Study

Mountain maple and balsam fir early response to partial and clear-cut harvesting under aspen stands of northern Quebec

  • Published source details Bourgeois L., Messier C. & Brais S. (2004) Mountain maple and balsam fir early response to partial and clear-cut harvesting under aspen stands of northern Quebec. Canadian Journal of Forest Research, 34, 2049-2059.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Use clearcutting to increase understory diversity

Action Link
Forest Conservation
  1. Use clearcutting to increase understory diversity

    A replicated, randomized, controlled study in 1998-2001 in boreal forest in Quebec, Canada (Bourgeois, Messier & Brais 2004) found that clearcutting increased the density of new mountain maple Acer spicatum stems and the relative regrowth rates of mountain maple and balsam fir Abies balsamea compared with thinning. Density of new mountain maple stems was higher in clearcut (13 stems/m2), compared to 33% cut (3), 66% cut (3) and uncut plots (5). Mountain maple relative trunk growth (clearcut: 240%; 66% cut: 130%: 33% cut: 140%; uncut: 130%) and mortality rate (clearcut: 35%; 66% cut: 20%; 33% cut: 27%; uncut: 30%) were similar between treatments. Balsam fir relative height growth ratio for stems <1 m differed between the four different treatments (clearcut: 25%: 66% cut: 15%: 33% cut: 9%; uncut: 4%), while those of stems 1-3 m were similar between treatments (17%, 17%, 9% and 7% respectively). There were three replicates (1-2.5 ha) of four treatments: clearcutting, 66% cut, 33% cut and no harvest (100%, 61%, 33% and 0% of basal area removed respectively).  Plots were established in winter 1998-1999. Monitoring was in 1 m2 quadrats (120 for mountain maple, 226 for balsam fir).

Output references
What Works 2021 cover

What Works in Conservation

What Works in Conservation provides expert assessments of the effectiveness of actions, based on summarised evidence, in synopses. Subjects covered so far include amphibians, birds, mammals, forests, peatland and control of freshwater invasive species. More are in progress.

More about What Works in Conservation

Download free PDF or purchase
The Conservation Evidence Journal

The Conservation Evidence Journal

An online, free to publish in, open-access journal publishing results from research and projects that test the effectiveness of conservation actions.

Read the latest volume: Volume 21

Go to the CE Journal

Discover more on our blog

Our blog contains the latest news and updates from the Conservation Evidence team, the Conservation Evidence Journal, and our global partners in evidence-based conservation.


Who uses Conservation Evidence?

Meet some of the evidence champions

Endangered Landscape ProgrammeRed List Champion - Arc Kent Wildlife Trust The Rufford Foundation Save the Frogs - Ghana Mauritian Wildlife Supporting Conservation Leaders
Sustainability Dashboard National Biodiversity Network Frog Life The international journey of Conservation - Oryx Cool Farm Alliance UNEP AWFA Bat Conservation InternationalPeople trust for endangered species Vincet Wildlife Trust