Forestry

Coniferous: cone bearing trees that keep their leaves all year round. Examples include Spruce and Pine. Coniferous trees account for 63% of forests. Deciduous: trees that lose their leaves every fall/winter. Deciduous trees account for 22% of forests. Mixed Forests: these are forests that contain both coniferous and deciduous trees. Mixed forests account for 15% of forests in Canada. *** Remember: Coniferous Keep and Deciduous Drop

Forest Facts Forests cover ½ of Canada’s total area 63% of our forests are composed of coniferous trees 22% are composed of deciduous trees 15% are mixed forest Only Russia and Brazil have more forest

Commercial vs. Non–Commercial forests Commercial forests – those that have trees that can be harvested (cut down for $) Non-Commercial Forests – those that are unlikely to be cut down for industrial use

Commercial Forests they exist in warm/wet areas of Canada where the trees grow faster (southern areas) Close to road, railways and waterways – good for transportation Non-commercial Forests Cooler/dryer climates make the trees grow slower (northern area) Far from markets – expensive transportation What determines whether a forest is commercial or non-commercial?

Look at the map of Canada’s forest regions on page 300 On your map of Canada, please describe what types of forestry are occurring in each province ◦ Commercial vs. non commercial ◦ Sawmills vs Pulp and paper

Pulp and Paper Industry The pulp and paper industry contains huge factories that break down trees into individual fibers and turns them into paper products. Lumber Industry Sawmills are a much smaller operation than a pulp and paper mill. These plants cut trees into smaller pieces in order to make timber, plywood, or cedar singles.

Pulp and paper Mills There are pulp and paper mills in most Canadian provinces, however the majority of them are located in Ontario and Quebec. Pulp and paper requires the trees to be completely broken down. ◦ This requires a great deal of energy. Less energy will be used if the trees being broken down are a smaller size. ◦ Trees in Ontario and Quebec are smaller because of the shorter growing season and low levels of precipitation.

Sawmills The majority of sawmills are located in BC. Sawmills like to use large trees. ◦ The larger the tree, the more lumber it can produce. The largest trees in the country are found in BC due to the narrow temperature range and heavy precipitation.

TYPES OF LOGGING Observe the pictures on the following slides and write down a description of what you see in the boxes in your booklet.

Describe what you see

Selective Cutting Harvesting only mature trees of the desired size, type and quality Much less disruptive to the forest environment Costly process – costs more $$ and takes more time to collect enough trees. No replanting needed

Shelter Wood Logging Involves clear cutting only parts of an old growth forest Groups of seed bearing trees are left behind so that they will regenerate the area. ◦ No replanting is necessary. Not as efficient, don’t get as many trees. The forest will only be partially uniform.

Clear Cutting Loggers remove all trees ◦ The majority of logging companies use this method. The area is replanted The new forest grows up uniformly (same species, size and age of trees) – makes for easy logging next time Fastest and cheapest method

Acid Rain Acid precipitation is caused by the emissions from factories in the industrial sector. Acid rain causes injury, slower growth and death in trees. ◦ Trees may not grow as fast because the soil is full of acid which degrades the soil. ◦ Leaves and needles will turn brown and eventually fall off.

Pests and Diseases The amount of forest damaged every year by pests and diseases is greater than the amount harvested by companies. Some of the more common pests are tent caterpillars, pine beetles and gypsy moth. Pests can get inside the bark and eat away at the tree.

Forest Fires Forest fires are not always a bad thing. New trees are able to regenerate quickly in a burned forest. ◦ The cones from some pine trees are better able to open with some heat. The fire allows them to do this and this will cause the seeds to fall out of the cones.