Tree Marking for Success in Ecological Forestry – Examining Tree Marking to Achieve Results in Partial Harvesting Systems

The proposed project will address the functional role of tree marking practices within industrial forestry applications. The intern will evaluate the use of on-the-ground identification or ‘marking’ of trees by forest professionals prior to implementing new, innovative and ecologically based harvesting techniques in Maritime Canada, within the Wabanaki-Acadian Forest region. Tree marking is widely used in other jurisdictions producing measurable, positive results such as retaining permanent biodiversity features and improving overall timber quality in the application of treatments such as single-tree or shelterwood harvesting systems in comparison to unmarked treatments. Results will be analyzed to measure preservation of enduring ecological features as well as economic impacts. Specific data collected will include the use and abundance of marked retention features as wildlife habitat and the overall effectiveness of marking in improve stand vigour and quality. Findings will be used to evaluate application costs relative to harvest productivity to determine if site-level identification of features reduces instances of perceived high-grading, and to determine overall economic viability of the practice and applicability to harvest planning in the Wabanaki-Acadian forest region.

Faculty Supervisor:

Anthony Taylor

Student:

Partner:

Medway Community Forest Co-operative

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

University of New Brunswick

Program: