Whether you love them or hate them, we promise an interesting discussion of what is happening in the soil, on the forest floor and with both the residual woody material and the new forest growth on a site where the forest has been harvested.

You will discover how natural ecological processes are harnessed during the forest harvest and renewal cycle and how silvicultural science is applied in the boreal forest. There will also be an opportunity to discuss implications for wildlife and their habitat. The boreal forest is a “disturbance-driven” forest where disturbance may come from disease, insects, blowdown, or ultimately, fire. Each has its own suite of ecological impacts and consequences.  Forest harvesting is not identical to any of them but has many similarities with each. We will examine a recent cutover of a pure conifer stand and an adjacent mixed wood stand before moving to a regenerating cutover of similar stands and observe the different plant succession.

Your hosts, Gerry Racey and Mac Squires will dig deep into their collective 90 years of forest ecology and management experience to discuss some of the subtle or not so subtle factors that influence management of the anthropogenic boreal forest. Their different backgrounds, training, and experiences have grown their knowledge and changed their perspectives over the decades. So, don’t be surprised when their opinions differ on some points. Come along and enjoy the fun with us.

This is full day outing and will take place regardless of weather. Bring a lunch and come prepared with sturdy footwear and armed with all the questions, concerns and curiosity about the “Nature” of the regenerating forest.

Meet September 14, 2019 at 8:30 am in the parking lot of the Landmark Inn and we will car-pool to the site. Contact Gerry Racey (gdracey@tbaytel.net; 807-939-1620) to confirm your attendance.