Smartforests Canada: A Network of Monitoring Plots for Forest Management Under Environmental Change

AbstractMonitoring of forest response to gradual environmental changes or abrupt disturbances provides insights into how forested ecosystems operate and allows for quantification of forest health. In this chapter, we provide an overview of Smartforests Canada, a national-scale research network consisting of regional investigators who support a wealth of existing and new monitoring sites. The objectives of Smartforests are threefold: (1) establish and coordinate a network of high-precision monitoring plots across a 4400 km gradient of environmental and forest conditions, (2) synthesize the collected multivariate observations to examine the effects of global changes on complex above- and belowground forest dynamics and resilience, and (3) analyze the collected data to guide the development of the next-generation forest growth models and inform policy-makers on best forest management and adaptation strategies. We present the methodological framework implemented in Smartforests to fulfill the aforementioned objectives. We then use an example from a temperate hardwood Smartforests site in Quebec to illustrate our approach for climate-smart forestry. We conclude by discussing how information from the Smartforests network can be integrated with existing data streams, from within Canada and abroad, guiding forest management and the development of climate change adaptation strategies.

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Modelling the Sustainability of Forest Production and Yield for a Changing and Uncertain Future

The Forestry Chronicle ◽

10.5558/tfc66271-3 ◽

1990 ◽

Vol 66 (3) ◽

pp. 271-280 ◽

Cited By ~ 32

Author(s):

J. P. Kimmins

Keyword(s):

Forest Management ◽

Management Practices ◽

Environmental Changes ◽

Growth Models ◽

Forest Growth ◽

Growth And Yield ◽

Calibration Data ◽

Stand Growth ◽

The World ◽

Ecosystem Level

The expected growth of the human population to about 11 billion sometime within the next rotation of most northern temperate forest crops will put greatly increased and varied demands on today's forested lands. Development of the timber resources on those lands that remain dedicated to timber production must be demonstrably sustainable if forest management is to help arrest rather than aggravate the continuing deterioration of the global environment, and if managed forests are to be a carbon sink rather than a carbon source with respect to the global "green-house effect". Unfortunately, the experience-based models traditionally used by foresters cannot make accurate predictions of future forest growth, yield, and carbon balance for the altered growing conditions that are expected to accompany this increase in human numbers. These tools are therefore unsuitable as a means of assessing the sustainability of site productivity under current or anticipated future forest management practices and the expected future soil, climate, and biotic conditions. It is time for foresters around the world to confront this issue and to develop and use more ecologically-sensitive, ecosystem-level stand growth and yield models.Knowledge-based, process-simulation stand growth models have many theoretical advantages, and are the only way of predicting future forest growth and carbon budgets on a particular site in the absence of accurate data on the past growth of forests on that site. However, such models have generally had significant practical limitations as an alternative to traditional forest yield models. They have either been too simple, or, if sufficiently complex, have had unacceptably large calibration data requirements, which has limited their portability. This has restricted most process-based simulation models to research and educational applications.An alternative approach which combines both the experience-based and the knowledge-based approaches offers a more practical alternative. The combination of "historical bioassay" and process-based modelling approaches into "hybrid simulation" stand models can provide a means by which to rank the most probable outcomes and the sustainability of alternative stand-level management strategies under a variety of possible future growing conditions.The accuracy of most forest management and forest economics models ultimately depends on the accuracy of stand-level growth models. As the world experiences increasing problems of air pollution (acid rain and the greenhouse effect), soil degradation, and deforestation, there is an urgent need for foresters to use ecosystem-level growth models that are sensitive to human-induced and naturally caused environmental changes. Use of such models is a necessary prerequisite to good stewardship of forest land and our legacy to future generations.

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Modelling approaches for mixed forests dynamics prognosis. Research gaps and opportunities

Forest Systems ◽

10.5424/fs/2019281-14342 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 28 (1) ◽

pp. eR002 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Felipe Bravo ◽

Marek Fabrika ◽

Christian Ammer ◽

Susana Barreiro ◽

Kamil Bielak ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Forest Management ◽

Sustainable Forest Management ◽

Environmental Changes ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Mixed Forest ◽

Forest Growth ◽

Mixed Forests ◽

Forest Model ◽

The Impact ◽

Main Model

Aim of study: Modelling of forest growth and dynamics has focused mainly on pure stands. Mixed-forest management lacks systematic procedures to forecast the impact of silvicultural actions. The main objective of the present work is to review current knowledge and forest model developments that can be applied to mixed forests.Material and methods: Primary research literature was reviewed to determine the state of the art for modelling tree species mixtures, focusing mainly on temperate forests.Main results: The essential principles for predicting stand growth in mixed forests were identified. Forest model applicability in mixtures was analysed. Input data, main model components, output and viewers were presented. Finally, model evaluation procedures and some of the main model platforms were described.Research highlights: Responses to environmental changes and management activities in mixed forests can differ from pure stands. For greater insight into mixed-forest dynamics and ecology, forest scientists and practitioners need new theoretical frameworks, different approaches and innovative solutions for sustainable forest management in the context of environmental and social changes.Keywords: dynamics, ecology, growth, yield, empirical, classification.

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StandsSIM-MD: a Management Driven forest SIMulator

Forest Systems ◽

10.5424/fs/2016252-08916 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 25 (2) ◽

pp. eRC07 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Susana Barreiro ◽

João Rua ◽

Margarida Tomé

Keyword(s):

Forest Management ◽

Tree Species ◽

Growth Models ◽

Planning Horizon ◽

Md Simulations ◽

Forest Growth ◽

Growth And Yield ◽

Management Approaches ◽

User Friendly ◽

Growth And Yield Models

Aim of the study: The existing stand level forest simulators available in Portugal were not developed with the aim of including up-to-date model versions and were limited in terms of accounting for forest management. The simulators’ platform, sIMfLOR was recently created to implement different growth models with a common philosophy. The objective was developing one easily-updatable, user-friendly, forest management and climate change sensitive simulator capable of projecting growth for the main tree species in Portugal.Area of the study: Portugal.Material and methods: The new simulator was programmed in a modular form consisting of several modules. The growth module integrates different forest growth and yield models (empirical and process-based) for the main wood production tree species in Portugal (eucalypt, umbrella and maritime pines); whereas the management module drives the growth projections along the planning horizon according to a range of forest management approaches and climate (at present only available for eucalypt).Main results: The main result is the StandsSIM-MD Management Driven simulator that overcomes the limitations of the existing stand level simulators. It is a step forward when compared to the models currently available in the sIMfLOR platform covering more tree species, stand structures and stand compositions. It is focused on end-users and it is based on similar concepts regarding the generation of required inputs and generated outputs.Research highlights:- Forest Management Driven simulations approach- Multiple Prescriptions-Per-Stand functionality- StandsSIM-MD can be used to support landowners decisions on stand forest management- StandsSIM-MD simulations at regional level can be combined with optimization routinesKeywords: Forest simulator, Forest Management Approaches; StandsSIM-MD; forest management.

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A conceptual model of biotic disturbance ecology in the central interior of B.C.: How forest management can turn Dr. Jekyll into Mr. Hyde

The Forestry Chronicle ◽

10.5558/tfc76433-3 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 76 (3) ◽

pp. 433-443 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Kathy J. Lewis ◽

B. Staffan Lindgren

Keyword(s):

Forest Management ◽

Conceptual Model ◽

Boreal Forests ◽

Management Practices ◽

Forest Health ◽

Disturbance Ecology ◽

Ecological Processes ◽

Main Driver ◽

Biotic Disturbance ◽

Forested Ecosystems

In forested ecosystems, insects and pathogens play an important role in ecosystem function, and there is increasing evidence that these organisms are primary determinants of forest structure and composition. Recent research has confirmed this even in sub-boreal forests, where fire was traditionally thought to be the major agent of disturbance and hence the main driver of successional processes. This paper presents a conceptual model of biotic disturbance ecology in sub-boreal forests of central B.C. We also describe how forest management practices can lead to forest health problems by disrupting these ecological processes, and the natural population dynamics of insects and pathogens. Key words: disturbance ecology, succession, forest pest, sub-boreal, forest management, forest health

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Multi-criteria analysis to compare multiple risks associated with management alternatives in planted forests

Forest Systems ◽

10.5424/fs/2020292-15660 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 29 (2) ◽

pp. e004

Author(s):

Margot Régolini ◽

Céline Meredieu ◽

Hervé Jactel ◽

Ander Arias-González ◽

Manuela Branco ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Forest Management ◽

Growth Models ◽

Forest Growth ◽

Expert Assessment ◽

Management Approach ◽

Planted Forests ◽

Energy Wood ◽

Multiple Risks ◽

Forest Values ◽

Management Alternatives

Aim of study: Adaptation of silviculture in planted forest may help to mitigate damage due to biotic and abiotic hazards. However, compromises have to be found because it is not possible to minimize the risk from all hazards through application of a single forest management approach. The objective of this study was to improve a multi-criteria risk analysis (MCRA) method that makes it possible to rank forest management alternatives (FMAs) according to multiple risks. Material and Methods: We defined eight FMAs for maritime pine forests in France, Spain and Portugal. We used as the definition of risk the combination of hazard, susceptibility and exposure. Hazard level was estimated using archive data on occurrence and severity of damaging agents over the last few decades. Forest susceptibility to hazards was evaluated by experts who scored the effect on stand resistance of eleven silvicultural operations characterizing each FMA. Exposure was estimated as value at stake, which combined forest standing volume, simulated with forest growth models, and wood prices.Main Results: Using the PROMETHEE algorithm, we found that the overall ranking of FMAs was consistent across all countries, with short rotation plantations to produce pulpwood or energy wood were the least at risk. The ranking was mainly driven by forest values at stake. We found that by improving the accuracy of forest values exposed to damage, based on growth models and representative wood prices, the MCRA outcomes were more useful and realistic.Research highlights: Our methodology provides a relevant framework to design FMAs that would minimize risks while maintaining income.Keywords: Pinus pinaster; vulnerability; hazards; growth modelling; expert assessment; wood price; southwestern Europe.

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Forest Management In Mongolia – A Review Of Challenges And Lessons Learned With Special Reference To Degradation And Deforestation

GEOGRAPHY ENVIRONMENT SUSTAINABILITY ◽

10.24057/2071-9388-2019-102 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 (3) ◽

pp. 133-166 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Alexander Gradel ◽

Gerelbaatar Sukhbaatar ◽

Daniel Karthe ◽

Hoduck Kang

Keyword(s):

Forest Management ◽

Land Management ◽

Management Practices ◽

Forest Health ◽

Hydrological Regime ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Ecosystem Functions ◽

Special Focus ◽

Driven System ◽

The Status

The natural conditions, climate change and socio-economic challenges related to the transformation from a socialistic society towards a market-driven system make the implementation of sustainable land management practices in Mongolia especially complicated. Forests play an important role in land management. In addition to providing resources and ecosystem functions, Mongolian forests protect against land degradation.We conducted a literature review of the status of forest management in Mongolia and lessons learned, with special consideration to halting deforestation and degradation. We grouped our review into seven challenges relevant to developing regionally adapted forest management systems that both safeguard forest health and consider socio-economic needs. In our review, we found that current forest management in Mongolia is not always sustainable, and that some practices lack scientific grounding. An overwhelming number of sources noticed a decrease in forest area and quality during the last decades, although afforestation initiatives are reported to have increased. We found that they have had, with few exceptions, only limited success. During our review, however, we found a number of case studies that presented or proposed promising approaches to (re-)establishing and managing forests. These studies are further supported by a body of literature that examines how forest administration, and local participation can be modified to better support sustainable forestry. Based on our review, we conclude that it is necessary to integrate capacity development and forest research into holistic initiatives. A special focus should be given to the linkages between vegetation cover and the hydrological regime.

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Demographic history and genomic response to environmental changes in a rapid radiation of wild rats

Molecular Biology and Evolution ◽

10.1093/molbev/msaa334 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Deyan Ge ◽

Anderson Feijó ◽

Zhixin Wen ◽

Alexei V Abramov ◽

Liang Lu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Environmental Changes ◽

Demographic History ◽

Terrestrial Ecosystems ◽

Tibet Plateau ◽

Global Changes ◽

Rapid Radiation ◽

Protein Functions ◽

Wild Rats ◽

Qinghai Tibet Plateau ◽

Genomic Response

Abstract For organisms to survive and prosper in a harsh environment, particularly under rapid climate change, poses tremendous challenges. Recent studies have highlighted the continued loss of megafauna in terrestrial ecosystems and the subsequent surge of small mammals, such as rodents, bats, lagomorphs, and insectivores. However, the ecological partitioning of these animals will likely lead to large variation in their responses to environmental change. In the present study, we investigated the evolutionary history and genetic adaptations of white-bellied rats (Niviventer Marshall, 1976), which are widespread in the natural terrestrial ecosystems in Asia but also known as important zoonotic pathogen vectors and transmitters. The southeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QHTP) was inferred as the origin center of this genus, with parallel diversification in temperate and tropical niches. Demographic history analyses from mitochondrial and nuclear sequences of Niviventer demonstrated population size increases and range expansion for species in Southeast Asia, and habitat generalists elsewhere. Unexpectedly, population increases were seen in N. eha, which inhabits the highest elevation among Niviventer species. Genome scans of nuclear exons revealed that among the congeneric species, N. eha has the largest number of positively selected genes. Protein functions of these genes are mainly related to olfaction, taste and tumor suppression. Extensive genetic modification presents a major strategy in response to global changes in these alpine species.

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Tree growth across the Nepal Himalaya during the last four centuries

Progress in Physical Geography Earth and Environment ◽

10.1177/0309133317714247 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 41 (4) ◽

pp. 478-495 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

UK Thapa ◽

S St. George ◽

DK Kharal ◽

NP Gaire

Keyword(s):

Tree Ring ◽

Tree Growth ◽

Environmental Changes ◽

Ring Width ◽

High Elevation ◽

Forest Growth ◽

Tree Ring Width ◽

Early 19Th Century ◽

Tree Ring Data ◽

Instrumental Records

The climate of Nepal has changed rapidly over the recent decades, but most instrumental records of weather and hydrology only extend back to the 1980s. Tree rings can provide a longer perspective on recent environmental changes, and since the early 2000s, a new round of field initiatives by international researchers and Nepali scientists have more than doubled the size of the country’s tree-ring network. In this paper, we present a comprehensive analysis of the current tree-ring width network for Nepal, and use this network to estimate changes in forest growth nation-wide during the last four centuries. Ring-width chronologies in Nepal have been developed from 11 tree species, and half of the records span at least 290 years. The Nepal tree-ring width network provides a robust estimate of annual forest growth over roughly the last four centuries, but prior to this point, our mean ring-width composite fluctuates wildly due to low sample replication. Over the last four centuries, two major events are prominent in the all-Nepal composite: (i) a prolonged and widespread growth suppression during the early 1800s; and (ii) heightened growth during the most recent decade. The early 19th century decline in tree growth coincides with two major Indonesian eruptions, and suggests that short-term disturbances related to climate extremes can exert a lasting influence on the vigor of Nepal’s forests. Growth increases since AD 2000 are mainly apparent in high-elevation fir, which may be a consequence of the observed trend towards warmer temperatures, particularly during winter. This synthesis effort should be useful to establish baselines for tree-ring data in Nepal and provide a broader context to evaluate the sensitivity or behavior of this proxy in the central Himalayas.

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The Interlinked Mechanisms of Productivity for Developing Process‐Based Forest Growth Models

10.1002/9781119793403.ch5 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 74-88

Author(s):

Keshav Tyagi ◽

Manoj Kumar ◽

Sweta Nisha Phukon ◽

Abhishek Ranjan ◽

Pavan Kumar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Growth Models ◽

Forest Growth ◽

Forest Growth Models

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Understanding Wildlife Crime from Eco-Existential and African Perspectives: A Psycho-Philosophical Investigation

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph182111675 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (21) ◽

pp. 11675

Author(s):

Claude-Hélène Mayer

Keyword(s):

Best Practices ◽

Environmental Changes ◽

Deep Understanding ◽

Green Criminology ◽

Wildlife Crime ◽

Policy Makers ◽

The Past ◽

Global Environmental ◽

Global Environmental Changes ◽

Existential Givens

Wildlife crime has huge consequences regarding global environmental changes to animals, plants and the entire ecosystem. Combatting wildlife crime effectively requires a deep understanding of human–wildlife interactions and an analysis of the influencing factors. Conservation and green criminology are important in reducing wildlife crime, protecting wildlife and the ecosystem and informing policy-makers about best practices and strategies. However, the past years have shown that wildlife crime is not easy to combat and it is argued in this article that there are underlying existential “givens” and culture-specific aspects that need to be investigated to understand why wildlife crime is still on the rise. This theoretical article explores (eco-)existential perspectives, Greening’s four givens and selected African philosophical concepts, aiming to understand the complexities behind the prevalence of wildlife crime within global and African contexts.

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