Assessing the effects of FireSmart forest management strategies on the habitat for three wildlife species near Whitecourt, Alberta.

摘要

This thesis investigates the effects of the implementation of three forest management strategies, a no harvest strategy, a status quo harvest strategy and a new FireSmart strategy that seeks to reduce the flammability of the forest, on the habitat for Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis), American marten (Martes americana) and the three-toed woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus) using computer modelling techniques. The total area of suitable habitat for each species, the number of patches of suitable habitat as well as a measure of the aggregation of these patches was quantified. Analysis showed that there is a significant difference among the strategies tested. Further research is recommended in order to find the strategy that optimizes wildlife habitat and reduction in flammability of the forest. The new FireSmart strategy as modelled in this study is not a recommended solution.