Silviculture Surveys in Manitoba: Co-op Work Term Report Gordon MacDonald Peter Herbert ENVR 3920/ /12/2012

Transcription

1 Silviculture Surveys in Manitoba: Co-op Work Term Report Gordon MacDonald Peter Herbert ENVR 3920/ /12/2012

2 Table of Contents ACKNOWLEDGMENTS INTRODUCTION 1.0: Background 2.0: 2012 Field Season 3.0: Methodologies 4.0: Skills Acquired 5.0: Applications in Decision Making 6.0: Possible Improvements 7.0: Conclusions REFERENCES APPENDIX List of Tables: Table 1: Regeneration survey grid parameters Table 2: Free-to-Grow survey grid parameters 6 7 List of Figures: Figure 1: Manitoba Forest Sections Figure 2: Southeast Manitoba cut block area Figure 3: Whiteshell cut block area Figure 4: Typical survey pattern Figure 5: Aerial image of cut block boundaries Figure 6: Common Tree Diseases Figure 7: Blank Free-to-Grow Survey Form Figure 8: Blank Regeneration Survey Form : Site Comparison

3

4 1 Acknowledgements We would like to give a special thanks to Todd Ringash and Lee Fedorchuk of Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship for their supply of background information, forest block data and images, as well as for all of their help throughout the 2012 field season and beyond.

5 2 Introduction The forest industry is the fifth largest in Manitoba, employing over 9000 people and contributing over $ to the gross domestic product of the province (Government of Manitoba, 2012). Currently, there are over 2.6 million cubic meters of softwoods and 1.3 million cubic meters of hardwoods allocated through forest management licences (FMLs) in Manitoba (ibid). Given these large numbers, implementing and following forest management plans is of great importance in sustainably managing forests for continued future use. Companies holding or seeking FMLs are therefore required to develop long-term management plans under Manitoba's Forest Act. These management plans must be developed in accordance with the current guidelines that are defined and provided via Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship. The Manitoba Forest Renewal Program ensures that all harvested forests are satisfactorily regenerated in order to maintain the existing mix of forest ecosystem stand types. Components of the program include: The promotion of natural regeneration on Crown lands Continued site preparation and planting on Crown lands The implementation of stand and vegetation management, intensive silviculture in renewed forests, and plantations These objectives are carried out through the Forest Renewal Program, the Tree Improvement Program, and the Silviculture Surveys Program. 1.0: Background/Theory Ten main forest sections exist throughout the province. These forest sections are further comprised of Forest Management Units (FMUs) and the inventories within these FMUs are analyzed by surveyors in order to determine the allowable harvest limits of hardwood and softwood tree species within. Three main types of forest are present in Manitoba: boreal, broadleaf/mixedwood, and small broadleaf forest stands. Of these three types, boreal is the largest in terms of geographic and harvestable area, as well as potential revenue. It spans the north-central and central areas of the province, while also extending down the eastern border with Ontario. Broadleaf/mixedwood is the next largest, and is located in the south-central portion of the province, and is more commonly referred to as aspen parkland. The main species present in the boreal forest include Jack pine, Black, and White spruce. These species especially provide the necessary resources for the production of Figure 1: The ten main forest sections in kraft paper, lumber, and newsprint. Manitoba (Manitoba Conservation, 2012)

6 3 Silviculture is the practice of controlling the establishment, health, growth, and quality of forest stand vegetation. Pre-harvest conditions are documented via pre-harvest surveys, which assist planners in determining the type of harvesting that is to occur. These surveys document the existing cover types so that post-harvest regeneration efforts can match the pre-harvest conditions. Long-term monitoring of post-harvest conditions are performed via Regeneration and Free To Grow (FTG) surveys, which take place after harvest has occurred, typically between 5-7 years for Regeneration surveys, and between years for Free To Grow surveys. Such long-term surveys assess the overall stocking and health of regenerating areas and allow for the recommendation of treatments that may be necessary, such as vegetation management in order to renew cut blocks to pre-harvest conditions. 2.0: 2012 Field Season: Position Specifics The 2012 field season covered a wide geographic range and a variety of survey sites. Extensive travel throughout numerous areas of the province was required given that there existed only one forest survey crew for the entire province. Field work was performed on a regular rotational basis, typically consisting of ten work days followed by four consecutive days off. Some sites required multiple visits given the large amount of area to be covered, whereas other sites were small parts of rotations that saw the crew working in multiple areas over the ten day span. Field work would typically be conducted from a central location to sites within relatively close proximity, depending on the method of access used. Areas where survey work was conducted throughout the province included: LaBroquerie/Southeast Manitoba (multiple visits) Whiteshell Provincial Park/Eastern Manitoba (multiple visits) Lac Du Bonnet Mafeking/Swan River Area (Duck and Porcupine Mountains) Lake St. George Gypsumville (multiple visits) Pine Dock Grand Rapids Norway House The Pas Field season began with training in a number of different areas, including ATV use and safety, basic bear safety, which included the deployment of both bear spray and explosive deterrents, as well as regeneration survey training. Regeneration survey training included an overview of surveying methods and techniques, species identification, forest health issue identification, navigation and GPS training, and possible management techniques that could be recommended for individual cut blocks. The period for regeneration surveys spanned primarily from May to Early July, with other occasional surveys performed later in the season. In early July, crew training for Free To Grow (FTG) surveys was conducted. FTG training included reviews of species identification, additional training in identifying and diagnosing forest health issues, as well as survey methodologies, techniques, and criteria used in performing FTG surveys. The period for FTG surveys occurred between early July and the end of August and through into September. In addition,check surveys were periodically performed by the crew supervisor in order to ensure the quality of the data being gathered.

7 4 Regeneration and Free To Grow surveys such as these are important, because they provide a first-hand account of the conditions within the cut block by trained individuals that are able to identify a number of forest health, competition, and stocking issues. As a result of these firsthand accounts and the raw data that they produce, management recommendations can be tailored to meet the needs of individual cut blocks and areas to ensure that they meet the necessary standards. Not all management recommendations can or will be considered, due to a number of constraints, including but not limited to funding, accessibility, and the scale or size of the area affected. However, they do identify areas of severe risk of disease or other forest health issues that may need to be addressed (i.e. presence of dwarf mistletoe). Some sites may be small and/or isolated enough such that no site preparation or planting measures are necessary, allowing for natural regeneration instead. A variety of methods was used to access cut blocks that were to be surveyed. These included walking from predetermined start points, access via van, ATV, or a combination thereof, and access via helicopter. Some access points were difficult to reach and a high degree of navigation, map interpretation and alternative routes were often necessary. Adaptability and on-site problem solving were useful tools when accessing difficult sites. Given that much of the timber harvest occurs during the winter months when areas are made more accessible by winter roads, a number of sites in the Mafeking, Gypsumville, and Pine Dock areas required the use of a helicopter in order to access them. Helicopter access also required a high degree of coordination with the pilot and other crew members regarding the order of drop off, pickup, as well as communicating the coordinates of drop sites and times of pickup. Quick and efficient work was particularly important in these circumstances, as helicopter access is expensive. Unlike the easily accessible sites, which could be surveyed over two days, when using helicopters the entire cut block had to be surveyed within the span of one day. Due to the diversity and range of survey sites throughout the province, management approaches and recommendations change based on individual sites. Methods of planting and site preparation, FTG standards, as well as the type of species present also changed based on the survey location. When considering management recommendations, factors such as the original cover type, the calculated stocking or FTG percentage, and the surrounding conditions (diseases, degree of competition present) need to be taken into account by forest managers. Since the aim of management plans is the regeneration of forest to the same type and diversity of cover that existed prior to harvest or disturbance, the species planted or encouraged to regenerate at different sites typically reflected those that would naturally occur there, and as such, management recommendations typically reflected the condition of the site. A description of two areas surveyed over the 2012 field season is provided below to illustrate the degree of difference that had the potential to exist between given sites. 2.1: Site Comparison Site 1: Sandilands/Southeast Manitoba: Features included: Sandy soil, well suited to the growth of almost exclusively jack pine Many areas of harvest/disturbance were burned by fire and salvage logged; some areas clear cut also Large slash piles (waste wood from on-site processing) present

8 5 Wide, open expanses, minor changes in topography Intensive site preparation typically present (Bracke machine) due to ease of access Many blocks physically planted with seedlings Few management recommendations necessary given the ease of access and high degree of stocking Site 2: Whiteshell Area Features included: Canadian shield country; high amount of exposed bedrock, thin soils, and more drastic elevation changes Low-lying wet/bog areas very common, well suited to growth of primarily black spruce Many areas salvage logged due to major blowdown events within last 5 years Lots of debris due to blowdown; as a result, site preparation not as common given difficulty of access for some sites Regeneration method primarily natural, with little planting taking place Typical management recommendations included further site preparation and removal of debris (when stocking levels were calculated to be insufficient) Site 3: Mafeking/Swan River Area Features included: Areas close to aspen parkland, with lots of competition from aspen, alder, and hazel Black spruce dominant species, with abundant hardwood competition, some upland areas suited to jack pine Areas disturbed via logging/clearcut Typical management recommendation included release of softwood species from hardwood or shrub competition Site 4: Gypsumville Features included: Extremely wet, boggy areas, dominated by black spruce and trembling aspen Numerous areas fell below FTG-S or FTG-M standards Figure 2: Typical cut block in Southeast Manitoba. (Herbert, 2012). Figure 3: Typical cut block in the Whiteshell area (Herbert, 2012).

9 6 3.0: Methodologies As a forest surveyor, there were two main methods of assessment used. The first one done on an area is a regeneration survey, which is conducted on an area roughly 5-7 years after the area has been logged. The second type of survey is a free to grow survey, conducted between 14 and 20 years after the cut block has been logged, and after the cut block has already been regeneration surveyed. These two surveys differ in more ways than just the age of the stand that is being surveyed. Regeneration surveys are meant to identify what species are present, and any significant diseases that may be occurring early in the growth of the stand. Free to grow surveys assess the competition that may be hindering the growth of more valuable timber species. They also examine any diseases or pest species that may be occurring in the stand. An example of a regeneration tally sheet is in the appendix depicted in Figure 8. In both surveys, the forest surveyors are given a map of a cut block, as well as a number of GPS tie points that may be used to navigate to the location, and help navigation when within the block. An example of a cut block map with GPS tie points can be seen in Figure 5. A survey team typically consists of two surveyors, which, upon arriving at the cut block will find an appropriate location on the border of the block to begin a control line. A control line can run in any direction, but usually runs directly north-south or east-west, which serves as a point of reference when running a grid through the block. Figure 4 illustrates the typical pattern used in establishing a survey grid. One surveyor will work the control line to the other end of the block, while the other will begin working the grid lines, which run perpendicular to the control line. The two surveyors work towards the center of the block, eventually meeting in the middle. Along the grid lines the surveyor will do a number of plots, which vary in size and spacing depending on the size of the block and type of survey. Regeneration plots are 10 m2 in size, while free to grow plots are 40 m2. This year the survey crew also conducted 20 m2 Figure 4: Typical survey grid pattern plots in free to grow surveys, to test if there any differences in the results by using a smaller plot size. In addition, the surveyor was required to mark and label each plot on their GPS unit. The following tables illustrate the spacing of lines and plots for the different survey methods. Table 1: Regeneration Survey Grid Specifics Block Size (ha) Distance Between Lines (m) <10 Surveyor Discretion > Distance Between Plots (m) Surveyor Discretion 40 50

10 7 Table 2: Free to Grow Grid Specifics Block Size (ha) < 20 % > 40 Distance Between Lines and Plots (m) 100 Beginning at 100, an additional 2m for every additional ha. (e.g. 30 ha = 120m) 140 Free to Grow surveys can be conducted in one of two ways. The method described above is called an intensive survey, it is conducted similar to regeneration surveys and is done on blocks that had questionable regeneration survey results. There are also extensive free to grow surveys, which are conducted on blocks that had consistent and healthy growth when the regeneration survey was completed. An extensive survey involves walking through a block, and randomly placing plots. The surveyor tries to get a good view of the block while doing this, and place plots evenly throughout the block while mapping out the path they took. Blocks under 10 hectares require 2 plots, and every additional 10 hectares requires another plot (e.g. a 42 ha. block needs 6 plots). Figure 5: Map of Cut Block near Gypsumville, MB.

11 8 4.0: Skills Acquired There were a number of both soft and technical skills that were acquired through the work conducted as a forest surveyor. Perhaps the most obvious skill that was acquired through the summer is species identification. Surveyors were acquired to identify all softwood and hardwood species in the areas surveyed, as well as many shrub competition species, such as alder, willow, or various types of cherries. In addition to species, identification of diseases and pests was required. Some of the more common diseases present are depicted below in figure 6, from left to right are western gall rust, present on jack pine, dwarf mistletoe on jack pine, and hypoxylon canker on trembling aspen. There were also pests such as white pine weevil that were quite common throughout cut blocks. The competition identification used in free to grow surveys also gave the surveyors a familiarity with the various tolerances of different softwood species to nearby competition. An example of a free to grow tally sheet can be seen in Figure 7 in the appendix. Figure 6: Common Manitoban Tree Diseases Surveyors received training and certification in the use of all-terrain vehicles, and used a number of ATVs on a regular basis. They were also trained in the proper etiquette for being transported in a helicopter. When a block was being surveyed, the surveyor was required to accurately map out the block, to scale, and produce a final good copy of the block. This gave them a lot of practice accurately mapping an area, and including such items as major landmarks, areas of residual forest or disease-ridden areas. GPS units were used daily, and the survey crew became quite proficient in marking waypoints, and navigating to these locations using the units. Compasses were also used daily to navigate between plots and lines, and knowledge of compass use was essential to the successful completion of a cut block. Independent work skills were essential to the surveying of a cut block, as each surveyor worked alone from the start of the morning to the end of the afternoon. Time management was essential, particularly when being picked up by a helicopter at a specific time. Surveyors gained experience in certain aspects of project management, such as data collection and compiling. They also learned to navigate within an area, and how to approach a cut block in the most efficient manner.

12 9 5.0: Applications in Decision Making After completing a survey, surveyors would provide a summary of the results on the header tally sheet. The header sheet included identification information about the block, as well as forest health trends and any other comments the surveyor might have seen while in the field. Additional comments might include location of wet areas, areas of residual forest, locations of pest pockets, or areas of heavy competition. Regeneration tally sheets have sections for the dominant hardwood and softwood species, as well as dominant competition species. There is also a section for any management recommendations the surveyor might have after visiting the block. Options for recommendations include: - Refill: Site is replanted with the dominant species. - Thin: This involves thinning out a given species so that the trees are able to grow larger, without having to compete for resources. This applies to trees of the same species. - SIP and Plant: SIP stands for site prep. With this recommendation the cut block will be re-prepped, and re-planted. This action would be used if a block was of severe concern. - Release: This refers to the release of softwood or hardwood species from shrub competition species. The forestry professionals who make management decisions will look at the surveyor s summary of the block, and will take into account their recommendations and additional comments, but will visit a block and do further research before planning any actions. These individuals are interested in looking at the competition (hardwood and shrub) that is present, which may hinder the growth of desirable softwood species. When conducting free to grow surveys, surveyors are given a list and ranking system of preferred species. Species such as Black and White Spruce or Jack Pines are at the top of the list, while Tamaracks are less preferred softwood, and hardwoods like Balsam Poplar or Trembling Aspen are at the bottom of the list. Research has shown that due to different competition tolerances of desirable softwood species, some hardwood growth is acceptable if conifers are given a certain threshold distance in which they are free to grow (MacIsaac, 1995). For example, Jack Pines require a 1.25 m distance in order to grow freely, while Spruce trees require 1.0 m. After completing the tally sheets of a free to grow block, an assessment of the status of the block is required. This assessment takes into account free to grow stems/ha, followed by well-spaced conifer and hardwood stems/ha, and finally total stocking of both types stems/ha. It is used similar to a dichotomous key, where if one standard is not met it moves to the next category. Some of the classifications that are used include FTG-S, FTG-M, and NFTG-M. This analysis allows forest management personnel to assess the potential growth of a block, and direct actions appropriately. 6.0: Possible Improvements: From the perspective of a surveyor, there are a number of improvements that can potentially be made to both the position, as well as to the methods themselves that would improve the efficiency and the accuracy of the data produced. Some of these improvements include: The addition of shapefiles (.shp etc) to GPS devices, or the use of GPS capable

13 10 smart devices with applications to aid in numerous aspects of the position such as species and disease id as well as the ability to read shapefiles loaded onto block maps, and geotag specific coordinates where diseases are observed. This would avoid the need to constantly refer to maps in the event of cut blocks with no discernible boundary, as well as identify areas where harvesting has occurred outside of the cut block boundary. Additional crews so that management decisions can be made quicker and with better efficiency. This would also ensure that no blocks are left over for future seasons. Biodegradable/environmentally flagging tape: given that sites are not typically revisited to the extent that all of the original survey plots are visited, the use of biodegradable flagging tape would have a lesser effect on the environment. The generation of maps with more applicable tie points (i.e. Tie points in areas that will be of more use to a surveyor in the field when referencing their position or orienting their survey grid) This saves time, as maps do not have to be referred to as often. Consistent aerial/satellite map images of cut blocks: as up to date as possible, with easily interpreted cover type displays An index of cover type codes in field reference notes A work clothing subsidy in addition to boot subsidy: given the nature of the position, proper work clothing is an item that is necessary in order to deal with the variety of conditions faced. The use of 20m2 zones exclusively for free to grow surveys. Currently, the use of 20m2 zones exclusively is being considered pending the results from data collected over 2012 surveying season. 7.0: Conclusions Overall, this position as a Forest Surveyor Technician for the summer of 2012 was a great position for a number of reasons. Technicians were required to actively survey blocks and assess the strengths or weaknesses of each block based on a number of different factors. Prevalence of dominant species, presence of disease, and any competition were all taken into account to determine the health of a block. The position both required and provided technicians with many skills to be carried forward into future careers. The final assessment of a cut block was then presented to our superiors, who used the information in the active management of the forest resource. With continued work like this, we can see sustainable and industrial forest management practices throughout the province.

14 11 References Government of Manitoba, Conservation and Water Stewardship, Forestry Branch [Internet]. Winnipeg (MB): Government of Manitoba. Available from: MacIsaac, D.A Validation of Mixed Wood Competition Thresholds for the Development of Free-to-Grow Survey Procedures in Manitoba. Edmonton (AB): Northern Forestry Centre, Canadian Forestry Service, Natural Resources Canada. 33p. MacIsaac, D.A Competition and Juvenile Growth in Mixed Regeneration in Manitoba. Edmonton (AB): Canadian Forestry Service, Natural Resources Canada. 63p. Manitoba Forest Regeneration Survey Manual Winnipeg (MB): Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship, Forestry Branch, Forest Health and Renewal. 28p. Manitoba Free-to-Grow Survey Manual Winnipeg (MB): Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship, Forestry Branch, Forest Health and Renewal. 22p.

15 12 Appendix Figure 7: Free to Grow Tally Sheet (Header) Figure 8: Regeneration Tally Sheet (Header)