North American Aspen: Timber Supply, Utilization, and Research

Abstract

Abstract Bigtooth and quaking aspen are the two most important white poplar species in North America, comprising 11.9 million ac in the Lake States, 4.4 million ac in western United States, and an estimated 100 million ac in Canada. Lake States aspen utilization increased greatly in the last 10 years and during the period 1982-87 accounted for 47-55% of the total pulpwood harvest. In 1987, removals were estimated at 286 million ft ft³ and growth at 282 million ft³ Canadian aspen utilization has also increased dramatically since 1980 and is expected to expand as demand for structural flakeboard and hardwood pulp increases. Even with increased use, less than 10% of the Canadian allowable cut is being utilized. Despite evidence on the importance of aspen on the economy of the U.S. Lake States and Canada, only a minor amount of research has been undertaken in the last 10 years to genetically improve and/or maintain the existing aspen resource. North. J. Appl. For. 7:168-171, December 1990.