| dc.description.abstract | Ontario has in recent history harvested a volume in cubic meters less than the
volume available to harvest as dictated by the Average Allowable Cut (AAC). While
harvesting more than the AAC dictates is unsustainable and will lead to mature wood
supply shortages, this study aims to analyze and discuss the impacts of the current rate
of underutilization in Ontario’s forests, whether positive or negative. A literature review
was conducted, and the following were identified as components potentially impacted by
underutilization: water quality, old growth area, mixedwood biodiversity, fire risk,
economic consequences, volume, and future landscape goals. A case study was
conducted on two forests experiencing underutilization: the Algoma Forest and the
Kenogami Forest. It was found that water quality, old growth area, and mixedwood
biodiversity are potentially positively impacted by the current rates of utilization in
Ontario. However, there are negative implications for volume, economies associated
with the forest, and in the ability to meet future landscape targets and long-term
management directions (LTMD’s). It is inconclusive whether there is an impact to fire
risk associated with underutilization.
Further studies are needed to completely understand the impacts that the current
harvesting rates are having on the landscape to inform Ontario Forest managers and
acquire a better understanding of anthropogenic impact, or lack thereof, on the
landscape. | en_US |
