Forest regeneration 50 years following partial cutting in mixedwood ecosystems of southern Quebec, Canada

Abstract

The impact of winter harvesting on regeneration 50 years after an experimental diameter-limit cutting was examined in mixed deciduous–coniferous ecosystems of southern Quebec, Canada. The study was conducted in La Mauricie National Park, Quebec, Canada. Regeneration data in two balsam fir ( Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.), red spruce ( Picea rubens Sarg.), sugar maple ( Acer saccharum Marsh.), and yellow birch ( Betula alleghaniensis Britt.) ecosystem types were analyzed. Comparisons between uncut and cut stands were obtained from a total of 63 sample plots. For both ecosystems, there were no significant differences between uncut and cut plots for regeneration density and stocking. The most abundant regeneration species were balsam fir, red spruce, sugar maple, red maple ( Acer rubrum L.), yellow birch and American beech ( Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.). The type of diameter-limit cutting described in the study did not affect regeneration density and stocking but its impact on productivity, timber quality and genetics is still unknown.