REGIONAL SILVICULTURAL RESEARCH UNITS 



Silvicultural Research units have been established in the different regions of 

 the province to study the silvicultural characteristics of the commercial tree species 

 and their reproduction and growth under various conditions, with the object 

 of developing cultural practices which will ensure maximum production within 

 economic limits. In 1961-62 resident research foresters co-ordinated experimental 

 work in the Mid-Western, Northern, Central, South-Central, South-Eastern and 

 South-Western regions. 



Mid- Western Region 



The Forest Research program in the Mid-Western region is to study the 

 silvics of commercially important tree species of the region in order to formulate 

 sound cultural treatments leading to their continuous supply. This may be achieved 

 through natural and artificial regeneration studies of these species and through 

 miscellaneous studies related to their environment. 



During 1961, the program was confined to the continuation and maintenance 

 of studies established earlier. 



The Northwestern Ontario Research Co-ordination Committee program was 

 continued and their Annual Project Summary was published. Assistance was also 

 given in supplying forestry library services to co-operators. 



Natural Regeneration, Growth Studies and Silvicultural Treatments 



The permanent sample plots established to study the effects of commercial 

 clear-cutting on regeneration of spruce and jack pine were examined in detail 

 for data on survival, growth and competition. Some interesting trends are 

 becoming evident. 



Studies of the effects of mechanical scarification and seed trees on white 

 spruce regeneration were continued on two areas at Dog River. Results indicate 

 that the experiments are successful, but to gain complete understanding of white 

 spruce behaviour, the survival and establishment of these seedlings will be closely 

 followed. 



Interim examinations were carried out on the growth and survival aspects 

 of regeneration following modified cutting operations and mechanical logging at 

 Caramat. 



Artificial Regeneration Studies 



Several plantations of white spruce, black spruce, white pine and red pine 

 were examined. It is hoped that the information obtained will provide the basis 

 for better understanding of the requirements and behaviour of these species 

 growing in pure stands, as well as their response to fertilization and heavy 

 competition. 



Studies were also continued in the seed and seedling protection trials during 

 spotting. Intermediate results indicate that protection generally results in better 

 survival. 



Miscellaneous Studies 



Compilations of 1956 and 1957 herbicide projects were completed and 

 final reix)rts will be published during the coming year. 



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