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Introduction To Woodlot Management

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Written by Glenn McLeod

 

 

Our landscape is now very different from the one encountered by our province’s first settlers. Other than scattered remnants of the original forest, southern Ontario woodlands are the result of 200 years of human settlement activities. The original forest was viewed mostly as an impediment to settlement and travel, something to be conquered or exploited for whatever value it had, rather than managed. In fact the timber volume produced during land clearing was so great there was little market for it. As a result many areas were simply burned.

 Following the destruction of large tracts that eventually became unsuitable for agriculture, these areas were replanted i.e. Ganaraska and NorthumberlandForests. These forests were planted with pioneering conifer species. With regular thinning, these conifer stands act as nurse crops for conversion to mixed hardwood species.

trees and sky We now appreciate the value of large forest tracts in recharging ground water resources and providing specialized forest habitat for certain bird, animal and reptile species.







Woodland Values

The financial benefits of well managed woodlands are significant:

  • Woodlots are a stable resource for farmers, other rural landowners and local mill owners. Woodlot income can match agricultural income per acre when properly managed;
  • Maple syrup production provides a regular and diversified income for many maple woodland owners;
  • Firewood - the greatest benefit is to minimize personal heating costs while harvesting poorer quality stems from your woodlot.

 
 Other significant forest values:

  • Wildlife habitat;
  • Aesthetics;
  • A place for solitude and quiet reflection within a developed southern Ontario landscape
  • Erosion and flood control; ground water recharge.

   
Woodlands on the Landscape

In today’s southern and central Ontario landscape, our remaining forest cover is mostly small, fragmented woodlands separated by agricultural land, urban/residential areas, and transportation networks. These ‘island’ woodlands combined with open spaces provide habitat for species such as deer, wild turkeys, raccoons, squirrels, brush wolves, and certain songbirds. However, larger woodlands and woodlands connected by corridors of natural vegetation are healthier and provide the habitat required by many other woodland species.
 
Forest fragmentation isolates woodlands, forest habitat and reduces woodland bio-diversity[1].

  • Small woodlands generally have fewer tree and woodland plant species. For example, many small woodlots are gradually converting to a predominance of sugar (hard) maple - one of the few tree species that successfully regenerates under shade.
  • In small un-connected habitats, less mobile species (e.g. salamanders, tree frogs, small forest plants) are weakened by the isolation of their population’s gene pools.
  • Greater edge and trail access allows more nest predators into the forest. As many forest interior birds nest on the ground or in low-shrubs, they have not evolved to deal with the higher numbers of raccoons, skunks, or domestic cats now active on woodland edges.
  • The cowbird (a nest parasite) frequents woodlands, into about 100 metres, looking for active nests where it can lay its eggs, sometimes displacing the eggs of the nester. The adopted parent then incubates the cowbird eggs and feeds the young.

   
Large woodlands contain an increasingly rare, high quality wildlife habitat (in southern Ontario) referred to as the “forest interior”. As a rule, forest interior habitat is the area within woodlands that is greater than 100 metres from any edge – a field, road or hydro corridor. This concept is shown in the diagram below with woodlots the same size but different shapes:

 Woodland Types and Change

altAll vegetation communities are in constant competition for sunlight, moisture, soil nutrients and growing space. Following any significant site disturbance, a community of pioneer species will ‘colonize’ the site. Usually these are vegetation types that benefit from a sudden and significant increase in the amount of sunlight, and will thrive in site conditions that are hotter, drier, perhaps with degraded soils. Examples of pioneer species would be raspberries, poplars, white birch, cherries and other shrubs. As this vegetation community matures, it is often unable to reproduce under its shade, and other more shade tolerant species move in.
 
This change in the forest is known as succession, the gradual and continuous process by which one forest or vegetation type is replaced by another group of species more suited to changing conditions, e.g. more shade. When considering management options, it often helps to understand at what stage of succession your woodland is in.
 
The primary forest types of southern Ontario (very simplified) are variations of upland woodlands, lowland woodlands, and early successional forests - commonly referred to as “pioneer forests”. One other major southern Ontario woodland type is the plantation – with various species and many planting arrangements - generally established on eroded valleylands, riparian[2] areas, and abandoned or marginal farmlands.
 
The following section provides a basic description of local ‘forest types’, i.e. those combinations of tree species that normally grow together. Landowners can use it to gain a better understanding of their woodlands and what species they might expect to find in certain site conditions. Trees in Canada[3], by John Laird Farrar, is a comprehensive tree species identification guide.
 
A) PIONEER FORESTS

Pioneer forests are the first stage in succession, naturally regenerating in open areas after a significant disturbance or abandonment from agricultural use. These forests are usually fast growing, relatively short lived hardwoods requiring full sunlight for germination and growth. Within several decades, many pioneer species die off, having created cooler, moister, and more nutrient-rich conditions for the natural ‘succession’ to longer-lived species that grow more successfully in shade. Primary pioneer species include:

  • Trembling and large toothed aspens, balsam poplar, soft (silver and red) maples, red and black cherries, and white birch. With the appropriate soil and a ready seed source, red oak, white ash, white pine, spruce and white cedar often grow as pioneer species.
  • Conifer species include white pine, white cedar, balsam fir, and white spruce. Usually however, these species can tolerate slightly more shade and follow a few years after the pioneer hardwoods.
  • Shrub species include hawthorn, beaked hazel, dogwood, elderberry, choke cherry and wild raspberries.
  • Introduced species such as Scots pine, Manitoba maple, and the very invasive European buckthorn also thrive in these conditions and often grow as pioneer species.

 
B) UPLAND FORESTS

There are several variations of upland forests, ranging from pure deciduous to deciduous – coniferous mixed forests, depending on soil types, drainage patterns, stages of succession, and land-use history. These forest types and their variations can be found growing side by side, often signalling a change in the site or stand history.

  1. Upland Oak-Pine Forests are generally found on drier sites, with red oak being the major hardwood species. They can grow on shallow or drought-prone soils, such as the higher slope, coarse sandy – gravel soils of the Oak Ridges Moraine. Oaks are not extremely tolerant of shade, and usually follow shortly after the pioneer forests, or even may be a variation of a pioneer woodland. Associated species include:

    i.)     White pine - generally the most common conifer species, with red pine also frequently present on sandier, acidic sites.
     ii.)    Poplar, soft (silver or red) maple, black and white oak, bitternut hickory, white birch, black cherry, and white spruce.

    As the oak forest matures, it is generally unable to self-regenerate and thrive under their own shade. Without another disturbance, upland oak-pine forests gradually mature, decline and regenerate to species more tolerant of shade such as hard maple, beech, and hemlock.
      
  2. Upland Hardwood Forests are comprised primarily of deciduous trees with higher tolerance to shade, growing most successfully in fresher, deep soils typical of the mid-range slopes and well-drained flat lands. Hard (sugar) maple, American beech, ironwood (hop hornbeam), and white ash are primary deciduous species, with hemlock (and occasionally balsam fir) being a primary coniferous species. All are moderately to very tolerant of shady conditions. These species can successfully regenerate in small openings, such as where one to two mature trees die or blow over. This forest type is the final step of the “succession” process, and is often referred to as the “climax forest” – able to sustain itself for centuries until a major disturbance occurs, when the process may start over again.
Associated species include:

i.)     Black cherry, white ash, basswood, bitternut hickory, silver or red maple, red and white oak, white pine, white spruce, and butternut. These species are less tolerant of shade and establish themselves along edges or in larger, sunnier openings following a disturbance within the forest. The presence of these species is historical evidence of a large opening on that site.
ii.)    Yellow birch, white cedar, silver or red maple, black ash and poplar can be found in moister areas of these forests.

 
C) LOWLAND FORESTS

Lowland forests can be very different in species composition and history. Distinct types often grow side by side or in various mixtures, with less than one metre change in elevation affecting soil moisture sufficiently to completely change the species composition.
 

  1. White cedar swamps are dense woodlands of low areas, higher moisture soils, and valley lands adjacent to streams and small rivers. When a seed source is present, white cedar can also quickly colonize abandoned fields, and could then be considered to be a ‘pioneer forest’. Species commonly associated with white cedar include white spruce, white pine, balsam fir, hemlock, yellow and white birch, black ash, white elm, aspens and poplar. Tamarack is often associated with white cedar, tending to become more common on sites with higher water levels where wetland shrubs such as red osier dogwood, alder, willow shrubs become more common. Black spruce is a common lowland conifer species in the boreal forest, but is rare in southern Ontario.
  2. Coniferous forests growing on better drained lowlands include hemlock, white pine and white cedar mixtures. Associated species include white spruce, white and yellow birch, soft maple, hemlock, balsam fir. Red pine does not tolerate clay or poorly drained sites, but thrives on acidic, deep sandy soils.
  3. Lowland deciduous forests grow on similar sites and become established after a disturbance or on abandoned farm land.
  • Soft maple, white and yellow birch, red cherry, black cherry, white ash, trembling or large-tooth aspen are the major species. They require full sun to germinate and flourish, and grow fast in these conditions. Associated conifer species include white pine, white cedar and white spruce. Silver maple often grows in almost pure stands in flat, moist lowland sites.
  • On the sites with higher moisture levels, common hardwood species are black ash, balsam poplar, white elm, silver or red maple, and willows. White cedar and tamarack are the most common conifer species.

 
D) PLANTATIONS

alt Thousands of acres were cleared during early settlement times and then abandoned when they became unsuitable for agriculture. Severe erosion, fast snowmelt, downstream flooding, dust storms, and events such as the catastrophic flooding in the Port Hope area were results of large scale deforestation in the headwaters of the GanaraskaRiver on the Oak Ridges Moraine.
 
The province and local municipalities initiated a large reforestation program in the 1920’s and 30’s. Provincial Tree Nurseries were established near those areas with the most severe land degradation – Orono Nursery in Durham and York Regions, Northumberland, and the former Ontario County; Midhurst Nursery in Simcoe County; St. Williams Nursery in Norfolk County; and Kemptville Nursery southeast of Ottawa. Much of this abandoned land was purchased by municipalities, then reforested and managed as Agreement Forests by the Provincial Government until the 1990s. Local examples include the Ganaraska, Northumberland, York and DurhamForests. These forests illustrate some of the finest examples of reforestation in North America.
 
Forest Management Planning - First things first:

Get to know your property. Walk the trails first and then become familiar with the forest between the trails. Purchase a couple of aerial photographs from provincial gavernments MNR office and laminate one for your field use. It will help you locate harder to find features – small ponds, wetlands, or rock outcrops. Navigating and becoming more knowledgeable with remote areas in your forested property can be a great source of enjoyment. Next . . .

  • Be sure of property boundaries in more remote sections – ribbon the boundaries if a fence is not in place. After agreement with your neighbour, you can construct a more permanent line by blazing poor quality boundary trees and painting the blazes. Maintain as needed.
  • Divide your property into compartments[5] and inventory separately. Actual compartment boundaries are not required, however be aware when you travel from one forest type to another.
  • Create a property map that illustrates:
 
o    property boundaries;
o    aquatic features such as wetlands, springs, streams, ponds, small lakes, etc;
o    access and recreational trails, agricultural fields, municipal roads;
o    compartment boundaries;
o    features you feel are significant – hawk nests, small wildflower patches, major landforms, fence lines.

Inventory your compartments:

Prior to making any management decisions, you must determine what is present. This process is called a woodland inventory and is the first step in developing a plan. Once you have an inventory, you can develop realistic objectives and schedule activities that contribute to these objectives.

Species identification is the basic skill needed, requiring training and regular practice. Several publications are available on tree identification including the previous mentioned “Trees in Canada”. Other possibilities are local field events offered by woodlot associations, naturalist clubs and stewardship councils.  

A comprehensive inventory requires knowledge of forestry science, an elementary understanding of ‘what is happening’ in your woodland, and includes an assessment of:
  1. Tree species and other significant plant communities present;
  2. Tree density, quality and health;
  3. Site features – soil types, slope, sensitive areas and aquatic features;
  4. Natural regeneration;
  5. Wildlife habitats such as cavity trees, stick nests, mast trees, wintering areas;
  6. Physical features – ridges, rocky outcrops, valley lands, access trails or roads, fences

A basic inventory by a landowner is possible. A good description for conducting an inventory can be found in:

alt· “The Woodlot Management Handbook”, pages 73-94.  The Woodlot Management Handbook, by Stewart Hilts and Peter Mitchell, published by Firefly Books Ltd., 1999.    ISBN 1-55209-236-4

·  The Ontario Government handout “A Guide to Stewardship Planning for Natural Areas” also provides a basic outline for inventorying as well as developing a management plan for the natural areas. This guide is available at most Ontario Government Information Centres or your local Stewardship Coordinator.

 
Local field day events may provide an introduction to forest inventories, tree densities, and basal area calculations, with additional information being available from “The Woodlot Management Handbook” already mentioned. Even with this information however, serious error is a significant possibility with inexperienced evaluations. This can result in serious financial repercussions when quality timber is present, as well as compromising other personal objectives such as enhancing old growth characteristics, wildlife habitat or protecting sensitive areas.

After a little research, you may wish to hire a forestry professional to help get started. If so, you should be aware that the Professional Foresters Act legislates that any person practicing most forest management activities must be a member of the Ontario Professional Foresters Association. Visit their website to find a consultant who provides local services. (Ontario Professional Foresters Association; www.opfa.ca)

The Ministry of Natural Resources has compiled a series of extension notes on a wide cross section of woodlot management aspects. Their notes can be obtained from your local Stewardship Council or they can be viewed from their website at:   www.lrconline.com/lrc/products/order/index.htm

Assessing Forest Health:

altSeveral thousand species of insects and diseases attack woody plants in Ontario. During the growing season, all trees and shrubs experience a certain level of infestation and, perhaps, minor damage. The few that threaten tree health usually occur infrequently in localized outbreaks of short duration. Monitoring forest health and knowing a little about specific insect and tree disease / fungi pests is an important aspect of your inventory or annual inspection. Two excellent sources of information that detail identification and controls are noted below.

Insects and Diseases of Canada’s Forests, byThe Canadian Forest Service (CFS), a branch of Natural Resources Canada, this excellent website provides a complete range of information on forest insects, diseases and forest health in general:    http://imfc.cfl.scf.rncan.gc.ca

Common Pests of Trees in Ontario; B. H. McGauley and C. S. Kirby. ISBN 0-7743-9439-0.This comprehensive handbook is now available by downloading from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources website. Location: MNR Home > Ontario's Forests > Publications > Common Pests of Trees in Ontario.

An unfortunate trend is the introduction of serious insects and tree diseases to North America. Our native trees have no natural resistance to these diseases and no natural controls for these pests. Some have the capability to devastate certain tree species, causing significant economic hardship and ecosystem instabilities. The Government of Canada maintains a website that provides up to date information on introduced forest pests, (Forest Invasive Alien Species, Government of Canada  www.exoticpests.gc.ca)

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency plays an important role in protecting Canada's plant resource base from the introduction of alien pests and diseases (Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Government of Canada. For more plant pest information, go to: www.inspection.gc.ca)

Determining management options:
Your management should be linked to - and supported by - what you find during your inventory. Consider your broad, long-term objectives and put them into words for each compartment:

  • Manage to improve wildlife habitat and wildlife viewing opportunities.
  • Manage for forest health and the production of high value timber.
  • Improve trail access and recreational opportunities such as hiking and bird watching.
  • Manage for old growth forest characteristics.

 
Suppose an objective is to have more mast producing red oak and black cherry. Here are some actions:

  • Locate and identify healthy oak and cherry already present.
  • Create some crown openings to encourage natural regeneration or plant seedlings.
  • Protect them with tree guards for the first six to eightyears.
  • Monitor and maintain suitable overhead sunlight on an ongoing basis.

 
Other management activities:

  • Doing nothing is always an option, but be aware of consequences. For example, not creating crown openings in a woodlot with hard maple and other species such as black cherry, and red oak will result in natural regeneration that is almost exclusively hard maple.
  • Basic boundary line maintenance.
  • Cutting trees with significant diseases.
  • Invasive shrub and plant control.
  • Basic access trail construction and maintenance for hiking, wildlife viewing, or cutting firewood.
  • Manage for wildlife – nesting boxes, brush piles; manage for mast trees.
  • Personal use or commercial maple syrup or firewood.
  • Improvement cut, such as management for natural regeneration or crop trees.
  • A commercial, selective harvest. 


The Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program – MFTIP

For those rural landowners whose forested land is not assessed as agricultural land, there can be a tax reduction incentive for having a management plan. The forested area must be 10 acres (four hectares) or greater, not counting one acre that must be deducted for the residential area.

MFTIP is a voluntary program and to be eligible, landowners must prepare a Managed Forest Plan and have it approved by a certified Managed Forest Plan Approver, and commit to good forest stewardship. For more information on this program and eligibility requirements, visit the website of either of these two associations and look for the appropriate link:

1. The Ontario Woodlot Association            http://www.ontariowoodlot.com      
2. The Ontario Forestry Association             http://www.oforest.on.ca   

Summary

Owning and managing a forested property can provide many pleasures. Well managed woodlands provide greater wildlife and recreational benefits, may provide unexpected income, and will be a part of your own personal legacy. Taking the time to become informed and building a personal network with other forest owners and local organizations can help with the education process, as well as introducing you to like-minded landowners and available local support.

 By Glenn McLeod

[1]  Bio-diversity - the sum of the various animals and plants inhabiting a specific area
[2]  Riparian – immediately adjacent to or living on the bank of a watercourse or other waterbody.
[3]  Trees in Canada, by John Laird Farrar, published by Fitzhenry & Whiteside Limited and the Canadian Forest Service, Natural resources Canada, in cooperation with the Canada Communication Group – Publishing, Supply and Services Canada, 1995. ISBN 1-55041-199-3
[4]  The MNR Store - http://themnrstore.mnr.gov.on.ca/default.htm
[5]  Compartment- A compartment is a portion of your property with unique features such as similar vegetation, topography, soils, etc., e.g. maple compartment, plantation compartment, cedar lowland compartment, cattail marsh compartment, meadow compartment.

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