Ecosystem-based FORest management in a Changing Environment (EFORCE)

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Forest ecosystems provide many socioeconomic benefits to Canadians. However, these forests and the services they hold are threatened by uncertain trajectories in response to climate change and forest management.Québec's Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks (MFWP), our main partner organization, is responsible bylaw for the sustainable management of 92% of the 760 000 km2 of total forested area of Québec. By relying on ecosystem-based forest management (EBFM) strategies, MFWP seeks to maintain forest ecosystems' resistance and resilience. In this context, the MFWP research branch has to produce, integrate and transfer newknowledge on forest and wildlife resources in order to help decision makers improve management andconservation practises. However, MFWP's research branch routinely establishes collaborations with academia to achieve all their objectives. This project was co-developed with MFWP researchers in order to find innovative answers to prevailing needs, reduce uncertainty and support decision making. Our researchquestions are divided into 4 themes. The first one concentrates on assessing impact of climate change on eco-evolutionary dynamics of tree species and forest productivity. The second theme addresses wildlife management, as some species such as moose have benefited from the new environmental conditions that have resulted from intense timber harvesting while others like caribou have declined. The third theme is oriented towards plantation silviculture and management, by developing innovative thinning methods and assessing the vulnerability of young plantations to spruce budworm outbreak. The last theme aims to develop modelling tools to support forest management decisions. Efficient transfer to decision makers is ensured through direct involvement of MFWP researchers and practitioners.