Research/Project Results

Temperate Deciduous Biome:

South Central Ontario, Canada

A Comparative Study Between A Naturally  Regenerated Forest and a Replanted Forest

 

 

 

School: Cobourg District Collegiate Institute West

e-mail: jcord@eagle.ca
Class: OAC Science in Society
 

 

 Introduction

     Canadian forests cover almost half the landscape of Canada, and they have helped to shape the country's economy. Forestry directly and indirectly employs one in five Canadians. Yet Canadian forests also provide recreational opportunities and habitat for many different species of animals and wildlife.  

     Canadian forest are home to 131 species of trees, 3,000 other plant species and 200,000 species of animals and micro-organisms. Different Canadians have different values for the forest; some see the economical values it has, some value its ability to improve water quality, the wildlife it supports, as well, Canada's Aboriginal people value it as part of their religion and culture. Almost ninety percent of Canadian forest land is publicly owned, making forest management planers consider the different values the public has for the forest. 

     Currently individual provinces are responsible for managing Canada's forest and regulating the Annual Allowable Cut. The major method of harvesting timber has been clear cutting but over the years it has been learned that this is not a sustainable practice. Clear cutting strips the area of all trees including those that can not be used, and replanting trees that are fast growing and straight to be harvested later. In the past few years forest and the sustainability of current logging practices have become a sensitive issue and prompted much research on Canada's forests.

 

This is a view of the forest canopy found in the naturally regenerated part of the Northumberland Forest that is primarily a Maple/Birch deciduous forest.  This would be the naturally occurring forest of this area.


 

 

   Background

     In our science and society class one of the units was current issues. As part of the unit we did a field study on a forest in the Cobourg area. The field study was conducted in two very different areas of Northumberland forest which is 6,602 acres of forest. This forest is used by many different groups and for different purposes such as cross country skiing, snowmobiles, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, and hunting. These groups make good use of the 40 km of planned and multi use trails throughout the forest. 

     This forest has two very distinct parts one and natural regrowth area and a planted and maintained area of forest. For our study our class collected data on trees, shrubs, herbs, and organisms found at each site. As well as air temperature, soil temperature, soil organic content, soil moisture level and pH level. Site one was located in the natural regrowth area of the forest which consisted of deciduous trees, while site two was located in the planted and maintained section of the forest which consisted of coniferous trees.

Trees

 Shrubs

Herbs

Organisms

Soil/Abiotic Factors



     The natural regrowth forest of site one has a greater level of biodiversity, which can support an increased number of species both plants and animals. Ecologically site one is more important, it provides a habitat for many species of plants and animals, as well as being a beautiful place to look at. Site two has a greater economic value. Site one can only really be used as a trail forest cross country skiers, hikers, mountain bikers and other groups who want to make use of trails. 

     The replanted and maintained forest of site two can be used to clear cut quickly and cheaply. Site two was replanted with red pine trees and a few white pine trees in straight lines. These trees grow quickly and tall if they  have lots of sunlight and their bottom branches are trimmed. The reason why the foresters replanted these trees was so that they could later harvest them and sell the logs.  Site one will be able to continue providing habitat for plants and animals for years to come so long as it stays healthy and is not clear cut.  One site is not better than the other, they each have their purpose and so long as Canadian government and people are able to keep a good balance between regrowth forest and replanted forest Canadian forest will not be disappearing in the next 1,000 years.

 

Page created by KG&JH, with contributions from JO, SA, JN, AB

Home Join Protocol Enter Data E-pals Research

jcord@eagle.ca