Canadian Forest Service Publications
ARNEWS and North American Maple Project (NAMP), 1995. (DNARPA et Projet canado-américain d'étude du dépérissement de l'érable (NAMP), 1995). 1997. Bowers, W.W.; Hopkin, A.A. Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Headquarters, Science Branch, Ottawa. Information Report ST-X-14. 32 p.
Year: 1997
Issued by: National Capital Region
Catalog ID: 6229
Language: English / French
Series: Information Report (CFS - Ottawa)
Availability: PDF (download)
Abstract
The Acid Rain National Early Warning System (ARNEWS) was established in 1984 to detect early signs of damage to Canadian forests and to monitor changes in forest vegetation and soils. In 1993, the ARNEWS network was expanded and the methods for assessing crown condition were revised. The North American Maple Project (NAMP) was established in 1988, in cooperation with the United States, to monitor the condition of sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) across northeastern North America. These plot systems are used by the Canadian Forest Service to identify the types and extent of damage to forests, whether caused by natural factors such as insects, diseases, and weather, or anthropogenic factors such as management practices and air pollution. The health of the major forest species across Canada is described.
Symptoms of forest decline at various plots have been observed. At many locations, deterioration in crown condition can be traced to a history of insect and disease activity, and abiotic stress such as drought. However, in areas such as the Bay of Fundy, dieback on birch is coincident with the presence of acid fog and high levels of tropospheric ozone. Otherwise, there is no indication of a large-scale decline in forest health as detected by ARNEWS or NAMP.