Overview description: Starting in 1994, Experiential Science students have frequently heard the message: "Cut the forest no faster than it grows". This poses the questions: How fast does the forest grow and, what factors affect forest growth rates? These two questions are the foundations to many of our forestry analysis.
In order to address both of these questions, our studies have included a wide range of factors. We have used the forest structure analysis plots developed by Foothills Model Forest because this system links tree growth data with location, aspect, slope, species composition, soils, stand density, ground cover, course and fine woody debris, seedling growth and local climatic features. We have numbered and are tracking the growth of more than 400 trees in the Haines Junction and Whitehorse areas.
Dendrochronology labs also contribute specific details to our studies. Each increment bore core sample is counted independently at least three times by different students. The age / volume data has been combined to produce a table showing the volume of growth /hector. These data are sorted by each of the factors.
ES classes have been studying the growth and survival of seedlings in a variety of Yukon Forest settings since 1994 through to 2010. We have recorded natural seedling growth in mature forest stands, regeneration in burn stands and growth and health of seedlings in a variety of cut blocks. Seedling analysis has been conducted with the context of the Forest Structure Analysis protocol which provides information on an array of related topics.
Natural seedling studies. The Experiential Science classes have established eight permanent lots in three areas: Whitehorse, Haines Junction and Marsh Lake. We have been keeping a record of these numbered seedlings within each of these plots. Each seedling ( a tree less than 2 m in height) within the plot has been numbered. Information respecting species, height, leader length ,health, competition, age and whether it has been nibbled or damaged has been catalogued and is maintained on an annual basis.
Seedlings in Cut Blocks: We have focused on two areas: The Marshal Creek clear cuts in the Haines Junction area planted by Yukon Forestry, and the Marsh Lake patch cuts where the ACES and Experiential Science classes planted in 1998. Our goals has been to study various aspects of seedling survival, growth, and predation. Each seedling within the plot has been numbered and is identified as a natural or planted seedling. Information respecting species, height, leader length ,health, competition, age and whether it has been nibbled or damaged has been catalogued and is maintained on an annual basis.
In order to address both of these questions, our studies have included a wide range of factors. We have used the forest structure analysis plots developed by Foothills Model Forest because this system links tree growth data with location, aspect, slope, species composition, soils, stand density, ground cover, course and fine woody debris, seedling growth and local climatic features. We have numbered and are tracking the growth of more than 400 trees in the Haines Junction and Whitehorse areas.
Dendrochronology labs also contribute specific details to our studies. Each increment bore core sample is counted independently at least three times by different students. The age / volume data has been combined to produce a table showing the volume of growth /hector. These data are sorted by each of the factors.
ES classes have been studying the growth and survival of seedlings in a variety of Yukon Forest settings since 1994 through to 2010. We have recorded natural seedling growth in mature forest stands, regeneration in burn stands and growth and health of seedlings in a variety of cut blocks. Seedling analysis has been conducted with the context of the Forest Structure Analysis protocol which provides information on an array of related topics.
Natural seedling studies. The Experiential Science classes have established eight permanent lots in three areas: Whitehorse, Haines Junction and Marsh Lake. We have been keeping a record of these numbered seedlings within each of these plots. Each seedling ( a tree less than 2 m in height) within the plot has been numbered. Information respecting species, height, leader length ,health, competition, age and whether it has been nibbled or damaged has been catalogued and is maintained on an annual basis.
Seedlings in Cut Blocks: We have focused on two areas: The Marshal Creek clear cuts in the Haines Junction area planted by Yukon Forestry, and the Marsh Lake patch cuts where the ACES and Experiential Science classes planted in 1998. Our goals has been to study various aspects of seedling survival, growth, and predation. Each seedling within the plot has been numbered and is identified as a natural or planted seedling. Information respecting species, height, leader length ,health, competition, age and whether it has been nibbled or damaged has been catalogued and is maintained on an annual basis.