The Acadian ForestThe Acadian Forest

Ecology and HistoryEcology and History

The Acadian Forest.The Acadian Forest.

In this presentation we In this presentation we will explore the primary will explore the primary Acadian Forest Acadian Forest influences:influences: Geological Geological Climatic Climatic Natural/EcologicalNatural/Ecological HumanHuman

What is the Acadian Forest.What is the Acadian Forest.

The Acadian Forest The Acadian Forest region is one of region is one of Canada’s 8 forest Canada’s 8 forest regions.regions.

It is a rich, mixed It is a rich, mixed forest with wide forest with wide variety of hardwood variety of hardwood and softwood speciesand softwood species

What is the Acadian Forest.What is the Acadian Forest. It covers all of Nova Scotia and Prince It covers all of Nova Scotia and Prince

Edward Island, and most of New Edward Island, and most of New Brunswick.Brunswick.

It’s features vary from:It’s features vary from: the Cape Breton highlands, tothe Cape Breton highlands, to the flood plains of the Saint John the flood plains of the Saint John

River Valley to,River Valley to, exposed coastal areas exposed coastal areas areas with deep snow & no snow at areas with deep snow & no snow at

all, andall, and sandy soils to heavy clays.sandy soils to heavy clays.

What is the Acadian Forest.What is the Acadian Forest.

It is also part of North It is also part of North America’s larger America’s larger Transition Forest zoneTransition Forest zone..

This forest stretches This forest stretches from the Maritimes, from the Maritimes, west to Minnesota, and west to Minnesota, and south along the south along the Appalachians into Appalachians into Georgia.Georgia.

What is the Acadian Forest.What is the Acadian Forest.

The Acadian Forest is The Acadian Forest is located halfway between located halfway between the North Pole and the the North Pole and the Equator. Equator.

It is where the Boreal It is where the Boreal (softwood)(softwood) Forest overlaps Forest overlaps with the Deciduous with the Deciduous (hardwood)(hardwood) Forest. Forest. This overlapping creates a This overlapping creates a

rich diversity where trees, rich diversity where trees, plants and animals from plants and animals from northern and southern northern and southern habitats mixhabitats mix.

Boreal Forest characteristics Boreal Forest characteristics in the Acadian Forest.in the Acadian Forest.

Lakes and bogsLakes and bogs many areas are poorly drainedmany areas are poorly drained

Shallow soils Shallow soils limits rooting depthlimits rooting depth

Exposure to harsh winter weatherExposure to harsh winter weather cold dry windscold dry winds desert-like conditionsdesert-like conditions

Large stands with single or few speciesLarge stands with single or few species black spruce, poplarblack spruce, poplar few layersfew layers

Deciduous Forest characteristics Deciduous Forest characteristics in the Acadian Forestin the Acadian Forest..

Deep rich soils in some river valleysDeep rich soils in some river valleys hotter summer temperatureshotter summer temperatures shelter from winter extremes shelter from winter extremes

Warm moist summersWarm moist summers varies between interior and coastal areasvaries between interior and coastal areas

A greater diversity of treesA greater diversity of trees mixture of hardwoods (sugar maple, yellow mixture of hardwoods (sugar maple, yellow

birch, & oak) and conifers (pines)birch, & oak) and conifers (pines) pure stands of beechpure stands of beech more forest layersmore forest layers

Overlapping in theOverlapping in the Acadian Forest. Acadian Forest.

For instance, White For instance, White Birch Birch (Betula papyrifera),(Betula papyrifera), ranges from Alaska ranges from Alaska above the Arctic circle above the Arctic circle east across much of east across much of northern North America.northern North America.

The Acadian Forest is The Acadian Forest is at the southern limit of at the southern limit of its rangeits range

Overlapping in theOverlapping in the Acadian Forest. Acadian Forest.

However, Yellow Birch However, Yellow Birch (B.alleghaniensis),(B.alleghaniensis), a close a close cousin, extends north cousin, extends north from Georgia along the from Georgia along the Appalachians to the Appalachians to the Great Lakes and Great Lakes and Newfoundland Newfoundland

The Acadian Forest is at The Acadian Forest is at the northern limit of its the northern limit of its range.range.

Overlapping in theOverlapping in the Acadian Forest. Acadian Forest.

The Acadian Forest The Acadian Forest is where the ranges is where the ranges of these two tree of these two tree species overlap, species overlap,

BUT they are both at BUT they are both at the extreme range the extreme range limits for each limits for each species.species.

Natural & Ecological Natural & Ecological Influences in the Acadian Influences in the Acadian

Forest?Forest? Acadian Forest provides Acadian Forest provides

common ecological niches common ecological niches for both species such as:for both species such as: climateclimate growing seasongrowing season soils & nutrientssoils & nutrients drainagedrainage

Species distribution in the Species distribution in the Acadian Forest.Acadian Forest.

However, the Acadian However, the Acadian Forest is not a uniform Forest is not a uniform system. Within this small system. Within this small region there are differences region there are differences in:in: soil depth, nutrient levels, soil depth, nutrient levels,

and acidityand acidity drainage, and climate rangedrainage, and climate range

These and other factors These and other factors influence species influence species distribution distribution

Species distribution in the Species distribution in the Acadian Forest.Acadian Forest.

For instance, white pine is For instance, white pine is found throughout the Acadian found throughout the Acadian Forest. Forest.

It thrives across the region It thrives across the region because:because: Soil depth and types,Soil depth and types, Soil nutrients and acidity, Soil nutrients and acidity, Climate, growing season, Climate, growing season,

and other factors, which are suited to its and other factors, which are suited to its

basic growing requirements.basic growing requirements.

Species distribution within the Species distribution within the Acadian Forest.Acadian Forest.

On the other hand, some On the other hand, some species are only found in species are only found in certain locations within the certain locations within the forestforest ButternutButternut, is restricted to two NB , is restricted to two NB

river valleys due to moist, deep river valleys due to moist, deep soils and hot summer climate.soils and hot summer climate.

Eastern White CedarEastern White Cedar is found in is found in areas which have alkaline to areas which have alkaline to neutral soils with high moisture.neutral soils with high moisture.

Acadian Forest ecologyAcadian Forest ecologyAcadian Forest ecologyAcadian Forest ecology Single species stand are Single species stand are

natural and common in natural and common in Acadian Forest ecology. Pure Acadian Forest ecology. Pure stands can be found in stands can be found in disturbed or intact forests.disturbed or intact forests.

BeechBeech = rich upland sites = rich upland sites PoplarPoplar = harvest/fire sites = harvest/fire sites Balsam firBalsam fir = insect = insect

disturbances disturbances White spruceWhite spruce = abandoned = abandoned

fields fields White pine or hemlockWhite pine or hemlock = rich = rich

old growth forestsold growth forests

Geological factorsGeological factorsin the Acadian Forestin the Acadian Forest

Many features of the Many features of the Acadian Forest are Acadian Forest are directly tied to the last directly tied to the last ice age.ice age.

While this geological While this geological era ended nearly era ended nearly 10,000 years ago, 10,000 years ago, many of its effects are many of its effects are still with us today. still with us today.

Geological factorsGeological factorsin the Acadian Forestin the Acadian Forest

Soils are residue of glacial Soils are residue of glacial depositsdeposits some areas are still exposed some areas are still exposed

bedrockbedrock

Soils depths are usually Soils depths are usually thin.thin. Top soil = 15 - 25 cmTop soil = 15 - 25 cm

Minimal organic materials. Minimal organic materials. Wide pH rangesWide pH ranges limits available nutrientslimits available nutrients

Geological InfluencesGeological Influences As the glaciers began their retreat, As the glaciers began their retreat,

over time a Boreal-type forest over time a Boreal-type forest gradually reclaimed this land.gradually reclaimed this land. species such as larch, spruce & poplarspecies such as larch, spruce & poplar

Eventually more southerly tree Eventually more southerly tree species followed.species followed. Maple, oak, pine, etc.Maple, oak, pine, etc.

Some were spread by the wind, Some were spread by the wind, others by animals and birds, and others by animals and birds, and some by humanssome by humans

This process may still be happening!This process may still be happening!

Soil influencesSoil influences Soil depthSoil depth

In much of the region, top soil tends to be 25 cm or In much of the region, top soil tends to be 25 cm or less deepless deep

can’t support most tap root speciescan’t support most tap root species soils are still developing from weathering and soils are still developing from weathering and

increased organic matterincreased organic matter soils losses from human activitiessoils losses from human activities

Soil pHSoil pH soils tend to be acidic - restricts certain nutrientssoils tend to be acidic - restricts certain nutrients

Soil texture (common)Soil texture (common) clay soils can prevent adequate drainage or tap clay soils can prevent adequate drainage or tap

root developmentroot development wide range from loamy sand to silty clays wide range from loamy sand to silty clays well drained and poorly drainedwell drained and poorly drained

Climate influences Climate influences in the Acadian Forestin the Acadian Forest

Climate influences Climate influences in the Acadian Forestin the Acadian Forest

Our location half way between the Our location half way between the Pole and the Equator means.Pole and the Equator means. mild winters/cool summersmild winters/cool summers first and last frost datesfirst and last frost dates vary widely vary widely

impacts early/late blooming plantsimpacts early/late blooming plants snow loadssnow loads vary by year vary by year

cover for plants and animalscover for plants and animals ice storms!ice storms!

major impact on hardwoods major impact on hardwoods windwind

blow down is a major problem for many blow down is a major problem for many shallow rooted species (most AF shallow rooted species (most AF species)species)

Seasonal influences in the Seasonal influences in the Acadian ForestAcadian Forest

Warm to hot temperaturesWarm to hot temperatures Plentiful rain Plentiful rain

Mature trees require lots of Mature trees require lots of moisturemoisture

Seedlings need shade and Seedlings need shade and moisture on forest floor. moisture on forest floor.

In some areas soils can dry In some areas soils can dry out, while in others they out, while in others they remain wet throughout the remain wet throughout the season!season!

SummerSummer

Seasonal influences in the Seasonal influences in the Acadian ForestAcadian Forest

Long, warm fallLong, warm fall Early fall = Clear, sunny Early fall = Clear, sunny

weatherweather leaf colour may be due to leaf colour may be due to

sunscreen mechanismsunscreen mechanism

Rain variableRain variable Trees need adequate water Trees need adequate water

for storage over the winter for storage over the winter

FallFall

Seasonal influences in the Seasonal influences in the Acadian ForestAcadian Forest

Wide temperature Wide temperature rangerange cold dry windscold dry winds

In any given year snow In any given year snow loads may be heavy or loads may be heavy or lightlight

Ice storm damage! Ice storm damage! Species locked in cold Species locked in cold

desert for 3 - 5 desert for 3 - 5 months.months.

WinterWinter

Seasonal influences in the Seasonal influences in the Acadian ForestAcadian Forest

Long and slowLong and slow Temperatures vary.Temperatures vary.

just above or below just above or below freezing freezing

danger for plants danger for plants which break which break dormancy too early or dormancy too early or too late too late

Wet soils = cold soil Wet soils = cold soil temperaturestemperatures

SpringSpring

Growing season in the Growing season in the Acadian ForestAcadian Forest

Our global position means Our global position means weather patterns can vary weather patterns can vary widely from year to year.widely from year to year.

In any given year, weather In any given year, weather can support or hinder any can support or hinder any particular species.particular species. Summer droughts for several Summer droughts for several

years years Heavy snow in recent yearsHeavy snow in recent years

Insects & disease InfluencesInsects & disease InfluencesInsects & disease InfluencesInsects & disease Influences Insect outbreaks are common Insect outbreaks are common

in the Acadian Forestin the Acadian Forest.. spruce budwormspruce budworm eastern tent caterpillar eastern tent caterpillar

DiseaseDisease Dutch elm (wild elm populations Dutch elm (wild elm populations

virtually eliminated)virtually eliminated) Beech canker disease (doesn’t kill Beech canker disease (doesn’t kill

but does stunt infected trees) but does stunt infected trees)

Insects and disease remove:Insects and disease remove: individual treesindividual trees small groups of treessmall groups of trees larger areas (1 ha to +1,000 halarger areas (1 ha to +1,000 ha)

Fire influencesFire influences Fire is a component of Fire is a component of

Acadian Forest ecology. Acadian Forest ecology. softwood stands, particularly softwood stands, particularly

over-mature spruce, fir and over-mature spruce, fir and pine pine

Jack pine is fire dependentJack pine is fire dependent hardwoods are usually natural hardwoods are usually natural

fire breaksfire breaks

Fires can create large Fires can create large clearances with scattered clearances with scattered patches of standing treespatches of standing trees promotes new, even aged promotes new, even aged

forest /pioneer speciesforest /pioneer species

Human influences in the Acadian Human influences in the Acadian Forest - The P.E.I ModelForest - The P.E.I Model

Human influences in the Acadian Human influences in the Acadian Forest - The P.E.I ModelForest - The P.E.I Model

When Europeans began to When Europeans began to settle P.E.I., almost 100% of settle P.E.I., almost 100% of the Island was covered in the Island was covered in forests.forests.

Over the next 150 years, they:Over the next 150 years, they: Cleared land for farms and Cleared land for farms and

building materialsbuilding materials Built wooden shipsBuilt wooden ships Harvested wood for fuelHarvested wood for fuel

By 1900, forests only covered By 1900, forests only covered 30% of the Island. 30% of the Island.

When Europeans began to When Europeans began to settle P.E.I., almost 100% of settle P.E.I., almost 100% of the Island was covered in the Island was covered in forests.forests.

Over the next 150 years, they:Over the next 150 years, they: Cleared land for farms and Cleared land for farms and

building materialsbuilding materials Built wooden shipsBuilt wooden ships Harvested wood for fuelHarvested wood for fuel

By 1900, forests only covered By 1900, forests only covered 30% of the Island. 30% of the Island.

Human influences Human influences in the Acadian Forestin the Acadian ForestHuman influences Human influences

in the Acadian Forestin the Acadian Forest Land Abandonment in the 20th Land Abandonment in the 20th

CenturyCentury At the turn of the 20th century, many At the turn of the 20th century, many

Islanders left the land for opportunities Islanders left the land for opportunities in other places.in other places.

White Spruce began to reclaim White Spruce began to reclaim abandoned farm land. Over the next abandoned farm land. Over the next 50 years, the Island’s forest cover 50 years, the Island’s forest cover nearly doublednearly doubled

by 1990, forests cover 48% of PEIby 1990, forests cover 48% of PEI most is east of Charlottetown and most is east of Charlottetown and

west of Summerside west of Summerside Land use decisions made 150 years ago influence what we can and cannot do today!

Historical influences - todayHistorical influences - today Old field white spruce stands Old field white spruce stands

tend to collapse and die at tend to collapse and die at 50- 60 yrs50- 60 yrs Reasons not fully understoodReasons not fully understood limits harvest/ management limits harvest/ management

optionsoptions creates fire and aesthetics creates fire and aesthetics

problemsproblems

Sucessional stand often Sucessional stand often poor quality speciespoor quality species

Historical influences - todayHistorical influences - today Today, land continues to be Today, land continues to be

abandonedabandoned at greatly reduced levels from at greatly reduced levels from

earlier years.earlier years.

Land clearing has expanded Land clearing has expanded againagain agriculture, blueberries, & agriculture, blueberries, &

cranberries. cranberries.

High softwood harvestHigh softwood harvest Urban, cottage & recreational Urban, cottage & recreational

development.development.

Human influencesHuman influencesHuman influencesHuman influences

People have had the largest People have had the largest impact on today’s Acadian impact on today’s Acadian Forest:Forest: converting forest to other uses, converting forest to other uses,

such assuch as agriculture, blueberriesagriculture, blueberries urbanurban

harvesting forestsharvesting forests hi-gradinghi-grading

abandoning farm land*abandoning farm land* reverts to forest but different reverts to forest but different

from original forestfrom original forest

Forest species changes Forest species changes (P.E.I.)(P.E.I.)

Forest species changes Forest species changes (P.E.I.)(P.E.I.)

Extinct speciesExtinct species Passenger pigeonPassenger pigeon

Extirpated species:Extirpated species: Black bearBlack bear Woodland CaribouWoodland Caribou

Introduced speciesIntroduced species CoyoteCoyote SkunkSkunk

Re-introduced species Re-introduced species BeaverBeaver

Acadian Forest Acadian Forest summarysummary

The Acadian Forest is a dynamic forest The Acadian Forest is a dynamic forest ecosystem.ecosystem.

The Acadian Forest is not a uniform The Acadian Forest is not a uniform system.system. There are many variations within this forest There are many variations within this forest

region (soil, climate, species, etc)region (soil, climate, species, etc)

The ecological and human processes The ecological and human processes are constantly changing the Acadian are constantly changing the Acadian Forest.Forest.

Harvest and management decisions are Harvest and management decisions are often influenced by land use decisions often influenced by land use decisions made hundreds of years ago. made hundreds of years ago.

Questions?Questions?