Trees were marked for felling or girdling and merchantable logs were salvaged 

 on 95 acres of licensed land. 



TUBED SEEDLINGS 



The research aspects of the tubed seedling programme are under the direction 

 of the South Central Unit Leader. Tests were conducted jointly by the South 

 Central Unit and Maple headquarters to gain further experience in handling and 

 treating seed. This research was in preparation for the operational planting 

 programme to commence in 1966. 



Southwestern Unit 



Forest research in Southwestern Ontario aims primarily to solve plantation 

 and woodlot management problems on privately owned land in the region. 



Much of the forest land which is capable of high productivity has been mis- 

 managed in the past by most landowners and is in derelict condition, the forest 

 composition being of inferior species and poor quality trees of valuable species. 

 The problem has been compounded by the heavy mortality in elm from the Dutch 

 elm disease. 



In the past year, particular attention was given to the propagation and cultural 

 treatment of silver maple and eastern cottonwood to replace elm. Work included: 



1. Advanced thinning studies of stands of coppice origin. 



2. Establishment of silver maple and eastern cottonwood under a variety of 

 site conditions. 



3. Selection of high quality phenotypes (superior specimens). 



4. Asexual propagation of selected phenotypes by budding, layering and 

 rooting of cuttings. 



5. Seasonal growth studies of silver maple and correlation of growth with 

 a variety of site factors (temperature, precipitation, flooding, defoliation, 

 etc.). 



Silvicultural studies of other species included: 



1. Effects of thinning of various intensities on the development of hard 

 maple stands, including volume increment, quality improvement, effect 

 on associated species such as basswood and ash, and regeneration. 



2. Establishment of red oak and basswood planted in combination with 

 hybrid poplar. 



3. Replenishment of thinned hard maple - ash - basswood woodlots with 

 nursery-grown basswood stock. 



4. Assessment of growth and development in woodlots and plantations by 

 periodic measurement of permanent sample plots established on a variety 

 of sites. 



5. Assessment of the effects of pruning and spacing of red pine on dry, 

 sandy sites. 



Studies were continued on the use of herbicides and sterilants to retard 

 competition and improve composition. Work in 1965-66 included: 



1. Advanced application of the basal bark treatment of 2,4,5-T in thinning 

 silver maple stands. 



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