Non-Timber Forest Enjoyment in the Lake Abitibi Model
Forest.
A report prepared by The Taiga Institute for Land, Culture & Economy.
1997-1998 (zip 2.1M) ***
1999-2000 (pdf 2.2M) ***
***These documents are unavailable at this time.
Available free of charge from the Lake Abitibi Model Forest office in hardcopy only, the Simulating Forest Growth and Carbon Dynamics Report presents results that provide information needed by local forest managers to develop ecological and carbon-based indicators, and monitor the sustainability of their forest ecosystems. The study assessed the temporal and spatial variability in forest growth and carbon storage to provide a comprehensive estimate of the carbon budget for boreal ecosystems in the Lake Abitibi Model Forest. The stand-level growth and carbon dynamics for the LAMF were simulated using a new process-based forest growth and carbon dynamics model called TRIPLEX1.0 and Geographic Information System (G.I.S.) software. The model was validated using 49 permanent sample plots (PSPs) collected in the LAMF. The results show that the net primary productivity of the LAMF ranged from 3.26 to 3.34 tonnes of carbon per hectare per year in the 1990’s and was sensitive to changes in annual temperature and precipitation. The density of total above and below-ground biomass was 125.3, 111.8 and 106.5 tonnes of carbon per hectare for black spruce, trembling aspen and jack pine respectively. These net primary productivity values were consistent with boreal studies in central Canada. Estimates of carbon based on forest stand variables (tree age, species, soil type, site class) and analysis of the net carbon balance suggest that the LAMF forest ecosystem was acting as a carbon sink in the 1990’s.
The Compendium of Phase II Projects is available free of charge from the Lake Abitibi Model Forest office, or digitally in PDF format. It can be down-loaded by clicking on the graphic of the cover. Phase II of the Lake Abitibi Model Forest ran from 1997 to 2002. During this five year period, much was accomplished. Phase II projects are presented in the Compendium under five broad themes:
- Education, Communications, Technology Transfer and Public Awareness
- Socio-Economic
- Ecology, Biological Diversity and Wildlife
- Forest Management Practices and Forest Productivity
- Local Level Indicators
The Compendium of Projects is intended to provide the reader with an overview synopsis of individual projects completed during Phase II. Not all projects undertaken during Phase II are presented, but those showcased are a good representation. In total, 43 projects are highlighted, complete with an explanation of the rational behind each, the project objectives, and most importantly, the results and outcomes, with their application and relevance toward a specific aspect of sustainable forest management. Phase II was a busy and productive period for the Lake Abitibi Model Forest. The projects described in the compendium illustrate that much was accomplished and that much remains to be done.
