|
|
Science > Eastern Old-Growth
Forests
Studies of the functional ecology and biological diversity of eastern
old-growth forests
Project Description:
Although the forests of eastern Canada are not typically considered when
one mentions 'old growth', the same structure and function that has been
indicated for western temperate forest systems may apply in the east,
but for a shorter period of time. This relatively short period of time
changes the management problem for sustainable forest development in the
east, from one of temporal preservation to a more spatially-oriented problem.
Studies over the past 6 years have concentrated on old growth forests
of Newfoundland and central Ontario. We are working to understand the
importance of old forests to biological diversity at the forest and regional
scales. The work in Newfoundland is collaborative with Memorial University.
In Ontario, studies involve collaboration with Ontario Ministry of Natural
Resources, EB Eddy Forest Products, McGill University, University of Guelph,
and University of Toronto.
Studies are examining the relationships among stand sizes, stand structures,
and stand types relative to animal species that are supported. Functional
relationships between predators and prey, and between structures, their
genesis, and their importance to various species are being considered.
Species under investigation include: forest songbirds, woodpeckers, bats,
salamanders, carabid beetles, ants, and soil micro-organisms.
|
