24TDR908 - Regional Yield Curves

This project includes the organization of ground sampled temporary sample plot (TSP) and permanent sample plot (PSP) datasets spanning the Province into a standardized database and the creation of regional yield estimates for both the Boreal and Foothills Natural Regions in Alberta.

Alberta supports a policy of sustainable forest management which is designed to provide ecological, economic and social opportunities for the benefit of present and future Albertans. Continuous monitoring of forest growth and yield is essential for effective stewardship of Alberta's forests considering climate change, shifts in species and age composition, and wide scale forest disturbances.

The project requires that a standardized database be compiled from available industry and crown ground plot data in various formats collected for recent forest management plans (FMPs). These datasets will be supplied by FSTB (permission has been sought from industry). The project will then compile regional yield estimates from this standardized database. Yield estimates will be stratified by the provincial base ten strata for two density classes (based on crown closure) and two natural regions: Foothills and Boreal. Variation on stratification may be considered during yield estimation to ensure best outcomes. This will provide a full set of regional yield predictions for all forest types in natural stands across Alberta. These yield estimates will have significant value both to industry and to Alberta to backstop yield estimation for smaller strata, and for broad scale regional analysis and statistical reporting.