bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resolving contradictions in forestry: Back to science
Authors: Zeide Boris
Published: February 2014

From the very start of our profession, the goal of forestry has been sustained yield, which implies sustainable environment. Although ecosystem management shares this goal, its philosophy and methods are different. A crucial difference is that, unlike traditional forestry, ecosystem management does not know where to manage (we cannot delineate the ecosystem), how to manage (approaches and techniques designed for a highly coordinated whole may be irrelevant to a patchwork of plants and animals), what to manage (since biodiversity remains undefined), and why to manage (ecocentrism is suicidal; our ethics have to be anthropocentric). Key words: delineating ecosystems, ecosystem management, measuring biodiversity, sustainable environment, symptoms and cause of environmental degradation
The future of wood products: What is the prognosis?
Authors: Roche Ian de la , Gaston Christopher
Published: February 2014

The Canadian wood products industry continues to have an overwhelming reliance on commodity sales to the United States housing market. The industry has extracted attractive profits from this approach in the past, first by taking advantage of abundant, inexpensive old-growth fibre and then by investing in cost-minimizing technologies. But like all investments on inputs for production, diminishing returns have been reached and new solutions must be sought to recapture competitiveness and profitability into the future. This paper addresses this challenge by focusing on the role of research and development and the transition into a sustainable, knowledge-based industry. Key words: Canadian forest industry at the crossroads, productivity, competitiveness, knowledge-based, role of research and development
Alberta Research Council: Providing innovation from the forest to the finishing line
Authors: Wilson Malcolm A
Published: February 2014

The Alberta Research Council (ARC) delivers public good research and development (R&D), contract services and technology commercialization to the forest sector. Alberta's forest sector has identified three major research and technology thrusts: sustainable forest management, adding value to the forest resources, and enabling technologies for improved management, resource processing and environmental protection. Issues such as fibre supply and utilization, energy conservation, certification and technology transfer are priorities. ARC's Forest Technologies Division addresses these priorities by providing public and private sector customers with applied research and technology services via its three business units: Forest Resources, Forest Products, and Pulp and Paper. Key words: Alberta Research Council, public good applied research and development, contract services, technology commercialization, sustainable forest management, agrifibres, pulp and paper, forest products, engineered wood composites
Dare to share your information!
Authors: Innes Trina
Published: February 2014

We all create and use science and technology (S&T) data. Unfortunately, information that is tied up within organizations is perceived to not exist. Information management and knowledge management activities help make information more accessible and useable. This article highlights forest sector challenges in information management, demonstrates the importance of addressing these challenges and presents some initiatives that will help ensure forest sector organizations are also knowledge-based organizations Key words: information management, knowledge management, science and technology, information systems
Bridging boundaries among disciplines and institutions for effective implementation of criteria and indicators
Authors: Yamasaki Stephen H , Kneeshaw Daniel D , Munson Alison D , Dorion Francine
Published: February 2014

The development of a coherent system of criteria and indicators (C&I) requires collaboration and communication among scientists, government, the public, certifying organizations, and the forest industry. It also demands the integration of knowledge from many fields of study, which is foreign to the disciplinary nature of most forestry research. There needs to be greater effort to link groups of indicators and to favour those that are assimilative in nature. Modelling tools adapted to a multi-disciplinary approach and collaborative development will help to integrate knowledge from various fields and institutions. Specific challenges for implementation of C&I have been identified, including: leadership and vision in the evolution towards sustainable forest management (SFM); linking of grass-roots and higher level C&I initiatives; streamlining and co-ordinating different certification initiatives and agencies; technology transfer; and collaboration among disciplines. Key words: criteria, indicators, sustainability, forest management, integration
Observations on the life history and habits of a tropical sawfly, Sericoceros mexicanus (Kirby), (Hymenoptera: Argidae) on Roatán Island, Honduras
Authors: Ciesla William M
Published: February 2014

Observations on the life history and habits of a tropical sawfly, Sericoceros mexicanus, on Roatán Island, Honduras, during January 2002, are reported. This sawfly occurs in southern Mexico and Central America where it feeds on the foliage of Coccoloba spp. On Roatán Island, the only host is seagrape, C. uvifera, a small to medium tree, which occurs on sandy beaches just above tide line. The adults are colourful insects and relatively strong fliers. They swarm around host trees on warm, sunny days and during cool or overcast periods, rest on seagrape foliage and branches. In 2002, a period of peak adult activity occurred between January 8 and10. Eggs are deposited in circular or slightly oval clusters on the undersides of seagrape leaves. Mean egg cluster size is 32.7, range 785. Female adults remain with the egg cluster until they die. Eggs hatch within two or three days of oviposition and the larvae feed gregariously on the edges of seagrape leaves, consuming all of the leaf tissue except the major veins. Larvae undergo six instars. However, the small number of instar VI larvae collected suggests that female larvae may undergo an extra instar, as is the case with other species of sawflies. Pupation occurs in parchment-like cocoons attached to leaves, leaf petioles and branches of seagrape. Occasionally, cocoons are attached to wooden surfaces such as picnic benches. A few instar VI larvae were seen with symptoms suggesting virus infection. While heavily infested trees can suffer complete defoliation, the insect appears to cause little or no permanent damage. Local residents regard the insect as a curiosity rather than a pest and report at least two periods of defoliation a yearJanuary and August. Key words: Sericoceros mexicanus, seagrape, Coccoloba uvifera, sawflies, defoliation, tropical forest insects, forest insects
Potential wood supply losses to spruce budworm in New Brunswick estimated using the Spruce Budworm Decision Support System
Authors: MacLean D A , Beaton K P , Porter K B , MacKinnon W E , Budd M G
Published: February 2014

The Spruce Budworm Decision Support System (SBW DSS) was used to estimate potential volume losses to a future spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.)) outbreak in New Brunswick. The SBW DSS was implemented separately on each of the ten Crown Timber Licenses, using data from forest industry management plan timber yields and harvest schedules; values were then compiled for all of New Brunswick. Potential volume losses on privately owned forest (industrial freehold and private woodlots) were estimated by matching stand types with those for Crown land. Total potential volume losses of 83 million and 195 million m3 of sprucefir (Picea spp.  Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) were predicted for "normal" and "severe" budworm outbreak scenarios, defined based on past outbreaks in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia and assumed to start in 2000. Simulated timber supply losses were 42 million, 40 mil-lion, and 1 million m3 on Crown, freehold, and federal land, respectively, under a normal outbreak scenario, versus 99 million, 92 million, and 3 million m3 under a severe outbreak scenario. On Crown land, 33% of the predicted loss in a severe outbreak occurred in stands scheduled for harvest over the next 30 years, 26% occurred in stands not scheduled for harvest for at least 30 years, and 41% was in the non-timber harvesting landbase (11% in Old Softwood Forest Habitat, 12% in Deer Wintering Areas, 14% in riparian buffers, and 3% in inaccessible areas). Harvest levels 1120 years in the future were very sensitive to reduction in yields caused by defoliation. Under a severe outbreak scenario, if 40% of the landbase was not protected for 2, 5, or 8 years to limit defoliation (simulating spraying the insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis, B.t.), 20072011 harvest level reductions of 4.0, 6.0, and 8.4 million m3 , respectively, would be necessary. We conclude that the only way that planned harvest levels for New Brunswick can be maintained, under a future spruce budworm outbreak, is with effective targeted use of insecticides for forest protection. Key words: defoliation, growth reduction, mortality, protection planning
Current trends in management practices for European larch in North America
Authors: Gilmore Daniel W , David Andrew J
Published: February 2014

European larch (Larix decidua Miller) was introduced to North America in the mid-19th century. Its rapid growth led to its use as a reforestation species in northeastern North America during the early part of the 20th century. Proper site selection and vegetation management are crucial to the successful establishment and productivity of this species. On comparable sites, yields of European larch commonly exceed those of native species. Management practices and applied research for this species in North America include the refinement of 1) site selection criteria, 2) growth and yield tables, and 3) optimal density management and stocking levels, 4) product utilization and marketing, and 5) the advancement of tree improvement programs. Key words: growth and yield, productivity, silviculture, tree improvement
Managing timber and non-timber forest product resources in Canada's forests: Needs for integration and research
Authors: Duchesne Luc C , Wetzel Suzanne
Published: February 2014

Non-timber forest products (NTFP) are emerging globally as a tool for the establishment of sustainable forest communities. They provide employment to various sectors of society, draw on local expertise and culture, and increase the outputs of forests. In recent years, NTFP have received accrued interest by the general public, governments and the private sectors of Canada. However, for the NTFP industry to enter mainstream Canadian industrial culture it is now critical to attempt the integration of the timber industry with the NTFP industry to benefit both sectors. NTFP can be harvested from four types of environment: wild stocks from timber-productive forests, wild stocks from non-timber-productive forests or lands, managed stocks from intensively managed forests, and domesticated stocks from agricultural systems. A large body of evidence suggests that NTFP management and harvest can serve the forest industry in many ways. There are four possible types of interaction between the NTFP and timber industries: independent resource use, competition for resources, complementary resource use and symbiotic resource use. Integration of both industries in a sustainable manner will need to be supported with research that address economic, social, policy and ecological questions. Key words: NTFP, sustainability, biodiversity, community forestry
Quantifying landscape structure with vegetation inventory maps and remote sensing
Authors: Franklin S E , Hansen M J , Stenhouse G B
Published: February 2014

Two input maps based on Alberta Vegetation Inventory (AVI) data and Landsat satellite imagery were generated for use in a fragmentation analysis of a large area in the Alberta Yellowhead Ecosystem to support long-term grizzly bear habitat analysis. Accuracy was assessed using visual interpretation of classes on digital orthophotography. Approximately 45% map accuracy was obtained after applying a generalization procedure to the available AVI GIS database. Approximately 80% map accuracy was achieved used a supervised classification approach applied to the Landsat image. Differences in accuracy were most apparent in non-treed vegetation classes (e.g., shrub), closed conifer, mixedwood and deciduous forest classes. Very large differences were observed in many of the landscape metrics computed from these two maps to quantify landscape structure. Simulating forest changes on these maps illustrated the difficulty of comparing maps generated with different geospatial technologies. Key words: fragmentation, satellite remote sensing, GIS vegetation inventory maps, landscape metrics
1998 ice storm impact on sugar bushes of eastern Ontario
Authors: Noland Thomas L
Published: February 2014

In 1998, thirty-four managed sugar bush blocks with 7% to 72% ice-induced crown damage were established in eastern Ontario. All received dolomitic lime (Ca, Mg) and P and K treatments in June 1999. Initial crown damage, fall root starch and sugar levels, sap production and sweetness, sap amino acid concentration, and tap hole closure rate were measured. Syrup production was calculated. Trees with >50% (severe) crown damage had reduced root starch content in 1998 and 2000, but not in 1999. In 2000, root total sugars were lower in trees with >50% crown damage. Sap produced per tap, and sap sweetness were reduced by damage, but not consistently in all years. Sap per tap increased with total crown branches in all three years, but sap sweetness and syrup production only in 1999. Syrup production per tap was consistently reduced in damaged trees in all three years, usually in trees with > 50% damage. The lime and P and K treatments did not significantly affect any of the variables measured. Results suggest that severe ice storm damage to crowns resulted in reduced fall root starch levels and less sap production, and/or sap sweetness, and therefore lowered the syrup producing capacity of sugar maple. Key words: Acer saccharum, ice storm, sap and syrup production, root starch, crown damage
Historic range of variability of mountain forest ecosystems: concepts and applications
Authors: Veblen Thomas T
Published: February 2014

Concepts of historical range of variability (HRV) have taken on an increasingly important role in resource planning and the management of mountain forest ecosystems. This essay draws on examples from the study of the history of disturbance ecology in the Colorado Rocky Mountains and the southern Andes to examine key HRV concepts and their applications. These case studies show that historical perspectives can reduce the chances of major future surprises in ecosystem conditions related to climatic variation, which often overrides many of the effects of management practices. They demonstrate the long-lasting legacy effects of relatively infrequent but severe disturbances in the past that shaped the present landscape and its potential response to future climatic variation. Finally, the case studies illustrate the importance of conducting area-specific research in potential management areas rather than simply extrapolating research findings from studies of historic range of variability of forest ecosystems conducted elsewhere. Key words: climatic variation, disturbance, Rocky Mountains, Andes, Patagonia, Ponderosa pine, landscape, ecosystem management, fire
Decay of Picea abies snag stands on steep mountain slopes
Authors: Kupferschmid Albisetti Andrea D , Brang Peter , Schönenberger Walter , Bugmann Harald
Published: February 2014

In a 30-ha Picea abies mountain forest in the Swiss Alps, almost all trees were killed by bark beetles (Ips typographus) between 1992 and 1996. Snag decay was studied using full-callipering within transects, and the height of lying logs above ground level was studied using the line intersect method. None of the dead trees had been uprooted, but 75% were found broken in 2000. The probability of snag breakage was independent of both tree diameter and time since stand death, but 28% of the snags broke close to the ground during a storm in December 1999. The log sections that were not in direct contact with the ground (73% of the log length sampled) were on average 85 cm above the soil surface in 2001. The orientation of the logs could be explained with the prevailing wind direction even on this steep slope. Leaving snag stands unharvested in P. abies forests on such slopes is likely to result in effective protection against rockfall and avalanche release for about 30 years. Key words: Norway spruce, bark beetle, decay process, rockfall, avalanche, mountain forest, Switzerland, decomposition, coarse woody debris
Développement dun outil de classification de la structure des peuplements et comparaison de deux territoires de la pessière à mousses du Québec
Authors: Boucher D , De Grandpré L , Gauthier S
Published: February 2014

Forest stand structure is an important element for biodiversity and, from a sustainable forest management perspective, uneven-sized stands should be managed in order to maintain the structural diversity over the landscape. The first objective of this study is to develop a statistical tool to characterize stand structure that can be used in forest management planning. The second objective is to classify the stand structure of two regions to illustrate a possible use for the tool. The statistical tool for characterizing stand structure has been developed from forest inventory data gathered by the ministère des Ressources naturelles du Québec, using discriminant analysis. The analysis makes it possible to classify the stands into three types of structure, even-sized, uneven-sized and inverse J-shaped, with an error rate estimated at only 7%. Proportions of different structure types in Quebecs eastern black spruce forest region have been compared with those found in the western black spruce forest region. Nearly 90% of the western black spruce forest region is composed of pure black spruce stands, contrary to the eastern black spruce region, where there are more pure fir and mixed spruce-fir stands. Most of the western black spruce forest stands are even-sized (62%), while almost 70% of the eastern black spruce forest stands are uneven-sized or inverse J-shaped. Pure black spruce stands are more even-sized than pure fir stands, but regional differences are also found within pure black spruce stands. Our results show that it is possible to develop a robust tool that makes it possible to classify thousands of stands rapidly. Such tools are required if we want to consider stand structure for appropriate management prescriptions in the boreal forest. Key words: Even- and uneven-sized structure, fire regime, Picea mariana, Abies balsamea, boreal forest, structural diversity
Indicators to assess biological diversity: Weyerhaeuser's coastal British Columbia forest project
Authors: Kremsater Laurie , Bunnell Fred , Huggard Dave , Dunsworth Glen
Published: February 2014

Adaptive management is a key component of a forest project being implemented across all of Weyerhaeuser's coastal forest tenures. This project uses two main tools to accomplish the British Columbia (BC) Coastal Group's ecological and socio-economic goals: variable retention (VR) harvesting and broad zoning of the land base. The adaptive management program was designed to examine the effectiveness of retention systems and zoning in maintaining those forest attributes necessary to sustain biological richness and essential ecosystem functions, such as nutrient transfer, energy flow, decomposition, and dispersal of seeds, spores, and animals. The program is grounded on three biological indicators evaluated in both operational and experimental contexts: 1) representation of habitat types in a relatively unmanaged state to ensure that little-known species are retained; 2) structure of stands and landscapes to ensure that key elements are present through time; and 3) indicator organisms to track whether retaining structures and patterns, while addressing representation, will maintain species and populations whose life needs are well understood. Representation of ecosystems in unmanaged conditions has been examined. Habitat structure is being assessed in VR blocks and in unmanaged blocks. Studies on several organisms (breeding birds, owls, gastropods, amphibians, bryophytes, lichen, squirrels, mycorrhizae, and carabid beetles) have been underway for various lengths of time. These studies collected baseline information to begin comparisons of the effectiveness of the various types of VR for maintaining biological richness. The current focus in the adaptive management program is refining the lists of specific elements to monitor and beginning to create tools to help extrapolate relationships and findings over large areas and long time frames, with the expectation of operational implementation in 2003. The first two years of pilot work are also being used to examine how the results will link to management practices to strengthen areas that most need improvement. This paper describes three indicators used in Weyerhaeuser's adaptive management program. Key words: adaptive management, variable retention harvesting, indicators for monitoring forests
Predicting the potential for old-growth forests by spatial simulation of landscape ageing patterns
Authors: Perera Ajith H , Baldwin David J.B. , Yemshanov Dennis G , Schnekenburger Frank , Weaver Kevin , Boychuk Dennis
Published: February 2014

Planning for old-growth forests requires answers to two large-scale questions: How much old-growth forest should exist? And where can they be sustained in a landscape? Stand-level knowledge of old-growth physiognomy and dynamics are not sufficient to answer these questions. We assert that large-scale disturbance regimes may provide a strong foundation to understand the spatio-temporal ageing patterns in forest landscapes that determine the potential for old growth. Approaches to describe large-scale disturbance regimes range from scenarios reconstructed from historical evidence to simulation of landscapes using predictive models. In this paper, we describe a simulation modelling approach to determine landscape-ageing patterns, and thereby the landscape potential of old-growth forests. A spatially explicit stochastic simulation model of landscape fire–forest cover dynamics was applied to a 1.8 million-ha case study boreal forest landscape to quantify the spatio-temporal variation of landscape ageing. Twenty-five replicates of 200-year simulation runs of the fire disturbance regime, at a 1-ha resolution, generated a suite of variables of landscape ageing and their error estimates. These included temporal variation of older age cohorts over 200 years, survivorship distribution at the 200th year, and spatial tendencies of ageing. This information, in combination with spatial tendency of species occurrence, constitutes the contextual framework to plan how much old-growth forest a given landscape can sustain, and where such forest could be located. Key words: landscape management, old growth, spatial simulation modelling, landscape ecology, boreal forest, Ontario, fire regime simulation, natural forest disturbances, stochastic models, age-class distribution
Are clearcuts appropriate for the mixed forest of Québec?
Authors: Hébert Rémi
Published: February 2014

Sustainable forest management involves, among other things, maintaining diversity of ecosystems and preserving their natural processes. The main objective of this paper is to consider the validity of current harvesting techniques applied to the mixed forest of Québec. The old-growth mixed forest naturally regenerates by gap dynamics. However, the harvesting technique most commonly used in the mixed forest is clearcutting, with the result that succession must start over from the beginning. A general forest succession model applicable after such large disturbances is proposed. The most positive estimate indicates that the mixed forest will not be re-established earlier than 250 years after clearcutting. To ensure sustainable development in the mixed forest, harvesting techniques should imitate natural regeneration processes. Key words: balsam fir-yellow birch stands, CPRS, gap dynamics, succession model, sustainability, sustainable development
Conseil canadien des ministres des forêts : Champions de la gestion durable des forêts
Authors: Rousseau André H
Published: February 2014

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

Over the last decade, the Canadian forest industry has evolved towards a new industrial model that acknowledges the interconnectivity of environment, economy and society. The emerging model rests on two pillars, "Embracing Sustainability" and "New Partnerships with People and Communities" that support a pro-active, scientifically driven approach to sustainable management and a flexible, collaborative attitude to stakeholder relations. It is based on increasingly sophisticated strategies that recognize the global and local influences on resource management, community requirements and consumer behaviour. Gradual, voluntary adoption of this model is improving environmental stewardship, strengthening industry's commitment to the social needs of partner communities, protecting economic investment and future profitability, and improving stakeholder relations in resource management. The factors influencing this evolving industrial model are both global and uniquely Canadian. By voluntarily investing in co-operative research and policy development, by advocating and adopting international standards and certification, and by adopting a corporate social responsibility framework, the Canadian forest products industry is pushing itself and other stakeholders to build a future based on environmental, social and economic sustainability. Key words: Canadian forest industry, Forest Products Association of Canada, industrial model, corporate social responsibility, sustainability, communities, accountability, partnerships, environment, forestry, forest science, forest research.
Stepping through the looking glass: A new relationship between professional foresters and forest technologists
Authors: Scoffield E V
Published: February 2014

The regulation of forest professionals in British Columbia is undergoing dramatic change. The long-standing close working relationship between professional foresters and forest technologists is now entrenched in legislation. A new Foresters Act came into law on June 20, 2003. It authorizes the Association of British Columbia Professional Foresters to regulate forest technologists as well as professional foresters. This new approach to the regulation of the two groups will build upon their healthy relationship and strengthen the forestry team as it grapples with the challenges ahead. Key words: forest professionals, professional forester, forest technologist, British Columbia, Foresters Act, regulation
Les coupes partielles : une alternative à la coupe à blanc dans les peuplements mixtes de sapin baumier et d'épinette rouge en termes de rendement
Authors: Fortin Mathieu , Bégin Jean , Bélanger Louis
Published: February 2014

A non-linear model is proposed to describe the growth evolution in mixedwood stands composed of balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) and red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) following a diameter-limit cutting. All softwood stems having a stump diameter equal to or greater than 18 cm were removed during this cutting. The model approach considers the entire stand where the volumes of the two main species, balsam fir and red spruce, were individually modeled. The model was also calibrated for two forest sites identified using Heimburger (1941) forest sites plant index: Cornus and Oxalis-Cornus. On average, the rotation periods suggested by the model range from 25 to 30 years with yields of 4.0 m3ha–1 ear–1 of merchantable volume. In the Cornus forest site, the diameter-limit cutting enables maximization of the yield while maintaining red spruce dominance. In the Oxalis-Cornus forest site, the volume removal has been too important and residual stands were under optimal growth conditions. Furthermore, the cutting has favoured balsam fir instead of red spruce. A reduction of volume removal and an integral protection of red spruce stems having a diameter less than 35 cm at breast height would enable maximization of the yield and maintain the species proportions. Under the Quebec forest context, the selection method would constitute an adequate operation in stand management of forest sites corresponding to Oxalis-Cornus, while cutting with retention of small merchantable stems would be applicable to stands corresponding to the Cornus site. Key words: red spruce, balsam fir, mixedwood stands, productivity, modelling, partial cutting, yield, composition, silviculture
A regional comparison of US homeowner perceptions about treated wood
Authors: Donkor Ben N , Kallioranta Sanna , Vlosky Richard P , Shupe Todd F
Published: February 2014

This study examines United States homeowner perceptions about treated wood products. Regional differences were measured across a number of themes including overall perceptions about treated wood, treated wood relative to alternative building materials, and safety issues. Respondents in the South had the most positive perception of treated wood. The most significant health concerns were related to arsenic and chromium in preservative treatments with no differences across regions. Overall, there is not a strong aversion to using treated wood products per se although the perception of health risks exists. Key words: treated wood, United States, homeowner perceptions, regional differences
The effect of fire severity and salvage logging traffic on regeneration and early growth of aspen suckers in north-central Alberta
Authors: Fraser Erin , Landhäusser Simon , Lieffers Victor
Published: February 2014

Density and growth of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) were measured in the first two years following wildfire to determine the effects of: 1) fire severity and 2) salvage logging damage on sucker regeneration. Results indicate that stand leaf area was not affected by fire severity, although the greatest number of suckers was produced following high severity burns. In contrast, plots with the highest level of machine disturbance in the salvage-logging study had 60% fewer suckers compared to the non-trafficked plots. These suckers tended to be smaller and had less leaf area than the non-trafficked plots, resulting in a stand leaf area reduction of up to 75%. This suggests that salvage logging could have a negative impact on the future growth and productivity of regenerating aspen stands. Key words: trembling aspen, regeneration, suckering, leaf area, wildfire, fire severity, salvage logging, machine traffic
Burned wood in the pulp and paper industry: A literature review
Authors: Watson Paul , Potter Simon
Published: February 2014

Fires play an integral part in Canadian forest architecture. Low-value wood, from burned stems, is an important source of fibre for the pulp and paper industry. Although wood chemistry changes induced by fire are substantial, burned stems exhibit a demarcation layer between the char and undamaged wood which is only a few cells thick. The loss of stem moisture content requires that burned wood is processed within one year. Aggressive debarking will minimize charcoal contamination and careful metering of chips from burned wood into any pulping process is essential. Chips with low moisture content must be pre-steamed prior to kraft cooking, and chemical pre-treatment may improve mechanical pulp quality. Key words: burn intensity, wood chemistry, charring, stem moisture content, charcoal contamination, chip metering
Meta-analysis of understory white spruce response to release from overstory aspen
Authors: Man Rongzhou , Greenway Ken J
Published: February 2014

Meta-analysis was used to summarize the research results on the growth response of understory white spruce to release from overstory aspen from different studies available from published and unpublished sources. The data were screened for the suitability for meta-analysis. Treatment effect sizes were calculated using response ratio from mean cumulative increments of released and control trees since release in height, diameter, and volume and modeled using a polynomial mixed effect regression procedure. Predictor variables include linear, quadratic, and cubic components of three independent variables  initial tree height, number of years after release, and residual basal area at release  and their linear interactions. Models with a reasonable predictive power were developed for height, diameter, and volume response, but no significant model was identified for survival. The models developed in this study can be applied to predict the growth response of understory white spruce to release, based on the growth of unreleased control trees, initial tree height, residual basal area at release, and time since release. The individual tree prediction can be easily scaled up to stand level if residual tree density and distribution is known. Key words: meta-analysis, boreal mixedwood, mixed model, polynomial regression, response ratio, growth, survival
The FAACS backcast: Afforestation activity in the Prairie Provinces (19902002)
Authors: Hall R J , Joss B N , Sidders D M , Keddy T J
Published: February 2014

Under Action Plan 2000, the Feasibility Assessment of Afforestation for Carbon Sequestration (FAACS) initiative is exploring the feasibility of large-scale afforestation as an effective response to Canada's climate change commitments. One component of the FAACS initiative is a "backcast" or inventory of afforestation activity that has occurred on privately owned land since 1990. Within the Prairie Provinces, the backcast of afforestation activity identified approximately 2650 hectares that were afforested between 1990 and 2002. Temporal and spatial trends were identified from the afforestation activities documented. Temporally, there was a two-year cycle of afforestation activity between 1997 and 2002, and a noticeable shift from the planting of coniferous to deciduous trees between 2000 and 2001. Spatially, three ecoregions, Boreal Transition, Mid-Boreal Uplands and Peace Lowland, accounted for 83% of the afforestation activity. Environmental conditions associated with afforestation sites were identified for mean annual and growing season precipitation (342 mm to 578 mm and 214 mm to 361 mm, respectively), climate moisture index (-27 to 20 cm), and growing degree days (1009 to 1789). Afforestation sites were mostly located on loamy, well-drained soils with pH values between 6 and 8 in plant hardiness zones 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b and 3a. Environmental and socioeconomic (e.g., proximity to mills) factors influenced the location of afforestation activity in the Prairie Provinces. This information provides direct inputs into the selection of spatial and environmental variables and their attribute values for developing a model of land suitability for afforestation in the Prairie Provinces, and will provide a basis for its application across Canada. Key words: afforestation, reforestation, land suitability, carbon sequestration, hybrid poplar
Biodiversity conservation: Officials' perceptions and discord with community forest management in Nepal
Authors: Acharya Uma , Petheram R. John , Reid Rowan
Published: February 2014

Two topics receiving much attention in design of forest policy and management in Nepal are conservation of biodiversity and participation of forest-local people. Government officials, forest users and development workers are all involved in shaping policy for the management of forest for biodiversity and other values. It is therefore crucial to understand the different viewpoints about biodiversity among these stakeholders. This paper is derived from a broad case study on the views of various stakeholders in community forestry in Nepal, but is focused on understanding the views of policy-level government officials in regards to biodiversity conservation. Using a grounded theory approach, qualitative data were collected on two field visits in 2002–2003 to the study area. The results of interviews with officials indicate diverse perspectives in interpreting biodiversity conservation. These include perceptions of forest users' understanding about diversity, and strong beliefs about definition of biodiversity and about dependence of users on forest for their livelihood. Implications of the results include an obvious need for better understanding by staff at various levels of government and other agencies involved in community forestry, of the different concepts and views held about biodiversity conservation. A broader understanding among officials of biodiversity and deeper knowledge of other's views on biodiversity conservation could help in designing and implementing policies and programs in the context of community forest management. Key words: views, perceptions, understanding, community, forestry, users, government officials, policy, qualitative method
TADAM: A dynamic whole-stand approximation for the TASS growth model
Authors: Garcia Oscar
Published: February 2014

Growth and yield predictions for managed even-aged stands in British Columbia are based on TASS, an individual-tree distance-dependent growth model driven by an unusually detailed description of crown development. Because of its complexity, most applications utilize previously generated stand-level yield tables rather than running TASS directly. I have developed a differential equation approximation to the stand-level dynamics predicted by TASS that mimics the aggregate behaviour with sufficient accuracy for many practical purposes. Versions of this model, called TADAM, exist for planted coastal Douglas-fir, lodgepole pine, and white spruce. TADAM can efficiently project stand development starting from any initial conditions, and subject to any combination of thinnings. Its relative simplicity makes it suitable for embedding into landscape-level planning models and other decision support systems. It has been implemented as a C function library, as an interactive simulator running on a PDA, and as an Excel spreadsheet add-in. An example of thinning and planting density optimization is briefly described. Key words: growth and yield, stand dynamics, thinning, optimization, Pinus contorta, Picea glauca
Impacts of climate change on diversity in forested ecosystems: Some examples
Authors: Gray Paul A
Published: February 2014

Ecological diversity (the product of ecosystem, species, and genetic diversity) will change significantly in the 21st Century in response to the combined influence of climate, human activities, the movement of indigenous and non-indigenous species, and natural disturbances like fire (also modified by climate). Many species will acclimate (phenotypic variation) and/or adapt (genotypic variation) to changing conditions. Many will not. Species with a high rate of reproduction that are able to move long distances, rapidly colonize new habitats, tolerate humans, and survive within a broad range of biophysical conditions will be most successful in finding new niches. Large changes in ecosystem composition, structure, and function are expected to occur at northern latitudes and higher altitudes. In some areas novel ecosystems likely will replace existing subalpine, alpine, boreal forest, and tundra ecosystems. Key words: climate change, ecodiversity, forest, ecosystem diversity, species diversity, genetic diversity
Climate change implications for stand yields and soil expectation values: A northern Saskatchewan case study
Authors: Johnston Mark , Williamson Tim
Published: February 2014

We explore the effects of climate change on future stand yields and future area burned, and integrate these to determine future Soil Expectation Values (SEV) for white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) in central Saskatchewan. The results suggest that under most future scenarios, stand productivity increases, but decreases under extreme drought. However, projected increases in area burned offset these productivity increases. Under high levels of future area burned, SEV is lower than current values, resulting in a negative economic impact. We also find that the optimal economic rotation age under future climate is lower than that under present climatic conditions. Key words: climate change impacts, forest management, stand yield effects, forest ecosystem models, CO2fertilization, stomatal control, PnET, fire cycles, soil expectation values, optimal economic rotation, adaptation
An adaptive management process for forest soil conservation
Authors: Curran Michael P , Maynard Douglas G , Heninger Ronald L , Terry Thomas A , Howes Steven W , Stone Douglas M , Niemann Thomas , Miller Richard E , Powers Robert F
Published: February 2014

Soil disturbance guidelines should be based on comparable disturbance categories adapted to specific local soil conditions, validated by monitoring and research. Guidelines, standards, and practices should be continually improved based on an adaptive management process, which is presented in this paper. Core components of this process include: reliable monitoring protocols for assessing and comparing soil disturbance for operations, certification and sustainability protocols; effective methods to predict the vulnerability of specific soils to disturbance and related mitigative measures; and, quantitative research to build a database that documents the practical consequences of soil disturbance for tree growth and soil functions. Key words: soil disturbance; soil compaction; rutting; monitoring (implementation, effectiveness, and validation); criteria and indicators; Montreal Process
Perspectives sur le développement durable et la viabilité du secteur forestier canadien
Authors: Emmett Brian
Published: February 2014

Decisions made about forest resources are increasingly dominated by concerns about limits, trade-offs, and diminishing returns from commodities. By focusing on sustainable development and the transformative power of human ingenuity, forest resources we need not regard as finite. The value of sustainable development lies in its power to place scientific and technical innovation into a dynamic framework relevant to those making policy and management decisions. Key words: sustainable development, natural resources, limits, forest sector, commodities, innovation
Integrating remote sensing and climate data with process-based models to map forest productivity within west-central Alberta's boreal forest: Ecoleap-West
Authors: Hall R J , Raulier F. , Price D T , Arsenault E. , Bernier P Y , Case B S , Guo X.
Published: February 2014

Forest yield forecasting typically employs statistically derived growth and yield (G&Y) functions that will yield biased growth estimates if changes in climate seriously influence future site conditions. Significant climate warming anticipated for the Prairie Provinces may result in increased moisture deficits, reductions in average site productivity and changes to natural species composition. Process-based stand growth models that respond realistically to simulated changes in climate can be used to assess the potential impacts of climate change on forest productivity, and hence can provide information for adapting forest management practices. We present an application of such a model, StandLEAP, to estimate stand-level net primary productivity (NPP) within a 2700 km2 study region in western Alberta. StandLEAP requires satellite remote-sensing derived estimates of canopy light absorption or leaf area index, in addition to spatial data on climate, topography and soil physical characteristics. The model was applied to some 80 000 stand-level inventory polygons across the study region. The resulting estimates of NPP correlate well with timber productivity values based on stand-level site index (height in metres at 50 years). This agreement demonstrates the potential to make site-based G&Y estimates using process models and to further investigate possible effects of climate change on future timber supply. Key words: forest productivity, NPP, climate change, process-based model, StandLEAP, leaf area index, above-ground biomass
Arthropods as ecological indicators of sustainability in Canadian forests
Authors: Langor David W , Spence John R
Published: February 2014

The high functional and unmatched biological diversity represented by arthropods demand that these organisms be considered as ecological indicators of sustainable forest management. Successful use of arthropods in this capacity will require a systematic and rigorous process, including selection of potential indicators, definition of relationships between indicators and disturbance variables, optimization of the useful range of the indicator and application of the indicator(s) in monitoring. In Canada, the single greatest impediment to the use of arthropods as ecological indicators is the importance of accurate species-level identification and the difficulty achieving it. Consequently, most work has focused on a few relatively well-known groups (e.g., epigaeic carabid and staphylinid beetles and spiders, saproxylic beetles, butterflies and larger night flying moths).Many recent studies have provided baseline data about the range of natural variation and have begun to quantify arthropod responses to natural and anthropogenic disturbances in the context of preplanned experiments or through various retrospective approaches. Carabid beetles are the best-studied group and sufficient sets of data now exist to permit a meta-analysis of the robustness of carabids as indicators across multiple spatial scales and in terms of how well they represent broader ecological responses to disturbances. There is good potential to incorporate arthropod indicators into monitoring programs in Canada, but it is necessary to first complete a scientifically credible selection process for specific ecological indicators. Future research should focus on completing the process for taxa under current study as this develops the best presently understood opportunities for using arthropod indicators in assessing various aspects of environmental change. Researchers should also consider other means of monitoring arthropod biodiversity by the use of surrogate ecological parameters such as ecological land classification and habitat classification systems. Key words: arthropods, ecological indicators, monitoring, biodiversity, taxonomy, sustainability