1. Canada’s Forests – Chapter 25

2. Forest Facts Forests cover 42% of Canada’s land. Three types of forests in Canada  Softwood forests – 66% of Canada’s forest coverage. Mainly coniferous trees  Hardwood forests – account for 12% of forest coverage. Mainly deciduous trees  Mixed forests – remaining 22%. A mix between coniferous and deciduous

3. Coniferous Trees (Trees With Needles)

4. Deciduous Trees (Trees With Leaves)

5. Commercial Forests The part of the forest that: 1) Has large trees. 2) Is close to the market. - See textbook page 310 for map

6. Non-Commercial Forests Part of the forest where: 1) Trees are too small to harvest 2) Trees are too far from the market to transport

7. Logging Operations There are three ways to harvest trees. 1) Clear-cutting All trees in an area are cut.

8. Logging Operations 2) Shelter Wood Logging 70% of the trees are cut Leaves small patches of old growth to provide seeds.

9. Logging Operations 3) Selective Cutting Only trees of a certain type size & quality are cut.

10. Importance of Canada’s Forests 1. Economic Value 2. Prevent Flooding, by holding water in the soil 3. Provide habitats for wildlife 4. Recreation/ Tourism

11. Threats and Issues Facing Forests 1) Environmental Insects/Disease/Pollution Acid precipitation created by emissions from factories/cars Forest area damaged each year by insects and disease is larger than the area of forest harvested

12. Insects/Disease/Pollution

13. Threats and Issues facing forests 2) Forest Fires Caused by humans and natural elements Fires caused by lightning burn 10 times the area of those caused by humans

14. Forest Fires

15. Questions to consider… Which type of logging is the most environmentally sustainable? Which is the least? Which type of logging would you prefer if you were the owner/operator of a large logging company? What changes can we make to preserve Canada’s forests? What are the biggest threats to forests here in southern Ontario?