A review of Canadian forest vegetation management research and practice

Abstract

-Research and practice in Canadian forest vegetation management was reviewed for the period 1990 to present. Results indicate continued evolution toward a more integrated and ecologically sound program with appropriate focus on key competitors and crop species. Increasing collaboration between academia, government and industry has resulted in > 666 new scientific publications, substantially augmenting the existing knowledge base. The development of (Chondrostereum purpureum) as the first biocontrol agent in Canadian forest vegetation management and the use of nutrient-loaded seedlings to enhance establishment success are considered key research highlights. Recent trends in operational practice include a move toward more intensive management on higher quality sites and adoption of innovative approaches (e.g. nutrient loaded seedlings, larger planting stock) and advanced technologies (e.g. electronic guidance in aerial herbicide applications). The lack of long-term growth response data and economic analyses demonstrating positive cost/benefits remain as shortcomings, however continued development of the program will undoubtedly enhance sustainable wood supply and minimize impact on the forest environment.

Cutting versus herbicides: Tenth-year volume and release cost-effectiveness of sub-boreal conifer plantations

“…Although many studies provide economic insight into plantation silviculture (McKenney et al 1992, Richardson 1993, Biblis et al 1998, Holgen et al 2000, George and Brennan 2002, Ahtikoski and Pulkkinen 2003, Huang and Kronrad 2004, Kimberley et al 2004, only one such North American boreal study investigates vegetation release treatment (controlling weed species with herbicide and non-herbicide options) cost-effectiveness (Bell et al 1997a). This is corroborated by the review paper by Thompson and Pitt (2003). Of the 1256 scientific publications that directly related to forest vegetation management (NRCan 2004) only 18 publications (1.4%) were related to forest vegetation management treatment economics across all Canadian forest types, with only the above-mentioned study in the boreal conifer context.…”

Benefit–cost Analysis of Vegetation Management Alternatives: An Ontario Case Study

“…In a review of the Canadian forest vegetation management research and practice, Thompson and Pitt (2003) report 1256 scientific publications directly related to forest vegetation management as of 2002, but only 18 (1.4%) of those include components of economic analysis of forest vegetation management treatments, and even fewer are focused on the economics associated with releasing boreal conifers. Therefore, there is a need for stand-level benefit-cost analyses (BCA) that will help decision-makers choose the best alternatives for forest vegetation management.…”

The Canadian Ecology Centre – Forestry Research Partnership: Implementing a research strategy based on an active adaptive management approach

“…Gains were made in tree improvement with the first generation becoming the standard for the basic silvicultural program across most SFLs (Joyce et al 2001) and mixed-species plantations became far more common (Légaré et al 2005). Efforts were also made to increase growth by ensuring that crop trees received a much greater proportion of site resources through site preparation (Ryans and Sutherland 2001), vegetation management (Thompson and Pitt 2003), and density regulation (Bell et al 1990;Sharma et al 2008, this issue).…”