Science > Vegetation Management Study

Vegetation Management Study

Project Leader: Robert A. Campbell (705) 759-5740 ext. 2428
bcampbel@nrcan.gc.ca

Study Description:

Because Canada's forests are not being regenerated quickly enough, fibre shortages are being predicted within the next 20 - 30 years. Management of competing vegetation can help close the regeneration gap by enhancing the survival and growth of regenerating forests. The objective of this study is to improve the efficacy, cost efficiency, consistency and environmental acceptability of forest vegetation management practices.

Physiological research has demonstrated that the herbicide glyphosate is more effective when applied at low spray volume whereas triclopyr is more effective when applied at high volume. More recent work has focussed on the impact of environmental factors on the effectiveness of these herbicides.

Ongoing work with a manufacturer of GPS aerial navigation equipment has led to increased acceptability, and thus use, of this equipment on operational forest vegetation management projects to increase uniformity of herbicide application and reduce off-target deposit

As the overall goal of forest vegetation management is to direct succession following harvest to favour commercial tree species, it is important for forest managers to understand what influences the growth and development of plant species which compete with the commercial species. In collaboration with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and the British Columbia Ministry of Forests, the Vegetation Management Study is compiling existing hard copy information into a searchable electronic autecology guide.