Tree retention in harvests: A tool to accelerate forest birds’ recovery

Approximately one-third of songbird species which migrate to the Canadian boreal forest to breed
require older forests for nesting and foraging. In Alberta, older boreal forests are altered by ongoing industrial activity, such as logging; the birds that rely on these habitats are sensitive to this change. Forestry companies are constantly developing and testing new logging methods in order to mitigate their impact on wildlife habitat and populations. Some of these techniques, such as residual retention and understory protection, leave stands of mature trees in a harvest area as a habitat patch for wildlife. These habitat types are used by several species of mammals, but their potential as habitat for birds as the harvested forest recovers has yet to be quantified. Identifying the suitability of mature tree retention for bird species is crucial because these methods may be effective tools in maintaining healthy avian populations and biodiversity when logging activities alter Alberta’s boreal forest.

Faculty Supervisor:

Erin Bayne

Student:

Partner:

Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries Inc

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture; Manufacturing

University:

University of Alberta

Program: