Grant: Engage Grants for Universities

Temperate hardwood stands are of particular importance to the Shareholder Mills in the Northshore Forest due_x000D_ to their high-value products and global demand. When managed properly, they can produce high veneer grade_x000D_ wood, which carries considerable global market value. If managed improperly, they produce low-grade wood_x000D_ (e.g., firewood) and forestry companies, like Northshore Forest Inc., make minimal, or negative return on_x000D_ investments. However, there is a growing understanding that species' responses under changing climate can be_x000D_ complex and unexpected. As such, in order to properly manage the inherent risks of harvest policies / plans,_x000D_ managers must evaluate the potential for threshold or surprise effects that result from climatic change outside_x000D_ the range of historical conditions._x000D_ In the summer of 2016 we sampled five pure sugar maple stands in the Sault Ste. Marie area, Elliot Lake area_x000D_ and Haliburton forest. Tree cores from these stands were used to estimate long term growth trajectories._x000D_ Further isotopic analysis of these tree cores will help determine the roles of carbon fertilization and_x000D_ environmental variation on growth trends in sugar maple stands. The information gained from analysis will_x000D_ help (1) identify whether forests are likely to be stressed directly by climate (water, temperature) or if some_x000D_ other stressor may be present and (2) present recommendations for future management to increase productivity_x000D_ under climate change scenarios._x000D_ It is well understood that management decisions regarding hardwood selection treatments, i.e. intensity and_x000D_ frequency, have effects on wood quality and value. As such, economic, social and environmental benefits can_x000D_ be expected through improved forest management strategies in the face of climate change. Further, due to the_x000D_ vast importance of forests to Canada and the severe realities of climate changes impacts, even an incremental_x000D_ insight has the potential to have noticeable improvements in the coming decades.