Forest site classification activities in Northern Canada

Abstract

Historically, site classification north of 60°N. Lat. includes related activities conducted by geologists over the last century, particularly the information presented on surficial materials. Ecological land classification provides a technique suitable for evaluating the capability of the land base to satisfy the requirements of various renewable resource sectors. Ecological Land Surveys that included an assessment of forest capability have been used over much of northern Canada. A forest inventory, or cover mapping, has been done for part of the forest environment. The demands on the forest resource are increasing, not only for the utilization of wood products, but also for recreational facilities, tourism, and wildlife habitat. Forest site classification based on ecological factors is essential to provide an informed basis for making resource management and utilization decisions. Some site classification techniques are discussed, and recommendations made in support of continuing classification and surveys for more intensive management and for the preservation and analyses of ecological reserves.