Representativeness is often identified as a criterion for ecological studies and assessments of parks and reserve networks. In this report, an assessment was made of the environmental representativeness of forest plot data from a number of Forest Ecosystem Classification and Growth and Yield surveys in Ontario. The researchers examined the frequency distribution of the survey plots in terms of selected climatic, soil, and topographic gradients. In addition, they evaluated the distributions of plots against site regions and new climatic classifications (or regionalisations) that were generated for the province. Undersurveyed climatic domains were identified and recommendations are included regarding the design and location of future Forest Ecosystem Classification and Growth and Yield survey plots.
Guide to assist in the application of the Northwestern Ontario forest ecosystem classification to forest management in northwestern Ontario. Interpretations relate vegetation, soil, site, and climatic factors to limitations or opportunities for forest management. The guide introduces the concept of forest ecosystem interpretations; presents the concept as a method of applying the classification to site-specific management through a set of generalized treatment units that may be further adapted to accommodate local variations in site or climate; describes some basic silvicultural interpretations, followed by interpretations for wildlife; and deals with incorporation of the system into operational forestry surveys.
The goal of the Ecological Land Classification Program (ELC) is to establish a comprehensive and consistent province-wide approach for ecosystem description, inventory, and interpretation that will facilitate key conservation objectives at a variety of scales from site to landscape levels. This prospectus expresses the range of needs and priorities for work in Ontario. The document gives a history of the concept and describes the analysis of needs; program components, including classification development and rationalization, wetlands classification, ecosystem succession, mapping and inventory, and education and transfer; program structure and delivery; and program length and review.