Regenerating eastern white pine: A cooperative research approach

A 27-ha field study was set up in 1994 within the Petawawa Research Forest near Chalk River, Ontario with input and support from local research scientists, forest managers and forest technicians. The study was designed to examine the effects of partial cutting, site preparation and underplanting in natural eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) stands. A complete randomized block experimental design was followed with four replicates. Three thinning (control, one-crown and two-crown spacing) and four site preparation (control, scarification, brush control using herbicide, and both scarification and brush control using herbicide) treatments were applied. Natural regeneration and planted seedling survival and growth, soil nutrient availability and other environmental factors are being monitored and recorded. Early results have contributed to the development of a new provincial silvicultural guide and a prototype expert decision support system for white pine management. Research activities are evaluated and coordinated with field practices each year through the development of formal collaborative agreements, meetings, joint workshops and field tours. On-site staff is helping to collect field data and provide fire protection. The site has served as a field demonstration area for people interested in white pine ecosystem management. The study is described within the FERN network of sites on the Internet.