CONSERVATION STRATEGY FOR WHITE AND RED PINE MANAGEMENT ON THE TIMISKAMING FOREST Timiskaming Forest Management Plan

Transcription

1 CONSERVATION STRATEGY FOR WHITE AND RED PINE MANAGEMENT ON THE TIMISKAMING FOREST 0-0 Timiskaming Forest Management Plan

2 0 0 Introduction White and red pine ecosystems represent an integral component of the forested landscape from a variety of perspectives, including ecological, sociological and economical. The focus on the management of these species has developed due to a concern over the decrease in their distribution and abundance in management units across Ontario. These concerns have led to the development of specific silvicultural strategies to aid in the renewal and expansion of pine dominated stands within the landscape. The purpose of this strategy is to develop measures that will ensure that white and red pine ecosystems remain a healthy component in our future forest. The document is an updated version based on work completed in the Elk Lake FMP, the Contingency plan for the Elk Lake Management Unit the 00 Timiskaming Forest and 00 ShiningTree Forest and finally the 00 amalgamated Timiskaming Forest. Special considerations are included to maintain and promote old-growth attributes within white and red pine stands and to incorporate strategies that promote the regeneration of new pine forests. These considerations are based on the technical advice and old growth conservation requirements for forest management planning set out in the Old Growth Policy for Ontario s Crown Forests. White and Red Pine on the Timiskaming Forest White and red pine in the Timiskaming Forest is found at the northern extent of their natural range. Factors such as severe climate conditions and a reduced growing season limit the growth potential of these species, both in their abundance and distribution within the landscape. The following table details the extent of the white and red pine population on the Timiskaming Forest today and describes the progress made since 00. Timiskaming Forest Alliance Inc.

3 Table : Summary of Pw and Pr Populations on the Timiskaming Forest Total Area of Production Forest Land Total Managed Area of Forested Land Total Unmanaged Area of Forested Land Area (ha) in 0 Percent of Area Production Forest Land in 0 (%) Percent of Area Production Forest Land in 00 (%) Percent of Area Production Forest Land in 00 (%), n/a, n/a, n/a Total Managed/Unmanaged Area of PWR FU Grouping Total Managed Area of PWR FU Grouping Total Unmanaged Area of PWR FU Grouping, , (0% of PWR FUG) (0% of PWR FUG) n/a n/a Total Managed Area of PWR_H Forest Unit Total Unmanaged Area of PWR_H Forest Unit Total Managed Area of PWR_L Forest Unit Total Unmanaged Area of PWR_L Forest Unit, (% of PWR FUG) (.% of PWR FUG), (% of PWR FUG) ( % of PWR FUG) Total Area of non- PWR containing Pw or Pr (<=0%) Total Managed Area of Old Growth (> yrs),...0, (% of PWR FUG) (> yrs) Note: The PWR forest unit grouping includes PWR_H (high stocked Pw & Pr >= 0%), PWR_L (low stocked Pw & Pr >= 0%) and PR (WG = or WG = ) Timiskaming Forest Alliance Inc.

4 0 0 0 Large components of the PWR forest unit grouping stands are concentrated near the south-central portion of the unit, adjacent and within the Smith Lake Conservation Reserve. The Smith Lake Conservation Reserve was created following approval of the Temagami Comprehensive Plan subsequent to the completion of the to 0 FMP for the Elk Lake Management Unit. Approximately 0% of this forest unit grouping is contained within parks and conservation reserves, which leaves approximately 0% of the PWR forest unit grouping in stands available for management within the 0-year term of this plan. The managed portion of the PWR forest unit grouping represents 0.% of the total area of production forest land. The unmanaged portion of the forest unit represents 0.0%. These results provide initial confirmation that the strategies used for the reintroduction of dominant white and red pine forests appear to have a positive outcome. The PWR_H forest unit comprises approximately % of the managed forest unit grouping while the PWR_L forest unit stands equate to approximately % available for forest management. As shown in Table, in the last 0 years, as a result of the forest management interventions, an increase in the PWR_H forest unit was measured. Stands containing 0 to 0 percent white and/or red pine are also concentrated in the south-east and south-west portions of the management unit, although scattered populations can be found throughout the central and northern sections of the unit in increasingly infrequent or isolated stands. Table shows the total area of forest stands that contains white and/or red pine by forest unit. As well, the table details the area of forested stands that contain white and/or red pine by its percent composition of the forest stand. Table shows that % of the total area of forest stands that support some level of white and/or red pine are non-pwr forest unit stands. In addition, % of the total area that supports some level of white and/or red pine are comprised of stands that have 0% or less of white/red pine. Table : Total Area Containing White and/or Red Pine and Percentage of Pw & Pr FU Area (ha) % Pw/Pr 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 00% Total BW LC MW MW OH PJ PJ PO PR PWR_H PWR_L SB SF SP Total Area (ha) Timiskaming Forest Alliance Inc.

5 Total % Pw/Pr % % % % % % % 0% 0% % 00% The non-white/red pine stands that support 0 to 0 percent of these species are primarily mixed wood stands that have a larger hardwood component and are found in the MW, OH, BW, SF and SP forest units. Figures through to show the current age class distribution of the PWR_H, PR and PWR_L forest unit on the Timiskaming Forest. The distribution patterns shown in these figures depicts the poor existing species distribution or in attempting to expand its range, without the intervention of intensive silvicultural management tools. These graphs demonstrate a few key facts that must be acknowledged when discussing white and/or red pine on the Timiskaming Forest. The first, and most visually apparent, is that the pine stands located on the management unit are, on average, very old. Approximately % of all stands are classified as old growth with a significant amount classified as mature. These graphs are indicative of one historical and one ecological truth. The former is that the white and red pine stands that were logged in the past (starting in the late 00 s and into the 0 s) were not managed on an ecological basis and as such, have been replaced by other non-white/red pine forest types. The latter is that there is little recruitment of white and red pine stands in the younger age classes. Simply put, there are fewer white and red pine stands on the management unit than in the past, those stands that are left are very old and likely deteriorating, and there are not enough new stands being created to maintain the presence of these pine ecosystems. As shown in Figure and Figure, the past 0 to years has reintroduced area dominated by white and red pine. The age class 0-0 is significantly higher than any area in the following to age classes. This is largely a function of little to no forest management intervention and/or lack of natural disturbance, which would also play a role in the maintenance in increase in the species. Generally, white pine is a residual component in the younger PWR_L stands and is usually much older than the regenerating species. Limited planting of red pine occurred in the past with most plantations having been identified from project records and included in the PR forest unit. Since, TFAI has been re-introducing white pine on the landscape. Figure shows over 0 hectare of area which has been planted with white pine. This area is currently labeled depleted until its declared free growing. The definition of white and red pine old growth stands are those stands with at least 0% composition of white and/or red pine and at least years of age. More often than not, these stands are poorly stocked. These areas represent approximately,0 ha, or 0.% of the total management unit land-base. Specific management objectives developed by the Planning Team and Local Citizen s Committee s have been outlined in the 0-0 Timiskaming Forest Management Plan to promote the continued presence of old growth on the landscape. Refer to Section. for the objective and indicators to maintaining the continued presence of white and red pine on the Timiskaming Forest. Timiskaming Forest Alliance Inc.

6 Summary of Productive Forest for the PWR_H Forest Unit Area (ha) > 0 Age Class Production Forest Figure. Age Class Distribution of PWR_H Forest Unit Protection Forest Summary of Productive Forest for the PR Forest Unit Area (ha) > 0 Age Class Production Forest Figure. Age Class Distribution of PR Forest Unit. Protection Forest Timiskaming Forest Alliance Inc.

7 Summary of Productive Forest for the PWR_L Forest Unit,00, Area (ha) > 0 Age Class Production Forest Protection Forest Figure. Age Class Distribution of PWR_L Forest Unit. Timiskaming Forest Alliance Inc.

8 White and Red Pine Silviculture on the Timiskaming Forest During the period where there was no harvest of white and red pine on the former Timiskaming Forest, silvicultural renewal efforts continued. On the former ShiningTree Forest, harvesting of white and red pine has been taken place since the early 00 s. For the former Timiskaming Forest, during the five year period between to 00, a silvicultural program consisting of the planting of white and red pine nursery stock was undertaken with the objective of creating new white and red pine stands on the forest. For this period,,00 seedlings (,00 white pine, 0,00 red pine) were planted on. hectares. In addition. hectolitres of cones (. hl red pine,. hl white pine) were collected to support the renewal effort. As a continuation of these efforts, a total of,000 white and red pine seedlings (,00 white pine,,00 red pine) were planted up to March st 00 on the former Timiskaming Forest. For the same period, a total of. hectolitres of cones (. hl red pine, 0. white pine) were collected to support the renewal efforts. On the former Shiningtree Forest a total of 0,00 white and red pine seedlings (,00 white pine,,00 red pine) were planted up to March st, 00. In 00, the implementation of the newly amalgamated forest management plan began. Since April st, 00 a total of. hectoliters of red pine seeds and. hl of white pine seeds were collected, and supported the renewal of,00 red pine and,00 white pine seedlings planted. These planted seedlings have contributed to the renewal of over 00 ha in the past four years. One method used in the selection of sites for re-introducing white and red pine is based on information and analysis collected and shown in Table combined with any ecosite data, site visits, cruising information and pre and post harvesting conditions. Ecosites such as ecosites,, 0 and that are conducive in supporting red and white pine are often the preferred option for the re-introduction of white and red pine. Additionally, sites that were targeted for conversion often contained scattered white and red pine stems, old stumps, large coarse wood debris and were suspected to have supported white/red pine stands in the past. While these stands have not been established long enough to assess them as free growing, tending operations are ongoing and have been successful. Operator training and post harvesting site visits have confirmed that attention to careful harvesting around residual white and red pine stems has become a common practice. Whenever these species were encountered, operations were modified in order to ensure the retention of both the mature residuals and any advanced stems that were found on the harvest operations. Ecology of Pine Stands White and red pine stands typically occur on NORFEC ecosites,, 0 &. The development of pine dominated stands typically involves several minor disturbances over the course of its life cycle. Minor disturbances permit the species to infiltrate a site, to survive the early growth stages, and allow regenerating pines to occupy and maintain a position within the stand. Without natural intervention, whether it is through fire or Timiskaming Forest Alliance Inc.

9 smaller, stand level disturbances (i.e. gap replacement small openings in the canopy resulting from single trees falling and opening up sections of the canopy (Forman, ), white and red pine stands require some form of silvicultural intervention to maintain stands of varying age classes in the management unit. White and red pine on a portion of the former Timiskaming Forest (i.e. the former Elk Lake Management Unit) were reserved from harvesting during the first ten years of the -0 management planning period for that area. This moratorium was implemented to provide the delay period necessary to develop a silvicultural program which would address the concerns regarding old-growth forest areas, the conservation of genetic integrity of pine and the maintenance of biodiversity in pine dominated stands. The ecology of old growth stands is based on the structural diversity, including downed woody debris and snag components, found within an overmature stand (OMNR, ). Therefore, management considerations for old growth areas should include efforts to create or maintain the structural components necessary. Structural components that define old growth areas are as follows: A forest with multiple age classes and canopies (multi-tiered canopy) with large old white or red pine in the overstorey, often well spaced; An understorey of trees that are often dominated by different species; Dead and dying standing trees are common in the overstory; and Large rotten stems and tops on the ground are common. These required components would direct the silvicultural systems chosen and the prescriptions created for present and future old growth stands. White and Red Pine Management Management strategies for white and red pine stands are being implemented based on a recognized need to ensure these stand types remain a component in the future forest. Strategies will be developed under the following headings: Review of research into the harvesting effects on genetic integrity of pine stands Implementation of the Conservation Strategy for Old Growth Red and White Pine Operational prescriptions incorporating biodiversity Seed management strategy Timiskaming Forest Alliance Inc.

10 Review of Research into the Harvesting Effects on Genetic Integrity on Pine Stands Developing management objectives to include the maintenance of genetic integrity requires combining current scientific research, forest management principles, and silvicultural strategies. In addition, there is a need to implement an adaptive approach to incorporate new directions for management. The management strategy proposed for the Timiskaming Forest incorporates preferred silvicultural ground rules that are recommended by the Silvicultural Guide for the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Conifer Forest in Ontario (OMNR, ) and by the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM, ). The Silvicultural Guide for the Great Lakes St.-Lawrence addresses the issue of genetic integrity and maintaining or enhancing genetic diversity within a local population by setting out a Rules of Thumb management approach. These rules serve to assist both in the identification of isolated populations and in guiding management strategies for these populations. The problems associated with managing isolated populations of white and red pine is addressed further in the Seed Strategy section of this document. The Rules of Thumb for recognizing and managing isolated stands (OMNR, ) are: Retain a population of at least 00 mature individuals capable of breeding to be used as a minimum to ensure an effective breeding population. Consider a stand to be isolated if it is more than km from another similar stand. Due to the great diversity in conditions that exists in forests, the minimum number of individuals and their distance to other populations of similar species should be used as general rules-of-thumb. They should be used or modified after consultation with experts on tree genetics. It is recommended those isolated populations of white pine with fewer than 00 individuals are harvested only if: The area is already satisfactorily regenerated, or Seed from the appropriate seed zone is available and is used to regenerate an equivalent site within the seed zone, or Regeneration must be secured before the removal of mature breeding individuals. Artificial regeneration may result in the transfer of seed or seedling stock over large distances. This practice can result in the introduction of new genetic material from populations not adapted to local conditions into locally adapted populations. Joyce et al. recommends seed and seedlings used in regeneration follow Ontario s system of seed zones and seed transfer guidelines. Applying the rules of thumb in the management of pine will include stand level operational considerations while monitoring the influence at the population-level, as population-level interaction has a strong influence on the maintenance of genetic Timiskaming Forest Alliance Inc. 0

11 diversity. The uniform shelterwood silvicultural system incorporates the Rules of Thumb mentioned above through the maintenance of a component from the original stand while creating conditions necessary for the renewal to pine. On site conditions where natural regeneration is considered unlikely to be successful, shelterwood systems combined with planting of nursery stock will be the preferred option. This approach will provide for the maintenance or enhancement of the genetic diversity within the population, especially in cases where the population is considered too small for appropriate levels of genetic information. Seed stock derived from the appropriate seed zone can often act as a valuable tool in contributing to the genetic diversity present in some small, under-represented, or isolated pine stands Implementation of the Conservation Strategy for Old Growth Red and White Pine A Conservation Strategy for Old Growth Red and White Pine Forest Ecosystems in Ontario (OMNR, ) represents a broad outline of objectives for managing old growth stands. The goal of the Old Growth Strategy is to ensure that red and white pine forest ecosystems, including old growth stands, are present on the landscape of Ontario now and into the future, while permitting a sustainable harvest of red and white pine. Operational prescriptions will be developed based on incorporating the following objectives as outlined in the Conservation Strategy for Old Growth:. As a minimum, red and white pine in forest management units will not be reduced to an area less than current levels. Forest management plans will establish specific targets for restoring red and white pine on the landscape using historical records as a guide and focusing on sites that previously supported pine. Over the long-term, at least one old growth red and white pine ecosystem will be protected in each site district.. The age class distribution of red pine and white pine forests at the forest management unit level will include old growth red and white pine forests. The rationale for establishing the desired age class distribution must be explained in the forest management plan.. Silvicultural prescriptions will be based on specific stand and site conditions and should be used to achieve the objectives outlined in the forest management plans. Pre-harvest silvicultural prescriptions will be developed to retain old growth structural characteristics.. Where stand and site conditions permit, harvesting methods and silvicultural techniques that promote the natural regeneration of red and white pine will be the preferred option. Artificial regeneration techniques may be used to restore red and white pine to sites that they once grew on. Regional variance will require adjustments be made at the local level to produce an appropriate strategy. Management strategies will focus on maintaining the structural components necessary for old growth stands and in maintaining representative older age Timiskaming Forest Alliance Inc.

12 class stands in the Management Unit. There are no white or red pine old growth sites identified within the northeastern region of the MNR however, as Table shows, significant area of old growth has been captured in existing parks and Ontario Living Legacy areas within several ecodistricts in the Timiskaming Forest. In order to ensure the continued presence of white and red pine on the Timiskaming Forest, the following landscape and stand level objectives were developed. These are based on the Temagami Land Use Plan (OMNR, ), planning team and local citizen committee input and the Old Growth Forest Definitions for Ontario. Landscape Objectives for White and Red Pine Provide old growth forest and old growth characteristics on the landscape Management decisions should be based on natural ecology Manage for pine on sites where sufficient numbers of trees and appropriate site condition exist; and, Show movement to increase the amount of white and red pine forests towards presettlement levels (as per provincial direction). Stand Level Objective The objective of stand level management will be to provide old growth characteristics while promoting the regeneration of white and red pine and the maintenance of genetic diversity. Appropriate harvesting and silvicultural practices will be employed where the potential exists to achieve this objective. The silvicultural ground rules in the FMP contains recommended prescriptions for achieving this objective in both the PWR_H and PWR_L forest units, as well as any other stands containing 0 to 0% white and red pine. The following operational principles will be incorporated to achieve stated stand level objectives: Regenerate stands to white/red pine as a minimum, regenerated stands should possess similar proportions of white and red pine to that contained in the original stand. Maintain white and red pine as the dominant tree species in the forest stand. Retain a white and red pine-dominated overstorey until regeneration is established. Keep the best phenotypes and the most vigorous trees for seed source. These are the straightest, largest, healthiest, fastest growing trees with the best-formed crowns that produce the most seed. Ensure that some large, older pines are left on the site (structural diversity). Retain downed woody debris. Retain some large standing dying/dead trees (snags), where they exist and are not a safety hazard. Consider forest health issues in the selection of retained trees. Timiskaming Forest Alliance Inc.

13 Minimize harvesting of rotten stems in cases where the snags do not represent potential safety hazards. As shown in Table, non-pwr forest unit stands comprise % of the area that supports white and/or red pine and these stands represent the best opportunity to increase the overall area of pine dominated ecosystems on the landscape. The non-pwr stands are predominantly mixedwood stands (conifer or hardwood mixedwoods) and often have multistory canopies. The white/red pine located on these sites is generally distributed in two ways. The first is characterized by a scattered distribution of the species across the stand. In the post-harvest condition, no less than five, phenotypically superior seed producing trees per hectare will remain on site as a seed source. The second distribution pattern is characterized by the presence of small, relatively pure clumps of white/red pine. The definition of a clump are those areas found within a non-pwr forest unit stand that are too small to have been delineated as a separate FRI stand but which are, none the less, small functioning pine ecosystems. These clumps will be managed in a similar manner as large PWR_L and/or PWR_H forest unit stands. The clumps will be marked as per the Ontario Tree Marking Guide and the harvest will be conducted to ensure the regeneration success of the clump. TFAI is responsible for marking all white pine stands prior to harvest. MNR, through the forest operations compliance program, will be responsible for auditing the results of the harvest operation to ensure that the harvest prescription was satisfactory. In addition, TFAI and MNR will monitor the effectiveness of the silvicultural treatment to ensure that the results meet silvicultural ground rule standards. Finally, the Timiskaming Forest will have an Independent Forest Audit every five years during which time the success of the conservation strategy will be assessed, and reported. Operational Prescriptions Incorporating Biodiversity Approaches Biodiversity remains an important objective for the management of white and red pine in the Timiskaming Forest. Strategies incorporating current research have been developed for the Great Lakes St.-Lawrence Silvicultural Guide which are applicable to Ontario s Northeast Region (OMNR, ). Silvicultural prescriptions for the management of white and red pine in the Timiskaming Forest are being tailored from those created in the North Bay District (OMNR, ) and the Draft Ontario Tree Marking Guide. Tree marking will be consistent with the methods taught at the Provincial Tree Marking Certification Course. Preliminary Detailed Treatment Descriptions Although the primary intent of this document is to provide strategic direction rather than operational detail, effort has been made to develop a set of operational treatments and standards to meet stated landscape and stand level objectives. Table provides detailed treatment descriptions for each forest unit/silvicultural intensity combination to be found in the 00-0 Timiskaming Forest FMP. Timiskaming Forest Alliance Inc.

14 Table : Detailed Treatment Descriptions for White and Red Pine Forest Units. Detailed Treatment Descriptions for White Pine and Red Pine Forest Units (Forest Unit /Silvicultural Intensity Combinations) PWR_H PWR_L PWR_L PWR_L Present Extensive Basic Intensive Silvicultural System: Shelterwood Silvicultural System: Clear cut Silvicultural System: Clear cut Silvicultural System: Clear cut Forest Condition: Basal Area Pw + Pr + Sw > m /ha (i.e.> stems/ha) Forest Condition: Basal Area Pw + Pr + Sw > m/ha and <= m /ha (i.e. 0- stems/ha) Forest Condition: Basal Area Pw + Pr + Sw <= m /ha (i.e.<0 stems/ha) Forest Condition: Basal Area Pw + Pr + Sw <= m /ha (i.e. <0 stems/ha) Harvest Method: One or Two-cut Shelterwood Harvest Method: Seed Tree/CLAAG Harvest Method: With Standards Harvest Method: With Standards Careful felling and skidding mandatory on all sites. Uniform Shelterwood tree marking rules apply. Careful felling and skidding mandatory. CLAAG recommended to protect understory Pw, Sw, Pr. These species must be present to carry out CLAAG harvest option (i.e. Bf component <0% and Po<0%) Careful felling and skidding mandatory. CLAAG recommended to protect understory Pw, Sw, Pr. These species must be present to carry out CLAAG harvest option (i.e. Bf component <0% and Po<0%) Primarily FT but TL and processing at stump may occur. CLAAG recommended to protect understory Pw, Sw, Pr. Retain up to m /ha BA of overstory Pw, Pr, Sw aggregated or dispersed across the harvest block. Treatment: a) Natural Regeneration b) Fill plant Pw, Pr, Sw Retain minimum of 0-0% crown closure. Residuals must be capable of producing future seed crops. Type of system specified (one or two cut) will depend on initial stand stocking. At time of final harvest retain min. of 0 veterans for diversity/stand structure. Treatment: a) Natural Regeneration and CLAAG Natural regeneration. Must retain a minimum of Pw welldistributed trees/ha and 0% of the retained Pw or Pr must be capable of producing future crops. Treatment: a) Seed Tree b) Scarification-assisted by Natural Regeneration Natural regeneration. Retain -0 of original Pw and Pr trees in canopy, half of which must be phenotypically superior individuals capable of producing future crops. Light SIP > meters from tree Treatment: a) Plant Pw, Pr, Sw Retain a minimum of Pw, Pr that are capable of producing future crops. Retain other non- Pw/Pr stems to ensure 0-0% canopy closure. Enhance plant Pw and/or Pr, Sw (max 0% Sw). SIP > meters from retained Pw, Pr. Timiskaming Forest Alliance Inc.

15 Isolated populations are those stands that are greater than km from an adjacent stand that contains a minimum of 0% of white and/or red pine. Operations within stands defined as isolated can occur only if the isolated stand will have greater than 00 stems of white and or red pine in the post harvest condition. For those stands, or clumps within stands that have a total basal area of m /ha (i.e.> stems/ha of Pw, Pr and Sw) the uniform shelterwood system will be utilized. In the uniform shelterwood system in the Boreal Forest, the first entry into a stand is usually for a Seeding or Regeneration Cut to prepare the stand for natural and/or artificial regeneration. The aim is to retain about 0-0% crown closure in the overstorey, which consists of mainly white pine but also includes other species as represented in the stand composition. Red pine and white spruce are also preferred crop species to be left with white pine to provide a seed source and overhead shading to prevent excessive competition and white pine weevil damage. Where these species are not present in parts of stands, other species such as black spruce, cedar, jack pine, white and yellow birch and hard and soft maple may also be retained. On average, white pine, red pine and/or white spruce is desired to be left at a spacing of about 0% of height, or ½ crown width apart of the dominant white pine after the Seeding Cut. In a well-stocked PWR_H forest unit stand with an average height of 0 metres, the residual trees should be about metres apart, or about 0 trees per hectare on average. The residual trees would be made up of a mixture of species. Figure shows a graphic representation of the White Pine -Cut Shelterwood System. Figure shows a similar representation of the White Pine Clearcut with Seed Tree System. In order to release the regeneration, the final removal cut is normally carried out after the regeneration has reached - metres in height. This normally occurs 0-0 years after the Seeding Cut. At the time of the final harvest removal, careful logging will be done to protect the advanced regeneration and at least 0 veteran white and/or red pine per hectare will be left for biodiversity, stand structure, wildlife habitat and seed source. In order to achieve the desirable level setout by the planning team, which is to have 0,000 ha of dominant white and red pine area by, the SFL holder will plant an average of 00,000 white and/or red pine tree seedlings annually on the Timiskaming Forest for the ten years five year in an effort to continue move towards this target. This target will contribute to regenerating approximately 0 hectares per year of PWR forest unit area. In addition, the careful harvesting around white pine and subsequent tending of non-pwr forest unit area will create additional PWR_L and PWR_H area, however no target is assigned since the actual location and area of these sites are not identified on the FRI. With the proper implementation of intensive renewal treatments (i.e. planting white/red pine) the FMP target of increasing the PWR forest unit grouping by 0% within 0 years (i.e. approximately hectare per year) will be attained. The addition of extensive treatments such as careful logging around advanced white pine and the retention of seed trees on harvested sites will ensure that the target is met. In the 0-0 allocations there will be stands with a 0-0% white and or red pine component. These stands represent very little area in the total allocated harvest area for the FMP. Of these sites, not all will be managed intensively for white pine but all are evaluated for their potential for white pine management potential. Where advanced Pw or Pr is found Timiskaming Forest Alliance Inc.

16 during the course of operations, a careful logging prescription will be implemented to maintain and/or promote the species. The preferred silvicultural treatment is a natural regeneration supported by a fill plant. However, the reality is that the pre-harvest and subsequent post-harvest condition will dictate whether natural or artificial methods will be utilized. Recent experience has shown that for most sites where white pine management prescriptions are developed, both natural regeneration with a supplemental artificial treatment is needed in order to meet expected renewal standards. Timiskaming Forest Alliance Inc.

17 Figure. -Cut Shelterwood System Timiskaming Forest Alliance Inc.

18 Figure. White Pine Clearcut with Seed Tree System Timiskaming Forest Alliance Inc.

19 Demonstration Area As part of the strategies set out in the 00-0 Timiskaming Forest management plan conservation strategy for white and red pine management, a white and red pine demonstration area was to be established. The demonstration area was to be a working example of the silvicultural tools of choice to be implemented in stands with a white pine component. A white pine demonstration located within the Roadhouse 00 harvest block was initiated in the fall of 00. This PWR_H area is. hectares in size and provided the suitable location needed to demonstrate a shelterwood harvest. Today, this demonstration site is established and recent silvicultural treatments have been completed. The Timiskaming Forest Alliance Inc. will be developing a white pine management tour that will include the Roadhouse 00 block in addition to suitable areas that demonstrate other silvicultural techniques for managing incidental white pine. This tour will be given to planning teams, LCC s and other interested parties and will include management of non-pwr stands for white pine, red pine regeneration, stand tending techniques and examples of stand conversion. These areas will also be used as demonstration sites during joint MNR and Industry operation meetings and TFAI operators training. Seed Management Strategy The seed management strategy will incorporate requirements outlined in the Silvicultural Guide for the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Conifer Forest (OMNR, ). This strategy will include maintaining seed trees on site when available to promote natural regeneration. Planting stock from local seed sources will be used when necessary to supplement natural regeneration. Wherever possible, the TFAI will aim to keep white pine seed separated by the individual township in which it was collected in order to plant seedlings in the townships from which the seed originated. Sources for seeds will be from harvested trees in good seed years. Other sources of cones such as squirrel caches and tree climbing will be explored as well. Current seed inventories can sustain the annual demand however if more than two poor cone production years occur then the inventory for white pine seed will be depleted. Since bumper seed crop years are relatively infrequent, a target of million seeds for seed zone and 00,000 seeds from seed zone will be established. Depending on when a bumper seed year occurs, it is anticipated that it may take up to years to achieve this target although if conditions are ideal and a bumper seed year occurs, the target can be achieved in one year. Recommended Strategies. Prepare detailed pre-harvest silvicultural prescriptions, including tree-marking guidelines, for all PWR_L and PWR_H stands, to ensure renewal efforts are well coordinated with harvesting, and that all non-timber values are addressed. Individual stand evaluations will determine whether the shelterwood system or the seed-tree silvicultural system will be applied. The intent of the shelterwood harvest prescription would be to preserve the integrity of the PWR_H stand. A seed tree prescription would facilitate the objective of increasing the amount of pine on the site so that the future stand would be a PWR_H forest unit. In both Timiskaming Forest Alliance Inc.

20 cases, supplementary planting of nursery stock may occur to ensure future stocking targets. This treatment would occur both immediately after the seeding cut in order to supplement natural regeneration and before the final removal cut if required. Appendix describes the template used for the Harvest and Silvicultural Prescription Form used prior to starting operations in PWR_H forest unit stands or area requiring tree marking.. Planting of white and red pine in selected areas where they are found as incidental species. This effort will promote an increase in the total amount of white and red pine on the sites with the objective of achieving a PWR_L forest unit designation.. To provide structural diversity, selected super canopy trees, particularly white and red pine will be left unharvested.. Tops, limbs, cull, etc. will be left at stump as much as possible to provide coarse woody debris for wildlife.. An appropriate number of trees of species that are uncommon will be left on site to maintain diversity, i.e. white and black spruce, cedar, maples, yellow birch etc.. Damage to the roots and stems of remaining trees and advanced regeneration of pine will be minimized to aid in regeneration of the desired understory and protect the health of retained trees. This will include consideration of tree-length logging and extreme caution in site-preparation within the drip line. Summary This strategy outlines an intensive management effort that is required to maintain the existing white pine and red pine on the landscape to meet the conditions described in the Conservation Strategy for Old Growth Red and White Pine Forest Ecosystems in Ontario. In addition, the strategy provides the means to increase the amount of forest that is classified as white pine, as per the objectives set out in the 0 0 Timiskaming Forest Management Plan. The following table summarizes the needs faced in the management of white and red pine and the suggested actions to be included in the strategy. This strategy has evolved over the last ten years will continue to evolve over the course of the implementation of the FMP. As new research becomes available, alterations will be made to the strategy. Where local conditions require modification, or when, based on the results of monitoring, management strategies chosen are not considered to be successful, changes to the strategies will be made and documented in future forest management plan. Constant improvement to the strategies utilized for white and red pine management will be approached through adaptive management. It is and will continue to be the intent of this strategy to incorporate measures to protect and conserve white and red pine forests for the future. Timiskaming Forest Alliance Inc. 0

21 Recommended Actions NEEDS ACTIONS REFERENCE Conservation of Shelterwood silvicultural system CCFM, Genetic Information Continued research into genetic OMNR, integrity Maintain and protect advanced growth Manage and monitor seed source Strategy for the Conservation of Old Growth Maintaining and Enhancing Biodiversity Maintain viable population sizes Maintain old growth structural components in post harvest stands Focus on specific stand level objectives to promote old growth attributes Increase red and white pine component in Unit towards historical level Focus on landscape level attributes to promote pine distribution and composition Incorporate tree-marking guidelines Development of stand level and landscape level management objectives Seed Strategy Follow directives described in OMNR Seed Strategy Monitor operations to ensure proper seed source chosen and sites are renewed to a pine stand OMNR, OMNR, Guidelines developed by MNR North Bay Implemented by TFAI Timiskaming Forest Alliance Inc.

22 0 0 0 Literature Cited Calvert, R. et al.. White pine in the eastern part of the Boreal West Region: A position on management. Ont.Min. Nat. Res. Unpublished Report. pp. Canadian Council of Forest Ministers.. Criteria and indicators of sustainable forest management in Canada. Technical report. pp. Forman, R. T.. Landscape Mosaics: the ecology of landscapes and regions. Cambridge, University Press, N.Y. pp. Joyce, D. A. Mosseler, and P. Nitschke. (in press). Managing forest genetic resources. In: Regenerating Ontario s forests. R. Wagner and S. Columbo (Eds.) pp. Morneault, A.. Personal communication. Vegetation Management Program Leader, MNR, North Bay District. OMNR.. Conservation Strategy for Old Growth Red Pine and White Pine Forest Ecosystems. In: Forest Management Planning Manual for Ontario s Crown Forest. Ont. Min. Nat. Resour. Queen s Print for Ontario. Toronto.,. Management of white pine and red pine stands for old growth characteristics in Temagami District. In: Temagami Land Use Plan. Ont. Min. Nat. Resour. Queen s Printer for Ontario. North Bay. 0 pp.,. A silvicultural Guide for the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Conifer Forest in Ontario. Ont. Min. Nat. Resour. Queen s Printer for Ontario. Toronto. pp. Stewart, K.. Biodiversity Discussion Paper; Elk Lake Management Unit. Ont. Min. Nat. Resource. Queen s Printer for Ontario. Kirkland Lake. pp. Timiskaming Forest Alliance Inc.

23 APPENDIX TIMISKAMING FOREST White and Red Pine Harvest and Silvicultural Prescription Form Geographic Location: Block: OBM #: Stands: 0 Forest Operations Information: Shareholder: Operating Season: Harvest Method: Logging Method: Stand Description: Stand Species Plot BA Regeneration Comments 0 Prescription: Stand Objective Prescription Prescription Completed by Date: Timiskaming Forest Alliance Inc.