What are the Environmental Consequences of Using Silviculturally Effective Forest Vegetation Management Treatments?

2011 ◽  
Vol 87 (02) ◽  
pp. 201-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathie Swift ◽  
F. Wayne Bell
Keyword(s):  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Vegetation Management ◽  
Environmental Indicators ◽  
Forest Vegetation ◽  
Wildlife Habitat ◽  
Environmental Consequences ◽  
Resource Managers ◽  
Harvesting Systems ◽  
Forest Vegetation Management

In this paper, we present examples of stand-level consequences of using forest vegetation management treatments in boreal and temperate forest ecosystems in Canada. Specifically, we address several selected indicators: air and water quality, soils and nutrients, plant diversity, and wildlife habitat. For each of these, we discuss direct and indirect effects of five broad categories of treatments: (1) silviculture and harvesting systems and (2) physical, (3) thermal, (4) cultural, and (5) chemical/biological treatments. Our emphasis is on forest vegetation management treatments that are currently used in Canada to manage conifers. By applying regulations and best management practices, conducting landscape-level analyses and developing longer-term monitoring programs resource managers can minimize the effects of FVM treatments on the environmental indicators presented in this paper.

Research directions to advance forest vegetation management in North America

1993 ◽  
Vol 23 (10) ◽  
pp. 2317-2327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert G. Wagner
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Public Attitudes ◽  
Vegetation Management ◽  
Forest Vegetation ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Ecosystem Impacts ◽  
Forestry Practices ◽  
Social Interface ◽  
Biological Methods ◽  
Forest Vegetation Management

Research in forest vegetation management has followed the agricultural paradigm. Shifting public attitudes about forestry practices, however, are forcing forest managers to seek alternative approaches to managing forest vegetation. Applied research is needed to (i) search for alternatives to current uses of forest herbicides, (ii) more fully document and understand crop tree responses to vegetation manipulation, (iii) construct growth and yield models that link effects produced in young stands with those of older stands, and (iv) better understand the relationship between wildlife and vegetation management. Fundamental research also is needed to (i) understand the ecosystem impacts and processes associated with vegetation management practices, (ii) develop biological methods for forest weed control, and (iii) understand the social interface with forest vegetation management.

Synthesis of Silviculture Options, Costs, and Consequences of Alternative Vegetation Management Practices Relevant to Boreal and Temperate Conifer Forests: Introduction

2011 ◽  
Vol 87 (02) ◽  
pp. 155-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Wayne Bell ◽  
Nelson Thiffault ◽  
Kandyd Szuba ◽  
Nancy Luckai ◽  
Al Stinson
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Wood Quality ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Vegetation Management ◽  
Forest Vegetation ◽  
Management Objectives ◽  
Forest Pest Management ◽  
Benefit Cost ◽  
Management Alternatives ◽  
Forest Vegetation Management

In 2007, a multi-agency, multi-disciplinary team from across Canada embarked on an exercise to synthesize knowledge about forest vegetation management alternatives and their use in northern forests. This exercise involved: (1) updating the Canadian Forest Pest Management database, (2) synthesizing relevant forest vegetation management literature, (3) conducting stand-level wildlife, wood quality, yield, and benefit–cost analyses, (4) conducting landscape-level analyses to determine the effects of a systematic reduction in herbicide use on forest management objectives, and (5) transferring the relevant information to forest managers. The results are presented as ten papers in this special issue of The Forestry Chronicle.

Social Concerns, Risk and The Acceptability of Forest Vegetation Management Alternatives: Insights for Managers

2011 ◽  
Vol 87 (02) ◽  
pp. 274-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Wyatt ◽  
Marie-Hélène Rousseau ◽  
Solange Nadeau ◽  
Nelson Thiffault ◽  
Louis Guay
Keyword(s):  
Social Issues ◽  
Vegetation Management ◽  
Forest Vegetation ◽  
Aboriginal Peoples ◽  
Management Decisions ◽  
Resource Managers ◽  
The Social ◽  
Social Concerns ◽  
Public Concerns ◽  
Forest Vegetation Management

Although public opinion and social issues have significant influence on policy-making, research on forest vegetation management (FVM) in Canada has a strong focus on biological aspects, with less attention being paid to social concerns. This paper reviews the social context in which FVM occurs. Individual views about FVM reflect a combination of values, beliefs, and attitude while also including differing perceptions of risks. Public views and the broader social acceptability of management decisions can be linked to five key factors: context, risk, aesthetics, trust, and knowledge. Judgements about acceptability will usually change over time and across specific situations and various segments of a population could make opposing judgements. We identify a variety of public concerns related to FVM in Canada, synthesizing research that can help resource managers consider the social impacts of their choices. We also note particular concerns related to Aboriginal peoples and the FVM workforce. Information about the benefits and disadvantages of FVM options can help resolve public concerns, but using technical information to convince the public is rarely successful. Forest management agencies and resource managers need access to reliable information about social values and concerns to make management decisions that will be socially acceptable.

scholarly journals Nitrogen and phosphorus flux from the production of Nile tilapia through the application of environmental indicators

2017 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. S. Osti ◽  
M. A. B. Moraes ◽  
C. F. Carmo ◽  
C. T. J. Mercante
Keyword(s):  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Nile Tilapia ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Environmental Indicators ◽  
Conversion Ratio ◽  
Feed Conversion Ratio ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Production Cycle ◽  
Fish Biomass ◽  
Feed Conversion

Abstract We aimed in this study utilize environmental indicators as a quantitative method to evaluate and discuss the nitrogen (TN) and phosphorus (TP) flux by a production stage grow-out (termination) of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in fishpond. The TN and TP load, the mass balance, the input of TN and TP via feed and the converted nutrients in fish biomass are the environmental indicators applied in this study. During the production cycle (128 days), the system exported 15,931 g TN and 4,189 g TP that were related to the amount of feed supplied (r Pearson = 0.8825 and r = 0.8523, respectively), corroborated by the feed conversion ratio (1.61:1). The indicators showed that 26% TN and 45% TP were reversed into fish biomass, 62% TN and 40% TP were retained in the fishpond, and 12% TN and 15% TP were exported via effluent. The largest contribution of nutrients generated by the system and exported via effluent was observed in phase III and IV. This result is supported by the feed conversion ratio 2.14 and 2.21:1 obtained at this phase, a fact explained by the amount of feed offered and the fish metabolism. Application of environmental indicators showed to be an efficient tool to quantify flux of TN and TP produced during the grow-out period of Nile tilapia and therefore, guide management practices more sustainable. Concerning the environmental sustainability of the activity the implementation of best management practices such as the better control of the feed amount offered would lead to a smaller loss of TN and TP to the water. Furthermore, the use of better quality feeds would allow greater nutrient assimilation efficiency.

scholarly journals Opinions of Forest Managers, Loggers, and Forest Landowners in North Carolina regarding Biomass Harvesting Guidelines

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane Fielding ◽  
Frederick Cubbage ◽  
M. Nils Peterson ◽  
Dennis Hazel ◽  
Brunell Gugelmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Forest Health ◽  
Woody Biomass ◽  
Wildlife Habitat ◽  
Forest Landowners ◽  
Biomass Harvesting ◽  
Forest Managers

Woody biomass has been identified as an important renewable energy source capable of offsetting fossil fuel use. The potential environmental impacts associated with using woody biomass for energy have spurred development of biomass harvesting guidelines (BHGs) in some states and proposals for BHGs in others. We examined stakeholder opinions about BHGs through 60 semistructured interviews with key participants in the North Carolina, USA, forest business sector—forest managers, loggers, and forest landowners. Respondents generally opposed requirements for new BHGs because guidelines added to best management practices (BMPs). Most respondents believed North Carolina’s current BMPs have been successful and sufficient in protecting forest health; biomass harvesting is only an additional component to harvesting with little or no modification to conventional harvesting operations; and scientific research does not support claims that biomass harvesting negatively impacts soil, water quality, timber productivity, or wildlife habitat. Some respondents recognized possible benefits from the implementation of BHGs, which included reduced site preparation costs and increases in proactive forest management, soil quality, and wildlife habitat. Some scientific literature suggests that biomass harvests may have adverse site impacts that require amelioration. The results suggest BHGs will need to be better justified for practitioners based on the scientific literature or linked to demand from new profitable uses or subsidies to offset stakeholder perceptions that they create unnecessary costs.

Use of remote sensing for forest vegetation management: A problem analysis

1997 ◽  
Vol 73 (4) ◽  
pp. 459-477 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas G. Pitt ◽  
Robert G. Wagner ◽  
Ronald J. Hall ◽  
Douglas J. King ◽  
Donald G. Leckie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Vegetation Management ◽  
Forest Vegetation ◽  
Aerial Photographs ◽  
Problem Analysis ◽  
Area Index ◽  
Sensing Applications ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Digital Frame ◽  
Forest Vegetation Management

Forest managers require accurate and timely data that describe vegetation conditions on cutover areas to assess vegetation development and prescribe actions necessary to achieve forest regeneration objectives. Needs for such data are increasing with current emphasis on ecosystem management, escalating silvicultural treatment costs, evolving computer-based decision support tools, and demands for greater accountability. Deficiencies associated with field survey methods of data acquisition (e.g. high costs, subjectivity, and low spatial and temporal coverage) frequently limit decision-making effectiveness. The potential for remotely sensed data to supplement field-collected forest vegetation management data was evaluated in a problem analysis consisting of a comprehensive literature review and consultation with remote sensing and vegetation management experts at a national workshop. Among curently available sensors, aerial photographs appear to offer the most suitable combination of characteristics, including high spatial resolution, stereo coverage, a range of image scales, a variety of film, lens, and camera options, capability for geometric correction, versatility, and moderate cost. A flexible strategy that employs a sequence of 1:10,000-, 1:5,000-, and 1:500-scale aerial photographs is proposed to: 1) accurately map cutover areas, 2) facilitate location-specific prescriptions for silvicultural treatments, sampling, buffer zones, wildlife areas, etc., and 3) monitor and document conditions and activities at specific points during the regeneration period. Surveys that require very detailed information on smaller plants (<0.5-m tall) and/or individual or rare plant species are not likely to be supported by current remote sensing technologies. Recommended areas for research include : 1) digital frame cameras, or other cost-effective digital imagers, as replacements for conventional cameras, 2) computer-based classification and interpretation algorithms for digital image data, 3) relationships between image measures and physical measures, such as leaf-area index and biomass, 4) imaging standards, 5) airborne video, laser altimeters, and radar as complementary sensors, and 6) remote sensing applications in partial cutting systems. Key words: forest vegetation management, regeneration, remote sensing, aerial photography

Are chemical or mechanical treatments more sustainable for forest vegetation management in the context of the TRIAD?

2006 ◽  
Vol 82 (6) ◽  
pp. 806-818 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julien Fortier ◽  
Christian Messier
Keyword(s):  
Fibre Production ◽  
Vegetation Management ◽  
Forest Vegetation ◽  
Ecological Impacts ◽  
Worker Safety ◽  
Chemical Treatments ◽  
Chemical Release ◽  
Functional Zoning ◽  
Intensively Managed ◽  
Forest Vegetation Management

Chemical and mechanical forest vegetation management (FVM) treatments are analyzed and compared to assess which is the most sustainable in intensively managed plantations in the context of the TRIAD. At the biological and ecological level, herbicides have been found to have more impacts on flora and fauna compared to mechanical treatments, but the differences are of short duration. The effects of noise generated by manual or mechanical brushing on wildlife have not been investigated, however. Local application of herbicide at the base of the tree should further lower these impacts. At the social level, the general public has a negative perception of chemical treatments, while mechanical treatments are well perceived. However, in terms of worker safety, chemical treatments are less risky than manual brushing (brushsaw or chainsaw). At the economic level, herbicides globally cost less and are more effective at increasing fibre production than mechanical operations. We conclude that it is difficult to assess globally what is the most sustainable option to control competing vegetation. However, the careful use of herbicide may be the most sustainable option if the added productivity thus obtained is used to increase protected areas and ecosystem-based management, as is intended with the TRIAD concept. Key words: forest vegetation management, chemical release, mechanical release, functional zoning, plantations, ecological impacts, social impacts, economical impacts, intensive management, sustainable forestry

The state of forest vegetation management in Europe in the 21st century

2010 ◽  
Vol 130 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nick McCarthy ◽  
Niclas Scott Bentsen ◽  
Ian Willoughby ◽  
Philippe Balandier
Keyword(s):  
21St Century ◽  
Vegetation Management ◽  
The State ◽  
Forest Vegetation ◽  
Forest Vegetation Management

Medusahead Ecology and Management: California Annual Grasslands to the Intermountain West

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 210-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleta M. Nafus ◽  
Kirk W. Davies
Keyword(s):  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Fire Frequency ◽  
Wildlife Habitat ◽  
Intermountain West ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Management Objectives ◽  
Annual Grasslands ◽  
New Information ◽  
Wide Range

AbstractThe spread of medusahead across the western United States has severe implications for a wide range of ecosystem services. Medusahead invasion reduces biodiversity, wildlife habitat and forage production, and often leads to increased fire frequency and restoration costs. Medusahead is problematic in the Intermountain West and California Annual Grasslands. The last review of medusahead ecology and management was completed 20 years ago. Since the last review, there have been scientific advances in medusahead management suggesting a significant need to develop an up-to-date synthesis. Medusahead continues to pose a serious threat to rangeland ecosystems. In this synthesis, we present new information regarding the ecology of medusahead, suggest a framework for managing medusahead based on invasion level, and identify research needs to further improve management of this invasive annual grass. Success of different management practices varies between the Intermountain West and California Annual Grasslands, signifying that the best management practices are those specifically tailored with consideration of climate, soil, plant community characteristics, and management objectives. Prevention and control treatments that are useful in the Intermountain West may not be practical or effective in the California Annual Grasslands and vice-versa.

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