We seek science-based solutions that will provide opportunities for the forest sector and the communities it supports. Among the new technologies that we will explore are bio-fuels and energy co-generation and their economic potential for communities.
Projects receiving FMF funding at the present time:
Expanding on the Foundation of Radial Growth Forecasting: Future Response to Three Fundamental Tree Species
Affiliation: Mount Allison University Dendrochronology Lab
Description: This project is the continuation of one that began in 2006 to predict how climate change will affect the growth of six native coniferous tree species. During the summer of 2007, the MAD Lab collected a large amount of samples and prepared them for measuring and analysis. This phase of the project allows the Lab to prepare three more forecasts.
Outcome: To expand the results of radial growth rate forecasting to deciduous tree species giving more insight into the future response of locally dominant species.
Long term objective: To move forward with local climate change research that addresses the coming needs of various stakeholders working in various forest related tasks.
Contact: Dr. Colin Laroque, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Related Publications: The first six forecasts are available in the report: Future Radical Growth Forecast for Six Conifer Species in southeasten New Brunswick. (Hotlink) or pdf
Development of Hazard Ratings for the Balsalm Woolly Adelgid
Affiliation: University of New Brunswick, Dept. of Forestry and Environmental Management
Canadian Forest Service, Atlantic Forestry Centre
Description: Drs. Dan Quiring, UNB Fredericton, and Don Ostaff, Atlantic Forestry Centre, are working to develop hazard warnings for this pest which is causing extensive damage to the Balsam fir the Maritimes.
Balsam woolly adelgid, which is native to Europe, was introduced to North America in the early 1900s and is now found throughout eastern and western Canada and United States. It can attack the stem and/or the crown of the tree. Stem attacks can reduce tree growth by more than 50 per cent and in severe cases kill a large tree in three years. Affected trees are unsuitable for lumber as uneven shrinkage can cause warping and splitting and pulp quality is inferior to that of normal wood. Chronic crown infestations can cause a tree to succumb in 10 to 20 years and also predisposes it to root rot.
This project is in its second year.
Current Objective: There is no commercially viable tactic for dealing with the pest and the scientists are now working to produce hazard ratings that will predict the probability of damage by the balsam woolly adelgid for different stand conditions. The forest industry, provincial forest managers and woodlot owners, will be able to use the rating system to make decisions regarding what tree species to favour in their stands and to decide whether they should harvest stands that are beginning to show symptoms of damage.
Contacts: Dr. Dan Quiring, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Dr. Don Ostaff, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Related Publications: Development of Hazard Ratings for the Balsam Woolly Adelgid –Year end report 2006-2007 (pdf)
Balsam Woolly Adelgid Brochure
Balsam Woolly Adelgid Poster