Status Report to the Forestry Research Partnership s1

Status Report to the Forestry Research Partnership

Project Title: Phelps Township red oak silvicultural studies FRP Project No. 130-506 (6356 00)

Project Leader: Andree Morneault Project Facilitator: Al Stinson Project Partners:  Dave Deugo, Dianne Othmer, Megan Smith, Fred Pinto, Scott Reid, and Murray Woods Southern Science and Information, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources  Tom MacLean and Ian Kovacs, Nipissing Forest Resource Management Inc.  Ian Aho, Bill Parker, and Tom Noland, Ontario Forest Research Institute  Rob Baker, Marinus Verwey, and Guylaine Thauvette, North Bay District, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources  Don Willis, Jiffy Products (NB) Ltd. & Preforma  Peter Nosko , Nipissing University  Jeff Dech Forestry Research Partnership/Nipissing University  Paul Courville Forestry Research Partnership/Canadian Ecology Centre

Project Start Date: April 1, 2005 Project Reporting Period: April 1, 2007 to March 31st 2008 Report Date: March 31st 2008

1. Project Background, Description and Activities: The red oak industry in Ontario appears to be declining. However red oak remains one of the most valuable tree species in Ontario. It is the fastest growing tree species in the Great Lakes St. Lawrence forest with mean annual increments (MAI) of 2.79 m3/ha/yr possible compared to 1.41m3/ha/yr for sugar maple. Red oak also has desirable wood properties that make it suitable for many product types from pulp to high value added products. Although the price of red oak products is lower now than it has been in the past, red oak pulp is still worth $48/m3, sawlogs are worth $60/m3, and veneer is worth $200/m3 compared to SPF at $55/m3. Finally, there is a critical ecological requirement to regenerate red oak on the landscape as identified in FMP and forest certification objectives. With these productivity advantages and ecological requirements, red oak will remain a key part of any enhanced forest management strategy at the landscape level in the GLSL. In July of 2004, a large stand of red oak was harvested in Phelps Township, North Bay District, using the uniform shelterwood system. Most of the stand was harvested to retain 40% crown

closure, while a very small portion was harvested to retain 70% crown closure. During tree marking, an active Goshawk nest was identified and the appropriate Area of Concern (AOC) prescription was applied. Within the modified cut portion of the AOC, the group selection silvicultural system was used with two different size group openings: the traditional 0.1 ha with a diameter of 36 m (1.5 x stand height), and a smaller opening (0.05 ha) with a diameter equal to 24 m (stand height). There was a bumper red oak seed year in fall 2004 and acorns were collected. The stand is growing on deep loamy-sands and best described as having a “dry” moisture regime classification. A number of operational studies initiated by Nipissing Forest Resource Inc. in cooperation with the Southern Science and Information Section were established within this harvested red oak stand. Plots were laid out in fall 2004. This project provides a unique opportunity to compare the inputs (costs) required to establish red oak using 3 different overstory treatments (group openings, 70% residual overstory and 40% residual overstory), 4 regeneration treatments (natural regeneration, sowing acorns, and planting container stock at two different densities), and 4 tending treatments (none, brush saw, herbicides, and prescribed fire). It also provides data on the early growth rates that can be expected from the different red oak regeneration treatments under the different overstory and understory treatments. The operational nature of this study allows the direct transfer of the knowledge gained to silvicultural ground rules, yield response, and post harvest succession rules. This study will also provide much needed data to support the development of early managed stand growth and yield curves for red oak managed under the group selection and shelterwood system in Ontario. List of studies and objectives (project leaders): 1. Acorn sowing (Deugo): a) Effect of frozen storage on acorn germination and early growth of red oak seedlings b) Effect of silvicultural system (group selection vs. uniform shelterwood) on survival, early growth, and condition of red oak seedlings originating from acorns 2. Planting stock size and fertilizer at time of planting study (Smith and Willis): Effect of two concentrations of fertilizer on the survival and early growth of large and small red oak planting stock. 3. Group Selection (Morneault): Effect of size of opening and location within opening on: a) survival, growth, and condition of planted red oak seedlings, and b) stocking, density, and condition of natural regeneration of red oak and other tree species. 4. Planting - spacing and pattern (Deugo): Effect of planting spacing and pattern on: a) survival, early growth, and condition of planted red oak, and b) stocking and density of red oak regeneration, b) cost of tending.

5. Uniform shelterwood (Morneault): Effect of 2 intensities of shelterwood cutting (40% and 70% crown closure) on: a) survival, early growth and condition of planted red oak, b) percent cover and height of competing vegetation c) stocking, density and condition of natural red oak regeneration.

6. Tending (Morneault and NFRM) a) Effect of tending technique (mechanical, chemical, prescribed fire, or untreated control) on the control of competing vegetation and growth response of red oak. b) Effect of overstory crown closure on the number of treatments required to maintain red oak seedlings in a co-dominant position with vegetation within a 1 m radius around its crown.

7. Regeneration ecology (Dech and Nosko) Jeff Dech and Peter Nosko have initiated a group of projects studying the regeneration ecology of red oak (e.g. coppice dynamics, acorn predation, nutrient dynamics, competition effects, etc.). Funding for the projects has been provided through an Industrial Research and Development Fellowship from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and a research grant from the Forestry Futures Trust Enhanced Forest Productivity Science Fund. Current projects for the 2006-07 fiscal year are outlined in the status report for Project No. 130-401 Regeneration of Red Oak in Ontario Forests (NSERC-PDF)

8. Other  Soil pits will be dug near each plot to assess soil type, soil texture, and moisture regime (Morneault)  Weather stations (Hobos) were established in group openings, 70% shelterwood and 40% shelterwood areas to quantify and monitor the effect of the overstory treatments on air and soil temperature and soil moisture (Pinto)  Methods for estimating crown closure will be compared: Fisheye lens photography (Parker), Lidar and large scale photography (Woods), densiometer (Morneault), ocular estimates (Reid), and digital photography using a regular digital camera (Morneault).  Light measurements will be taken under each overstory treatment and around a sample of seedlings in each treatment (Parker and Morneault)  A photo series will be established to capture changes over time in each plot (Morneault)  Soil compaction measurements were taken in the control area, and in along the acorn lines in the group opening and shelterwood sites Woods and Smith)

1 Project Results vs. Objectives: The results so far have met the objectives of the proposal; the project is on schedule.

2006/2007 Deliverable Planned date Actual date Study 1. Acorn sowing (Deugo) Measure all sown acorns for presence Periodically throughout growing season June 14-28 and Oct 16-26, 2006 (%germination), height, diameter, and condition Competition control (manual) around all As needed. Final Oct 2006 sowing spots Sow acorns in fall 2006 Fall 2006 Nov 2, 2006 Update map using GPS Fall 2006 Nov 2, 2006 Enter data into database Jan 26, 2007 Analyze data and report on results March 2007 Study 2. Planting stock size and fertilizer at time of planting (Smith and Willis) Competition control (manual) around all As needed Final Oct 2006 planted trees. Measure height, diameter and condition Fall 2006 Sept 5-6, 2006 Enter data into database Nov 15, 2006 Analyze data and report on results 1st Draft - Dec 14, 2006 Final – March 2007 Studies 3. Group selection; 4. Planting pattern; 5. Uniform shelterwood; and 6. Tending. Measure trees and competition index on all June 2006 June 15-21, 2006 brush saw plots before treatment. Re-flagged boundaries for Brush Saw plots June 29-30, 2006 Brush saw treatment July 2006 July 6, 2006 Measure trees and competition index in all October 2006 Sept 5-Sept 21, 2006 plots Assess stocking of red oak and species and August 2006 Sept 21, 2006 (Nip U. Student, 4th year cover of competing vegetation thesis) Enter data into database Jan 8-19, 2007 Analyze data and report on results March 2007 Study 7. Regeneration ecology (Dech and Refer to status report for Project No. 130-401 Regeneration of Red Oak In Ontario Forests Nosko) (NSERC-PDF) Provide training to university students, assist As needed Plant ID Course – June 5-6, 2006 them in establishing their studies Tree measurement – June 15, 2006 Other Densiometer readings, ocular crown closure August 2006 August 25, 2006 measurements, light readings and photos for photo-series Soil compaction readings Spring 2006 July 2006 Cut slash and brush around plots for better May-June 2006 by MNR fire staff access Re-flagged trees Sept 2006 Set up weather stations May 15, 2006 Site used for Science and Information June 2006 June 5-6, 2006 Section plant identification and soils course

Field tours As needed May 17, 2006 – IUFRO Uneven-Aged Silviculture Research Group Tour (30 people) June 29, 2006 – FRP executive tour (10 people) Aug 10, 2006 – FRP Teacher’s tour (English – 40 teachers) Aug 16, 2006 – FRP Teacher’s tour (French – 40 teachers) Sept 7, 2006 – Lakehead University tour (25 students) Sept 18, 2006 - Tree-marking refresher (40 people) Sept 29, 2006 – Forest Ecosystem Science Co-op’s G&Y Business Meeting (20 people) Oct. 17, 2006 – Canadore College Environmental Protection Technician Group (80 People – need to check numbers on this). Prepare fact sheet to put in box below sign. May 2006 May 2006 Prepare poster, fact sheets, and presentation May 2006 Attended conference Sept 25-28, 2006 for IUFRO red oak conference in US. Prepare data summaries for red oak meetings Jan 24, 2007 – Pembroke Feb 7, 2007 - Bancroft Prepare presentation for Nipissing University March 2007 red oak conference. 2007/2008 Deliverable Planned date Actual date Study 1. Acorn sowing Measure all sown acorns for presence (% Periodically throughout growing season Final measurement Oct 16, 2007 germination), height, diameter, and condition Competition control (manual) around all As needed. July 16-20, 2007 sowing spots Sow acorns in fall (acorn seed year – fall Oct 17, 2007 2007) Study 2. Planting stock size and fertilizer at time of planting Competition control (manual) around all As needed July 16-20, 2008 (manual) planted trees. Aug 20-21, 2008 (chemical) Measure height, diameter and condition Fall 2007 Postponed to spring 2008 Studies 3. Group selection; 4. Planting pattern; 5. Uniform shelterwood; and 6. Tending. Touch up herbicide and brush saw July 2007 Not required treatments. Assess stocking of red oak and species and Aug-Sept 2007 July 5-August 1, 2007 cover of competing vegetation

Measure trees and competition index on all Sept 2007 August 27-Sept 21, 2007 plots Cut slash and brush around plots to improve Summer 2007 Summer 2007 visibility and access Pre-engineer (brush boundaries) for Oct-Nov 2007

prescribed burn plots Prepare prescribed burn plots – flag and tag Oct 2007 Flag July 2007 Tag – postponed to spring 2008 Prepare prescribed burn plan Winter 2007-2008 Winter 2007-2008 Study 7. Regeneration ecology (Dech and Nosko) Provide training to university students, assist As needed Done them in establishing their studies Other Complete ocular crown closure August 2007 Postponed to Summer 2008 measurements and take photos for photo- series Field tours As needed  June 18, 2007 – ADM tour

 August 9, 2007 – FRP-CEC English teacher’s tour

 August 16, 2007 – FRP-CEC French teacher’s tour  Sept 6, 2007 – Sir Sanford Fleming field camp  Sept. 10, 2007 - Lakehead University Forestry Field Camp  Sept 13, 2007 – Regional Director tour  Oct 10, 2007 – Canadore College Resource Management Program field camp

 Oct 16, 2007 – Nipissing LCC tour  Nov 16, 2007 - WWF Russian Tour Update fact sheet to put in box below sign. May 2007 May 2007 Prepare poster, fact sheets, and presentation May 2007 Presented overview at the FRP’s GLSL for conference. Forest Science Seminars: Feb 25-26 in Mattawa and March 6-7 in Sault Ste. Marie

2 Financial Report: Financial Report: 2007/2008 Planned and Actual Partner Expenditures (130-506) - See attached Excel spreadsheets for details.

Expenditu Tembec MNR Total FRP Only res Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual C I C I C I C I C I C I n a n a n a n a n a n - s - s - s - s - s - k h k h k h k h k h k i i i i i i n n n n n n d d d d d d Salaries Travel Equipmen t Supplies Support Services Other Total

Expenditu FRP Partners Nipissing Forest Resource Total All res Management, Inc. Plann Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual Combine ed d C I C I C I C I C I C I P A n a n a n a n a n a n l - s - s - s - s - s - a k h k h k h k h k h k n i i i i i i n n n n n n n e d d d d d d d Salaries Travel Equipmen t Supplies Support Services Other Sub Total Holdback Total

4. Next Year’s Work Plan (2008/2009):

Expendit 2007/ Tembec MNR Nipissing ures 2008 Forest Resource Mgmt. C I C I C I a n a n n s - s - - h k h k k i i i n n n d d d Salaries 53.0 1 6 4 1 . . 5 . 0 0 . 0 0 Travel Equipme nt Supplies Support Services Other Sub total 53.0 1 6 4 1 . . 5 . 0 0 . 0 0 Holdback

Note: Cost of prescribed burn is expected to be 16.0, with 10.0 MNR in-kind and 6.0 MNR cash.

2008/2009 Deliverable Planned date Actual date Study 1. Acorn sowing Measure all sown acorns for Periodically throughout presence (% germination), growing season height, diameter, and condition Competition control around As needed. all sowing spots Study 2. Planting stock size and fertilizer at time of planting Competition control around As needed all planted trees. Measure height, diameter and Spring 2008 condition Studies 3. Group selection; 4. Planting pattern; 5. Uniform shelterwood; and 6. Tending. Touch up herbicide and brush July 2008 saw treatments. Assess stocking of red oak Aug-Sept 2008 (if prescribed and species and cover of burn treatment happens, if not competing vegetation postpone to 2009) Measure trees and Sept 2008 (if prescribed burn competition index on all plots happens, if not postpone to 2009) Prepare prescribed burn plots April 2008 – flag and tag Implement prescribed burn Mid-April to mid May, 2008 treatment Study 7. Regeneration ecology (Dech and Nosko) Provide training to university As needed students, assist them in establishing their studies Other Complete ocular crown Summer 2008 closure measurements and

take photos for photo-series Field tours May 15, 2008 – Sustainable management of hardwoods field tour. July 31, 2008 – CEC English Teacher’s Tour August 7, 2008 – CEC French teachers tour Others as needed

Update fact sheet to put in May 2008 box below sign. Prepare poster, fact sheets, As needed and presentation for conference.

5. Information and Publications: Project databases:  We have started to design an Access database to store all data from the project – status: ongoing.  Excel spreadsheets are currently used to store data. Most data is collected electronically and downloaded onto computer. Paper tally sheets are sometimes used. All data has been entered (when collected on paper tally), checked and backed up. Analysis of third year data is ongoing and fact sheets will begin to be produced in summer 2008. Technology transfer – Field tours:  June 18, 2007 – ADM tour  August 9, 2007 – FRP-CEC English teacher’s tour  August 16, 2007 – FRP-CEC French teacher’s tour  Sept 6, 2007 – Sir Sanford Fleming field camp  Sept. 10, 2007 - Lakehead University Forestry Field Camp  Sept 13, 2007 – Regional Director tour  Oct 10, 2007 – Canadore College Resource Management Program field camp  Oct 16, 2007 – Nipissing LCC tour  Nov 16, 2007 - WWF Russian Tour

Technology transfer – conferences and workshops:  “Red oak studies in Phelps Township”, Andree Morneault, FRP’s GLSL Forest Science Seminars: Feb 25-26, 2008 in Mattawa and March 6-7, 2008 in Sault Ste. Marie  Establishment report and maps have been prepared for project partners and technology transfer activities. These will be updated annually. Change in practices resulting from technology transfer:  Field tour of study site stimulated Ottawa Valley Forest to implement acorn sowing as a regeneration method. They sowed a 20 ha area in spring 2007, which ended up in a complete failure because of acorn predation and poor acorn quality, but they re-sowed using fresh acorns in the fall of a good seed-year (fall 2007) to compare sowing to the use of container stock for red oak regeneration.  Field tour of study site stimulated Nipissing Forest Resource Management Inc. to implement acorn sowing as a regeneration method before cutting. They sowed acorns in Restoule in spring 2007 which ended up as a complete failure because of acorn predation by squirrels and chipmunks.  Field tour to study site stimulated Bancroft/Minden Forest to implement acorn sowing as a regeneration method. They are planning to sow a 20 ha area in spring 2008 and are interested in participating in a predation deterrent study to test different products on deterring characteristics. 6. Project Synopsis: Study 1. Acorn sowing (Deugo, Morneault, Smith, and Woods) Acorns were collected during and after the operational harvest in Phelps Township in a bumper seed year in October 2004. Some were sown immediately (October 6, 2004) and others were stored in frozen storage at the Angus Seed Plant. One group were removed from frozen storage and sown in spring 2005 (May 19, 2005), another was sown in fall 2005 (Oct 28, 2005) after a full year in frozen storage, another in fall 2006 (Nov 2, 2006) after 2 years in frozen storage, spring 2007 (May 6, 2007) after 2.5 years in frozen storage, and finally fresh acorns from the fall 2007 acorn crop were sown on Oct 17, 2007. Acorn germination as monitored several times over the summer and the resulting seedlings were measured for height, diameter and condition at the end of the growing season. Germination rates were highest for freshly sown acorns (average 78%) and dropped rapidly after that (from an average of 78% to 39% to 25% to 1%) especially in the group openings (70% to 27% to 6% to 2%). The germination rate did not seem to be a result of the frozen storage itself; germination rates reported by the seed plant and by Tom Noland were still around 80% with 2 years of frozen storage. The low germination rates appeared to be related to acorn predation based on observation (depressions and holes where acorns were planted). Predation rates increased as time since acorn crop increased and may be related to several factors that should be explored: lack of alternative food, high acorn predator populations following the 2004 acorn crop, etc. Also, the increase in predation in the group opening compared to the shelterwood site might be because of better escape cover in the group opening. Squirrels and chipmunks have ready access to cover when harvesting sown acorns and are less exposed to predators.

Seedlings produced from acorns sown in fall 2004 were of similar size and diameter as the red oak planting stock produced in the greenhouse and planted in spring 2005.

Study 2. Planting stock size and fertilizer at time of planting study (Smith, Willis): Red oak planting stock (14 week jiffy pots) was produced by Webb’s nursery for the Phelps Township silvicultural study site. The main objective of this study is to determine if there is a difference between the large (two leaf whorls) and small seedlings (one leaf whorl), and if fertilizer concentration has an effect on the survival and early growth red oak planting stock. The seedlings were presorted to the two size classes at the greenhouse. The fertilizer used was a 20-8-20 Plant Products High Nitrate Forestry Seedling Special. Two fertilizer rates were tested:  Light Fertilizer Rate – 4 mg Nitrogen/seedling or 20 mg Total Fertilizer/seedling.  Heavy Fertilizer Rate – 10.5 mg Nitrogen/seedling or 52.5 mg Total Fertilizer/seedling. The tacking agent used was called CAST (calcium activated seed tacker) Powder, which is an effervescent formulation of a natural biopolymer that forms a firm gel upon contract with calcium ions. This agent was mixed with the fertilizer in order to hold or ‘tack’ the fertilizer onto the red oak jiffy containers and root system. Each treatment was applied to 25 seedlings and replicated four times. The treatments were as follows:  Large seedlings -no fertilizer -light fertilizer -heavy fertilizer  Small seedlings -no fertilizer -light fertilizer -heavy fertilizer Seedlings were planted on June 6th, 2005; immediately before planting they were briefly soaked in their respective fertilizer concentrations so that the entire jiffy pot was covered in the solution. Seedlings were planted in lines along skid trails (3 lines side by side) in the uniform shelterwood area which was harvested to 30-40 crown closure. Initial measurements, including height, basal diameter, crown diameter and overall health were taken on June 8th and 9th, 2005. Subsequent growth and survival measurements have been performed each fall. The results indicate that, after two growing seasons, there are no significant differences in height, basal diameter, crown diameter or mortality among seedlings that were classed as ‘large’ or ‘small’ at the time of planting. Therefore, it appears that as long as the red oak seedlings coming from the greenhouse are healthy (all seedlings were initially classed as healthy) at the time of planting, it might not matter what size they are when they are planted. There also does not seem to be any advantage to fertilizing at the time of planting. There were no differences in seedling height, basal diameter, crown diameter or mortality either after one or two growing seasons. This is the period when the seedlings should have responded to the fertilizer treatment. However, we may not been able to see significant growth and mortality

differences because seedlings were nutrient loaded at the nursery before shipping and the seedlings may have been unable to take advantage of the additional fertilizer applied at the time of planting. 4. Planting - spacing and pattern (Morneault and Deugo) The objective of this study was to examine and compare the effect of planting 1 seedling at a 3 x 3 m spacing, planting a cluster of 3 seedlings at a 10 x 10 m spacing, and no planting (natural regeneration option) on: a) survival, early growth, and condition of planted red oak, b) stocking and density of red oak regeneration, b) operational aspects and cost of tending. Red oak seedlings in the Nipissing Forest are normally planted at 3 x 3 m spacing. These red oak seedlings are expensive to produce (approximately $450/1000) and tending costs can be high if all seedlings (1100 trees/ha) are released. One alternative is to describe the desired future stand condition, and to only establish and tend the number of future trees that are desired, keeping in mind that seedling mortality can be high in the initial 5 years of establishment. On this site, we are aiming for a minimum 30% stocking to red oak (to minimize future pest problems), therefore approximately 100 oak stems per ha at maturity. We estimated that only 30% of seedlings that are planted will eventually become crop trees, so we established 3 trees at each planting spot (in a triangular formation, each planted seedling roughly 30 cm apart) in a 10 m x 10 m grid across the site. So, instead of 1100 spots, only 100 spots per ha need to be tended and maintained.

Nine 1 ha plots were established in the shelterwood area (40% crown closure): 3 were planted at the traditional 3 x 3 m spacing, 3 were planted using 3 seedlings in a cluster at a 10 x 10 m spacing, and 3 were left for natural regeneration. Planting stock were 14 week old red oak seedlings in jiffy pots. Stocking plots (2m x 2m) were established in each 1 ha plot and will be used to assess the stocking, density, and height of red oak regeneration and other tree species. The plots will also be used to assess the cover and height of competing vegetation. A total of 100 clusters or seedlings were pinned in each of the planted plots and will be used to calculate survival.

Each 1 hectare plot was divided into four 50m by 50m treatment plots which were systematically assigned one tending treatment: brush saw, herbicide, prescribed fire, and untreated control. The herbicide tending was done using backpack sprayers on Sept 15, 2005 by Nipissing Forest Resource Management Inc. Contractors (Heritage Reforestation) carried stovepipes, which they inserted over the red oak seedlings to protect them from the spray. This was a new treatment for them as they had never sprayed around hardwoods before. Therefore they spent approximately 2 hours perfecting the technique in an operational planting area prior to moving into the study plots. Each contractor was supervised by a MNR partner during the spray treatment to ensure proper application. They then sprayed within a 1 m radius around each seedling using a 2% solution of Vision. When they treated clusters, they protected each seedling and sprayed within a 1 m radius around the cluster of seedlings. They avoided spraying the area inside the cluster of seedlings if they felt that they were unable to do so

without damaging the seedlings. When they sprayed within the natural regeneration plots, a spotter was sent ahead of time to flag out areas with natural regeneration. The brush saw treatment was done on July 5-6, 2006 by Nipissing Forest Resource Management Inc. Contractors (Andy Montreuil – do we have the name of his company?) cut all stems within a 1 m radius around red oak seedlings at a height of approximately 50 cm. In plots that were planted at 2 x 2 m spacing, the contractors were instructed to perform a broadcast treatment and to cut all non-oak stems. In plots that were not planted, each contractor was teamed up with a spotter who would flag out areas with natural regeneration. Again, each contractor was supervised by an MNR partner during the brushing operation. Planting pattern and spacing had an effect on the cost of tending treatments (Table 1).

Table 1. Time, people, and, in the case of herbicides, amount of solution required to treat 0.25 ha under three regeneration scenarios.

Brush Saw Herbicide Treatment Individual seedlings, 2 x 2 m 0.25 ha, 1.5 hours, 2 contractors 0.25 ha, 2 hours, 1 contractor, 20 spacing liters (2 tanks) of spray solution Cluster of 3 seedlings, 10 x 10 m 0.25 ha, 45 min, 1 contractor, 1 0.25 ha, 1 hour, 1 contractor, 1 spacing spotter spotter, 10 liters (1 tank) spray solution Natural regeneration 0.25 ha, 45 min, 1 contractor, 1 0.25 ha, 1 hour, 1 contractor, 1 spotter spotter, 10 liters (1 tank) spray solution A spotter is required in the cluster planting and the natural regeneration areas because red oak seedlings are not easy to see during the optimum treatment time (summer), and treated areas are not easily seen either. This treatment was done approximately 1 growing season after harvesting and planting, and the competing vegetation was already tall enough (e.g. poplar suckers and pin cherry 1.5 to 2 m in height, raspberries 1 m in height) to prevent the ability of contractors to see the small planted seedlings. In areas that were planted at 2 x 2 m spacing, seedling were numerous enough and planted in close enough proximity that they were more easily spotted and avoided by the contractors themselves. However, more stems needed to be treated, which extended the time required to treat the block.

Table 2. Damage to planted red oak seedlings following two tending treatments.

Brush Saw Herbicide Treatment Individual seedlings, 2 x 2 m N=262 N=286 spacing 8 trees cut 1 tree dead 3.0 % affected 7 trees moribund 21 trees weakened 29 trees or 10.1% affected

Cluster of 3 seedlings, 10 x 10 m N=450 N=450 spacing 6 trees cut 1 tree dead 1.3 % affected 2 trees moribund 18 trees weakened 21 trees or 4.7% affected

The prescribed burn treatment is planned for spring 2008, completing all tending treatments. Current analysis is focused on assessing the need for another brush saw or herbicide tending treatment in the 70% and 40% crown closure shelterwood areas.