Mountain Forests - Subalpine Ecosystems
Subalpine forests are found at the edge of the treeline, either towards the tops of mountains or in the far north. These forests are habitat for large mammals such as black and grizzly bears. Each year in the subalpine forests of British Columbia, a higher percentage of an overall commercial timber extraction is occurring. Regenerating subalpine forest ecosystems is a difficult and lengthy process. The present rate of timber extraction is not in balance with the slow growth rate of forest growth. We believe in sound sustainable forest management.
Understanding the subalpine habitat of grizzly bears
Solitary by nature, the grizzly bear roams great expanses of land in remote areas of western and northern Canada. These magnificent animals can weigh up to 400 kg (880 lbs) and attain a length of 2.74 m (9.2 ft). The challenge is to safeguard the grizzly's existence as monarch of the wilderness. Three years ago Global Forest initiated a comprehensive ecosystem dynamics study encompassing more than 100,000 ha (220,000 acres). This crucial long-term study is examining and mapping the grizzly bears' food source and other habitats. Other aspects of subalpine ecology that we are studying include documenting the extent of the death of subalpine whitebark pine trees (an essential food source for grizzly bears); studying physiological aspects of whitebark pine life history and its interdependence upon the Clarke's nutcracker (a bird essential for dispersing white bark pine seeds); examining the extent of the boreal owl population in the subalpine ecosystem; and revealing the fire history of subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce forests in the west Kootenays of southeastern British Columbia. Our goal is to ensure that sustainable forest and wildlife resource management occurs in this habitat.
The Tallest Trees - California Redwoods
The tallest trees on Earth are the redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) of northern California. Redwood forests are dependent upon the ethereal fog banks that bathe the Pacific coastline. Using rope-based access techniques, Global Forest Science scientists at Humboldt State University are conducting the first intensive studies of redwood biology from a canopy perspective. Our work in the redwoods is yielding crucial information about the function of these ancient forests. For instance, GF scientists have discovered amazing new life in the redwoods: tiny aquatic crustaceans living in arboreal soils up to 90 m (300 ft) above the ground!
Our scientists have also documented unknown life histories of arboreal salamanders, quantified soils and plants that accumulate on redwood branches (a single tree can support more than a metric ton (2200 lbs) of this sponge-like material!), and explored the role of fog in redwood height growth.
Now, Global Forest Science is studying the serious problem of redwoods top dieback, which is threatening the edges of the few remaining redwood reserves. Our scientists are pioneering methods to determine the causes and potential extent of this catastrophic forest decline so that these precious forests may remain healthy for generations to come.
Your support is essential to our continued work in understanding Redwood Top Dieback and ensuring that these precious forests may remain healthy for generations to come. Read more Find out how you can help now!
Ancient Trees - The Niagara Escarpment: Key to Understanding Global Climate Change
Tree rings (or the study of dendrochronology) are able to tell scientists a lot about past and present climates. Global Forest Science is monitoring the state of both animals and trees as they are affected by global climate change.
Our scientists are collecting tree ring data from the eastern white cedars of the Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, to understand the effects of climate change. Eastern white cedars are some of the oldest living trees east of the Canadian Pacific coastline. UNESCO has placed a world biosphere reserve on this area but the Ontario government has yet to establish laws to protect this ancient ecosystem. Global Forest Science is involved in crucial research to conserve these ancient cliff forests in addition to educating the public about their importance.
Your support is essential to our continued work in protecting this unique area.
Alternatives to Commercial Logging - Non Timber Forest Products/ First Peoples
Harvesting Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP, sometimes called Special Forest Products, Alternative Forest Products, or Botanical Forest Products), is gaining prominence in Canada and many other parts of the world as an income-generating alternative to logging forests for timber production. In the year 2000, NTFP in British Columbia have contributed over $300 million to the provincial economy. The need to diversify the British Columbian economy is becoming more important as the timber supply dwindles. The challenge for resource decision-makers and government policy-makers is to implement sustainable harvest levels of NTFP so that the structure, function, and composition of forest ecosystems are not dramatically altered. The untapped and untold treasures of the forest will be discovered in the next 10 years or so and they must be carefully managed. Global Forest Science is on the forefront of discovering new products and ensuring their careful management.
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