Subventions et des contributions :

Subvention ou bourse octroyée s'appliquant à plus d'un exercice financier (2017-2018 à 2018-2019).

Yellow-cedar decline is among the most serious examples of forest dieback driven by global climate change.x000D
As yellow-cedar is of tremendous cultural importance, an integral part of temperate rainforest ecosystems, andx000D
commercially valuable, understanding what is causing tree decline and death is essential for effectivex000D
conservation and management of surviving forests. In 2014, the decline expanded to Haida Gwaii, posing ax000D
significant challenge to Taan Forest Ltd., a Haida owned company that sustainably manages 193,000 ha ofx000D
rainforests. Taan Forest is deeply concerned about the observed decline and the potential implications for theirx000D
managed yellow-cedar forests.x000D
This NSERC Engage Plus proposal expands the new collaboration initiated between Taan Forest and Dr. Lorix000D
Daniels at UBC. In 2016, we developed and tested a new protocol for analysis and monitoring of yellow-cedarx000D
decline near bogs. While the growth of live healthy trees increased since c.1980, tree-ring analyses showedx000D
reduced growth of declining yellow-cedars before death. This tree-ring "signature" appears to be an earlyx000D
warning of decline in susceptible yellow-cedar. In 2017, we will sample forests at five sites suitable for timberx000D
management and use the tree-ring "signature" to determine if productive yellow-cedar forests are also showingx000D
early signs of decline on Haida Gwaii. We will work with Taan Forest to incorporate our findings in their bestx000D
management practices to ensure sustainable management of yellow-cedar. Our findings will be shared inx000D
presentations, a workshop, a written report, and a summer field tour, all to be held on Haida Gwaii.