards for wood products that are intended to encourage consumers to purchase wood originating from certified sustainable forests. These efforts are a response to the perception by the general public that most forest practices involving the harvesting of wood do irreversible damage to the environment Key words: environmental certification, forest products, green marketing, United States
The relationship between leaf area and basal area growth in jack and red pine trees
Authors: Penner Margaret , Deblonde Godelieve
Published: February 2014

Relationships between leaf area and sapwood area, sapwood area and basal area, and leaf area and basal area growth are determined for jack pine and red pine. The relationships vary with species and stand origin. Growth efficiency (basal area growth per unit leaf area) is relatively independent of tree size under all but the densest conditions. Observed changes in the leaf area to leaf mass ratio from July to October indicate that allometric relationships vary seasonally. A procedure is outlined for obtaining estimates of stand leaf area index (LAI). These estimates may be used to calibrate instruments that measure LAI and, subsequently, to predict forest productivity. Key words: leaf area index, basal area, growth efficiency, red pine, jack pine, sapwood area
Sustainable forest management certification: An auditor's perspective
Authors: Hughes Russ
Published: February 2014

The Canadian Standards Association is in the final stages of developing a standard for the certification of a Sustainable Forest Management System. Certification requires an independent third party verification, commonly called an audit, to ensure that all components of the certification standard have been met. Auditors of these systems face a number of challenges, including determining the right mix of technical and auditing skills, developing an audit process that can adapt to changes in science and interpreting performance criteria. Another key issue is choosing the proper balance between systems evaluation and field verification. Key words: forest certification, auditing, sustainable forestry
Variable stocking yield functions for the boreal mixedwood in Ontario
Authors: Payandeh Bijan , Wang Yonghe
Published: February 2014

A measure of utilized site productivity, "basal area index" was recently developed and used to construct variable stocking yield functions and tables for the boreal mixedwood of northcentral Ontario. Data from 197 permanent sample plots supplied by the James River/Marathon Paper Company Ltd. were used. The resulting yield equations compare favourably with previous ones and are more appropriate for the boreal mixedwood. In addition, the basal area index employed has several advantages: 1) it serves as a valid measure of utilized site productivity which is better correlated with the main stand attributes than site index; 2) it produces variable stocking yield tables suitable for uneven-aged mixed species cover types; 3) unlike the site index, the basal area index may be estimated quickly, easily and inexpensively. The basic improvement in mixedwood yield estimation via basal area index should have broad applications for other stand types particularly for the disturbed hardwoods of southern Ontario and those in eastern United States. Key words: Basal area index, site index model, numerical method
Évolution de la régénération après la coupe de peuplements récoltés selon différents procédés d'exploitation
Authors: Pothier David
Published: February 2014

Between 1982 and 1984, 289 sample plots were established on cutovers distributed across the mixed and the boreal forest zones of Québec. Regeneration surveys before and after clearcutting were used to determine the proportion of regeneration destroyed by four different harvesting systems. Moreover, information on the evolution of the regeneration over the medium term was gathered from surveys realized five and ten years following logging. For all stands combined, harvesting resulted in a reduction of 25 to 40% of the stocking of the regeneration. The lowest decrease in stocking was produced by a feller-forwarder that was more efficient to protect regeneration shorter than 50 cm as compared to harvesting systems using cable skidders. Differences between harvesting systems were no longer apparent after the first five-year-period following logging because establishment of new seedlings was observed in most of the sampled cutovers. The ability of balsam fir to establish under a canopy generally caused an increase of its proportion in the new stands as compared to the original stands. The proportion of hardwood species also tended to increase in comparison to the original stand in such a way that some conifer stands would evolve toward mixed stands if no change in stand composition occurred after the first ten-year period following logging. Natural regeneration of jack pine stands after harvesting seems difficult to obtain since these stands have scarce advance regeneration that is partially destroyed during logging operations. Plantation, fill plantation or seeding could be applied in these stands but harvesting methods providing protection for regeneration should be used in the other stands in order to protect advance regeneration and particularly tall individuals. Key words: clearcutting, advance regeneration, harvesting system, cable skidders, feller-forwarder
Certification of sustainable forest management systems: The importance of field verification
Authors: Hughes Russ
Published: February 2014

Certification requires an independent third party verification, commonly called an audit, to ensure that all components of a certification standard have been met. Field visits are an essential element to the Certification audit; however, the degree of field verification during the audit may vary depending on the objectives of the Sustainable Forest Management System. A key issue will be determining the proper balance between systems evaluation and field verification. Field audits establish credibility with the forest manager, the public and customers in addition to providing opportunities for training and public participation.
Use of triadimefon to control white pine blister rust
Authors: Bérubé Jean A.
Published: February 2014

White pine seedlings were treated with triadimefon two weeks prior to natural inoculation with Cronartium ribicola and were observed for two growth seasons. During the second growth season in the greenhouse the incidence of blister rust symptoms was 70.8% for the untreated controls, whereas only 3.8% of the treated seedlings showed symptoms of blister rust. Triadimefon offers effective protection against white pine blister rust infection and would enable the production of bare root seedlings in areas prone to blister rust infection.
Measuring and assessing management of forested landscapes
Authors: Wardoyo W. , Jordan G. A.
Published: February 2014

Forest management assessment is poorly understood and rarely undertaken in practice. In current practice, forest responses to management interventions are not typically monitored and evaluated. Consequently, any sense of objective achievement is lacking. Assessment of forest response is necessary, however, to ensure that forest management efficiently and effectively moves a forest toward a desired objective, by detecting deviation and adjusting management strategy accordingly.This paper proposes a framework for forest management assessment centred on the landscape, or ecosystem, management model. The framework identifies spatial forest structure, i.e. the array, amounts and geographical arrangement of forest conditions, as a basis for setting forest objectives, establishing spatial management strategies, and periodically measuring and assessing forest responses. Periodic measurement of spatial forest structure will be a significant challenge in implementing the assessment framework proposed. The potential of digital satellite imagery and GIS technologies is examined, using a Landsat TM image and the Arc/Info™ and Easi/Pace™ software systems, and found wanting. Key words: forest management, landscape, GIS, satellite imagery
The Fallingsnow Ecosystem Project: Comparing conifer release alternatives in northwestern Ontario
Authors: Lautenschlager R. A. , Bell F. Wayne , Wagner Robert G. , Winters John A.
Published: February 2014

The Fallingsnow Ecosystem Project documents the ecological consequences of alternative conifer release treatments (motor-manual [clearing/brush saw], mechanical [Silvana Selective/Ford Versatile tractor], helicopter-applied herbicides Vision® [a.i. glyphosate], Release® [a.i. triclopyr], and control [no treatment] in young spruce (Picea spp.) plantations. Here a series of papers that quantify the effects of these alternative treatments on major environmental components, as well as their production rates and costs is introduced. In general, one growing season after treatment, untreated plots tended to have consistently larger, more diverse populations of the biotic components examined. Biotic and abiotic changes caused by the cutting treatments were more similar to each other than to those resulting from the herbicide treatments, but statistical differences among treatments were few. Herbicide treatments were the most productive and least costly, and about 60% of the active ingredient was deposited on the target (aspen [Populus tremuloides Michx.]) foliage. Key words: alternative conifer release treatments, brushcutting, clearing saws, ecosystem research, Fallingsnow Ecosystem Project, glyphosate, herbicides, sustainability, tending, triclopyr, vegetation management
Science and Technology Networks in the Canadian Forest Service
Authors: Hall J. Peter
Published: February 2014

The Canadian Forest Service has reorganized its science and technology programs to focus on establishing partnerships and networks, thereby becoming a partner to business, academic institutions, other governments and voluntary organizations to stimulate increased S&T activity. Current policy issues in the forest sector reflect the changing nature of our society and the demands on forests in particular.The CFS has established national networks in the following fields: Effects of Forest Practices, Landscape Management, Climate Change, Fire Management, Socio-Economic Research, Pest Management Methods, Ecosystem Processes, Tree Biotechnology and Advanced Genetics, Biodiversity, and Forest Health.This national network-based approach to deliver its S&T program will allow us to address national and international issues while delivering programs through regional research centres. As the Canadian forest sector competes in world markets, it will have to meet international demands for sustainable forest management. Key words: networks, partnerships, alliances, forest issues
Land claims process and its potential impact on wood supply
Authors: Lee Christopher A. , Symington Phil
Published: February 2014

The settlement of Land Claims in British Columbia could entail the negotiation of forestry interests in many areas of the province. This paper looks at Land Claims settlements in other jurisdictions and at the Nisga'a Agreement in Principle in B.C. to see how these examples have or will affect wood supply in their locations. Other factors, such as timber supply in general, are also considered.
The New Brunswick Tree Improvement Council is 20 years old
Authors: Simpson Dale , Tosh Kathleen
Published: February 2014

Applied breeding programs in New Brunswick have been coordinated for the past 20 years by the New Brunswick Tree Improvement Council. First-generation programs for black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] BSP) and jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) consisted of seedling seed orchards and open-pollinated family tests, in contrast to those of white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench] Voss) and tamarack (Larix laricina [Du Roi] K.Koch), which were clonal seed orchards and control-pollinated progeny tests. Production from the seed orchards has been regular and heavy. In only 15 years, most reforestation stock was being grown from orchard seed. Early results from black spruce and jack pine realized gain tests indicate increases of 12 to 20% in volume growth by using genetically improved seed. This is double the prediction that was made when the program started. Stem straightness of jack pine trees has been improved by 25%. Second-generation programs of black spruce and jack pine are well underway and production from these orchards is steadily increasing. Indications are that gains from using this seed will be substantial. An ongoing research and development program has contributed to a more effective breeding program, has increased seed production, and has given further insights into wood quality. The success of the Council's program is due to excellent participation and team work by government, university and industrial agencies and their long-term commitment. Key words: seed production, tree improvement, black spruce, white spruce, jack pine, tamarack
An empirical exploration of the role of marketing in forestry education
Authors: Paun Dorothy A. , Shook Steven R.
Published: February 2014

Forest products managers indicate that it is important for college graduates to have an understanding of marketing in order to be competitive in the workplace. This research, in part a replication of a study completed 30 years ago, was conducted to elicit information that would be useful to faculty, students, administrators, and managers concerning the current role of marketing in forestry schools. A questionnaire was sent to 443 forestry professors at universities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Two interesting findings include the apparent existence of a misconception about the functions of economics and marketing in forestry education, and, although industry consistently calls for more marketing emphasis in forest products curricula, these results suggest that forestry schools could do much more to meet this need by encouraging and funding forest products marketing programs. Key words: marketing, forest education
Effect of site preparation on the nutrient content of non-crop vegetation in a jack pine clear-cut
Authors: Duchesne Luc C. , Tellier Renée
Published: February 2014

The nutrient (N, P, K, Mg, and Ca) content of the aboveground living non-crop vegetation of a jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) clear-cut in eastern Ontario was investigated for two years after site preparation, which consisted of prescribed burning under different fire intensities and disk trencher scarification. Total plant nutrient content generally followed biomass accumulation with higher levels of plant N, P, Ca, and K in clear-cuts and scarified sites than in burned-over sites. In the first growing season, concentrations of N, P, and K were higher in the vegetation of burned-over plots than in scarified and clear-cut plots. Mg concentrations were greater in burned-over and scarified plots than in the clear-cut plots. Ca concentrations did not differ among the treatments. Concentration of P and K and the total amount of N, P and K in aboveground non-crop vegetation were correlated well with fire intensity at the end of the first growing season whereas only K concentration and quantities were correlated to fire intensity within two years after treatment. Key words: prescribed burning; disk trenching scarification; fire; Pinus banksiana; nutrients
Forest science and technology in Canada: Entering the new millennium
Authors: Winget Carl
Published: February 2014

Recent reviews of government mandates and restructuring of the forest industry are changing roles and responsibilities in forest management in Canada. Companies are increasingly responsible for operational management while federal and provincial governments are focusing more on forest-related policies and regulations, altering in turn the context for forest research.The adoption of sustainable development as a policy framework is forging stronger links among policy makers, operational forest managers and researchers. Collaboration is growing among research organizations, often in partnerships with clients, in spite of a more competitive fiscal environment. The need to bring the relevant expertise to bear on the issues of sustainable forest development is reinforcing interaction among biological scientists, economists and social scientists, often through computerized communications and information exchange.Mechanisms have been established by government to develop a common agenda for forest science and technology by all stakeholders, similar to China's Agenda 21. International agreements such as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Convention on Biological Diversity are exerting increasing influence and demand for additional scientific and technological information.
A diagnostic framework for windthrow risk estimation
Authors: Mitchell S. J.
Published: February 2014

Windthrow impacts are negative if stand or forest level management objectives are compromised. Consideration of the impact of expected damage on management objectives enables mitigative actions to be prescribed where necessary. The level of damage along recent cutblock boundaries from endemic peak winds depends on biophysical and management factors. A diagnostic framework is presented in which windthrow patterns in harvested areas are observed, and site indicators and management regimes are compared with areas proposed for harvesting. Topographic exposure, soils and stand components of biophysical hazard are separately assessed and then integrated. The orientation and placement of the proposed boundaries relative to damaging wind directions is considered and integrated with biophysical hazard to yield an estimate of expected damage. Practitioners are guided through the assessment process by a series of simple diagnostic questions. Key words: windthrow, blowdown, wind damage, hazard assessment, risk assessment
Sustainable forest management certification: The Canadian programme
Authors: Lapointe Gerald
Published: February 2014

In 1994, the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) was asked by a coalition of twenty-three Canadian forest industry associations to undertake development of standards for Sustainable Forest Management (SFM). CSA agreed with the proposal and, for this purpose, formed a Technical Committee with representation from a wide variety of interested parties, including producers, woodlot owners, professionals and scientists, public and environmental groups, and governments. The open process, which was entirely that of CSA, was completed in two years, with the draft standards being approved by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) as National Standards of Canada in September 1996. Verification that the standards have been achieved is accomplished through an independent audit conducted by a Registrar (certifying organization) accredited by the SCC. Certification is voluntary.The Standards framework consists of an environmental management system which is consistent with that of ISO 14001; however, requirements also include a public participation component, field performance measures, and the use of national SFM Criteria and Indicators developed by the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers, which in turn are based on results of the international Montreal process.
Supreme Scooper
Authors: Appleton Tom
Published: February 2014

Canadair's CL-415 amphibious aircraft is arguably the most advanced firefighting waterbomber on the face of the earth. With its high water capacity and advanced performance, it leads the way in rapid initial attack to contain fires.
Juniper dwarf mistletoe, Arceuthobium oxycedri (DC.) M. Bieb, in Balochistan Province, Pakistan
Authors: Ciesla William M. , Mohammed Ghulam , Buzdar A. Hafeez
Published: February 2014

Arceuthobium oxycedri, occurs from central Spain, across southern Europe, North Africa, the Near East, the Himalayas and western China where it infects Juniperus species and other hosts of the family Cupressaceae. In Pakistan, A. oxycedri is presently known from a single location, the Ziarat Forest, an 88,000 ha forest of J. excelsa in northern Balochistan Province where it presently encompasses a more or less contiguous area of approximately 3,500 ha, or about 4% of the total forest area. A. oxycedri occurs over much of the upper headwaters of the Chasnak and the Sasnamana Valleys of the Ziarat Forest. In the infested portions of the Chasnak Valley, an estimated 31.76% of the host trees are infected with a mean area dwarf mistletoe rating (DMR) of 1.53 and an estimated 2.03% annual mortality rate. Nearly 50% of the infected trees have a DMR of 6. By contrast, an estimated 22% of the trees in the Sasnamana Valley are infested with a mean area DMR of 0.52. No recent tree mortality, directly attributable to A. oxycedri, was detected in the Sasnamana Valley and nearly 50% of the infected trees have a DMR of 1. A. oxycedri was also detected in portions of four adjoining drainages. It is estimated that these infestations have been present for at least 25 to 30 years. In two of the drainages, the host tree is widely scattered and there is only a limited potential for tree-to-tree spread. In the remaining two valleys, infestations occur in relatively well stocked forests and there is a high potential for tree-to-tree spread. Key words: Arceuthobium oxycedri, dwarf mistletoe, Juniperus excelsa, Pakistan
A system for estimating height and site index of western hemlock in the interior of British Columbia
Authors: Nigh Gordon D.
Published: February 2014

The focus of recent site productivity research in British Columbia has been to develop height-breast height age, growth intercept, and ecosystem-site index models. These models, together with a years-to-breast-height model, form a system for estimating site index and height. This system is described for western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.) in the interior of British Columbia. Forty-four western hemlock stem analysis plots were used in the construction of this system. As there are three models for estimating site index, the appropriate model for a given stand depends largely on the stand condition and the precision of the models. A graph of model precision against breast height age gives some assistance in deciding which model should be used to estimate site index. Key words: western hemlock, site index, height-age model, growth intercept model, years-to-breast-height model, ecosystem-site index model, model precision
Canada's oldest permanent sample plots — thinning in white and red pine
Authors: Burgess Darwin , Robinson Craig
Published: February 2014

Two of the oldest permanent sample plots (PSPs) in Canada were set up at Petawawa, Ontario (45° 57′ N, 77° 34′ W) to examine the effect of thinning on the development of natural white (Pinus strobus L.) and red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait). Field data were collected periodically, starting in 1918 when the stand was 40 years old and continuing for 71 years. Six thinning treatments were completed, beginning in 1918, and then in 1933, 1941, 1959, 1969 and 1989. The intensity of thinning varied through time with 14, 27, 38, 8, 30, and 7% of the basal area removed. The sawlog volume mean annual increment for the thinned plot remained stable at about five m3 ha−1 yr−1, but the sawlog volume periodic annual increment for the control declined markedly during the last 10-year measurement period to less than 2 m3 ha−1 yr−1. The residual volume was higher in the control; but, if the harvested sawlog volume (264.5 m3 ha−1) was added to the residual sawlog volume (301.3 m3 ha−1) for PSP one, then the sawlog production on the thinned plot has been about the same and its residual volume concentrated on fewer, larger and more valuable trees. The level of natural mortality in the control plot (129.7 m3 ha−1 of sawlog volume) was greater than 10 times that in the thinned plot, thereby adding more coarse woody debris to improve wildlife habitat. These two approaches had a major influence on stand development. The approach used will depend on specific stand-level management objectives. Key words: white pine, red pine, natural stand management, shelterwood system, permanent sample plots.
Silvicultural contracting in British Columbia
Authors: Wang Sen , Wilson Bill , Kooten G. C. van
Published: February 2014

Over the past eight decades, British Columbia's silvicultural programs have gone through three stages: initiation, establishment and development. For a long time, silviculture was a minor activity associated with timber harvesting, and the formation of silviculture as a distinct sector did not take place until the late 1960s. Shifts in societal values and changes in public expectations concerning forest management contributed to changes in B.C.'s forestry institutions that, in turn, altered the structure of silviculture programs. Especially since the 1980s, expansion in the scope and scale of silvicultural activities transformed contractual relationships. This paper profiles the contractual structure of B.C.'s silviculture sector. Results of a survey of contractors indicate that seed orchards, forest nurseries and companies holding timber tenures on public land economize on transaction costs by choosing appropriate organizational and contractual forms in accordance with identifiable attributes of silvicultural activities and firms' characteristics. Key words: silviculture, contractual forms, transaction cost, payment schemes
Market potential for certified forest (wood) products in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Spinazze Maria C. , Kant Shashi
Published: February 2014

This study, conducted in the fall of 1997, documents: i) consumer perceptions regarding environmental marketing; ii) consumer willingness to purchase certified forest (wood) products and to pay a premium for such products; iii) variations in premium across products and prices; and, iv) levels of awareness and acceptance of certification within the forest industry. Analysis indicates that Ontario consumers are environmentally conscious. The mean response of consumers indicates that they are willing to pay a 10% premium for nearly all certified products. In some cases, premium varies with the price of certified products; low-price furniture items command a higher premium than do high-price furniture products. Approximately 90% of consumers prefer to purchase certified furniture and lumber products over non-certified, and 73% of consumers prefer to purchase recycled paper products over certified paper products. Generally, awareness and acceptance of certification among primary producers and re- manufacturers are low. Only 39% of respondents indicate a willingness to pay a 10% premium for certified products, but almost all respondents are willing to purchase certified forest products if all other aspects, such as price and quality, are equal. Separation of certified and non-certified wood and wood products may pose a problem for many companies. Key words: forest certification premium, green premium, market segmentation, niche markets
Stand growth model calibration for use in forest pest impact assessment
Authors: Erdle Thom A. , MacLean David A.
Published: February 2014

Quantitative assessment of forest pest impacts is an important element in design of forest and pest management programs. Such assessment requires forecasts of pest populations, definition of the nature and extent of damage inflicted on trees by those populations, and translation of the damage effects across scales, from the tree to the stand to the forest. Central to this process are stand development forecasts which embody tree-level impacts of damage and which provide input to forest-level models. We discuss the role of stand growth forecasting in this context and propose a method for calibrating stand growth models that can be used to incorporate the effects of pest damage on tree and stand development. This calibration methodology is demonstrated for spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana Clem.) effects on spruce (Picea sp.) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) stands using permanent sample plot data acquired in New Brunswick over the past 20 years. The results showed linear relationships between tree diameter growth loss and cumulative defoliation, and non-linear relationships between reduced survival and cumulative defoliation. Growth loss relationships were similar for the species considered, while reduced survival relationships varied between species and age classes. Using these relationships as input to the STAMAN stand growth model, forecasts were made and compared against empirical studies of stand development under defoliation during spruce budworm outbreaks. The results suggest that reasonable approximations of stand response to pest incidence can be generated with relatively simple models and data sets. Judicious use of stand growth forecasts generated by such methods can help serve the needs of forest and pest management strategy design. Key words: spruce budworm, defoliation, stand growth model, stand development, growth loss, mortality
Forest management: A dynamic evolving profession
Authors: Fedkiw John , Cayford James H.
Published: February 2014

This paper addresses the long-term evolving nature of forest management as reflected in Managing Multiple Uses on National Forests, 1905–1995, a new book, and recently published perspectives on Canadian forest management. It elaborates new understandings about the nature of forest management on public lands and proposes a new definition. It identifies forest management as a continuous, unending learning experience, and explains how it has been on the Pathway toward a fully holistic ecological approach from the beginning. It closes on the current dilemma in Canada and the USA – the lack of agreement among the public about the desirable use and management of their forests. Key words: management learning experience, ecosystem approach, sustainable forest management, public forest use dilemma
Fundy Model Forest: Partners in sustainable forest management
Authors: MacLean David A. , Etheridge Peter , Pelham Joe , Emrich Walter
Published: February 2014

Scenario planning was used to develop a consensus-based, multi-stakeholder management planning process for a 114 000 ha land base in New Brunswick, Canada. This is part of the Fundy Model Forest, which involves four major landowner groups, along with 26 other Partnership organizations. Public consultation and Partnership input were used to define 25 scenarios, determining effects of alternative means of riparian strip management, road construction, vegetation and insect control, harvesting, maintenance of biodiversity, and plantation establishment. The Woodstock forest modelling software was used to determine effects of each scenario on timber supply, forest structure, measures of biodiversity and ecological integrity, areas of mature forest, and wildlife habitat. In a series of workshops, the Partners were successful in reaching consensus on a Fundy Model Forest "preferred" management scenario, which was conveyed to the land managers for implementation. Development of the management planning process and the use of scenario planning procedures in the Fundy Model Forest are described. Key words: scenario planning, sustainable forest management, Fundy Model Forest, timber supply, biodiversity
The American elm and Dutch elm disease
Authors: Hubbes M.
Published: February 2014

Shortly after World War I, a new disease previously unknown among elms emerged in Holland. It spread rapidly from Europe to Great Britain (1927), United States (1930), and Canada (1945), killing millions of elms. The disease known, as Dutch elm disease (DED) is a wilt disease, caused by the fungus Ophiostoma ulmi. It is transmitted from tree to tree by elm bark beetles (scolytid) vectors. Numerous attempts to control the disease have concentrated on the reduction of insect vector populations, exploitation of natural host resistance, extensive application of fungicides and integrated pest management. In spite of these efforts in Canada, the disease continues to migrate westwards threatening the elm populations in Saskatchewan and Alberta. Today there are approximately 700 000 elm shade trees in cities and towns across Canada and their value exceeds $2.5 billion dollars.With the advance of molecular biology new, powerful tools are now available to study, in greater detail, the molecular and biochemical mechanisms of the DED pathogen, with particular reference to the mechanisms that induce host defenses. A glycoprotein has been isolated and identified such that when injected either in liquid or pellet form into the elm tree, significantly reduced the wilting symptoms of both five-year old elm seedlings and 10 cm diameter trees. The elicitor induces a chain of defensive reactions that prevent the rapid spread of the fungus within the vascular system of the host. Key words: Ophiostoma ulmi, elm bark beetle vectors, induced resistance, chemical control, RFLP, mitochondrial DNA, ribosomal DNA, virus-like DNA, resistance breeding
Long-term interdisciplinary research on the Goosenest Adaptive Management Area, Klamath National Forest, California
Authors: Ritchie M. W. , Harcksen K. A.
Published: February 2014

The Goosenest Adaptive Management Area (AMA) was established on the Klamath National Forest in northern California in 1994. The AMA was created to encourage development and testing of management strategies so as to improve the planning and implementation of management activities on the National Forest. A primary objective for the Goosenest AMA is to evaluate the extent to which different silvicultural treatments (specifically tree harvesting and prescribed fire) can accelerate development of late-successional forest attributes in mixed stands of ponderosa pine and white fir. A long-term research project was initiated to evaluate changes in response to a suite of treatments. Treatments include two different thinning regimes, prescribed fire, and a control. Treatments are applied to 40 ha units and are each replicated five times. Interdisciplinary research is facilitated by a permanently monumented data reference system. Within each treatment unit, permanent reference points are established on a 100-meter grid with accuracy to 15 cm. In addition to monitoring vegetative changes over time, researchers are also monitoring response of passerine birds and small mammals to the treatments. Key words: interior ponderosa pine, white fir, thinning, prescribed fire