Assessing the Viability of Skipping Tree Marking for Shelterwood System: A Comparative Study in Haliburton Forest
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This study investigates the feasibility of eliminating tree marking in shelterwood systems by comparing marked and unmarked treatments in Haliburton Forest, Ontario. Key stand parameters, including residual basal area, seed tree basal area, and harvested volume, were assessed to evaluate silvicultural outcomes. Simulations using SORTIE-ND modeled the long-term impacts of tree selection practices over a 20-year period. The results revealed no statistically significant differences in any aspects of harvest outcome between marked and unmarked treatments. Although both failed to meet target residual basal area objectives, the unmarked treatment came closer to achieving these targets than the marked treatment. The results challenged the assumption that tree markers are inherently more reliable and highlighted the potential for replacing tree markers with loggers. Furthermore, advancements in technology, such as harvest algorithms and remote sensing, may provide viable alternatives to traditional tree selection methods in the future. This study also emphasizes the importance of establishing a network of marteloscopes in North America to enhance training, research, and collaboration, ensuring more consistent and informed decision-making in forest management practices.
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