Affiliation:
1. Forest Growth Organization of Western Canada, fRI Research, Hinton, AB, Canada
Abstract
Models of forest regeneration dynamics have been less widely applied in forest management than those representing growth and mortality in later stages of stand development, in spite of the critical role of regeneration in maintaining forest ecosystems. This omission is demonstrated by a review of pertinent literature and examined in the context of reforestation in the province of Alberta. Regeneration assessments in Alberta are undertaken before the regeneration phase of stand development is complete. As a result, existing growth and yield models, used to predict whether regeneration performance will meet management objectives, do not adequately represent juvenile mortality, ingress of natural regeneration, stand density, and the responses of ingress and mortality to reforestation treatments. A long-term experiment monitoring regeneration of lodgepole pine stands following harvest has over the last 20 years attempted to address some of the resulting challenges. Opportunities and needs for regeneration modelling include extension to other boreal species and ecotypes, incorporation of climatic variables, and innovations in data collection and analytical techniques. Steps are recommended for expediting the required research.
Funder
Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta
ANC Timber Ltd.
Blue Ridge Lumber, a division of West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd.
Canadian Forest Products Ltd.
Millar Western Forest Products Ltd.
Spray Lake Sawmills, a division of West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd.
Sundre Forest Products, a division of West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd.
Weyerhaeuser Company
West Fraser Mills Timber Co. Ltd.
Publisher
Canadian Science Publishing