Forestry Research

Medicinal Plant and Black Ash Projects

Both of these programs included extensive inventories to capture the frequency of occurrence on the landscape and to create a database which has been mapped for informed management decisions regarding holistic use of forest resources. Not only are most of these species located in sensitive areas, they are threatened by invasive species, non-native species or by human disturbance. Many agencies are now starting to realize the importance of these plants and how close we are to losing them forever.

Until now, a lack of information on herbaceous plants, birds, reptiles, mammals and other wildlife has not allowed for strategic targets to promote environmental or cultural values. Instead, operational activities in the vicinity of some of these species and their habitats (mostly forest operations), have included specific guidelines for the protection of species and their habitat rather than enhancement. Ecological Land Classification inventories and collaboration between land use managers and land users, such as First Nations, allows a strategic approach for the protection of environmental and cultural values on a sustainable basis. These projects can be used as a demonstration for other agencies across Ontario to replicate and better manage our resources province-wide.

OMNR Growth and Yield Plots

SNC is actively assisting the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources with re-locating and re-measurement of permanent sample plots established while the community forests were under OMNR management. These plots provide crucial information that allows forest managers to predict changes in the forest over time in response to silvicultural treatments.

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