forest resources (definitions)

old-growth forests

complex primary forests in which the trees are at least 150 years old

variable retention harvesting

logging selectively to retain a certain percentage and characteristics of the forest ecosystem

transpiration

water loss from leaf surface, cools the plant as well as assisting in the movement of nutrients

canopy

upper levels of leaves, woodland area has a more open canopy

acts like a shield, blocks sunlight

emergent trees

the tallest part of the tree

layer important for biodiversity

boreal forest

bulk of Canadian forests

high-latitude forest

cold, dry climates with short growing seasons

temperate forest

mid-latitude forest

seasonal climate

tropical forest

equatorial-latitude forest

wet, tropical climate

shrublands

wooded areas covered by shrubs and occasional taller trees (tundra)

savannah

open area dominated by grasses with widely scattered trees

grasslands

lands dominated by grasses and non-woody vegetation

softwood

timber harvested from coniferous trees

hardwood

timber harvested from deciduous trees

NTFPs

non-timber forest products - herbal/edible stuff

clearcutting method

all trees in an area are cut, leaving only stumps

• cost-efficient

• mimics natural disturbances

• enhances soil erosion

selection systems of trees

only select trees are cut

single tree selection

widely spaced trees are cut

group tree selection

small patches of trees are cut

reforestation

planting of trees after logging (not ideal)

afforestation

planting of trees where forested cover has not existed for some time

maximum sustainable yield

cutting trees shortly after they have gone through their fastest stage of growth

deforestation

the clearing and loss of forests

what is the main cause of deforestation in Canada?

agriculture

swidden agriculture

small area of forest cleared and crops planted instead

ecosystem-based management

managing the harvesting of resources to minimize impact on the ecosystems and ecological processes

adaptive management

systemically testing different management approaches and aiming to improve methods

ground fires

the litter layer itself burns, as opposed to crown fires (low layer)

crown fires

the upper tree canopy is ignited

prescribed (controlled) burns

burning areas of forests under carefully controlled conditions