Canadian Forest Service Publications

Island Lake biomass harvest research and demonstration area: establishment report. 2014. Kwiaton, M.; Hazlett, P.; Morris, D.; Fleming, R.; Webster, K.; Venier, L.; Aubin,I. Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Great Lakes Forestry Centre, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Information Report GLC-X-11. 82p.

Year: 2014

Issued by: Great Lakes Forestry Centre

Catalog ID: 36085

Language: English

Series: Information Report (GLFC - Sault Ste. Marie)

Availability: PDF (download)

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Abstract

The impact of intensified biomass harvesting on forest sustainability, specifically stand growth, soil productivity and forest biodiversity is of concern to a wide variety of stakeholders. Building on the success of the collaborative Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), Canadian Forest Service (CFS)/Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (OMNRF) Ontario component of the North American Long‐Term Soil Productivity (LTSP) experiment, this report documents the establishment of a new study at the Island Lake Biomass Harvest Research and Demonstration Area near Chapleau, Ontario. The study is a partnership of government (NRCan, CFS, OMNRF), industry (Tembec, Ontario Power Generation), First Nations (Northeast Superior Regional Chiefs’ Forum), and local communities (Northeast Superior Forest Community). This report describes the site, experimental treatments, and pre‐ and immediate postharvest vegeta

Plain Language Summary

The impact of intensified biomass harvesting on forest sustainability, specifically stand growth, soil productivity and forest biodiversity is of concern to a wide variety of stakeholders. This report documents the establishment of a new study at the Island Lake Biomass Harvest Research and Demonstration Area near Chapleau, Ontario. The study is a partnership of government, industry, First Nations, and local communities. This report describes the site, experimental treatments, and pre- and immediate post-harvest vegetation, woody debris and soil characteristics and will provide baseline information and data for ongoing and new research initiatives at the site. By looking at many aspects of the ecosystem over the long term we hope to develop a fuller understanding of impacts of biomass removal and biomass retention on forest sustainability. The comprehensive monitoring that is being carried out will contribute to the development of appropriate guidelines for biomass removal.