Some aspects of the Aspen-Birch-Spruce-Fir type in Ontario.

Abstract

The mixedwood types of the Boreal Forest in Ontario occupy sites that have a high potential for the production of spruce and fir. These types are commonly made up of various mixtures of trembling aspen, white birch, black spruce, white spruce, and balsam fir2. In the unmanaged forest, this mixture of species usually results from fire, and the coniferous component is largely spruce. In the managed forest, fir rather than spruce is likely to be the main coniferous species in the next crop where measures are not employed to alter this trend in succession. This is a matter of serious concern to the government and industry because fir is less valuable than spruce and is more susceptible to disease and insect damage. Extensive planting programs have been underway for some time, but there is considerable interest in developing other means of favouring the establishment of spruce.