Terms and Acronyms
The following forestry terms, acronyms and definitions are extracted from the Forest Management Planning Manual For Ontario's Crown Forests (2004).
ABANDONMENT (roads)
A component of a "use management strategy" for a "road" (and associated water crossings) that has fulfilled its intended use for forest management purposes, and is no longer required for other resource management purposes (also see Decommissioning)
ABORIGINAL
Aboriginal persons, according to Section 35 of Constitution Act, 1982, include Indian, Inuit and Metis People of Canada.
ACCESS CONTROL (roads)
The closure of a road to public travel or the restricted access to a "road" for certain specified uses for given periods of time. (Modified ARM)
AGE CLASS
One of the intervals into which the age range of "forest stands" is divided for classification and use. (Adapted URN 87)
ANALYSIS TOOL (forest)
A computer-based tool used to model, project, simulate or forecast data and
information. Forest analysis tools are used in the development and evaluation of the
"long-term management direction" in a "forest management plan".
ANNUAL WORK SCHEDULE
A document mainly in the form of tables and maps, which identifies the type and
extent of forest operations to be carried out during one year, consistent with the "forest
management plan". (Adapted URN 4417)
AREA CHARGES
The charges to be paid in respect of the area under a "Forest Resource Licence", as
required by the "Crown Forest Sustainability Act", the Regulations, and the licence.
AREA OF CONCERN (AOC)
A geographic area within an "area of operations" which is adjacent to an identified natural
resource feature, land use or "value" that may be affected by forest management activities.
AREA OF OPERATIONS
A geographic area comprised of individual, groups and/or portions of "forest stands"
selected for "harvest", "renewal" and "tending" operations for the ten-year period of a "forest
management plan". The area of operations may include areas of retention (no
operations).
AREA OF THE UNDERTAKING
An area consisting of approximately 385,000 square kilometres (or 38.5 million
hectares) of Crown land, on which forest management activities are conducted in
Ontario. "Forest management plans" are prepared for "management units" within this area.
(Modified EA Dec Order)
ARM
Access Roads Manual (August 1992)
ARTIFICIAL REGENERATION
"Renewal" of a forest, by "seeding" or planting seedlings or cuttings. (STC)
BIODIVERSITY (syn: Biological diversity)
The variety and variability among living organisms from all sources, including
terrestrial, marine and aquatic ecosystems, and the ecological complexes of which
they a part. (OG)
BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY (syn: Biodiversity)
The variety and variability among living organisms from all sources, including
terrestrial, marine and aquatic ecosystems, and the ecological complexes of which
they a part. (OG)
CBS95
Canadian Biodiversity Strategy. Canada's Response to the Convention on Biological Diversity (1995)
CFIT
A Guide to Canadian Forest Inventory Terminology and Usage (1978)
CFSA
Crown Forest Sustainability Act (1995)
CLEANING
An operation in a young "forest stand", not past the sapling stage, to free the favoured
trees from undesirable individuals of similar age or size which overtop them or are
likely to do so. Cleaning may be accomplished by hand or by mechanical or chemical
means. (Modified MFM)
CLEARCUT
Noun.
1. An area harvested under the clearcut "silvicultural system".
2. An area of "forest land" from which all (or most) merchantable trees have recently
been harvested.
Verb. To harvest the merchantable trees in an area, normally in one operation.
(Modified STC)
CLEARCUT SILVICULTURAL SYSTEM
A method of "harvesting" and regenerating an even-aged forest stand(s) in which new
seedlings become established in fully exposed microenvironments after removal of all
(or most) of the merchantable trees. "Regeneration" can originate naturally or artificially.
Clearcutting may be done in blocks, strips, or patches.
(Modified STC)
CONIFER
Trees and shrubs belonging to the order Coniferales, usually evergreen with cones and
needle-shaped leaves.
CONSERVATION
Management of the human use of the biosphere so that it may yield the greatest
sustainable benefit to present generations while maintaining its potential to meet the
needs and aspirations of future generations, and includes the preservation,
maintenance, sustainable utilization, restoration and enhancement of the
"environment". Modern conservation theory incorporates the notion that what is to be conserved is not
so much the physical state of an ecological system as the ecological processes by
which that state is created and maintained. (Aird)
CONTINGENCY AREA
"Harvest areas" identified and planned for, in the event that circumstances arise which
cause selected "harvest areas" to be no longer available for operations. Contingency area
will serve as replacement for selected "harvest areas", and will only be used if needed.
CONTINGENCY PLAN
An interim "forest management plan" that is required when special circumstances affect
the implementation of a "forest management plan". An approved contingency plan
permits the implementation of operations for the period between the expiry of the
current approved "forest management plan" and the approval for implementation of the
renewed "forest management plan".
CORRIDOR
An area of uniform width bordering both or one side of a lineal feature such as a
stream or route. (FITC)
CRITERIA
Harvest: A distinguishing set of characteristics that allows the identification of areas that
are eligible for harvest, "renewal" and "tending" operations for the ten-year period of the
"forest management plan", and the selection of areas for the five-year term.
CRITERION
1. A criterion is characterized by a set of related "indicators" that are monitored periodically to asses change. (SFR 2001)
2. A category of conditions or processes by which sustainable "forest management" may be assessed. A criterion is characterized by a set of related "indicators" that are measured or assessed periodically to assess change.
3. A distinguishable characteristic of sustainable "forest management"; a value that must be considered in setting objectives and in assessing performance. (SFR 2001)
CROWN FOREST
A "forest ecosystem" or part of a "forest ecosystem" that is on land vested in Her Majesty in right of Ontario and under the management of the Minister of Natural Resources. (CFSA)
CROWN FOREST SUSTAINABILITY ACT
An Act of the Ontario legislature to provide for the "sustainability" of "Crown forests" and, in accordance with that "objective", to manage Crown forests to meet social, economic and environmental needs of present and future generations.(Modified CFSA)
CROWN LAND
Land vested in Her Majesty in right of Ontario.
CUTTING CYCLE
The planned interval between partial harvests in an uneven-aged stand. (STC)
DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM
Information systems that utilize analysis tools (decision modules), databases and a decision maker’s own insight in an interactive analytical modeling process to reach a specific decision.
DECOMMISSIONING (roads)
For roads or road networks identified for "abandonment", the physical work that will be undertaken to render the road impassable to vehicular traffic, enhance public safety and reduce potential environmental damage e.g., removal of a water crossing(s)). The roadway will degenerate over time.
also see Abandonment
DESIRED FOREST AND BENEFITS
The forest structure and composition and the goods and services, which are desired from the forest to achieve a balance of social, economic and environmental needs. The long-term management direction for the "management unit" is developed to achieve the desired forest and benefits.
DESIRABLE LEVEL
The measurable amount for an "indicator", expressed as a specific number, a range or a trend, used in the assessment of "sustainability".
DISEASE
Harmful deviation from normal functioning of physiological processes, generally
abiotic or biotic in origin. (STC)
EAA
The Environmental Assessment Act (1975)
EA Decision
Environmental Assessment Board's Reasons for Decision and Decision: Class Environmental Assessment by the Ministry of Natural Resources for Timber Management on Crown Lands in Ontario (EA-87-02) (1994)
EA Dec Order
Environmental Assessment Declaration Order MNR-71 regarding MNR’s Class Environmental Assessment Approval for Forest Management on Crown Lands in Ontario (2003)
EALS
An Ecosystem Approach to Living Sustainably. A Perspective for the Ministry of Natural Resources (September, 1995)
ECOSITE
An ecological "landscape" unit (ranging in resolution from thousands to hundreds of hectares) comprised of relatively uniform geology, parent materials, soils, topography and hydrology, occupied by a consistent complex of successionally-related vegetation
conditions.
ECOSYSTEM
The sum of the plants, animals, environmental influences and their interactions, within a particular "habitat". (STC)
ENDANGERED SPECIES
A native "species", that is at risk of extirpation or extinction throughout all or a
significant portion of its Ontario range.
ENVIRONMENT
In Ontario, the environment is described as:
1. air, land, or water;
2. plant and animal life, including man;
3. the social, economic, and cultural conditions that influence the life of man or a community;
4. any building, structure, machine, or other device or thing made by man
5. any solid or liquid, gas, odour, heat, sound, vibration or radiation resulting directly or indirectly from the activities of man; or
6. any part or combination of the foregoing and the interrelationships between any two or more of them (EAA).
EXCEPTION
A "silvicultural treatment" in the "silvicultural ground rules" which differs from the recommendations in the applicable silvicultural "guide", or an operational prescription for an area of concern which differs from the specific direction or recommendations ("standards" and "guidelines") in the applicable forest management "guide".
FIM
OMNR. Forest Information Manual (April 2001)
FISH HABITAT
Spawning grounds and nursery, rearing, food supply and migration areas on which fish depend directly or indirectly in order to carry out their life processes. (section 34(1) of the Fisheries Act)
FITC
Forest Inventory Terms in Canada. Canadian Forest Inventory Committee, Forestry Canada (1988)
FMM
Forest Management Manual for the Province of Ontario (1980)
FMPM (1996)
Forest Management Planning Manual for Ontario’s Crown Forests (1996)
FOREST
1. (Ecology) A plant community predominantly of trees and other woody vegetation, growing more or less closely together (URN 2441);
2. (Silvicultural Management) An area managed for the production of timber and other forest products, or maintained under woody vegetation for such indirect benefits as protection of site or for recreation (URN 2442).
3. (Forest Diversity) An aggregate of "forest stands".
FOREST COVER
All of the trees as described by the "Forest Resources Inventory".
FOREST DISTURBANCE
A natural (e.g. fire) or anthropogenic (e.g. timber harvest) event in the forest that alters the natural succession of a "forest stand" or stands.
FOREST DYNAMICS
The natural processes involved in the development of a forest, and associated with growth and changes to its structure and composition through time.
FOREST ECOSYSTEM
An "ecosystem" in which trees are, or are capable of being, a major biological component. (CFSA)
FOREST HEALTH
The condition of a "forest ecosystem" that sustains the "ecosystem's" complexity while providing for the needs of the people of Ontario. (CFSA)
FOREST MANAGEMENT
Generally, the practical application of scientific, economic and social principles to the administration and working of a forest for specified "management objectives"; more particularly, that branch of forestry concerned with the overall administrative, economic, legal and social aspects, and with the essentially scientific and technical aspects, especially "silviculture", "protection" and forest regulation. (Aird)
FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
A document, prepared for a "management unit" in accordance with the Forest Management Planning Manual and section 8 of the Crown Forest Sustainability Act, 1994. A "forest management plan" contains pertinent information and prescriptions by means of which forest policy, aims and objectives are translated into a continuous sequence of specific treatments on a "management unit" for a specified period of years.
Current Plan: An approved "forest management plan" that is being implemented.
Past Plan or Previous Plan: The expired "forest management plan" for the plan period immediately preceding the current plan.
FOREST OPERATIONS
The "harvesting" of a "forest resource", the use of a "forest resource" for a designated purpose, or the "renewal" or "maintenance" of a "forest resource", and includes all related activities. (CFSA)
FOREST OPERATIONS PRESCRIPTION
A forest operations prescription is a site-specific set of harvest, "renewal" and "maintenance" activities that will be used to ensure that the current forest is managed to achieve the expected forest structure and condition.
FOREST RENEWAL TRUST FUND
The trust which provides for reimbursement of silvicultural expenses incurred after March 31, 1994 in respect of "Crown forests" in which "forest resources" have been harvested and for such other matters as may be specified by the Minister, on such terms and conditions as may be specified by the Minister. (CFSA, section 48)
FOREST RESOURCE
Trees in a "forest ecosystem", and any other type of plant life prescribed by the regulations that is in a "forest ecosystem". (CFSA, section 3)
FOREST RESOURCES INVENTORY
A composite information product which is assembled from a collection of individual geographic information coverages that contain descriptive information about the timber resource on each "management unit" (e.g., stand age, stand height, species composition, stocking level). The forest resources inventory for a "management unit" divides the area into a number of components, such as water, non-forested, non-productive forest and "productive forest", and further classifies each component by "ownership"/land use categories. (Adapted FIM)
FOREST STAND(S)
An aggregation of trees occupying a specific area and uniform enough in composition (species), "age" and arrangement to be distinguishable from an adjacent aggregation of trees. (Modified MNR 1998 )
FOREST TYPE
A general term to describe a group of forested areas or "forest stands" of similar composition. (Modified STC)
FOREST UNIT
A classification system that aggregates "forest stands" for management purposes that will normally have similar species composition, will develop in a similar manner (both naturally and in response to "silvicultural treatments"), and will be managed under the same "silvicultural system".
FORESTRY FUTURES TRUST FUND
The trust which provides for the following matters, on such terms and conditions as may be specified by the Minister:
1. The funding of silvicultural expenses in "Crown forests" where "forest resources" have been killed or damaged by fire or natural causes.
2. The funding of silvicultural expenses on land that is subject to a forest resource licence, if the "licensee" becomes insolvent.
3. The funding of intensive stand management and pest control in respect of "forest resources" in Crown forests.
4. Such other purposes as may be specified by the Minister.
(CFSA)
FOSM
Forest Operations and Silviculture Manual (1995)
FREE-TO-GROW (Syn.: free growing)
Stands that meet stocking, height and/or height growth rate, as specified in the "silvicultural ground rules", and are judged to be essentially free from competing vegetation. (Adapted FMM)
FRI
Forest Inventory Procedure for Ontario (1978)
FRWCI
Forest Roads and Water Crossings Initiative, Task Team Report (2003)
GUIDE (forest management)
A Ministry of Natural Resources forest management guide described in the Forest Operations and Silviculture Manual and any forest management guide that is adopted by reference in the Forest Operations and Silviculture Manual. Forest management guides provide direction for "forest management" practitioners that must be used in the development and implementation of "forest management plans". (Modified EA Dec.
Order)
GUIDELINE
Direction from a "guide" that is a mandatory requirement but has flexibility for interpretation and adaptation to meet the specific needs of the local "management unit".
(Adapted MNR 2001)
HABITAT
An area with the combination of resources (food, cover, water) and environmental conditions (temperature, precipitation and the presence or absence of predators and competitors) that promotes occupancy by individuals of a given species (or population) and allows those individuals to survive and reproduce. (Morrison)
HARDWOOD
Trees that have broad leaves, in contrast to the needle–bearing conifers. Also, the wood produced by broad leaved trees, regardless of texture or density.
HARVEST AREA:
Available: The area (in hectares) for each forest unit, as determined in the development of the "long-term management direction", which serves as a limit for harvest area by forest unit, for the ten-year period of the "forest management plan"
Contingency: see Contingency Area
Eligible: The areas, as determined by criteria consistent with the "long-term management direction" that could reasonably be harvested during the ten-year period.
Forecast: The sum of the selected harvest areas (in hectares) for the ten-year period.
Optional: The areas from the eligible harvest areas which are not preferred or selected harvest areas.
Planned: The portion of the "forecast harvest area" (in hectares) required to meet projected industrial wood requirements and wood supply commitments that is expected to be harvested in each five year term.
Preferred: The areas from the eligible harvest areas which are favoured for harvest during the ten-year period, up to the level of the available harvest area (with consideration for retained areas), by "forest unit".
Projected: The predicted area (in hectares) which could be harvested over time (e.g. 100 years) for each forest unit and age class and/or stage of management , as determined through analyses conducted during the development of the long-term management direction.
Selected: The areas from the preferred and optional harvest areas which are chosen for harvest for the ten-year period.
Surplus: The areas from the selected harvest areas that are in excess of the projected industrial wood requirements and wood supply commitments for the ten-year period.
HARVESTING
The removal of forest products for utilization, comprising cutting and sometimes initial processing and extraction. (Adapted URN 2944)
HARVEST METHOD
A modification of one of the basic "silvicultural systems" which describes the harvest technique (e.g., strip "clearcut", group "shelterwood"). (Modified FMPM 1996)
HERBICIDE
Any chemical preparation used to kill or inhibit the growth of forbs, grasses, woody plants, and their seeds. (STC)
INDEPENDENT FOREST AUDIT
An independently led review of the adequacy of "forest management" practices, controls and processes to ensure that the management organization continues to be in control and in compliance with relevant legislation, policies and directives.
INDIVIDUAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
An environmental assessment that is subject to the requirements set out in Part II of the Environmental Assessment Act (RSO 1990, chapter E.18, as amended).
INDICATOR
A systematically measured and assessed quantitative or qualitative variable, which when observed periodically, demonstrates trends. Indicators are identified in each "forest management plan" to assess the effectiveness of "forest management" activities in achieving "management objectives", and to assess the "sustainability" of the forest.
INSECTICIDE
Any chemical or biological preparation used to kill or disrupt the development of insects. (STC)
LANDSCAPE
A heterogeneous land area composed of a cluster of interacting ecosystems that is repeated in similar form throughout. (Forman)
A landscape is normally defined by geomorphology or climate.
LICENSEE
A person or company to whom a "Forest Resource Licence" has been granted. (SM)
LOCAL CITIZENS COMMITTEE
A standing advisory committee of local citizens representing a range and balance of interests, appointed by the Ministry of Natural Resources to participate in the "forest management" planning process. (EA Decision)
An advisory committee of local citizens established under section 13 of the Crown Forest Sustainability Act, 1994.
LOGGING METHOD
A term which indicates the process used to move wood products from stump to roadside during a "harvesting" operation (e.g., full tree, tree length, shortwood).
LONG-TERM MANAGEMENT DIRECTION
The management objectives, "indicators", assessment of "sustainability", social and economic assessment, and levels of activities required to achieve the "desired forest and benefits" and provide for the "sustainability" of the forest for the "management unit".
MAINTENANCE (forestry)
The "forest management" activities of "tending" and "protection", which are carried out to ensure the survival and development of a forest to maturity.
MAINTENANCE (roads)
Routine: Those day to day activities necessary to maintain a "road" for the traffic using
it.
Emergency: Road maintenance that requires immediate attention to restore access and reduce the chance of personal injury, damage to equipment, inconvenience to road users and further road damage (e.g., major washouts, blocked culverts, damaged bridges, etc.). (ARM)
MANAGED FOREST
"Crown forest" for which there is no legal or land use planning decision which prevents
the land from being managed for "forest management" purposes.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVE
A statement of quantitative or qualitative desired future benefits or conditions,
developed specifically for the "management unit", that are to be achieved through the
manipulation of "forest cover".
MANAGEMENT UNIT
An area of Crown forest designated under section 7 of the Crown Forest Sustainability
Act, 1994.
MERCHANTABLE TIMBER
A descriptor for a tree or "forest stand" that has attained sufficient size, quality, and/or
"volume" to be suitable for harvest.
A "conifer", poplar or white birch log of which more than one-half of the total content is sound wood when the content is measured in cubic metres; or
A "hardwood" log other than poplar or white birch of which more than one-third of the total content is sound wood when the content is measured in cubic metres. (SM)
MFM
Manual of Forest Management Plan Requirements for the Province of Ontario (1977)
MNR 1997
A Silvicultural Guide to Managing for Black Spruce, Jack Pine and Aspen on
Boreal Forest Ecosites in Ontario (1997)
MNR 1998
A Silvicultural Guide for the Tolerant Hardwood Forest in Ontario (1998)
MNR 2001
Forest management guide for natural disturbance pattern emulation, Version
3.1. OMNR. Queens Printer for Ontario (2001)
MODIFIED OPERATIONS
Harvest, "renewal' and "tending" operations, where prescriptions have been developed to
protect or manage specific natural resource features, land uses or values. Modified
operations may be "regular operations" with conditions (e.g., timing, equipment), or
unique prescriptions to protect or manage specific natural resource features, land uses
or "values".
MONITORING
The collection and analysis of data over extended periods of time. It provides
information on past and present ecological, social, cultural, and economic trends, and
a basis for predictions about future conditions. (EALS)
MORRISON
Morrison, Michael L., B.G. Marcot and R.W. Mannan. Wildlife-Habitat
Relationships: Concepts and Applications. The University of Wisconsin Press,
Madison (1992)
NATURAL REGENERATION
"Renewal" of a forest, by natural seeding, sprouting, suckering or layering. (STC)
NATURAL RESOURCE
A renewable (forest, water, wildlife, soil, etc.) or non-renewable (oil, coal, iron, etc.)
resource that is a natural asset. (Aird)
OG
Old Growth Policy for Ontario’s Crown Forest (2003) [download PDF 1.5 meg.: www.mnr.gov.on.ca ].
[download PDF 1.7 meg.: Old Growth Forest Definitions for Ontario - www.mnr.gov.on.ca ].
[download PDF 1.2 meg.: Examples of Old Growth Forest In Ontario - www.mnr.gov.on.ca ].
OLD GROWTH
A functional condition of a "forest ecosystem", in a dynamic state, that embodies a set of
physical features and characteristics that typically include:
1. a complex "forest stand" structure (e.g. old trees for the ecosite, large tree size
and wide spacing, multiple canopy layers and gaps, and rates of change in
species composition);
2. large dead standing trees (snags), accumulations of downed woody material,
up-turned stumps, root and soil mounds, and accelerating tree mortality; and
3. "ecosystem" functions (e.g. stand productivity, nutrient cycling, and wildlife
habitat) that are different from earlier stages of forest development.
(Modified OG)
OWNERSHIP (land)
Classification of the provincial land base into the categories of Crown, patent and
other vested interest.
PA
The Pesticides Act, Revised Statutes of Ontario, 1990, Chapter P.11. Printed
by the Queen's Printer for Ontario (1993)
PATENT LAND
Land transferred from Her Majesty the Queen in the Right of Ontario to an individual,
company or corporation in perpetuity.
PESTICIDE
Any organism, substance or thing that is manufactured, represented, or sold or used as
a means of directly or indirectly controlling, preventing, destroying, mitigating,
attracting, or repelling any pest or of altering the growth, development or
characteristics of any plant life that is not a pest and includes any organism, substance
or thing registered under the Pest Control Products Act (Canada). (PA)
PLAN AMENDMENT
Any change to a "forest management plan" or a "contingency plan" which is consistent
with the "long term management direction" for the "management unit". Amendments
could range from simple corrections to the text of an approved "forest management plan"
to changes requiring comprehensive planning, public consultation and Aboriginal
involvement.
PLAN AUTHOR
The "registered professional forester" licensed to practice professional forestry, under
The Ontario Professional Foresters Association Act, 2000 who is responsible for the
preparation and certification of a "forest management plan". Where the original plan
author of the "forest management plan" no longer has that responsibility, his/her
successor is deemed to be the plan author.
PLANNED CLEARCUT
Clearcuts that will be created during a plan consistent with the spatial and temporal
"standards" of MNR’s approved forest management "guide", as revised from time to time,
relating to the emulation of natural disturbance patterns.
PLANNING PROPOSAL
A proposal prepared to initiate the process for the preparation of a "contingency plan".
PLAN PERIOD
The ten-year timeframe of a forest management plan for which "long-term management
direction" is established, and forest "sustainability" is determined.
PLAN RENEWAL
The time in the "planning cycle" marked by the approval of a "forest management plan".
"Forest management plans" are normally renewed every ten years.
PRESCRIBED BURN
The knowledgeable application of fire to a specific land area to accomplish
predetermined "forest management" or other land use objectives. (STC)
PRODUCTION FOREST
"Productive forest land", at various stages of growth, with no obvious physical
limitations on the ability to practice "forest management". (Modified EA Decision)
PRODUCTIVE FOREST
All forest areas which are capable of growing commercial trees, irrespective of
planning decisions, and which is further sub-divided into “protection forest” and
“production forest”.(Modified EA Decision)
PRODUCTIVITY
A change in biomass (volume) per unit area and time (yield, increment). (Kimmins)
PROVINCIAL FOREST TYPE
An aggregation of "forest types" used to describe "forest cover" at broad planning levels.
Provincial forest types are defined in the Forest Resource Assessment Policy.
PROTECTION
"Forest management" operations which are carried out to prevent, control or manage the
spread of, and/or the damage caused by insects and diseases. Protection may involve
the use of insecticides or manual treatments.
PROTECTION FOREST
"Productive forest" land on which "forest management" activities cannot normally be
practised without incurring deleterious environmental effects because of obvious
physical limitations such as steep slopes and shallow soils over bedrock. (Modified
EA Decision)
REGENERATION
The "renewal" of a forest, by natural or artificial means. This term may also be used to
describe the young forest itself. (Adapted URN 4843, 4844, 4846, 4848) ... also see Artificial and Natural Regeneration
REGION or REGIONAL
In this manual an administrative geographical unit of the Ministry of Natural
Resources.
REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL FORESTER (R.P.F.)
A person licensed to practice professional forestry in Ontario, under The Ontario
Professional Foresters Association Act, 2000
REGULAR OPERATIONS
Harvest, "renewal" and "tending' operations conducted in accordance with the "silvicultural
ground rules".
RENEWAL
The silvicultural operations undertaken to stimulate and promote the establishment
and growth of desired future "forest stands", which may include the activities of site
preparation and "regeneration".
RESERVE
An operational prescription for an "area of concern" where operations are prohibited.
RESOURCE STEWARDSHIP AGREEMENT
An agreement negotiated between a licensed resource-based tourism operation as
determined by the Ministry of Tourism and Recreation, and a "sustainable forest
licensee".
RESPONSIBILITY ASSIGNMENT (roads)
The party assigned responsibility for a "road" (and associated water crossings) (i.e.,
MNR, "sustainable forest licensee", other user).
RE-TREATMENT
A specific "renewal" treatment (i.e., plant, seed or scarify) that has been applied and
usually occurs after a preliminary assessment has determined that further treatment is
necessary.
ROAD
Primary: A road that provides principal access for the "management unit", and is constructed,
maintained and used as part of the main road system on the "management unit". Primary
roads are normally permanent roads.
Branch: A road that branches off an existing or new primary or branch road, providing access to, through or between areas of operations on a "management unit".
Operational: A road within an area of operations that provides short-term access for harvest, "renewal" and 'tending" operations. Operational roads are normally not maintained after they are no longer required for "forest management" purposes, and are often site prepared and regenerated.
Illustration of Branch and Operational Roads:
ROAD NETWORK
A system of new or existing roads that provide access to a distinct geographic area.
(Adapted FRWCI)
SALVAGE HARVEST
The "harvesting" of "timber" that has been killed or damaged by natural causes, such as
fire, wind, flood, insects and "disease". (Modified FOSM)
SCARIFICATION
Mechanical loosening of the topsoil of open areas, or breaking up the forest floor, in
preparation for "regeneration" by natural seeding. (Adapted URN 5134)
SEED CUT
Removal of trees in a mature stand to create openings in the canopy which provide
conditions for "regeneration" from the seed of retained trees. The seed cut is normally
the first or second cut under the "shelterwood silvicultural system".
SEEDING
A form of "artificial regeneration" which involves the scattering of seed, more or less
evenly, over an area.
SEED ORCHARD
A relatively small area, established with superior stock derived from selected parent
material, and intensively managed to provide a sustained supply of genetically
improved seed for use in an "artificial regeneration program".
SELECTION SILVICULTURAL SYSTEM
An uneven-aged "silvicultural system" which involves periodic partial harvests,
controlled by basal area, using vigour and risk characteristics to determine individual
tree selection. (MNR 1998)
SFR
State of the Forest Report (2001)
SHELTERWOOD SILVICULTURAL SYSTEM
An even-aged "silvicultural system" where mature trees are harvested in a series of two
or more cuts (preparatory, seed, removal, final) for the purpose of obtaining "natural
regeneration" under shelter of the residual trees, whether by cutting uniformly over the
entire stand area or in narrow strips. "Regeneration" is natural or artificial. "Regeneration"
interval determines the degree of even-aged uniformity. (Adapted MFM) ... also see Silvicultural System
Group Shelterwood System: Patches of advanced "regeneration" arising from thinnings or from natural disturbances, commonly developed in even-aged stands. Where this condition is prominent, shelterwood cuttings can be made specifically in relation to the requirements of each group of advanced "regeneration". These clumps of "regeneration" are enlarged by the removal of all or most of the trees above them and starting preparatory or seeding cuttings around them. The holes created in the canopy are gradually enlarged to keep pace with the establishment of reproduction.
Irregular Shelterwood System: Harvest cutting in which opening of the canopy is irregular and gradual; generally in groups, with the final cutting often in strips; "regeneration" natural; "regeneration" interval long, often up to half the rotation, and the resultant crop considerably uneven-aged and irregular.
Strip Shelterwood System: A shelterwood system in which "regeneration" cuttings are carried out on fairly wide strips, generally against the prevailing wind, and progress rapidly; "regeneration" is mainly natural, "regeneration" interval short, and resultant crop fairly even-aged and regular.
Uniform Shelterwood System: A shelterwood system in which the canopy is opened fairly evenly throughout the "regeneration" area; "regeneration" is mainly natural, though it may be supplemented artificially; "regeneration" interval fairly short and resultant crop more or less even-aged and regular. (STC)
SILVICULTURAL GROUND RULES
Specifications, "standards", and other instructions, that direct silvicultural activities on a
"management unit" during the period of the "forest management plan".
SILVICULTURAL SYSTEM
A process that applies silvicultural practices, including "tending' (thinning, pruning, etc.),
"harvesting', and "renewal", to a stand in order to produce a crop of timber and other forest
products. Systems are classified according to the method of harvesting of mature
forest stands with a view to "regeneration" establishment, (i.e., clearcut, shelterwood,
selection). (Modified MNR 1996)
SILVICULTURAL TREATMENT
The method of harvest, "renewal" or "tending", as identified in the "silvicultural ground
rules", through which a "forest operations prescription" will be met.
SILVICULTURAL TREATMENT PACKAGE
A grouping of acceptable "silvicultural treatments" for the appropriate "forest unit" and
"ecosite" combination which can be undertaken over time to achieve the desired future
forest and benefits. (Modified MNR 1997)
SILVICULTURE
Generally, the science and art of cultivating forest crops, based on a knowledge of
silvics (URN 5384). More particularly, the theory and practice of controlling the
establishment composition, constitution, and growth of forests (URN 5385).
SITE PREPARATION
Disturbance of the forest floor and the topsoil, by mechanical or chemical means, or
by "prescribed burning", to create suitable conditions for natural or "artificial
regeneration". (Modified MFM)
SM
Scaling Manual (1995)
SPATIAL
Dependent on, or associated with, a specific geographic location.
Normally refers to information stored in a form or format that is directly usable by geographic information systems.
SPECIAL CONCERN SPECIES (formerly vulnerable)
A native species with characteristics that make it particularly sensitive to human activities
or natural events.
SPECIES
A singular or plural term for a population, or series of populations, of organisms that
are capable of interbreeding freely with each other but not with members of other
species. (Aird)
SPECIES AT RISK
Any plant or animal, threatened by, or vulnerable to extinction.
STAGE OF MANAGEMENT
One in a series of harvest cuts performed over the life of a "forest stand". The type and
number of harvest cuts depends on the "silvicultural system" used.
STANDARD
1. Measurable parameters established for use as a rule or basis for comparison in
measuring or judging quantity, quality, value, capacity, or other characteristics.
2. Direction in a "guide" that is a mandatory requirement, with little or no room for
interpretation. (Adapted MNR 2001)
STAND IMPROVEMENT
The removal of trees to improve the composition and quality of a "forest stand", generally
used in the "selection silvicultural system".
STC
Silvicultural Terms in Canada. Science and Sustainable Development Directorate, Forestry Canada, Ottawa. 2nd Edition (1995)
STRATEGIC SILVICULTURAL OPTIONS
Broad groupings of "silvicultural treatments" that apply to the same initial forest
conditions, achieve the same future forest conditions, require similar silvicultural
expenditures and use the same growth projections and/or yield curves. Strategic
silvicultural options are used to represent "silvicultural treatments" during strategic
analysis.
SUCCESSION
Changes in species composition in an "ecosystem" over time, often in a predictable
order. (Aird)
SUPPLEMENTAL TREATMENT
"Regeneration" treatments (i.e., plant, seed or scarify) that are applied to assist natural
"regeneration" to attain the "regeneration" standards.
SUPPLEMENTARY DOCUMENTATION
The part of the "forest management plan" that contains the information that supports the
decisions in the plan and summarizes the information used in the preparation of the
plan. The format for the supplementary documentation includes text, tables and maps.
SUSTAINABILITY
Long term forest health.
SUSTAINABLE FOREST LICENCE
A licence granted under Part III, section 26 of the Crown Forest Sustainability Act,
1994.
SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT
The management of "forest ecosystems" to maintain a healthy "forest ecosystem" which
provides a continuous, predictable flow of benefits. "Indicators" of forest "sustainability
criteria" are incorporated into strategic decision-making and into the periodic
assessments of both forest and socioeconomic conditions. "Forest operations" are
conducted in a manner that conserves "forest health" and minimizes undesirable effects
on the physical and social environments.
TCEA
MNR’s Timber Class Environmental Assessment Review (July 2002)
TENDING
Forest operations which are carried out to improve the growth or quality of a forest.
"Tending" may involve cleaning (i.e., the removal of undesirable or competing vegetation
through the use of herbicides or manual treatments), thinning, stand improvement or
pruning.
TERM
A five-year timeframe for operations in a "forest management plan".
THINNING
A cutting made in an immature crop or "forest stand" primarily to accelerate diameter
increment but also, by suitable selection, to improve the average form of the trees that
remain. The removal of trees may be from the dominant and codominant crown
classes to favour the best trees of those same crown classes (known as crown
thinning), or the removal of trees may be to control stand spacing and favour desired
trees using a combination of thinning "criteria" without regard to crown position (know
as free thinning).
Commercial Thinning: A thinning in which the harvested trees are removed from the site and used for commercial purposes.
Pre-Commercial Thinning: A thinning that does not yield trees of commercial value, and is usually designed to improve crop spacing. (Modified STC) In Ontario, the term pre-commercial thinning is generally used in relation to even-aged management only. Pre-commercial thinning in uneven-aged management is referred to as "improvement cutting" or stand improvement.
THREATENED SPECIES
A native species that is likely to become endangered through all or a portion of its
Ontario range if the limiting factors are not reversed.
TIMBER
A wood material yielded by trees.
TREE IMPROVEMENT
The control of parentage, combined with specific "silvicultural treatments" (e.g.,
"tending") to improve the overall "yield" and quality of "timber" from "forest stands".
USE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY (road)
A statement outlining the purpose and description, and defining the roles and
responsibilities related to use, "maintenance", use control, "abandonment" and "monitoring"
of "roads" on "Crown land". (ARM)
VALUE (values maps)
A term used to describe known natural resource features, land uses or values which
may be affected by "forest management" activities.
VOLUME
The amount of wood in a tree, "forest stand", or other specified area, recorded by a unit
of measure.
WETLAND
Land that is seasonally or permanently covered by shallow water, as well as land
where the water table is close to or at the surface. In either case, the presence of
abundant water has caused the formation of hydric soils and has favoured the
dominance of either hydrophytic or water-tolerant plants. The four major types of
wetlands are swamps, marshes, bogs and fens. (Wetlands Policy)
WILDLIFE
Normally includes all wild mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.
YIELD
The actual or estimated amount of product from a tree or a "forest stand", or other
specified area.