bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating the timing of maximum pollen release from jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) in northern Ontario
Authors: Di-Giovanni F. , Kevan P. G. , Caron G.-É.
Published: February 2014

A practical heat sum method was validated for estimating the date of maximal pollen release of jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) in northern Ontario. The base temperature and start date that minimized differences between estimated and observed maximum pollen release dates were sought. Heat sums were calculated for all data sets (n = 26) for a range of base temperatures (1 to 20 °C) and start dates (January 1 to maximum pollen release). The best combination was a start date at Julian day 107 and base temperature at 4 °C. The heat sum to maximum pollen release was 288.58 degree days and the average difference between estimated and observed was 2.75 days. Recommendations for operational testing are made. Key words: heat sum, phenology, Piuns banksiana Lamb., temperature, pollen, dehiscence, contamination, seed orchard
Variable stocking version of Plonski's yield tables formulated
Authors: Payandeh Bijan , Wang Yonghe
Published: February 2014

Plonski's yield tables have been used extensively in forest management, economic evaluation, and as a basis for management planning in Ontario. However, because these tables are based on site classes, they are not directly applicable to uneven-aged mixed-wood cover types. A four-parameter nonlinear model was employed to express various stand attributes as a function of stand age and recently developed basal area indices for the major species in Ontario. The resulting variable stocking yield functions will be applicable to even-aged stands as well as the boreal mixedwood. Basal area index proved superior to site index for estimating both merchantable basal area and volume for the James River/Marathon data set representing boreal mixed from Northcentral Ontario. In addition, stand basal area index may be determined easily and inexpensively via horizontal point sampling or prism cruising. Key word: Basal area index, sigmoidal growth curve, variable stocking
Forest management certification — Objectives, international background and the Canadian program
Authors: Rotherham Tony
Published: February 2014

Increasing demand for forest products and other forest benefits, coupled with widespread public concern about the management of diminishing forest resources are leading governments to move in the direction of a convention on forests, and the private sector to consider the benefits of sustainable forest management certification. Canada is developing a national standard based on ISO 14001 EMS. Several countries support the development of an internationally applicable standard through ISO.
Forests of the Menominee — a commitment to sustainable forestry
Authors: Burgess Darwin
Published: February 2014

Menominee Tribal Enterprises (MTE Ltd., Keshena, WI) forest products were certified as sustainably managed in 1992 in recognition of their past performance and commitment to sustained-yield, community based forestry. Their forestry operations are planned and coordinated at the Menominee Forestry Center and represent the cooperative efforts of three agencies: (1) Menominee Tribal Enterprises, (2) Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and (3) the Bureau of Indian Affairs. After 140 years of harvesting, about 63% of the productive forest land (55,850 ha) within the Menominee reservation is thought to be fully stocked today and includes many impressive stands of large white pine, sugar maple and red oak. In October 1995, Menominee foresters organized a tour of the Reservation forests and explained their forest management practices. In this paper, some highlights of what was observed and learned during the tour are described, including the Menominee's approach to forest management and their main forest management activities. Key words: Menominee, partial cutting, forest sustainability, forest certification
Mortality of the white pine weevil associated with silvicultural practices in jack pine plantations
Authors: Bellocq M. Isabel , Smith Sandy M.
Published: February 2014

A synthesis of white pine weevil (Pissodes strobi Peck) mortality caused by predation (insects, birds, and mammalian predators), crowding of pupae, and abiotic factors, acting under different stand conditions given by the type of reforestation, depth of the duff, distance from woody debris, and presence of competing vegetation is presented, based on a four-year study conducted in northeastern Ontario. The type of reforestation (planted vs. aerial seeding) did not influence mortality to immature weevils in the leaders from either bird predation, insect predators and parasitoids or crowding of pupae, but 16% more weevils died during winter in a planted than in a seeded stand suggesting that there was an effect of site condition or small mammal predation on overwintering adults in the duff. Over all conditions, overwintering mortality averaged 76-92% with small mammal predation representing about 5-13%. Site conditions which augmented small mammal populations and predation, such as proximity to woody debris and presence of competing vegetation, had no effect on overwintering mortality of the weevils. The most important factor influencing overwintering mortality was likely the depth of duff where an inverse relationship was observed between mortality and depth. Forest managers should address conditions of duff depth and small mammal predation to increase the already significant overwintering mortality of adult weevils in young jack pine stands. Key words: Pissodes strobi, silvicultural treatments, planted and seeded stands, competing vegetation, duff layers, small mammal predation, overwintering mortality
Setting priorities for conservation of the conifer genetic resources of British Columbia
Authors: Yanchuk Alvin D. , Lester Donald T.
Published: February 2014

Gene conservation of native conifer species in British Columbia is considered necessary primarily to safeguard the future evolutionary potential of species to climate change, new biotic challenges and for commercial genetic improvement programs. The tactical options include: (i) maintaining existing protected areas, (ii) creating new reserves for in situ management, and (iii) ex situ collections of various types.A two-part strategy is presented, with emphasis on technical justifications, for the conservation of conifer tree genetic resources of 23 British Columbia species. Part I is a survey of the frequency of each species in current land reserves in BC. Part II outlines an approach that will aid in setting priorities for additional gene conservation activities for specific species. This process attempts to use information on: (i) levels of in situ protection, (ii) the status of each species in current provenance research and breeding programs, and (iii) the relative capabilities for natural regeneration for each species.Representation of the 23 native conifer species in the current network of protected areas is generally complete. For instance, western hemlock is under little threat, as extensive ex situ collections are in field tests; it is well protected in the current reserve network, and it has a great capacity for natural regeneration. At the other extreme, whitebark pine has no ex situ collections made to date, needs additional protection in some ecoregions of the province, and generally has poor natural regeneration potential. While implementation of our strategy will be an ongoing process (i.e. updating information from both new and old in situ reserves, and setting new priorities among species), several immediate issues have been noted. These include; (i) follow-up work in the area of population sampling for ex situ collections, (ii) "ground truthing" of current reserves where data are weak, and (iii) examining the merit of certain populations not located in BC (as they could be as important as those currently protected in BC).For the future, various broad management questions will need to be resolved, such as: (i) whether existing reserves will perpetuate the various gene pools, and what management will be appropriate for such areas, (ii) the impact of pollen migration from genetically improved production stands on reserve stands, and (iii) the role of commercially improved stands and the breeding populations themselves to meet gene conservation objectives. Key words: gene conservation, native conifers, British Columbia, tree genetics
Clonal variation in cone and seed production in black and white spruce seed orchards and management implications
Authors: Adams Gregory W. , Kunze Hartmut A.
Published: February 2014

Variation in cone and seed production across a range of clones in black and white spruce seed orchards was investigated in 1994. The purpose was to develop production information to be used with knowledge of orchard management practices to capture genetic gain more efficiently and improve clonal balance in orchard seedlots. Bulk cone collections were made from ten randomly selected trees for each of 48 clones and 60 clones of white spruce and black spruce, respectively. The average number of cones tree−1 was determined for each clone. Seeds were extracted and average seeds tree−1, seeds cone−1 and seeds g−1 were determined for each clone. Clones were ranked by cone and seed production and significant variation existed between the two ranks. For white spruce, a strong positive correlation was found between number of cones tree−1 and number of seeds, but the same was not found for black spruce, largely because some of the heaviest cone bearing clones produced lower amounts of sound seed. For both species, clones which produced more cones tree−1 tended to produce fewer seeds per cone and the seed was smaller than clones with more moderate levels of cone production. Clonal balance in cone and seed production is discussed with respect to practical orchard management options. Key words: clonal variation, cone and seed production, seed orchard, black spruce, white spruce
The biology and management of coniferous forest seeds: Genetic perspectives
Authors: Edwards D. G. W. , El-Kassaby Y. A.
Published: February 2014

The biological impact of forest tree reproductive processes and the extent of management practices of seed orchards and nurseries on the genetic representation of new forests, are discussed in a holistic fashion. All the steps in tree reproduction, their timing and duration, and how seeds are used to produce new plants for artificial regeneration, especially in containerized nurseries, are intimately related, cumulative, and bear directly on the genetic composition of the seedling crop. These processes and their interactions need to be more fully understood to maximize genetic gain, and for the sustainability of genetic diversity. Key words: reproductive processes, seed biology, germination, seedling production, container nursery, genetic diversity, genetic gain
REGEN: A program for reporting on forest regeneration
Authors: Haddon Brian , Sauvageau François , Wang Erik
Published: February 2014

REGEN was developed by the National Forestry Database Program to report on forest regeneration activities and conditions on harvested lands. The underlying conceptual model clearly identifies the linkage between treatments (harvesting and silvicultural activities) and regeneration status, and characterizes the transitional nature of regeneration. The approach allows for the incorporation of updated information on the status of regenerating conditions as it becomes available from re-inventories and periodic assessments. Regeneration condition is described in terms of nine status classes which relate to the levels of stocking of commercial species and the degree of competition. These classes were designed to accommodate the variation in standards which occurs among jurisdictions. Five simplified regeneration classes are used for public reporting purposes. Key words: status of forest regeneration, harvesting, silvicultural activities
Sustainability in the crucible of competing demands
Authors: Pedersen Larry
Published: February 2014

The need to integrate the conservation of biological diversity with social and economic goals is one of the world's most important challenges today. British Columbia's large area and variety of terrains and climates support extensive and diverse forest ecosystems. Historically, the harvesting of timber for forest products has been a primary factor in developing BC's social services and infrastructure. While forest products remain highly important to BC's economy, in recent decades increased environmental awareness has also brought a higher recognition of the richness of BC's biological legacy. Today, BC's forests must be managed sustainably to meet a wide range of management objectives and public demands. The necessary transition in management, which is still underway, has involved extensive public input and significant actions by government. These actions include the development of initiatives designed to conserve biodiversity through land-use planning—which identifies areas for protection and for harvesting—and through the legislated regulation of forest practices in areas suitable for harvesting. All the demands on the land base, and the capability of the land to meet various combinations of these demands, must be considered in determining allowable annual timber harvests.BC has made considerable progress in ensuring sustainability in forest management, but recognizes the evolutionary nature of this management and the inevitability of further change.
A review of structural changes in North American consumption of softwood lumber: Past, present and future
Authors: Cohen David H.
Published: February 2014

A study of end use of softwood lumber consumption in Canada and the United States indicated that there was little difference among existing published information. Analysis of methodology by publication indicates that published information is most likely accurate. End use categories consisted of the following four sectors in descending order of quantity consumed: residential construction, repair and remodeling, non-residential construction and other. Each area is discussed in terms of past, current and future use trends. In addition major trends in both how lumber is consumed and distributed are discussed briefly. Key words: lumber, consumption, distribution, repair and remodeling
Effects of alternative conifer release treatments on terrestrial gastropods in northwestern Ontario
Authors: Hawkins J. W. , Lankester M. W. , Lautenschlager R. A. , Bell F. W.
Published: February 2014

Changes in terrestrial gastropod species richness and density in regenerating spruce plantations following application of four conifer release treatments including two chemical herbicides (Vision® [a.i. glyphosate] and Release® [a.i. triclopyr]), cutting by mechanical means (Silvana Selective/Ford Versatile), and motor-manual cutting with brush saws are discussed. Mean gastropod density increased to a maximum of 21 m−2 over the summer of 1993 (pre-treatment) when a total of 27,396 gastropods were collected but remained fairly stable at about 10 m−2 throughout the summer of 1994 (post-treatment) when only 20,199 were collected. This difference between years was not related to the conifer release treatments, since gastropod densities on both treated and control areas were lower in 1994. The decline in 1994 was probably due to decreased population size and detectability because of less rainfall. The lack of difference following treatments was attributed to rapid re-establishment of the herbaceous layer which probably continued to provide favourable conditions for snails and slugs.Gastropod density was higher in a nine-year-old regenerating spruce plantation (15.5 ± 1.3 m−2) than in a 70-year-old mixedwood forest (9.4 ± 0.6 m−2) and species richness was also slightly greater (20 spp. vs. 18 spp.) in the plantation. These differences were attributed to the more abundant near-ground vegetation and the greater amount of deciduous litter characterizing the regenerating plantation. Key words: clearcutting, terrestrial gastropods, snails, slugs, conifer release, Fallingsnow Ecosystem Project, herbicides, spruce plantations, vegetation
Towards a tenure policy framework for sustainable forest management in Canada
Authors: Luckert Martin K.
Published: February 2014

Sustainable forest management may be considered an evolutionary step beyond sustained yield management. Although objectives related to sustainable forest management are common in Canada, policy means of achieving these objectives are rarely spelled out. Currently, forest tenure policies are dominated by concepts associated with sustained yield that may preclude the realization of sustainable forest management objectives. This paper identifies how tenure policies based on sustained yield concepts of allowable annual cuts could change in order to address a more holistic view of forests associated with sustainable forest management. Key words: forest tenure; forest policy; sustained yield; sustainable development; forest management; allowable annual cuts
Leadership and governance in world forestry: A discussion paper
Authors: Roberts Ralph W. , Nagle George S.
Published: February 2014

Is improved world leadership in forestry feasible and is it imminent? The way UN international forest institutions are governed has a profound effect on their performance. The availability of resources and the responsiveness to sector issues in developing appropriate and coherent policies and programs are defining features of the quality of leadership. By any measure, funding and human resources are in extremely short supply among a fractionated and scattered number of small and relatively ineffective UN international forest institutions. A critical objective of institutional reform will be to enhance the effective representation of ministers responsible for forests (and not surrogates from agriculture, trade or environment ministries), the commercial private sector and representative citizen groups. Three options are explored for institutional reform with particular emphasis on the third.The first would be a minimalist approach. It would see the creation of a World Forest Programme in association with FAO similar to the World Food Programme. The second option to creating a new governance structure for more direct representation of forest interests would lead to the creation of a new UN "Forest Council" of ministers responsible for forests apart from FAO and other UN forest agencies that would guide international forest policy dialogue. A third option would result in the creation of a "hybrid" institution, the Global Alliance for Forests and Sustainable Development (GLOBALFOR), which would be established out-side the UN but could be more successful than other options in building a sound and modern governance structure among all interested parties, including governments, industry and NGOs that is open, inclusive and participatory.Institutional reform of international forest institutions is important and urgent and demands the attention of UN reformers and independent assessors. Reform could result in fewer institutions at lower cost and increased resources for more effective global forest related activity.
A method for enhancing tree species proportions from aerial photos
Authors: Magnussen Steen
Published: February 2014

Data on tree species richness of forests are needed for sustainable management. Photo interpreted data is a mainstay of forest inventories in Canada but is known to simplify the species composition of stands in accordance with the objective of providing stand descriptors. Species proportions estimated from aerial photos will often deviate significantly from ground based sample estimates. More tree species are usually found in the latter. To enhance photo-interpreted species proportions to better match ground observations this study proposes a cross-correlation memory matrix model as the most promising approach to a notoriously difficult problem. Ground and photo data from 246 stands in three sites in coastal BC were used for model estimation and validation. Enhanced photo-based tree species proportions were, in most stands, closer to the ground estimates than the raw estimates. Changes in species proportions due to enhancement appeared reasonable when considering the actual species mix and stand structures. Two popular indices of species richness derived from photo proportions were biased downward. The proposed method effectively reduced the bias in one index. The model is easy to implement in operational inventories. Key words: photo interpretation, tree species proportions, forest inventories, matrix model
Succession forestière après feu dans la sapinière à bouleau jaune du Bas-Saint-Laurent, Québec
Authors: Archambault Louis , Morissette Jacques , Bernier-Cardou Michèle
Published: February 2014

Forest successions following a forest fire that occurred in 1932 were studied on mesic sites of the boreal mixedwood forest of the Bas-Saint-Laurent region of Quebec, Canada. Physiographic, soil and vegetation data were collected in 28 ecosystems distributed on a topographic gradient. The vegetation composition of the main canopy, 64 years after the fire, varied according to topographic situation. The proportion of tolerant hardwood species (yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britton), sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.), red maple (Acer rubrum L.)) increased toward upper slopes whereas it was the opposite for coniferous species (white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench] Voss), balsam fir (Abies balsamea [L.] Mill.)), as their proportion increased toward lower slopes. Intolerant hardwood species (white birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.), trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.)) were abundant in all ecosystems. The distribution pattern of regeneration density and stocking of tolerant hardwoods and conifers was similar to that of the main canopy. The majority of commercial species, including tolerant species, established rapidly after the fire. Only eastern white cedar (Thuya occidentalis L.), which is a species typical of late succession, did not grow back. Ten years after the fire, 78% of the sampled dominant trees were established. Competition caused by mountain maple (Acer spicatum Lam.) did not seem to be as important after fire compared with the situation after clearcutting. Results showed that after the elimination of intolerant species, the vegetation composition should evolve toward the potential vegetation (climax) of the toposequence, that is, the sugar maple - yellow birch type on upper slopes, the balsam fir - yellow birch type on midslopes and the balsam fir - yellow birch - cedar type on lower slopes. Key words: succession, fire, yellow birch, balsam fir, mountain maple.
Ontario's provincial parks and protected areas: Challenges and opportunities in ensuring ecological integrity and representation
Authors: Ellis Lara
Published: February 2014

Among the actions needed to conserve biodiversity in Ontario is the completion of a network of protected areas. The Ontario Government committed to completing Ontario's protected areas network in order to conserve biodiversity in 1989. The provincial government announced, in February 1997, a land-use planning process that "will be used for making decisions on natural heritage protection" (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources 1997). A framework and action plan on protected areas was publicly released by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) after this announcement. This document and a recent gap analysis report employing the program's methodology indicate that the approach being taken by OMNR in terms of protecting representative areas may fall short of the criteria put forth by World Wildlife Fund Canada, the Wildlands League, and other Endangered Spaces Campaign partners. Key words: Biodiversity, park management, Ontario, natural heritage protection
Black spruce growth and foliar nutrient responses to drainage and fertilization: Wally Creek, Ontario
Authors: McLaren Brian E. , Jeglum John K.
Published: February 2014

We report tenth-year growth and yield improvements in the Wally Creek area, an experimental, systematic drainage project established in 1984 and fertilized in 1986, in a forested Ontario peatland. We analyzed and compared results for dominant–codominant and intermediate black spruce in two site types. Response of trees to NPK-fertilization was more immediate than to drainage. Response to drainage took about five to seven years, whereas response to fertilization occurred earlier, from three to five years. Some indication of an asymmetric response, with larger trees experiencing higher growth increases, was observed for the OG 11 (Ledum) site type, while yield increases were potentially higher in the OG 12 (Alnus herb-poor) site type. Drainage was most effective in combination with fertilization. Consistent for both site types were increases in phosphorus associated with fertilization. The Wally Creek project is a benchmark in the analysis of growth and yield response from intensive peatland silviculture. Key words: black spruce, drainage, fertilization, foliar analysis, growth response, growth and yield, Lake Abitibi Model Forest, Ontario, stem analysis
The status and potential of using controlled parentage in operational reforestation in New Brunswick
Authors: Adams G. W. , Tosh K. J.
Published: February 2014

Tree improvement programs began in New Brunswick in the 1970s, and, by the early 1990s, most of the seed used in reforestation was from seed orchards. Initial research such as fertilizer trials and other flower induction methods focussed on increasing seed orchard yields. Trials have also been established to investigate parental contribution to seed orchard production. As the New Brunswick Tree Improvement Council breeding programs advance into the second generation, two new approaches have been developed to capture genetic gain more efficiently. The use of controlled breeding followed by vegetative multiplication of black spruce has been adopted operationally by J.D. Irving, Limited, and a jack pine meadow orchard has been established by the New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources and Energy. This paper presents an overview of these programs and the future challenges of using controlled parentage in operational reforestation stock production.
From flowering to artificial pollination in larch for breeding and seed orchard production
Authors: Bonnet-Masimbert M. , Pâques L. E. , Baldet P. , Philippe G.
Published: February 2014

In larches, breeding and production of improved seeds in seed orchards are difficult because of the particular reproductive biology of these species. This paper presents original technological developments, particularly from CEMAGREF and INRA in France, in the field of flowering induction, mechanized pollen harvesting, controlled crosses for breeding and supplemental mass pollination in seed orchards. Problems related to pollen drying and testing are also discussed briefly.
Selection of vertebrate wildlife indicators for monitoring sustainable forest management in Ontario
Authors: McLaren Margaret A. , Thompson Ian D. , Baker James A.
Published: February 2014

Part of a recently advocated method of sustainable forest development employs indicator species as fine filters to assess changes within ecosystems and landscapes. We used a series of criteria based on biology, sampling methods, and legal or particular status to select vertebrate indicator species for the province of Ontario. The criteria for selection were applied in a hierarchical manner, with species ecology given primary importance, followed by sampling considerations, and status criteria. The latter represented certain societal weightings and political or featured management concerns. Species fitting the selection criteria were placed in a four-dimensional matrix (with axes: broad habitat type, age class, trophic level, and spatial scale), and species were then chosen from among the matrix cells. The exercise reduced the total vertebrate species in two forest biomes (Boreal and Great-Lakes St. Lawrence) to a relative few, from which the final choices were made primarily based on expert opinion. In Ontario, the species selected as indicators of biological diversity will be used to test the underlying general hypothesis that forest management has no effect on species richness and species abundance, or the distribution of species in time and space.
Community forestry, Italian style: The Magnifica Comunità di Fiemme
Authors: Duinker Peter N. , Pulkki Reino E.
Published: February 2014

In June 1997, we visited the Magnifica Comunità di Fiemme (MCF), a community forest in the Alps of northern Italy. We have prepared this article to help broaden the perspectives of Forestry Chronicle readers on community forests and what they mean in various parts of the world. We first describe the area and its forests, and then give a brief history of the MCF. Then we review the forest-management strategies used in this Norway spruce forest, and summarize the logging and wood-processing activities of the enterprise. We continue with a comparison of this community forest with three community forests in Canada, concluding that generalization on what makes a community forest successful is dangerous — each situation is unique. Finally, given that the MCF recently won permission to use the eco-label of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), we discuss our perceptions of how the MCF operation does and does not meet the FSC's Principles and Criteria of Forest Stewardship. Despite several shortcomings, we believe that the MCF is in most respects a sound example of sustainable forest management.
BOREAL: A tactical planning system for forest ecosystem management
Authors: Puttock G. D. , Timossi I. , Davis L. S.
Published: February 2014

BOREAL is a tactical planning system designed to aid forest managers in developing site-specific management schedules consistent with planning objectives and environmental standards. The system projects outcomes of management alternatives in terms of future forest conditions and forest products and displays results in tabular, graphic, and map formats. The application of the system in a tactical management planning situation is demonstrated with an example of the interactions between timber production and moose (Alces alces L.) habitat for a 5,000 ha area in Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario. The system is flexible and can be adapted to a variety of forest planning scenarios such as integrated timber production and habitat management, conservation of old growth forests, and protection of significant forest ecosystems. Key words: Algonquin Park, geographic information system, linear programming, management planning, moose, timber supply, wildlife habitat
Mounding in the Sub-boreal Spruce Zone of west-central British Columbia: 8-year results
Authors: Macadam A. , Bedford L.
Published: February 2014

Results are presented from two site preparation trials involving mounding on a moist to wet site with a medium soil nutrient regime (5–6/C) located in a lower slope to toe of slope position and on a near-level area upslope from the first site with medium soil moisture and nutrient regimes (4/C). Both trials compared the performance of long-rooted hybrid white spruce (Picea glauca × P. engelmannii [Parry ex Engelm.]) (Sxw) container stock (PSB 323) to that of a standard-sized stock (PSB 313) planted in inverted mounds and untreated spots. The trial on the first site also tested the effectiveness of two mound capping depths and of planting the 313 stock to two different depths in mounded spots. After eight seasons, there were no significant differences between 313s and 323s in terms of height growth or proportions of free growing trees. Although diameter growth was significantly greater among 323s in mounds compared to 313s this relatively small difference is unlikely to justify the higher cost of the larger stock. Height and diameter growth among 313s were 17 and 22% greater, respectively, for trees planted in mounds with 20 cm of capping compared to 12 cm of capping. Deep-planting in mounds consistently resulted in slight increases in height growth and survival relative to planting to the standard depth, though differences were not statistically significant Rates of growth were substantially greater among trees planted in mounds compared with those in untreated spots.The greatest relative differences were noted on the first site where height growth among 313s was 43 to 74% greater in mounded treatments depending on planting depth and capping thickness, with similar improvements in diameter growth. Key words: Site preparation, mounding
Challenges in the private forest sector of Canada
Authors: Paillé Gilbert G.
Published: February 2014

The author describes what he sees as the five biggest challenges facing stakeholders of the Canadian forest sector at the beginning of the XXI century. The first is building strong political support for forest development through information and education at a time when public opinion is opposing it; the second is prioritizing the development of private forests by reversing the northerly direction historically followed by forest activities in Canada; the third is defining sustainable forest development and implementing it on a stable land base, following sound forest practices codes and certification standards, with full public involvement; the fourth is convincing forest land owners to invest more attention, time, effort and even money in growing more wood and offering more services on their properties in order to fulfill an increasing demand; and the last challenge is convincing all levels of government to each support their share of the forest activities to ensure a sustained flow of benefits to forest land owners, industrial shareholders, and society as a whole.
The significance of air pollution in sugar maple decline
Authors: Bell Rachael L. , Graham Andrea K. , Roy D. N.
Published: February 2014

Sugar maple decline has been a prominent issue since the late 1970s, when large areas of Quebec and Ontario were affected by this phenomenon. Links have been established between decline and insect damage, airborne heavy metals and acidic pollutants, and drought. Research has also indicated that global warming and resulting climactic changes may also cause decline. The phenomenon can be partially alleviated by proper management of sugar bushes. Although sugar maple decline has been on the wane over recent years, it may pose a serious problem in the future. Key words: maple decline, pollution, acid rain, global warming, economy, prevention.
Status of the European race of Scleroderris canker in Canada
Authors: Laflamme G. , Hopkin A. A. , Harrison K. J.
Published: February 2014

The European (EU) race of Gremmeniella abietina (Lagerb.) Morelet, the causal agent of scleroderris canker of conifers, is a damaging pathogen in pine forests. In North America, this disease is found in the northeastern United States and in eastern Canada. Results from surveys conducted across Canada since 1979 are updating us on where this disease is found. In Newfoundland, only the EU race has been recorded and it is restricted to the Avalon Peninsula Contrary to earlier reports in the Maritime provinces, only one pine plantation is infected by the EU race in New Brunswick. In Ontario, a total of 171 plantations are infected and they are clustered in the central portion of the southern part of the province. The number of plantations infected by the EU race in Quebec is the highest in Canada with 749 plantations. In the four provinces, the most infected species is red pine (86% of the infected plantations), followed by two exotic species, Scots pine (9.5%) and Austrian pine (3.2%). White pine and jack pine show resistance to the disease. Key words: Brunchorstia pinea, Pinus resinosa, reforestation, Scleroderris lagerbergii
Climatic warming and its effect on bud burst and risk of frost damage to white spruce in Canada
Authors: Colombo Stephen J.
Published: February 2014

Temperature data from ten weather stations across Canada were used to model the effects of climate warming on the timing of bud burst and the risk of frost damage to white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss). There was evidence of increasingly earlier dates of bud break over the course of this century at half of the stations examined (Amos and Brome, Québec; Cochrane, Ontario; Fort Vermilion, Alberta; and Woodstock, New Brunswick), with the period 1981 to 1988 having the earliest predicted dates of bud burst (earliest degree day accumulation). Risk of frost damage at most stations in the 1980s was usually greater than in earlier periods. Weather data modelled for climate warming of 5 °C predicts that bud burst will occur two to four weeks sooner than was the case during 1961 to 1980 at all stations, but that this will generally be accompanied by decreased risk of frost after bud burst. However, while the expected trend is one of reduced frost risk in the future, as the climate gradually warms frost risk is expected to fluctuate upward or downward depending on interactions between provenance and local climate. Key words: bud burst, climate warming, dormancy, freezing damage, frost, global climate change, Picea glauca, white spruce
Soil nitrogen and lodgepole pine seedling responses to five years of legume cover
Authors: Kranabetter J. M. , Trowbridge R.
Published: February 2014

Legumes were tested for their ability to increase soil N content and improve growth of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud.) seedlings in west-central British Columbia. A trial with alsike clover at varying densities were tested at one site, while three legume species (alsike clover, birdsfoot trefoil, and white clover) were tested on a second site. After five years of legume cover, mineralizable N mass of the forest floor were 0.5 to 4.5 times those of controls. Total N of the forest floor more than doubled in the seeding density study compared with controls, but was insignificant in the multiple species study. Despite observed increases in soil nitrogen, lodgepole pine growth was not enhanced by the legume treatments. Factors such as N immobilization, root distribution, low S levels, and competition for B may have limited the response of lodgepole pine seedlings to additions of biologically fixed-N. Key words: nitrogen-fixation, legumes, lodgepole pine, soil nitrogen
Public perceptions of risk and acceptability of forest vegetation management alternatives in Ontario
Authors: Wagner R. G. , Flynn J. , Gregory R.
Published: February 2014

We examined public perceptions of risk and acceptability for 9 alternatives to controlling forest vegetation in Ontario (N = 2,301) in the fall of 1994. The proportion of respondents indicating whether an alternative was 1) difficult to control, 2) potentially catastrophic, 3) a problem for future generations, and 4) a personal worry determined perceptions of risk for each vegetation management alternative. Ranking of alternatives from highest to lowest perceived risk was: aerially-applied herbicides > biological control > ground-applied herbicides > mulches > prescribed fire > heavy equipment > cover cropping > manual cutting > grazing animals. Public acceptance was lowest for aerially-applied herbicides (18%) followed by ground-applied herbicides (37%), biological control (57%), prescribed fire (57%), mulches (65%), heavy equipment (72%), cover cropping (80%), grazing animals (82%), and manual cutting (89%). Public acceptability of various agents for biological control differed depending on the proposed agent. Natural plant toxins were viewed as most acceptable (73%) followed by microorganims (42%), genetically-engineered organisms (39%), and viruses (21%). We found a strong correlation between a risk perception index and acceptability of the alternatives for the general public (r2 = 0.84) and those in timber-dependent communities (r2 = 0.89). Our results suggest that stronger public support can probably be achieved for forest vegetation management programs that include non-herbicide alternatives. Key words: forest vegetation management, public opposition, risk perception, herbicides, biological control, prescribed fire, mulches, heavy equipment, cover cropping, grazing animals, manual cutting
Functional growth analysis of red pine trees under variable intensities of competition
Authors: Larocque Guy R.
Published: February 2014

A functional approach is proposed for comparing the development of individual red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.) trees which had been growing under different intensities of competition from ages 13 to 43. Growth rate measures, based on absolute growth rate, relative growth rate and the ratio of absolute growth rate to crown width, were obtained from the differentiation of a cumulative growth function. Individual tree data were obtained from stands of the same age, but with different initial spacings: 1.5 × 1.5 m, 2.4 × 2.4 m, and 4.3 × 4.3 m. The Chapman-Richards function represented adequately the growth trends of individual trees. While cumulative growth indicated a fairly consistent pattern, that is, the bigger the tree initially, the bigger it remained, absolute growth rate was not related to tree size. Some of the smallest trees had the greatest absolute growth rate. Relative growth rate was more informative on the effect of competition. Before competition became severe, small trees had greater relative growth rates than large trees, and the effect of competition was to reverse this trend. The ratio of absolute growth rate to crown width indicated that the ability of trees to occupy the aerial growing space was not related to tree size. Key words: red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.), growth functions, absolute growth rate, relative growth rate, functional approach
Stratégies d'aménagement forestier qui s′inspirent de la dynamique des perturbations naturelles : considérations à l'échelle du peuplement et de la forêt
Authors: Bergeron Yves , Harvey Brian , Leduc Alain , Gauthier Sylvie
Published: February 2014

Although the concept of forest ecosystem management based on natural disturbance has generated a great deal of interest, few concrete examples exist of FEM principles being put into application. Silvicultural practices that emulate natural disturbances are proposed with examples from the principal vegetation zones of Quebec. With the exception of the large-scale use of careful logging to protect advanced regeneration in ecosystems generally controlled by fire, stand-level silvicultural practices currently used are reasonably similar to natural disturbances, although important differences exist. In contrast, at the forest-level, even-aged management, as is currently practised, rarely permits adequate reproduction of the variety of age classes, stand types, and structural components normally found in the boreal forest. A model that allows an even-aged management approach inspired by natural dynamics is proposed.
Economic impacts of changes in the forestry sector: A case study of the Foothills region in Alberta
Authors: Alavalapati Janaki R. R. , White William , Patriquin Mike
Published: February 2014

Economic impacts of a reduction in the annual allowable cut and in the price of forest products on the Foothills Model Forest regional economy are examined. A two-sector computable general equilibrium model is developed for the region to do this task. The results indicate that these changes cause significant negative impacts on the forest sector and on the local economy. Results show that other sectors of the economy will expand in response to the above changes in the forest sector. However, the expansion cannot offset the reduction in the forest sector and thus local communities sustain reduction in their income. The results are sensitive to the assumptions about markets for factors. Key words: economic impact analysis, CGE modeling, regional economics, community stability
Forest management issues in a wildland-urban interface: The case of West Bragg Creek Timber Licence in Alberta
Authors: Opio Christopher
Published: February 2014

A wildland-urban interface is a complex and dynamic zone which makes it a very difficult and uncertain area in which to practice forestry. The difficulty stems from, among other things, lack of an effective two-way communication system between forestry organizations and the affected publics, and from the differential value systems and social standards held by the publics in the wildland-urban domain. The complexity of, and approaches to solving, forest management issues in West Bragg Creek, a wildland-urban setting in Alberta, are examined in this paper,. The public consultation model is proposed and discussed as one strategy to minimize forest management conflicts in West Bragg Creek. Key words: forest management, wildland-urban interface, West Bragg Creek, public consultation model, Alberta
Analyse du chablis du 7 novembre 1994 dans les régions de Charlevoix et de la Gaspésie, Québec, Canada
Authors: Ruel Jean-Claude , Benoit Robert
Published: February 2014

This paper examines the factors involved in important windthrows that occured in November 1994 in two regions of Québec. Windthrown areas were mapped from aerial photos. The storm was reconstituted at different scales by using the MC2 model developed by Environment Canada and results were overlayed with windthrow mapping and forest-ecological maps. Logistic regression was used for the main combinations of variables to test the effect of wind speed, surface deposit, stand type and age. No effect of wind speed could be demonstrated. However, the damage level increased with increasing stand proportion of balsam fir in Charlevoix and with age of balsam fir stands in both regions. Damage also increased when surface deposits restricted rooting depth in the Gaspé peninsula. Much of the damage in both regions appears to be linked with an abundance of mature and overmature stands.
Hotchkiss River Mixedwood Timber Harvesting Study
Authors: MacIsaac D. A. , Lux S. , Sidders D. , Edwards I.
Published: February 2014

The Hotchkiss River Mixedwood Timber Harvesting Study is a cooperative project involving Canadian Forest Service, Daishowa-Marubeni International Ltd., Manning Diversified Forest Products Ltd., the Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada and Alberta Land and Forest Service aimed at developing new approaches to natural regeneration and harvesting systems for western Canada's boreal mixedwood forests, at a site near the Hotchkiss River in northwestern Alberta. The study used conventional harvesting equipment to test eleven harvesting and silvicultural systems designed to protect and minimize wind damage to immature white spruce residuals and encourage vigorous hardwood regeneration following harvest of the aspen overstory. Research areas include wind damage, wind firmness and growth response of the immature white spruce, effects of harvesting disturbance and timing on soil properties, conifer and hardwood regeneration after harvest, efficiency of equipment and harvesting costs, modelling of wind flow and long-term growth and yield. Already in its sixth year, the project has a planned 20year series of harvests and surveys. Technology transfer is an important component of this study for delivery and promotion of research results on behalf of the proponents and all related research collaborators. Products include demonstration maps and field guides, self-guided tour trails with interpretive signage and field tours (including active operations) as required. Hotchkiss River has also been designated a Forest Ecosystem Research Network (FERN) site. Key words: silviculture systems, white spruce, Picea glauca, aspen, Populus tremuloides, understory protection, harvesting, Alberta, boreal mixedwoods, technology transfer