Development of a new canopy damage assessment and bioacoustic bird diversity characterization methodology for forest management strategies in urban Emerald Ash borer invasions

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BioForest Technologies Inc. developed (with the Canadian Forest Service) and sells a biologically derived systemic injectable insecticide that protects trees from insect invasions or can slow/stop damage in early infestations. BioForest also provides forest management plans for urban centers. Emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive beetle that originated in Asia and was introduced to North America in the last 20-25 years and can kill all 16 native North American ash trees. The diseased trees leave varying size gaps in the canopy or woodlots and can result in the loss of a large number of urban and rural trees. How these changes in forest canopy structure affect bird communities is also not well understood, however, both trees and vibrant avian communities are important for urban health and wellness. The city of Oakville has been particularly hard hit by EAB and has lost nearly 200,000 ash trees. BioForest's forest management program in Oakville has 500 established plots varying in invasion intensity (from 10-100% ash canopy loss). The first goal of this project is to test a new method of canopy damage assessment and compare the results to established protocol. The second goal of this project is to use sound recording techniques to identify bird species diversity and abundance among plots differing in invasion intensity. The development of a new Canopy Damage Assessment protocol and a rapid avian assessment protocol using bioacoustics tools that can be marketed to urban centres and municipalities, will allow Bioforest Technologies to expand their market share as a forest health service provider. To achieve the above goal of providing a new product or service, Bioforest staff will receive indispensable training, provided by interaction with university researchers. Training will include: use of a new protocol for canopy evaluation and forest health assessment, and use of song meters and bird vocalizations to assess avian population health. If the urban population demands that their forests are maintained and improved, as a result of the academic research in Oakville test plots, then Bioforest can sell more services to other urban centres.