Knowledge transfer and extension in the Canadian Ecology Centre – Forestry Research Partnership: From awareness to uptake

2008 ◽  
Vol 84 (5) ◽  
pp. 748-755 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guy KM Smith ◽  
John F Pineau ◽  
F. Wayne Bell
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Adaptive Management ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Research Partnership ◽  
Interactive Approach ◽  
Level Of Involvement ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Forestry Research

Knowledge transfer, including awareness, transfer, extension, training, and education activities, was purposely incorporated into the Canadian Ecology Centre – Forestry Research Partnership (CEC-FRP) at an early stage as part of an adaptive management approach. Over the course of 7 years, the level of involvement from researchers, policy-makers, and forest resource managers in knowledge transfer activities progressed from passive to interactive participation, with each successive stage requiring greater attention to timing and the capacity of participants to take in new knowledge. An interactive approach, dubbed core teams, proved essential in overcoming barriers to the flow of knowledge into practice. Four case examples: (1) revising growth and yield predictions, (2) integrating spatial and nonspatial landscape analysis tools, (3) developing and applying advanced silvicultural decision-making, and (4) applying spray delivery systems, are used to convey the success of knowledge transfer and extension efforts in the CEC-FRP and the essential role of the core teams. Physical, human, and financial resources, coupled with strong involvement by partner organizations, were key factors in the success of knowledge transfer efforts. Key words: active adaptive management, forest management

The Canadian Ecology Centre – Forestry Research Partnership: Implementing a research strategy based on an active adaptive management approach

2008 ◽  
Vol 84 (5) ◽  
pp. 666-677 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Wayne Bell ◽  
James A Baker ◽  
George Bruemme ◽  
John Pineau ◽  
Al Stinson
Keyword(s):  
Forest Management ◽  
Data Acquisition ◽  
Adaptive Management ◽  
Forest Ecology ◽  
Research Strategy ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Forest Economics ◽  
Research Partnership ◽  
Forestry Research ◽  
Integrated Research

Between April 2000 and March 2007, the Canadian Ecology Centre – Forestry Research Partnership funded, directed, or catalyzed approximately 145 projects. Most of these focused on knowledge and data acquisition, providing a solid foundation for a series of sensitivity and gap analyses to determine whether a long-term goal of enhancing productivity on 6 forest management units in Ontario was achievable, and more importantly, sustainable. A research strategy provided the focus for knowledge and data acquisition and the partnership facilitated integrated research, development, transfer, and implementation. Here we provide an overview of this effort, which is expected to position forest managers of the 6 forests to apply an adaptive management process to increase understanding of the response of their forests to various forest management policies and practices in the future. The strategy and approach described could be useful to other jurisdictions aiming to more closely integrate forest research and operations as well as those interested in implementing adaptive management. Key words: forest ecology, forest economics, forest inventory, forest management

Ontario's forest growth and yield modelling program: Advances resulting from the Forestry Research Partnership

2008 ◽  
Vol 84 (5) ◽  
pp. 694-703 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahadev Sharma ◽  
John Parton ◽  
Murray Woods ◽  
Peter Newton ◽  
Margaret Penner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tree Species ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Forest Growth ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Research Partnership ◽  
Wood Supply ◽  
Permanent Sample Plots ◽  
Forestry Research ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Forest Growth And Yield

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, FVS Ontario, 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. Key words: permanent sample plots (PSPs), permanent growth plots (PGPs), normal yield tables, sustainable forest management, NEBIE plot network, forest inventory, Forest Vegetation Simulator

Ontario's Forestry Research Partnership: Progress and next steps

2008 ◽  
Vol 84 (5) ◽  
pp. 756-763 ◽  
Author(s):  
James A Baker ◽  
F. Wayne Bell ◽  
Al Stinson
Keyword(s):  
Forest Management ◽  
Adaptive Management ◽  
Research Partnership ◽  
Organizational Goals ◽  
Phase Approach ◽  
Self Evaluation ◽  
Forestry Research ◽  
Intensive Forest Management ◽  
Management Policies ◽  
Crown Lands

This paper provides a synthesis of a 2-phase approach used by the Canadian Ecology Centre – Forestry Research Partnership (CEC-FRP) to implement adaptive management on 6 forest management units in northeastern Ontario. It also provides a summary of a self evaluation of the partnership using a set of attributes deemed necessary to successfully implement adaptive management (i.e., leadership; alignment with organizational goals; commitment, will, and capacity to act; and formal and explicit documentation). We conclude that the adoption of the 2-phase approach, rather than direct implementation of adaptive management, provided the partners with the means to identify and address critical uncertainties related to intensifying forest management on Crown lands in Ontario, focus research and transfer activities, develop and test new landscape- and stand-level models, and adjust forest management policies and practices. Key words: adaptive management, intensive forest management, knowledge transfer

scholarly journals Validation of empirical yield curves for natural-origin stands in boreal Ontario

2008 ◽  
Vol 84 (5) ◽  
pp. 704-717 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret Penner ◽  
Murray Woods ◽  
John Parton ◽  
Al Stinson
Keyword(s):  
Yield Curve ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Research Partnership ◽  
Yield Model ◽  
Yield Curves ◽  
Wood Supply ◽  
Permanent Sample Plots ◽  
Forest Management Planning ◽  
Forestry Research ◽  
Initial Work

In Ontario, yield tables for forest management planning have remained relatively unchanged since initial work in the 1950s that was based on a limited number of temporary sample plots. In 2000, the Forestry Research Partnership accelerated work on the Benchmark Yield Curve Project (initiated several years earlier by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, OMNR) to update these tables. The resulting yield curves incorporated data from more than 3000 permanent sample plots (PSPs) maintained in Ontario as well as PSPs from neighbouring and ecologically similar jurisdictions. Two stratifications were considered: OMNR’s Northeast Region standard forest units and leading species. The 10 forest units considered cover the major commercial species in the boreal forest in Ontario. Equations were fit to the data to predict the growth and yield by stratum. The equations were validated against independently collected data and compared to predictions from the current wood supply yield curves in Ontario: Plonski’s yield tables, modified Plonski, and northeast regional curves. Results of the validation showed that, with the exception of the MW2 and SF1 forest units, the new yield curves generally had less bias for gross total volume than Plonski and modified Plonski. Results for net merchantable volume were consistent with those for gross merchantable volume. The MW2 and SF1 forest units are more mixed in terms of species type, species light tolerance, and age. A leading species approach resulted in better predictions and is recommended for these forest units. Key words: wood supply, benchmark yield curves, mixedwood yield, yield model, Forestry Research Partnership

Developing a silvicultural framework and definitions for use in forest management planning and practice

2008 ◽  
Vol 84 (5) ◽  
pp. 678-693 ◽  
Author(s):  
F Wayne Bell ◽  
John Parton ◽  
Neil Stocker ◽  
Dennis Joyce ◽  
Doug Reid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Forest Management ◽  
Natural Resources ◽  
Adaptive Management ◽  
Boreal Forests ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Research Partnership ◽  
Management Planning ◽  
Forest Management Planning

Lack of a management framework on which to base silviculture options has plagued the forest management planning process in Ontario. The Forest Management Planning Manual for Ontario’s Crown Forests directs that strategic silvicultural options be developed and identified in terms of the (i) applicable forest unit, (ii) associated assumptions, and (iii) extent to which they can be used on a forest management unit. In this paper, we describe a framework for classifying management (or silviculture) intensity and propose definitions for extensive, basic, intensive, and elite intensities of silviculture to support the framework’s use in planning and application. We outline how the Canadian Ecology Centre – Forestry Research Partnership, a research partnership between Tembec Inc., the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and Natural Resources Canada, is considering applying these in the forest management planning process. The framework and definitions can be used to develop strategic silviculture options within an active adaptive management approach. This framework should help to reduce uncertainties associated with forest development, treatment costs, response to treatments, and success rates provided appropriate monitoring. The framework and definitions described were specifically developed for silviculture related to reforestation of even-aged boreal forests. Key words: intensive silviculture, adaptive management, forest management

Developing an Adaptive Management approach to prescribed burning: a long-term heathland conservation experiment in north-west Italy

2009 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 727 ◽  
Author(s):  
Davide Ascoli ◽  
Rachele Beghin ◽  
Riccardo Ceccato ◽  
Alessandra Gorlier ◽  
Giampiero Lombardi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Design ◽  
Adaptive Management ◽  
Prescribed Burning ◽  
Fire Regime ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Detailed Measurement ◽  
Research Issues ◽  
North West ◽  
Heathland Management

Calluna vulgaris-dominated heathlands are globally important habitats and extremely scarce outside of north-west Europe. Rotational fire, grazing and cutting by local farmers were dominant features of past heathland management throughout Europe but have been abandoned, altering the historical fire regime and habitat structure. We briefly review research on Calluna heathland conservation management and provide the background and methodology for a long-term research project that will be used to define prescribed fire regimes in combination with grazing and cutting, for management of Calluna heathlands in north-west Italy. We outline the ecological and research issues that drive the fire experiment, making explicit the experimental design and the hypotheses that will be tested. We demonstrate how Adaptive Management can be used to inform decisions about the nature of fire prescriptions where little formal knowledge exists. Experimental plots ranging from 600 to 2500 m2 are treated according to one of eight alternative treatments (various combinations of fire, grazing and cutting), each replicated four times. To date, all treatments have been applied for 4 years, from 2005 to 2008, and a continuation is planned. Detailed measurement of fire characteristics is made to help interpret ecological responses at a microplot scale. The results of the experiment will be fed back into the experimental design and used to inform heathland management practice in north-west Italy.

Reintroducing the Persian fallow deer Dama mesopotamica in Israel - a chronology

2011 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 251 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Saltz ◽  
S. Bar David ◽  
R. Zidon ◽  
A. Dolev ◽  
A. Perelberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Social Structure ◽  
Adaptive Management ◽  
Empirical Data ◽  
Forest Canopy ◽  
Fallow Deer ◽  
Northern Region ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Dama Mesopotamica

The Persian fallow deer (Dama mesopotamica) reintroduction project of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority is based on a permanent breeding core (Hai-Bar Carmel) established in Israel in 1976 from 2 males and 5 females, before the formulation of the guidelines for reinstruction by the IUCN, with no strategic long-term planning, and little consideration of conservation principles and monetary consequences. By the mid 1990s the breeding core had nearly 50 adult females and it became evident that a reintroduction program should be prepared. The existence of a permanent breeding core offered flexibility in protocol and the possibility of a long-term approach based on multiple releases. Using a maximum sustained yield approach, IUCN criteria, and simulations of population performance we formulated a release strategy and a time frame for the project, based on repeated releases carried out sequentially in three reserves in northern Israel with good corridors connecting them. The project began with releases in the Kziv reserve with continuous post-release monitoring and an adaptive management approach. Reproductive success was dampened during the initial years after release, but increased to expected levels thereafter. Survival was higher than expected. Animals from later releases used formerly released animals as cue and established a home range faster. Annual home-range dynamics and social structure were comparable to other similar deer species. The deer transported viable seeds of many species by ingestion (endozoochory) and thinned the forest canopy allowing for better understory growth. Simulations based on empirical data indicated that pre-project demographic simulation offered reliable projections. A growth model incorporating the empirical data on dynamics, habitat preferences, and social structure during the first 2.5 years enabled the construction of a spatially realistic individual-based population model that reliably projected the numerical and spatial growth of the population over a 5-year period. This model was then used to assess future risks due to human sprawl. Due to agricultural damage, the project was forced in 2003 to select a new less favourable site in the Judean hills (central Israel) with no habitat linkage to the former location. Release in this area was based on individuals from the Hai Bar Carmel and from a second breeding core established in the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo. The less favourable site and behavioural problems of the zoo animals hampered the success of the reintroduction. In 2010 the northern region of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority approved a second release site in the Galilee. Using the spatially realistic model described above we reassessed the multiple-site approach, considering options of releases in 1–10 sites carried out in parallel or sequentially. These simulations indicated that the best results, in terms of numerical growth and spatial expansion, would be obtained by repeated releases in two sites carried out sequentially. Computer simulations combined with a permanent breeding core enabled robust planning and an adaptive management approach. Post-release monitoring provided important data for assessing reintroduction procedures and for future management of the species. This reintroduction has greatly enhanced the survival prospects of the Persian fallow deer, and their reintroduction has reestablished important ecosystem processes.

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