Book Description

In response to concerns that intensive logging of Alberta's boreal mixedwood forests may result in a change in forest structure and biota, this report describes forest structure and composition of plant and animal communities in young, mature, and old aspen mixedwood stands of fire origin in Alberta. The information in this report serves as a reference against which structure and biota in harvested forests can be compared. The report begins with a general overview of the flora and fauna of the aspen mixedwood forest, and an examination of the rationale and possible consequences of commercial aspen forestry. Subsequent chapters explore relationships between stand age and microclimate, forest structure and floristics, down woody material, understory vegetation, nonvascular species, birds, and mammals. Chapters addressing featured species cover ungulates, bats, and the flying squirrel. The final chapters discuss relationships between the vertebrate community and forest structure, and provide recommendations for aspen mixedwood forest management in Alberta.