Forest Of Eastern Canada Research Articles

A Population Dynamics Model of Black Bears in Eastcentral Ontario

A population model was developed to estimate demographic parameters and abundance of a black bear (Ursus americanus) population in eastcentral Ontario, using data from a 12-year mark-recapture program. The model enables the separation of natural and hunting mortality and allows for immigration to the study area. Parameter fitting was done by a nonlinear least-squares criterion. Abundance estimates using the 0-truncated Poisson, Petersen, and Jolly-Seber procedures allowed comparison of the different methods. The population growth rate was estimated as 2.9%/year for the female segment. Age-specific reproductive value was calculated, and its significance for black bear conservation is discussed. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 50(4):602-612 The black bear is one of Ontario's most familiar and widely distributed large mammals. Traditionally it was regarded as a predator and a nuisance, and a provincial bounty was paid from 1942 to 1961. In 1961, the species was recognized as a valuable wildlife resource with removal of the bounty and elevation to game animal status (Clarke 1961). During recent years, increased hunter pressure in many areas and invasion of black bear habitat by nonconsumptive users intensified the need for information about population densities and behavior. Although important studies of black bear demography have been conducted in a variety of habitats (Jonkel and Cowan 1971, Poelker and Hartwell 1973, Rogers 1977, Beecham 1980, Lindzey and Meslow 1980, Young and Ruff 1982), none have been carried out in the conifer-deciduous forests of eastern Canada. This paper presents the results of an extensive mark-recapture program carried out in eastcentral Ontario from 1969 to 1980. Objectives of the study were to: (1) estimate population abundance; (2) estimate age-specific natural mortality; (3) estimate immigration into the study area; and (4) use this information, together with reproductive data obtained during the study, to estimate the intrinsic growth rate of the population and the age-specific reproductive value of female bears. This project was supported in part by the Nat. Sci. and Eng. Res. Counc. Can. under Grant A7775.

Abilities of organic horizons under some eastern Canadian forest stands to alter the acidity of rainwater

Various precipitation data, collected over a 13-year period, from different softwood and hardwood stands located at the Acadia Forest Experiment Station in central New Brunswick are evaluated to demonstrate differences between stands in their ability to alter the acidity of rainwater. In the soil organic horizons, retention and exchange processes are shown to be effective in altering the acidity of rainwater. Significant species effects in the quantities of water retained by the organic horizons are recognizable owing to differences in the quantities of organic materials accumulated under each stand and their moisture-retention characteristics. In turn, differences in the quantities of liquid retained in the organic horizons affect the residence time of the acid components of rain reaching the mineral soil. Major differences in chemical characteristics such as cation-exchange capacity, percent base saturation, and pH of the organic horizons suggest that the interactions of acid components of wet and dry deposition of air pollutants can be significantly different depending upon the species composition of stands.

Chemical and pedogenetic effects of simulated acid precipitation on two eastern Canadian forest soils. I. Nonmetals

An experiment involving the addition of simulated acid rain to two Canadian Shield orthic humo-ferric podzolic forest soils was carried out in the field and in the laboratory. Soils were subjected to treatments of pH 5.7, 3.5, and 2.0 water containing added nitric and sulphuric acids in a 1:2 molar ratio. Pore-water concentrations of H+, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and Cl− were monitored at depths of 15–60 cm for up to 2 years. Some of the laboratory columns were dismantled after 1 year and total soil N, S, soil pH, and S adsorption characteristics were measured. Half the columns were sterilized in an attempt to assess the relative importance of microbial processes. Considerable H+ buffering by the soils was indicated, with soil pH unchanged even under the most acidic treatment. Nitrate but not ammonium production was suppressed under highly acid treatment conditions in the laboratory, while in the field only small concentrations of both nitrogen species were detected in pore water. No change in total soil N was detected. Sulphur retention was assessed, with major amounts retained by the soil just below the Ae horizon where iron and aluminum oxides along with organic matter accumulate. Sterile column data indicates microbial processes are also of considerable importance in the immobilization of S inputs.

Chemical and pedogenetic effects of simulated acid precipitation on two eastern Canadian forest soils. II. Metals

A study to determine the effects of simulated acid rain on two Canadian Shield podzolic soils was performed on field plots and reconstructed profiles. Soils were irrigated with deionized water and HNO3 and H2SO4 (1:2 molar ratio) solutions at pH 3.5 and 2.0. Pore–water concentrations of Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Mn, and Al were measured at 15–60 cm over 2 years. Half the reconstructed profiles were dismantled after 1 year. Total organic C, exchange cations Ca, Mg, K, and Na, and titratable acidity were measured and three different extraction procedures were used to determine soil free iron and aluminum oxides. Al mobilization high in the profiles, with extreme values up to 40 mg/L at pH 2.0, was followed by redeposition lower in the profile. Up to threefold enhancement of Ca and Al leaching was observed under the most acidic conditions, particularly in the field. Evidence in the present study suggests that anion affinity of the mineral soil reduces the leaching of base cations. A significant decrease in free iron oxides just below the Ae horizon was observed in one of the soils.

Effects of Spruce Budworm Outbreaks on the Productivity and Stability of Balsam Fir Forests

Effects of spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.)) outbreaks on the productivity and stability of forests in eastern Canada are reviewed and discussed. Defoliation results in reduced growth of trees, widespread tree mortality, and loss of wood production, and thereby causes major forest management problems. At present, the only feasible method for limiting damage and losses from budworm outbreaks over large areas is to apply chemical or biological insecticides periodically to kill larvae and protect the forest from defoliation and tree mortality. Although budworm outbreaks definitely disrupt the wood-producing capacity of forests (or the short-term "stability of forests for human usage"), in terms of overall ecological stability, outbreaks apparently act as a cycling mechanism that allows advance fir-spruce regeneration to succeed the fir-spruce overstory.

Chemical characteristics of precipitation and hydrogen input in throughfall and stemflow under some eastern Canadian forest stands

At the Acadia Forest Experiment Station (AFES) in central New Brunswick chemical characteristics of rain samples collected at five different locations were determined during the 1977–1981 period. Throughfall and stemflow samples from six softwood and three hardwood stands were collected and chemically characterized starting from the early 70's. In 1976 two of four plots in each of the stands were treated with urea at a rate of 225 kg N•ha−1. Both the quantities of rain and their pH values varied considerably between collections, months, and years. The weighted mean pH of summer (May–October) rain collected intensively during the 1977–1981 period ranged from 4.5 to 5.1, with an overall weighted average value of 4.75 for the 5 years. Sulfur and nitrate N measured during May–October 1982 amounted to 6.18 and 1.52 kg•ha−1, respectively, for the 6-month period. The concentration of hydrogen ion in the throughfall was less than that in the rain. Hardwood throughfall had lower hydrogen levels (higher pH) than the softwood throughfall. The pH of the stemflow from softwoods was lower than that of rain in most cases. Although not significantly, the hydrogen ion concentration of both throughfall and stemflow on the fertilized plots was lower than on the untreated plots. The hydrogen load of rain was reduced by all tree species, but there was considerable variation between species in their abilities to decrease total hydrogen reaching the soil.

Aerial spraying of fenitrothion in forest programs: some problems and some solutions.

Annually, large tracts of forest in eastern Canada are sprayed aerially with insecticides (fenitrothion, aminocarb) in attempts to control an epidemic infestation by an indigenous forest pest, the spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana, Clemens). The massive size of the spraying programs, the anecdotal reports of human exposure, and the potential for hazard to human health have led one province. New Brunswick, to initiate and fund specific environmental and laboratory studies which will provide adequate data upon which the government can base realistic legislation to protect both the forests and the population. These studies have included some unique field analyses of aerial spray drift conducted by a research group from the National Research Council; comparative subchronic studies in rats of fenitrothion and a new formulation; a nose-only inhalation study of this formulation in rats; field testing of the formulation for drift characteristics. Ongoing research involves the subchronic testing of the emulsifying agents being used routinely in the new formulation and studies of a low-drift additive which will stabilize the particle size of the spray. On the basis of the results to date, the government has been able to modify spraying techniques and to establish realistic buffer zones around human habitation.

Brain cholinesterase inhibition in forest passerines exposed to experimental aminocarb spraying.

Continued spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) infestation of the fir-spruce forest of eastern Canada has been marked by a constant search for control strategies that are effective, environmentally acceptable, and that pose no threat to human health. In New Brunswick, forest protection has relied heavily on the use of chemical insecticides for almost three decades, a practice for which there is apparently no viable alternative at present. Testing of the efficacy and safety of new chemicals, old chemicals in new formulations, and of developments in spraying technology have been important elements in the province's approach to management of the budworm problem. This study was carried out in the context of a series of spray trials of a new formulation of aminocarb (4-(dimethylamino)-3-methylphenol methylcarbamate) known as Matacil R 180 Flowable (180F), conducted by the Forest Pest Management Institute, Canadian Forestry Service, primarily to determine efficacy against spruce budworm. The trials were of particular interest to the Canadian Wildlife Service since there is little published information on the effects of aminocarb on brain cholinesterase (ChE) activity in forest songbirds and the logistical problems normally encountered in monitoring bird responses under operational spraying Conditions were minimized by the relatively small scale of the project. MATERIALS AND M~THODS Spray PlOts were located in predominantly fir-spruce forest about 25 km west of Bathurst, in northern New Brunswick. Each was 50 ha (I.0 km x 0.5 km) in area, and was sprayed by a Cessna 188 Ag-Truck fitted with four Micronair AU3000 rotary atomizers. The two plots of interest to us were both sprayed at a stated emission dosage of 70 g/ha of active ingredient. By volume, the formulation consisted of 25.93% Mataci~ 180F, 1.27% AtloxR(emulsifier), 72.27% water (carrier) and 0.53% Rhodamine Red dye. The emulsion was emitted at a rate of 1.5 L/ha. Droplet VMD and NMD at first

THE BIOLOGY OF CANADIAN WEEDS: 5. Daucus carota

This summary of biological data is for wild carrot, Daucus carota L. ssp. carota, as a weed in Canada, particularly in central Ontario. Brief reference is made to wild carrot in Europe and to the related cultivated carrot which have many pests in common. Weedy populations of this biennial occur in areas formerly occupied by deciduous forests in eastern Canada, and by the coastal Douglas fir forest in British Columbia. It belongs to association of plants of roadsides, old pastures and open spaces which are disturbed periodically.

Aquatic Insect Communities of a Small Stream on Mont St. Hilaire, Quebec

Weekly sampling of a small woodland stream in Quebec between March 1966 and March 1967 revealed at least 120 species of insects in sand, gravel, stones, leaves, and leaf detritus habitats. Fallen leaves were the primary food source. Characteristic communities of insects were found in each habitat. Widely distributed species were usually more abundant in one of the five habitats than in the others. Some species changed their habitats with age. Congeneric species either occupied different parts of the stream or developed at different times of the year. Linear distributions of insects were determined by the substrate type, by the extent of summer drought and the ability to avoid desiccation, and in some species by upstream flying of adult females. The species composition of each community may be characteristic of small, slow-flowing streams in deciduous forests in eastern Canada.

Control of Black Fly Larvae (Diptera: Simuliidae) in the Forests of Eastern Canada by Aircraft Spraying

The results reported in this paper are part of a study of the biology and control of black flies in the forests of Eastern Canada conducted on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, near Baie Comeau, Quebec, during 1954, 1955, and 1956. Reference to this study is made in a review by Peterson and Wolfe (1958). The identification and biology of the black flies of this region has been reported on by Wolfe and Peterson (1959) who also describe the topography of the region. The important feature of this rugged area is an abundance of fast-flowing streams which provide highly suitable environments for the development of black-fly populations.

Control of Adult Black Flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) in the Forests of Eastern Canada by Aircraft Spraying

A study of the biology and control of black flies in the forests of Eastern Canada was conducted on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, near Baie Comeau, Quebec, from 1954 to 1956. Reference was made to this study by Peterson and Wolfe (1958). Details on the identity of species, and studies on their life histories and habits were reported by Wolfe and Peterson (1959), while the control of black-fly larvae by aircraft spraying was described by West, Brown, and Peterson (in press). Experiments on the control of adult black flies by aircraft spraying are reported in this paper.

Differential Growth as Evidence of the Relationship of Monochamus notatus (Drury) and M. scutellatus (Say) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae),

Monochamus notatus (Drury) and M. scutellatus (Say) are both common wood-boring beetles in the coniferous forests of eastern Canada. The two species are usually separated on the basis of colour. The first is dark brown with lighter brown elytra, and is covered with white and brown pubescence, while the second , is typicaliy shining black. The scutellum of each bears a dense white pubescence which, in the case of M. notatus, is divided by a bare median line. Such a line also occurs in M. scutellatus but is usually incomplete. The writer has found that the presence or absence of a fringe of white hair around the compound eye constitutes the most consistent anatomical difference between the two species, it being present only in M. notatus. The elytra of the females of both species are generally marked with elongate spots. Body length is also used to separate the two species, but no clear-cut difference in length ranges occurs; instead, there is considerable overlap.

EASTERN CANADIAN FOREST PRODUCTS AND THE WAR EFFORT

EASTERN CANADIAN FOREST PRODUCTS AND THE WAR EFFORT

Forest Industries in Canada: Their Relation to Pacific Trade

The importance of Canadian forest products to Pacific trade depends primarily on the developments of the Pacific coast. In the first place lumber is a bulky product for which the general advantages of water transport are realized to the full. In the second place the exhaustion of the forests in Eastern Canada and indeed in Eastern North America has given the virgin stands of large trees of the Pacific coast a monopoly position. The opening of the Panama canal has made it possible for Pacific coast lumber to be shipped to points on the Atlantic seaboard and to compete effectively with Eastern lumber. The effect on the lumber industry of Eastern Canada has been serious and in the Maritimes the pulp and paper industry has received a decided stimulus. Lumber mills in Eastern Canada have found the size of the trees decreasing and white pine and other species especially suited for the export market becoming exhausted. In the face of increasing costs of transportation and in spite of large scale operations the competition of Pacific Coast lumber has been serious. Consequently lumber companies and pulp and paper companies have tended to stress the production of pulp and paper from spruce and species less suited to lumber.