Carbon budget model
The operational-scale carbon budget model of the Canadian forest sector (CBM-CFS3) is an aspatial, stand- and landscape-level modeling framework to simulate the dynamics of all forest carbon stocks required under the Kyoto Protocol (aboveground biomass, belowground biomass, litter, dead wood and soil organic carbon). It is compliant with the carbon estimation methods outlined in the IPCC Good Practice Guidance For Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry (2003) report.
The model uses much the same information that is required for forest management planning (e.g., forest inventory, tree species, growth and yield curves, natural and human-induced disturbance information, forest harvest schedule and land-use change information), supplemented with information from national ecological parameter databases.
With this sophisticated but user-friendly software tool, users apply their own stand- or landscape-level forest management information to calculate carbon stocks and stock changes for the past (monitoring) or into the future (projection). Users can also create, simulate and compare various forest management scenarios in order to assess impacts on carbon.
Tools in the model assist users with importing required data from common timber supply models such as Remsoft® Spatial Woodstock™, or from user-developed data files.
The model contains graphic user interfaces to help users prepare data, define scenarios, perform analyses, and examine results. Although the model currently contains a set of default ecological parameters appropriate for Canada, these parameters can be modified by the user, allowing for potential application of the model in other countries. Other languages could be added to the user interface in the future.
Download instructions
The Operational-Scale Carbon Budget Model of the Canadian forest sector (CBM-CFS3) is being offered for download from a secure web site.
Any information you provide on the website above cannot be viewed by anyone other than the administrator of the web site.
You will be asked to login to Canada’s National Forest Information System (NFIS) by selecting your jurisdiction and entering your account username and password. If you do not have an account, click on the “Registration” button under the “New to NFIS” section, create an account, and then login to the website above using your new account information.
Your login authorization and language selection will be stored using cookies. Cookies are small text files that are stored on your computer and make it easy for you to move around the web site without having to re-enter your name, password and language selection.
After logging into your account, you will be directed to the “Operational-Scale Carbon Budget Model of the Canadian Forest Sector (CBM-CFS3)” downloads page where you will find four files — two Microsoft software products required to run the CBM-CFS3, the CBM-CFS3 installation file, and the latest version of the CBM-CFS3 User’s Guide. All of these files are available free of charge. Simply click on a file to download it.
The draft Chapter 2 of the Operational-Scale Carbon Budget Model of the Canadian Forest Sector (CBM-CFS3) Version 1.2: User’s Guide contains computer system requirements to operate the model. Tutorials can be found under the “Help” menu in the main window of the CBM-CFS3.
How the CBM-CFS3 was developed?
In 2002, the carbon accounting team at Natural Resources Canada’s Canadian Forest Service, in partnership with the Canadian Model Forest Network (CMFN), responded to the forest industry’s need for an operational-scale carbon accounting tool. The tool was needed to meet criteria and indicator reporting requirements of sustainable forest management, for forest certification, and to help managers understand how their actions affect the net carbon balance of their forest estate.
The goal of the partnership between the carbon accounting team of Natural Resources Canada’s Canadian Forest Service and the CMFN was to develop a user-friendly operational-scale carbon accounting tool that would build on the science of the CBM-CFS2. Over the course of the project, the carbon accounting team developed, tested, and delivered the tool, known as the CBM-CFS3. Two model forests, the Lake Abitibi Model Forest and the Western Newfoundland Model Forest were selected as pilot sites for development and testing of the model. As development proceeded, other model forests and their partners from across Canada contributed to model development through the testing of a beta-version. A release version was made available free of charge to the forestry community in 2005, along with a user’s guide and tutorials. The model, user’s guide and tutorials will be made available in both of Canada’s official languages.
How CBM-CFS3 results can be used?
As discussed in the preceding section, forest managers can create several projects for different forest management options and compare results in terms of carbon, to select the plan that best meets their objectives. Users can also observe results of management actions in terms of carbon on individual stands in order to decide whether to apply those actions to their entire management area. Editing capabilities within the CBM-CFS3 also permit users to modify ecological parameters and climate data in order to assess potential future changes to ecological conditions in their management areas.
Results of analyses can be used for various types of forest ecosystem carbon reporting requirements. In Canada, forest managers can use the model to report on forest carbon contributions to global cycles in order to comply with sustainable forest management guidelines. CBM-CFS3 results may also be used to report on carbon in a similar way in order to earn forest certification (for example, certification under the Canadian Standards Association Sustainable Forest Management Program).
The CBM-CFS3 is the central model of Canada’s National Forest Carbon Monitoring, Accounting and Reporting System that is used for international reporting of the carbon balance of Canada’s managed forest (Kurz and Apps 2006).
Training workshops
The CFS-CAT, in partnership with the CMFN, have conducted several CBM-CFS3 technical training workshops across Canada, training over 160 participants from over 10 countries.
It is hoped that this transfer of technology and training will empower forest managers to assess the consequences of management activities on forest carbon stocks on their landscape.
Contact Stephen Kull to obtain information about upcoming CBM-CFS3 training workshops.
Technology transfer
The CBM-CFS3 is currently available free of charge to anyone interested. Contact Stephen Kull for more information.
The tools and the technology transfer program will empower forest managers to consider the effects of their planned activities on forest carbon stocks and stock changes, thus potentially contributing to a strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Root database
The database [235 kb XLS] contains the data used in the paper:
Li, Z.; Kurz, W.A.; Apps, M.J.; Beukema, S.J. 2003. Below ground biomass dynamics in the Carbon Budget Model of the Canadian Forest Sector: recent improvement and implications for the estimation of NPP and NEP. Canadian Journal of Forest Research 33:126-136.
Users of these data are requested to cite the above reference.
Although we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the data compilation, we cannot be held responsible for the data. Any observed problems or any questions should be reported.