Research

Silviculture is generally defined as the theory and practice of controlling the establishment, growth, composition, health, and quality of forests to meet diverse management objectives, needs and values. The Silviculture Research Group at the University of Alberta focuses on research related to the establishment and growth of forests in the western boreal forest. The guiding question for our research is: how can silvicultural practices be refined to meet the growing demands being placed on our forests including timber production, biodiversity and other ecosystem services? This includes research on both managed and naturally established forests, intensive and extensive management practices, and current and future silvicultural practices. The three pillars of our research relate to: 1) better understanding the silvics and autecology of trees and other plants, 2) understanding the ecological drivers controlling the differential growth responses among sites and soil types, and 3) incorporating operational treatments (or disturbance severity in natural forests). We conduct mainly field based research and all of our research projects incorporate at least two of these aspects.

Teaching

Fall Field School

Silviculture

Forest Operations

REN R 101 - Introductory Forestry Field School

A general overview of the practice of Forestry. This orientation includes an introduction to basic forest measurements, forest management practices, and will include tours of a number of major forest operations in Alberta. Course runs for six days just prior to Fall registration and includes a seminar where students can connect with forestry professors and professionals. Requires payment of additional student instructional support fees. Refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations section of the Calendar.

REN R 323 - Silviculture

Forest regeneration principles and techniques; stand tending including fertilization, thinning, pruning and drainage; harvesting systems for reforestation; nursery practices; reforestation, the law and current practices. Requires payment of additional student instructional support fees. Refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations section of the Calendar. Prerequisite: BIOL 208.

REN R 423 - Advanced Silviculture

Readings, discussions and exercises on current topics in silviculture. Possible topics include: forest microsites, forest competition, plantation forestry, partial-cut systems, or intensive management. Normally offered in alternate years. Prerequisite: REN R 323.

REN R 722 - Silviculture

Forest regeneration principles and techniques; stand tending including fertilization, thinning, pruning and drainage; harvesting systems for reforestation; nursery practices; reforestation, the law and current practices. Not to be taken if credit received for REN R 323. Requires payment of additional student instructional support fees. Refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations section of the Calendar.

REN R 726 - Advanced Silviculture

Readings, discussions and exercises on current topics in silviculture. Possible topics include: forest microsites, forest competition, plantation forestry, partial-cut systems, or intensive management. Normally offered in alternate years. Not to be taken if credit received for REN R 423.

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