Defining Canada's old-growth forests — problems and solutions

Abstract

Conceptual and working definitions of old-growth forests are proposed for Canada. Conceptually, old-growth forests are defined in terms of stand age, structure, species composition, anthropogenic influence, and landscape ecology. Working definitions based on stand age in relation to age of maximum mean annual increment and site class are formulated for Canada's inventoried timber-productive forests. The difference between stand age and the age of maximum mean annual increment is proposed as a measure of old-growthness. Recommendations are made for improving Canada's forest inventory database to help acquire ecological definitions of old-growth forests and monitor and maintain Canada's old-growth heritage. Key words: old-growth forests, stand composition, anthropogenic influence, biodiversity, landscape ecology