http://cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/authors/read/21423 Publications by A. Stinson en-ca 2012-01-16 06:55:04 MST 2012-01-16 06:55:04 MST webmaster@nofc.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca http://cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/publications?id=33070 We investigated the effects ofherbaceous and woody vegetation control onthesurvival and growth ofplanted and natural eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) seedlings through six growing seasons following auniform shelterwood regeneration harvest on two independent sites. Subsequent tochain scarification, white pine seedlings were planted at 2-m spacing, augmenting natural regeneration (full stocking and >3000 seedlings perha). Herbaceous vegetation control involved the suppression ofgrasses, forbs, ferns, and low shrubs, and was maintained for zero, two, orfour growing seasons after planting. Woodycontrol involved the removal of all tall shrubs and deciduous trees, and was conducted at the time of planting, atthe end ofthe second orfifth growing seasons, ornot at all. White pine seedling growth responded positively toincreased duration ofherbaceous vegetation control and negatively to delayed woody control. Maximum growth was not realized unless both types ofvegetation were suppressed. During the first six growing seasons, the height growth of planted pine was more than twice that ofnaturally regenerating pine, regardless oftending regime. The study suggests that successful white pine regeneration may be achieved by thinning from below to allow 50% to60% offull sunlight in the understory, followed by the proactive, early suppression ofwoody and herbaceous vegetation to maintain optimum light levels and reduce competitionfor soil moistureand nutrients. Mon, 16 Jan 2012 http://cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/publications?id=33070 http://cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/publications?id=31666 Wed, 05 May 2010 http://cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/publications?id=31666 http://cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/publications?id=29226 We investigated the effects of herbaceous and woody vegetation control on the survival and growth of planted eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) seedlings through six growing seasons. Herbaceous vegetation control involved the suppression of grasses, forbs, ferns, and low-shrubs, and was maintained for 0, 2, or 4 years after white pine seedlings were planted. Woody control involved the removal of all tall-shrub and deciduous trees, and was conducted at the time of planting, at the end of the second or fifth growing seasons, or not at all. Seedling height and basal diameter responded positively and proportionally to duration of herbaceous vegetation control. Gains associated with woody control were generally not significant unless some degree of herbaceous vegetation control was also conducted. Only herbaceous control increased pine crown closure and rate of crown closure. Herbaceous control and the presence of 5000–15,000 stems per ha of young overtopping aspen were associated with reduced weevil (Pissodes strobi Peck.) injury and increased pine height growth. The study suggests that white pine restoration strategies on clearcut sites should focus on the proactive, early management of understory vegetation and the gradual reduction of overtopping cover from woody vegetation to create a seedling light environment that supports acceptable growth with minimal weevil damage Thu, 29 Jan 2009 http://cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/publications?id=29226 http://cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/publications?id=29176 As forest management intensifies, the conservation of forest biodiversity is a growing concern. Bryophytes are known to represent a considerable portion of plant diversity within northern forests. This is because bryophyte diversity is closely associated with microhabitat diversity. In this study, the influence of microhabitats on bryophyte diversity was investigated by comparing eight different boreal mixedwood microhabitats. The results indicate that bryophyte diversity (species richness, abundance, and evenness) is quite variable among microhabitats. The accumulation of species richness with microhabitat quantity within a forest stand also varies among microhabitats. ß-diversity analyses indicate that the variety of microhabitats has considerable influence on community structure. Frequency analysis identified bryophytes that are restricted to or prefer particular microhabitats. Although all microhabitats are important to bryophyte diversity, decayed logs and rocks supported the greatest number of microhabitat-specific species, and rock microhabitats supported the largest total number of species. Recommendations for forest management, one of which emphasizes the need to recognize and manage the natural variety of microhabitats, such as downed woody material, found within the forests to conserve or restore bryophyte diversity are provided. Thu, 08 Jan 2009 http://cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/publications?id=29176 http://cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/publications?id=28983 The province of Ontario holds approximately 70.2 million hectares of forests: about 17% of Canada’s and 2% of the world’s forests. Approximately 21 million hectares are managed as commercial forests, with an annual harvest in the early part of the decade approaching 200 000 ha. Yield tables developed by Walter Plonski in the 1950s provide the basis for most wood supply calculations and growth projections in Ontario. However, due to changes in legislation, policy, and the planning process, they no longer fully meet the needs of resource managers. Furthermore, Plonski`s tables are not appropriate for the range of silvicultural options now practised in Ontario. In October 1999, the Canadian Ecology Centre- Forestry Research Partnership (CEC-FRP) was formed and initiated a series of projects that collectively aimed at characterizing, quantifying and ultimately increasing the economically available wood supply. Comprehensive, defensible, and reliable forecasts of forest growth and yield were identified as key knowledge gaps. The CEC-FRP, with support from the broader science community and forest industry, initiated several new research activities to address these needs, the results of which are outlined briefly in this paper. We describe new stand level models (e.g., benchmark yield curves, FVSOntario, stand density management diagrams) that were developed using data collected from permanent sample plots and permanent growth plots established and remeasured during the past 5 decades. Similarly, we discuss new height–diameter equations developed for 8 major commercial tree species that specifically account for stand density. As well, we introduce a CEC-FRP-supported project aimed at developing new taper equations for plantation grown jack pine and black spruce trees established at varying densities. Furthermore, we provide an overview of various projects undertaken to explore measures of site productivity. Available growth intercept and site index equations are being evaluated and new equations are being developed for major commercial tree species as needed. We illustrate how these efforts are advancing Ontario’s growth and yield program and supporting the CEC-FRP in achieving its objective of increasing the supply of fibre by 10% in 10 years while maintaining forest sustainability. Tue, 28 Oct 2008 http://cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/publications?id=28983