A review of silvics, stand dynamics, density management, and vegetation management in the Ontario boreal forest

Abstract

Adaptive forest management requires constant re-evaluation of the efficacy and impact of current practices. Continuous development of information is key to any adaptive management regime, especially in the face of large-scale changes to the environment, economy, society, and the forest itself. This is why it is important to always look to the future for alternatives to what may be working now. Two common management objectives in the establishment and tending of boreal forest stands are stand density management and vegetation management. These management areas rely heavily on tree silvics and stand dynamics to be properly applied. This review outlines the species silvics and stands dynamics of merchantable boreal tree species in Ontario. It then explores the concepts of both density and vegetation management as they have been established through previous literature. The current methods of density and vegetation management in the Ontario boreal are outlined and to what degree they are used in what situations. Finally, several alternative vegetation management options which reduce the reliance on herbicides are explored.