bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ontario's forest science efforts following the 1998 ice storm
Authors: Lautenschlager R. A. , Nielsen Cathy
Published: February 2014

The 1998 ice storm, which caused extensive damage to forests from eastern Ontario to the Canadian Maritimes, led to a variety of economic and ecological questions from governments, concerned publics, and stakeholder groups. Here we outline how the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, working with other organizations, developed short- and longer-term responses to those questions. Efforts have already produced: 1) a low-level aerial survey of forests damaged; 2) extension notes for homeowners, landowners, maple syrup producers, plantation owners, natural resource agencies, and municipalities; 3) information for media and natural resource education groups; 4) standardized techniques and training for assessing damage and making recommendations; 5) literature reviews and synthesis; and 6) management guidelines. In addition, a manipulative experiment in sugar maple stands has been initiated to document: 1) the effects of tapping on sugar maple recovery; 2) the potential of remedial treatments (fertilizer additions alone or in combination) to speed recovery or mitigate further damage; 3) the effects of both damage and potential remedial treatments on sap production; and 4) selected ecological consequences of damage and remedial treatments. Research to examine the effects of damage to woodlots and plantations will: 1) quantify damage in plots representing a variety of forest types, many established and assessed before the storm; 2) examine disease, stain, decay, and insect damage probabilities in broadleaf and conifer stands; 3) document insect responses to damage in red pine plantations; 4) develop economically based decision-support tools for local through regional management decisions, for damaged pine and maple stands; and 5) document the biological and economic consequences of post-damage salvage and "clean-up" operations. To date, science efforts have provided short-term recommendations related to specific stakeholder concerns, while the research will develop new knowledge related to ice damage and potential remedial treatments. Key Words: Acer saccharum, applied research, climate change, communications, ice damage, pine, Pinus species, post damage management, sugar maple, plantations
Simulating the impact of landscape-level biodiversity guidelines: A case study
Authors: Andison David W. , Marshall Peter L.
Published: February 2014

British Columbia, along with most of the rest of North America, is becoming preoccupied with emulating natural landscape patterns under the auspices of ecosystem management. With their Biodiversity Guidebook, BC developed one of the first collections of rules for landscape management purposes. The landscape-level rules developed therein are representative of those being developed in other areas of North America. This research compared, in simulation, a range of patterns created by these guidelines for a landscape in central BC, against those created from the historical 60 hectare two-pass system, and a "natural" disturbance regime. Results indicate that the biodiversity guidelines created more natural levels of patch sizes, interior forest area, and seral stage percentages compared to the two-pass system. However, the guidelines failed to create more natural rates of disturbance, or ranges of patch sizes and interior areas in old and mature forest. Furthermore, the implied degree of naturalness of the low, medium, and high biodiversity options did not necessarily hold true. The simulation results presented in this paper show that the concept of mimicry involves much more than originally had been supposed, and that there are limits to the degree to which mimicry can be used as a landscape management paradigm with our current knowledge and ability. A strategy for working towards a natural landscape pattern program for forest management is discussed. Key words: landscape level, biodiversity, simulation, disturbance
Recommendations for control of cone and seed insect pests of black spruce, Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P., with insecticides
Authors: Wanner Kevin W. , Kostyk Barry C. , Helson Blair V.
Published: February 2014

Foliar sprays of dimethoate (1.25 g AI per tree) and permethrin (0.028 g AI per tree), applied to run-off one week prior to female flower bud flush, significantly reduced flower abortion, cone grazing, and shoot grazing caused by spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferna (Clem.), larvae as well as damage by the spruce cone maggot, Strobilomyia appalachensis (Michelsen). Treatment with Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (B.t.) (0.012 B.U.I, per tree) resulted in moderate protection from grazing damage to female flowers and cones as compared to treatment with dimethoate and permethrin. Systemic applications of acephate also reduced damage by spruce budworm larvae and the spruce cone maggot: fall and early spring applications were equal in efficacy, and the label rate (0.875 g acephate/3.2 cm dbh) provided similar protection to the half-label dose. Key words: Insecticides, black spruce, efficacy, recommendations, cone and seed insects
Effects of shelterwood and site preparation on microclimate and establishment of white spruce seedlings in a boreal mixedwood forest
Authors: Man Rongzhou , Lieffers Victor J.
Published: February 2014

Microclimate and seedling response of planted white spruce were investigated under four canopy densities (control – a 120-year old uncut aspen/white spruce stand, low and high residual densities of shelterwood canopy, and clearcut) and three site preparation treatments in the Lower Foothills of central Alberta. The partial canopy of the shelterwoods had a less extreme environment than the clearcut: higher humidity and soil temperature, lower maximum air temperature and occurrence and severity of night frost, and a light regime that was nearly optimum for height growth of juvenile white spruce. Planted white spruce seedlings had earlier bud break, lower seedling mortality and terminal bud mortality, higher rates of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance, and greater height and diameter increments under shelterwoods than those in either clearcut or control. Site preparation increased soil temperature, decreased seedling mortality and improved growth, especially diameter growth. This study demonstrates how shelterwoods and site preparation can improve the establishment of white spruce. The findings of this study can be applied to the situations where white spruce establishes in the understory. Key words: shelterwood, site preparation, white spruce, seedling response, microclimatic conditions.
Validité de la carte forestière pour décrire les habitats fauniques à l'échelle locale : une étude de cas en Abitibi-Témiscamingue
Authors: Potvin François , Bélanger Louis , Lowell Kim
Published: February 2014

Wildlife habitats may be described at low cost using forest maps. Because the main objective of forest maps is to estimate the wood volume over large areas whereas wildlife applications often require accurate data at the stand level, their accuracy may not be acceptable. During a study of marten (Martes americana) habitat, we ground-checked 1:20 000 forest maps in two areas (70 and 123 km2) in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region. Surveys involved 72 stands : 44 black spruce (Picea mariana), 18 jackpine (Pinus banksiana), 5 mixed deciduous, and 5 deciduous stands. The dominant tree species group was accurate in most black spruce (43 over 44) and jackpine stands (16 over 18). For mixed and deciduous stands, gross errors were noted in the cover type and the dominant tree species group. The cover density on the map was poorly related to the crown closure measured on the ground. There was a closer agreement between height classes on the map and actual height. In black spruce stands, the age class enabled discriminating between young (30- and 50-years classes) and old stands (90- and 120-years). We conclude that caution is needed when using forest maps to describe wildlife habitats, and that the accuracy of the mapped attributes should be checked before using such data at local scales. Key words: forest maps, forest survey, GIS, ground check, wildlife habitat
Biodiversity, Beauty and the "Beast": Are beautiful forests sustainable, are sustainable forests beautiful, and is "small" always ecologically desirable?
Authors: (Hamish) Kimmins J. P.
Published: February 2014

Biological diversity is our planet's inheritance from millions of years of evolution. It is nature's "insurance policy" against change, and a rich legacy which will help future generations of humans adjust to change. We squander this inheritance at our own risk, and to the detriment of future generations. Humans have been reducing the earth's biological inheritance for thousands of years, but we now have the knowledge, and hopefully the intelligence, to arrest this historical pattern. The idea has developed in western society that if something looks "nice," it must always be ecologically superior and better for biodiversity than something that is visually undesirable. There is also the idea, which appeals equally to our sensibilities, that there is a "balance of nature," that nature seeks and needs an equilibrium condition, and that change in this condition is bad. Ecosystem disturbance and change are seen as threats to both the survival of nature and to biodiversity. There is no evidence that such generalities are true, and lots of evidence that they are not. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What may be judged to be "beautiful," sustainable and good stewardship by an ecologist or biodiversity expert may be ugly, at least for a period of time, to the average citizen. What may be beautiful to a person in the street may not be sustainable of the very ecological and social values that they desire for their children's children. On the other hand, there are many examples in which visual images do provide an accurate assessment of ecological condition and sustainability. The challenge is to identify when our "gut reaction" to visual images provides a reliable basis for making changes in our relationship to resources and the environment, and when it does not. The key message is that we should let knowledge of the ecological and biological diversity of forests, and the associated values we wish to sustain, play a major role in deciding how the many different kinds of forests in the world should be managed. We must not permit dogma, mythology and untested or disproven ideas to prevent us from attaining our biodiversity and sustainability goals. We must not apply any one single forestry policy or management method everywhere, and we must balance the important aesthetic considerations with the ecology of the values we wish to sustain. Key words: sustainability, biodiversity, ethics, aesthetics, ecological rotations, respect for nature
Exposure of urban ecosystems to Mn and Pb contaminants from gasoline additives beside a major highway in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada
Authors: Bhuie A. K. , Roy D. N. , McLaughlin D.
Published: February 2014

A study of manganese (Mn) and lead (Pb) deposition in soil was conducted adjacent to a multilane highway in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Ontario. The annual average daily traffic (AADT) volume was approximately 333 700 vehicles in 1993. Soil sampling was conducted at two different sites along the highway to determine the concentration and extent of Mn deposition from methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl, MMT (a gasoline additive). Samples were collected at distances up to 160 metres from the roadside, at each site. Parameters evaluated included total and exchangeable Mn and Pb (from historic use of leaded gasoline), soil particle size, pH, and cation exchange capacity. Mn concentrations decreased with increasing distance from roadside. Pb concentrations changed little from values reported in 1990, but have moved deeper into the soil, indicating a cessation of atmospheric deposition. In contrast, exchangeable Mn concentrations decreased with soil depth indicating recent atmospheric deposition. Although Mn concentration in soil decreased with the increase in the distance and the depth adjacent to the multilane highway, the difference was not statistically significant within the sites. More research is needed to provide better understanding of the extent of MMT and the complex behaviour of Mn contamination in the terrestrial urban environment. Key words: manganese, lead, soil, methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT); gasoline additive; urban environment; greater Toronto area (GTA), Canada
Height prediction equations using diameter and stand density measures
Authors: Staudhammer Christie , LeMay Valerie
Published: February 2014

Height equations for western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.), western red cedar (Thuja plicata Donn), Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco), and alder (Alnus rubra Bong. and Alnus tenuifolia Nutt.) were fitted using dbh as the predictor variable. A simple, non-linear equation gave very similar results to the Weibull distribution, except for hemlock, which was better modelled using the more flexible Weibull distribution function. Introducing stand density variables into the base equations resulted in increased accuracy for predicting heights of alder. Smaller improvements were found for Douglas-fir, cedar, and hemlock. Key words: estimating height, Coastal BC, Weibull estimation, stand density measures
Alternatives to broadcast burning in the northern interior of British Columbia: Short-term tree results
Authors: Kranabetter J. M. , Yole D.
Published: February 2014

We compared the growth and foliar nutrients of lodgepole pine and hybrid white spruce following mechanical site preparation treatments and broadcast burning in a high-elevation plantation in north-central British Columbia. After five years, the largest trees were found on the broadcast burn (44% increase over raw planting), followed by disc-trenching (26% increase), and then windrow piling (9% increase). Height increment was similarly significantly different between treatments after seven years. Equal increases in nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulphur foliar concentrations were found across all site preparation treatments compared to controls. Foliar nutrients alone, however, did not further explain the differences in tree productivity between site preparation treatments. The results demonstrated how some sites can benefit from site preparation, in the short-term at least, and also emphasized the positive role fire can have on forest productivity. Key words: mechanical site preparation, broadcast burning, Picea gluaca, Pinus contorta
Mutual trust and mutual gains: A recent Crown land use planning exercise in Ontario
Authors: McManus E. Craig
Published: February 2014

Negotiations between industry, environmental partnership and government were intense, demanding, and created a high degree of confidence, candour and openness among participants. Over a three-week period, a very high level of trust was developed as vested interests were left at the door. All parties were expected to, and did, operate in an honest and forthright fashion. At the end of the process, participants were able to deliver a document built on mutual gains. Each party could honestly say they had gained from the process and not merely acquiesced to a form of consensus. The "Ontario Forest Accord" is, by any measure, a tremendous step forward for industry, government and the environmental community.
Comparing the social values of forest-dependent, provincial and national publics for socially sustainable forest management
Authors: Robson Mark , Hawley Alex , Robinson Dave
Published: February 2014

A mail survey was conducted of local residents of a forest-dependent region (Fraser Fort George Regional District, n=974), provincial (British Columbia, n=1208) and Canadian (n=1672) publics to compare their values for forests and preferences for forest management (overall response rate=45.2%). While the local public tended to place a significantly higher (p<0.05) emphasis on economic values and clearcutting practices relative to provincial and national publics, all publics held quite similar views on forest management overall. All publics support a multi-value/ecosystem management over a single-value/timber management approach to forest management, do not support maximisation of economic returns from timber regardless of the impacts and agree forest managers should be more responsive to local resident values than the values of more distant groups. Responses also reflected a lack of public confidence in government natural resource agencies. Results suggest residents from forest and non forest-dependent communities share similar forest values, that current forest management practices such as clearcutting do not reflect the values of local, provincial or national publics, and that forest managers should be especially responsive to the values of the local public when making forest management decisions. Key words: social values, forest policy, public participation, socially sustainable forest management
Effet d'une coupe d'ensemencement et du milieu de germination sur la régénération des sapinières boréales riches de seconde venue du Québec
Authors: Raymond Patricia , Ruel Jean-Claude , Pineau Marius
Published: February 2014

Stand regeneration failures, sometimes observed in rich second growth balsam fir stands, prompted a study in 1991 to assess the effects of the shelterwood cutting system on regeneration of balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.), white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) and paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh). The factorial experiment design (split-plot) includes forest cover reduction (0% and 25% of basal area) in main plots and germination substrate (mineral soil, litter removed and control) in subplots. Results of five growing seasons showed that germination substrate was the main factor determining first-year seedling establishment, and that cover reduction became important for seedling survival and long-term establishment of the three species. A 25% canopy reduction combined with mineral seedbed treatment resulted in the best regeneration densities of the three species. Thus far, the results demonstrate the importance of combining humus disturbance to seed cutting in order to achieve regeneration goals set for the future stand. Key words: shelterwood cutting system, balsam fir, white spruce, paper birch, regeneration, seed cutting, germination substrate
Évaluation de la coupe avec protection de la régénération et des sols comme méthode de régénération de peuplements mélangés du domaine bioclimatique de la sapinière à bouleau jaune de l'est du Québec, Canada
Authors: Laflèche Vincent , Ruel Jean-Claude , Archambault Louis
Published: February 2014

The effect of careful logging to preserve advance growth was studied in mixedwood stands of the balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) - yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britton) eco-climatic domain in eastern Quebec, Canada. The study is based on 19 sites harvested five years earlier. In each cutover, 50 sample plots have been established to quantify the abundance of regeneration five years after logging. This cutting method proved to be ineffective in limiting the invasion of competiting species such as mountain maple (Acer spicatum Lam.) and pin cherry (Prunus pensylvanica (L.), which fully occupied the sites with 25 092 and 5619 stems ha−1 respectively. Balsam fir was abundant after five years in the study area with 13 500 stems ha−1 but two thirds of the seedlings were smaller than 30 cm. Soil disturbance was minimal, probably limiting the establishment of yellow birch, which reached a density of 1416 stems ha−1 five years after logging. Height growth projection of regeneration over five years showed that competiting species should still dominate the sites. Commercial species should improve their position but would still account for only 40% of dominant stems. It is therefore unlikely that this regeneration method will be successful in bringing back the initial stand composition in a short period of time. The next stands will probably contain a high proportion of intolerant species with a dominance of paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.) over yellow birch. In the near future, cleaning operations should be conducted to reduce the impact of competing vegetation and make sure that balsam fir will remain in the main canopy.
Post-spacing mortality of lodgepole pine from armillaria root disease
Authors: Blenis Peter V.
Published: February 2014

To evaluate the threat of armillaria root disease in precommercially thinned lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia), a total of 66 15 × 15-m plots were established in dense lodgepole pine regeneration, 18 to 21 years after harvest, on three infested sites near Hinton, Alberta. Three treatments (2.5-m spacing, 1.5-m spacing and an unspaced control) were randomly applied to plots having similar densities and levels of mortality. After 11 years there was no significant difference among the treatments in cumulative percent mortality. Based on observed levels of mortality, it would appear that spacing need not be avoided in infested stands, although it likely would be prudent to space more closely than 2.5 m in younger stands and in parts of stands having more than 5–10% mortality. Key words: precommercial thinning, spacing, armillaria root disease, Armillaria ostoyae
Ex situconservation of American chestnut (Castanea dentata(Marsh.) Borkh.) and butternut (Juglans cinereaL.), a review
Authors: McIlwrick Ken , Wetzel S. , Beardmore T. , Forbes K.
Published: February 2014

Two tree species native to North America, American chestnut (Castanea dentata (Marsh.) Borkh.) and butternut (Juglans cinerea L.), which have experienced rapid declines in their populations due to similar stressors (disease and changes in land use), are used as examples of how these species would benefit from ex situ conservation efforts. Current and past ex situ and in situ conservation efforts for these species are discussed and the focus of this review is on two key research areas: 1) what needs to be preserved (genetic information) and 2) how to preserve these trees or germplasm. Key words: butternut, American chestnut, Cryphonectria parasitica, Sirococcus clavigignenti-juglandacearum, ex situ conservation
Survival and growth of black and white spruce seedlings in relation to stock type, site preparation and plantation type in southeastern Manitoba
Authors: Wang G. Geoff , Siemens J. Aurea , Keenan Vince , Philippot Daniel
Published: February 2014

Differences in survival and growth of black and white spruce seedlings planted on boreal mixedwood sites were tested for stock types (transplant versus container), site preparation (Donaren disc trenching versus no trenching), and plantation types (open versus sheltered) in southeastern Manitoba after eight or nine growing seasons. Mortality of open plantation (32.3%) and container stock (32.5%) were significantly higher than sheltered plantation (23.7%) and transplant stock (22.8%), respectively. Donaren trenching slightly reduced the mortality of black spruce but significantly increased the mortality of white spruce. Seedlings of container stock (110 cm) were significantly shorter than transplant stock (157 cm). Significant difference in height was found between open and sheltered plantations for black spruce but not for white spruce. Root collar diameter of container stock (15.6 mm) was significantly smaller than transplant stock (23.1 mm). Root collar diameter in sheltered plantations was significantly larger than that in open plantations for black spruce but not for white spruce. Black spruce open plantation had significantly smaller volume (97 cm3) compare to black spruce sheltered (210 cm3) and white spruce open (175 cm3) and sheltered (229 cm3) plantations. White spruce open plantations also had smaller volume than white spruce sheltered plantations. Container stock had smaller volume (89 cm3) than transplant stock (267 cm3). For transplant stock, strip plantations had a significantly higher volume (329 cm3) than open plantations (204 cm3). Based on above results, we recommend that (1) transplant stock should be used, (2) sheltered plantation site preparation should be used on boreal mixedwood sites, and (3) Donaren disc-trenching is not necessary for planting white spruce. Key words: silviculture, boreal mixedwood site, plantation
Airborne remote sensing in forestry: Sensors, analysis and applications
Authors: King Douglas J.
Published: February 2014

This paper discusses the aspects of airborne remote sensing that are critical to forestry applications, the imaging characteristics of the most common sensors currently available, and analytical techniques that make use of the great amount of information content in airborne imagery. As the first paper in the CIF technical meeting to which this issue of the Forestry Chronicle is devoted, the paper is intended to provide an overview and context for subsequent papers and not a presentation of specific research methods or results. Key words: airborne remote sensing, forestry, photography, digital cameras, hyperspectral sensors, radar, laser remote sensing, image analysis
Social science and forestry curricula: Some survey results
Authors: Tindall David B.
Published: February 2014

In this article, findings from a study of a forestry curriculum are used to identify current gaps and potential avenues of pedagogical contributions pertaining to social science content. In setting a context for this analysis a brief review of the potential contributions of social science to forestry, and a description of current social science research on forestry in B.C. and the surrounding region is provided. Survey results from: 1) stakeholders in forestry, 2) forestry undergraduate students, and 3) forestry faculty all point to the need for incorporating more social science content into forestry curricula. These survey results dovetail with observations about the need for more social science research on forestry topics. Key words: social science, forestry curricula, intergroup differences, social survey research
Pinus resinosa product potential following initial spacing and subsequent thinning
Authors: Penner M. , Robinson C. , Burgess D.
Published: February 2014

A trial was initiated in 1953 to investigate the effect of initial tree spacing on red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.) volume production. Approximately three decades later, in 1982, thinning treatments were added to compare the effects of thinning and initial spacing on volume production. After 45 growing seasons from planting, total volume production (cut + standing volume) mainly was independent of initial spacing and thinning intensity except at the widest (4.3 m +) spacing treatments. Both initial spacing and thinning affected quadratic mean diameter, standing volume and basal area. Knot size was affected by initial spacing with trees at an initial spacing of 3.0 m or wider having a significant number of stems failing to meet utility pole standards due to excessive, large knots. At the time of sampling, 1998, the higher initial densities (1.2 and 1.5 m-spacing) were undergoing significant mortality and falling behind the lower initial spacings in terms of total volume production. In addition, trees at the narrowest spacing were more prone to snow and ice damage. Thinning reduced the time required to meet sawlog and utility pole specifications. The initial spacings ranging from 1.8 to 2.4 m resulted in good growth with high utility pole potential and little mortality. Lower initial spacings required thinning to prevent mortality and maintain good diameter growth. Key words: red pine, density management, volume production, product mixtures
Poplars: Trees of the people, trees of the future
Authors: Gordon John C.
Published: February 2014

Poplars and willows have been and are important in human history and affairs but they have not garnered the attention and respect their many positive attributes deserve. They can be even more important in the future as human population pressures increase the need for wood, watershed and riparian rehabilitation and protection, environmental monitoring and improvement, carbon sequestration, phytoremediation and basic biological understanding. Whether, and to what degree, poplars and willows achieve their potential will depend on coordinated action that includes systematic collection of biological materials, establishment of an environmental monitoring network based on poplars and willows, creation of a "poplars, willows and water" task force to assess watershed and riparian rehabilitation tasks, enhanced genome research and an advanced, ecosystem-based regulatory framework for poplar and willow systems based on altered genomes. These must be presented in an ecosystem framework with their risks and benefits clearly described. Key words: poplars, willows, utilization, technology, environment
Diversity and breeding potential of poplar species in China
Authors: Weisgerber Horst , Han Yifan
Published: February 2014

The genus Populus is composed of many species with an impressive variety of growth characteristics. Nevertheless, this abundant natural offering has been only partially utilized to date with the objective of promoting poplar breeding and cultivation. Following an old tradition, more or less inflexible production systems are mainly keyed to a few high-yielding P. x euramericana and P. x interamericana clones in most countries. Consequently, considerable economic failures have to be accepted repeatedly as a result of serious calamities.China ranks among the countries characterized by an exceptionally multifarious indigenous flora. Based on ample genetic variation, poplar species were able to settle in divergent habitats and to conserve the ability to survive and reproduce over long periods owing to adaptation processes. The diversity is concentrated, above all, in the subtropical mountain regions of southwest China. Comprehensive studies of the genus populus in the southern and eastern mountain chains of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau turned out to be particularly impressive; 3 sections, 17 species and 15 varieties have been recorded and taxonomically classified there. They grow at altitudes between 1500 m and 4300 m above sea level. Many of these poplar sources are notable for their remarkable site adaptation even in harsh conditions and also for their fast and vigorous growth.Species expected to be suitable for international breeding and cultivation objectives in the near future are presented in a general way. The necessarily subjective selection is based on the state of available knowledge mainly about site requirements, environmental importance, growth characteristics, regeneration ability, silvicultural behaviour, yield estimation and wood utilization. In particular, the following species are characterized in the paper in an abridged fashion: P. cathayana, P. davidiana, P. euthratica, P. simonii, P. szechuanica, P. ussuriensis and P. yunnanensis.The potential of poplars in China is considered to be instrumental in expanding and stimulating poplar breeding activities worldwide. Measures to be specified in the paper are considered important and could be implemented on the basis of a close and confident co-operation with Chinese colleagues and institutes relevant to the subject and under the umbrella of the International Poplar Commission. Key words: poplar, tradition, calamities, China, genetic variation, promising species, characteristics, breeding priorities
Poplar breeding and testing strategies in the north-central U.S.: Demonstration of potential yield and consideration of future research needs
Authors: Riemenschneider Don E. , Isebrands J. G. , Berguson William E. , Dickmann Donald I. , Hall Richard B. , Mohn Carl A. , Stanosz Glen R. , Tuskan Gerald A.
Published: February 2014

We present results from a Populus Regional Testing Program that has been conducted in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Michigan over the past six years. Our objectives have been to: 1) identify highly productive, disease resistant intra- and inter-specific clonal selections and 2) understand patterns of genotype × environment interactions within the region that would, logically, govern commercial deployment of new clones. Clones were developed by breeding and selection programs at the University of Illinois, Iowa State University, University of Minnesota, and the USDA Forest Service for experiments established in 1995. We report results of analyses of variance and principal component analyses of tree diameters and estimated above-ground biomass that demonstrate significant genotype main effects and significant genotype × environment interactions. Maximum mean annual above-ground biomass increments have surpassed 16 Mg ha−1 y−1, exceeding previously reported yields of poplars grown under similar conditions in the north-central U.S. We also discuss the breeding and selection of poplars in general with specific attention to regional research needs. Key words: Populus, biomass, multi-trait selection, genotype, genotype × environment interaction
In-woods chipping: Possible evidence for allelochemical interaction of leachate generated from trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) bark and wood waste
Authors: Conlin Timothy S. S.
Published: February 2014

A portable delimber-debarker-chipper, designed for in-woods chipping operations, was used to produce waste bark and wood residue from winter-harvested tree-length trembling aspen logs. The residue was then utilized to create leachate, which was subsequently used to treat white spruce, lodgepole pine, paper birch, aspen and Calamagrostis canadensis seedlings grown in sand-filled pots. Treatment with the leachate significantly decreased height growth and shoot and root dry weights of all species relative to the control treatment. Root: shoot ratios of all tree species except lodgepole pine were increased significantly by application of leachate. The root: shoot ratios of treated C. canadensis were significantly increased during one season, but significantly reduced in the following season. The data indicated that leachate from aspen bark and wood residue contain allelochemical properties that could affect the regenerative capacity of aspen cutblocks harvested for in-woods chipping operations. Key words: aspen, leachate, allelochemistry, Populus tremuloides, in-woods chipping
An economic perspective on clearcut harvesting
Authors: Wilson Bill , Wilson Louise
Published: February 2014

The economic contributions from commercial forestry, measured in trade terms, employment and regional development, are well established. Less understood is the environmental contribution of forestry, provided that forestry is practised in a sustainable manner. Despite the economic and environmental benefits, the social license for commercial forestry is increasingly challenged in terms of access to timber and the conditions placed on access, and in access to major export markets for forest products. Fundamental to addressing these challenges is the utilization of harvesting regimes acceptable to both resource owners and consumers. Clearcut harvesting may be a scientifically reasonable replication of natural disturbance, allowing adequate provision for forest character and structure, but it is the emotional impact of the harvest site that often determines public acceptability.The institutional setting for commercial forestry is evolving rapidly and is increasingly driven by non-governmental groups that are proving particularly adept with information age tools. This paper will examine the supply and demand factors that are producing the pressure on harvesting practices, the institutional response to these pressures, the physical and financial implications of partial-cut harvesting, and will examine the harvesting norms that have emerged in a number of key softwood producing regions. Key words: clearcutting, partial-cut harvesting, forest management, forest policy, marketing
Revisiting traditional land use and occupancy studies: Relevance and implications for resource management in Alberta
Authors: MacKinnon Laura , Apentiik Ceasar , Robinson Michael P.
Published: February 2014

This paper outlines the results of a study undertaken to assess the impact of Traditional Land Use and Occupancy Studies (TLUOS) on resource management policies and practices in the province of Alberta. The focus of this paper is policy-making bodies in industry and government; subsequent research is planned to explore the perceptions of First Nations' communities regarding the impact of TLUOS. Specifically, this study focussed on two TLUOS undertaken by two First Nations communities (Fort McKay First Nation and Dene Tha' First Nation) in partnership with the Arctic Institute of North America, and co-sponsored by industry and government. The paper situates the results of this particular study in a larger framework of current theory, understandings and discussions of First Nations' views of sustainable land use, traditional knowledge and collaboration. In analyzing the results from thirty interviews with academics and personnel from government agencies and industry, the researchers found that the application of the data from TLUOS was constrained by a number of interactive factors, both internal and external to the studies. Briefly, these include methodological and technical issues, accessibility of the data, the larger political context, the need for government leadership, differing expectations and agendas, and the need for a coordinated system for the conduct of TLUOS. In concluding, the authors note that in order for TLUOS to be effective in documenting traditional knowledge and influencing resource management policies and practices the following issues must be addressed: 1) the Alberta government should address the larger, unresolved issues between First Nations and the province; 2) appropriate mechanisms to blend traditional knowledge and scientific knowledge in resource management should be developed; and 3) a collaborative problem-solving process between First Nations, government and industry should be initiated by the Alberta government to address issues and create a coordinated system for the organization and implementation of TLUOS and their application to resource management policy and practice. Key words: traditional land use and occupancy studies, resource management, traditional knowledge, collaboration, sustainability, co-management, cooperative management, oil and gas industry, forest industry
Predictive equations for leaf area and biomass for sugar bushes in eastern Ontario
Authors: Ter-Mikaelian Michael , Lautenschlager R. A.
Published: February 2014

In January 1998, an extensive ice storm caused severe damage to sugar bushes in Eastern Ontario. Foliage biomass and foliage area estimates were required to assess effects of the ice storm and remedial treatments on variables related to sugar maple production. Equations were developed to predict leaf biomass of undamaged individual sugar maple trees in the ice-damaged area. The data were collected in early to mid-August 2000 in eastern Ontario. Basal diameter of all third-order branches of 22 trees from two stands was measured, along with tree DBH, total height, and height to the base of live crown. In addition, foliage was collected from two branches (one from the lower and one from the upper part of each tree's crown). Samples were used to develop equations predicting leaf biomass (oven-dried weight) of individual branches from their basal diameter. These equations were applied to estimate total leaf biomass of individual trees, and the resulting estimates were used to develop equations predicting leaf biomass from DBH and the number of branches per tree. The resulting equations accounted for over 90% of the variation in leaf biomass of individual trees. Leaf biomass-DBH equations for the two stands were significantly different (P < 0.0001), while no significant difference was detected in the leaf biomass-number of branches equations (P = 0.1573) for the two stands. Key words: allometric equation, branch basal diameter, DBH, ice damage, leaf area, leaf biomass, sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.)
Coupe préparatoire et croissance en surface terrière d'une sapiniére de seconde venue à la forêt modèle du Bas-Saint-Laurent, Québec
Authors: Zarnovican Richard , Lussier Jean-Martin , Laberge Claude
Published: February 2014

Balsam fir basal area growth was studied 5 years after the preparatory cut in the context of natural regeneration by the shelterwood system. The study was carried out in a 60-year-old second-growth balsam fir-yellow birch stand. The felling trials were realized in 16 plots and consisted of control and three felling regimes (15, 30 and 45% of removed basal area). The periodic (5 years) mean growth rate on dbh of trees in plots varies between 6 and 12% in response to felling intensity. The basal area of plots presents a mean periodic growth rate of 7.4% independently of felling intensity. There are highly significant correlations between the live crown characteristics and periodic basal area growth. This growth is highly correlated with inital diameter and intensity of felling. The trees of higher relative size are more productive than the others and the impact of felling on periodic basal area growth is significant when the intensity of felling is greater than 30%. Conversely, the ratio between periodic basal area growth after treatment and periodic basal area growth before treatment is correlated only with the intensity of felling. Finally, intensity of felling had no effect on periodic basal area growth per square meter of crown projected area. Key words: preparatory felling, basal area growth, balsam fir
Utilization and management of red alder genetic resources in British Columbia
Authors: Hamann Andreas
Published: February 2014

During the last two decades, the value of red alder wood products has substantially increased and several initiatives have been launched in the United States to use red alder for reforestation. Nonetheless, red alder is a largely neglected resource in British Columbia. This review paper examines the reasons behind the under-utilization of red alder in British Columbia and investigates whether changes in red alder management practices could improve the value of the resource. Red alder's potential for plantation forestry and genetic tree improvement are discussed, and possible breeding objectives were evaluated with consideration for the species biology, growth, product value and market demand. Seed transfer rules and the possibility of gains from selection are summarized in the light of new research results in genecology and quantitative genetics for red alder populations in British Columbia. Key words: red alder, Alnus rubra, tree improvement, quantitative genetics, genecology, resource management
Factors affecting production of Chinese Chestnut in Xinxian County, Henan Province, China
Authors: Gaoping Wang , Qing Yan , Kai Zhang , Ciesla William M.
Published: February 2014

Chestnuts, Castanea mollissima Blume, are an important non-wood forest product in XinXian County, Henan Province, China. As part of an effort to improve capacity to reduce crop losses caused by insects and other damaging factors, a monitoring system was established in four orchards representing various ages, growing conditions and management practices. Monitoring consisted of periodic observations of the condition of chestnuts through a portion of the 2000 season on sample trees. Resulting data were summarized into life tables.The monitoring indicated that less than 50% of the chestnut burrs present on the trees in early July survived to harvest. Missing burrs were the highest cause of chestnut loss in three of the four orchards sampled. This may in part be the result of chestnut burrs aborting because of insect attack, spontaneous abortion or early maturation of chestnuts. Losses that could be directly attributed to insects ranged between 12.75 and 28.58%, caused mainly by several species of caterpillars that bore into chestnuts. Occurrence of "empty burrs" was roughly equal to insect damage levels in two orchards that did not receive a supplemental boron fertilizer treatment at the time of flowering.Based on monitoring data obtained during the 2000 growing season, opportunities to increase chestnut production in XinXian County include application of boron to increase nut set and development of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system with emphasis on management of lepidopterous borers. Key words: Chinese chestnut, Castanea mollissima, integrated pest management, life tables, insect pests, non-wood forest products
Journey to the top—breaking through the canopy: Canadian experiences
Authors: Teske Elaine , Beedle Bronwen
Published: February 2014

The authors reviewed the Canadian scene to examine the contribution of women in defining the Canadian forestry agenda and to see what was happening to those women who were advancing to the top and breaking through the canopy. The Canadian forest sector has been and is still a male dominated world. The women who were contacted work in varying jurisdictions—government, industry, academia and consultants. Their perspectives on how the journey to the top was progressing, the challenges faced and the factors affecting this journey are chronicled. Key words: women in forestry, women of influence, role of mentor, barriers, non-traditional career path, women and natural resource management
Research and technology: Market-driven innovation in the twenty-first century
Authors: Cohen David H , Kozak Robert A
Published: February 2014

In the twentieth century, the forest products industry evolved through three distinct focal orientations: a forestry orientation, a production orientation, and a marketing orientation. In each case, research and technology (R&T) was applied as a means of either solving the limitations associated with each orientation or shifting the industry orientation to the next focal point. In the beginning of the twenty-first century, R&T is required to facilitate a new shift for the wood products sector from a marketing orientation to a knowledge orientation. This requires an expansion of traditional research and technology to incorporate a market-based social sciences approach, along with the traditional physical and engineering sciences, as more than just an afterthought. In order to ensure future successes, innovative technological solutions must be applied to emerging market-based knowledge clusters such as connectivity, supply chain management, eBusiness, mass customization, and knowledge-based products. These are all practical manifestations of the new knowledge orientation. Each will require innovative R&T solutions to recreate successful wood products companies operating in the new millennium. Key words: marketing, research, technology, innovation, knowledge
The retention system:reconciling variable retention with the principles of silvicultural systems
Authors: Mitchell S J , Beese W J
Published: February 2014

The philosophy of ecosystem management seeks a balance between protecting natural systems and using them to meet societal demands. The objectives of silvicultural systems listed in standard texts focus on the sustained production of timber and maintenance of quality growing stock. These objectives need updating for situations where the broader goal is to sustain ecosystem function and productivity. The "retention system" recently adopted in British Columbia is a silvicultural system designed to implement the "variable retention" (VR) approach to harvesting. With VR, trees are retained to meet ecological objectives such as maintaining structural heterogeneity and protecting biological legacies. The contribution of retained trees to yield or regeneration may be low or even negative. Among the challenges in implementing the retention system is the adjustment of yield expectations and target stand projections to account for the expected health and vigour of the future stand. Key words: silvicultural system, retention system, variable retention, ecosystem management