Effects of Conifer Release with Herbicides on Wildlife (a Review with an Emphasis on Ontario Forests)

📖 The Scoop

This paper reviews studies that have examined the effects of forest herbicide treatments on wildlife in Ontario and similar northern coniferous ecosystems. Since most of the research has been short-term, valid generalizations about the effects of conifer release with herbicides on specific wildlife species or groups must be limited to 1 or 2 growing seasons after treatment. Conifer release is only one of several forest management tools designed to direct secondary succession and shape future forests. Managed forests, moreover, are only parts of larger ecosystems, which in turn are parts of the overall landscape. The effects of the composition of the landscape mosaic on resident wildlife should be considered when conifer release is discussed. In Ontario, where harvesting has reduced the coniferous component in forests and landscapes, conifer release could help restore this component and increase both forest and wildlife diversity.

Genre: Technology & Engineering / Agriculture / General (fancy, right?)