Regeneration dynamics of mixed pine forests following surface fires: developing an ecosystem-based forest management strategy for Eastern Canada (PINEFIRE).

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Before the arrival of European settlers, white and red pine forests were common throughout the southern boreal, temperate, and Great Lakes-St. Lawrence forest region. However, the cover and extent across their historic range has significantly declined, primarily due to changes in fire regime (suppression), unsustainable forest management practices, and introduced disease (white pine rust). Through collaboration with academic, governmental, and industry researchers and practitioners, the goal of this research project is to develop a sustainable management strategy for mixed and pure white and red pine forests located at the northern limit of their distribution, by emulating natural disturbance dynamics during commercial forestry practices to recreate similar conditions, thereby maintaining forest composition, structure, biological diversity and essential ecological functions. We will examine how surface fires, forest management, spruce budworm outbreaks, and white pine blister rust affect the regeneration response of white and red pine, and the structure and species composition of stands in forests dominated by these species. We will determine how these dynamics differ among naturally-disturbed, undisturbed, and harvested stands. These forest ecosystems are rich in biodiversity due to their wide range in age and structural diversity, are of significant economic value for timber, and of great cultural and spiritual value for indigenous communities. Our approach aims to restore and increase the distribution of mixed pine forests within their historical range, while supporting sustainable production of high-value timber in Eastern Canada. This knowledge can also be used to establish benchmarks for natural regeneration thresholds as part of various existing and novel management strategies; to develop or refine models of regeneration and succession; and to continue research on the potential effects of climate change on natural disturbance regime, species and ecosystem resilience, and adaptive capacity. The project results will improve the management of Canadian forest resources, contribute to the quantification of the future timber availability, and the development of sustainable forest management strategies in the face of climate change.