EMEND: Empowering sustainable forest management in the western boreal forest through evidence-based research and collaboration.
The Ecosystem-based Management Emulating Natural Disturbance (EMEND) Project is one of the world’s largest variable retention harvesting experiments. Since it began in 1998, EMEND has been dedicated to testing the ecological role of retaining forest legacies (e.g., live and dead trees, understory vegetation, etc.) at harvest. The project’s goal is to determine the best forest harvest and regenerative methods that maintain biodiversity, forest structure and overall ecosystem integrity at the stand level. Through collaboration with research agencies, governments and forest companies in Alberta, EMEND is leading the way in sustainable forest management.
What We’ve Learned So Far…
Biodiversity
EMEND research examines the significance of variable retention harvesting in supporting and promoting biodiversity within forest ecosystems. The responses of a diverse range of species including plants, invertebrates, mammals, birds and more have revealed that retention provides important biodiversity benefits. Rather than identifying a one-size-fits-all approach, researchers have found that a range of retention approaches provides a range of benefits. Retention harvesting effects vary between deciduous and coniferous forests, with different retention levels supporting distinct species.
Carbon Dynamics
EMEND researchers have delved deep into understanding how factors like harvesting intensity, forest cover type and site wetness influence carbon stocks over time. Higher retention levels, particularly in deciduous forests, lead to significantly larger carbon stocks as stored in residual trees. Research at EMEND also explores the impact of site wetness on carbon storage, leading to practical implications for forest managers to optimize carbon conservation strategies through intentional retention placement.
Silvicultural Strategies
EMEND research highlights the nuanced impacts of retention levels, forest cover types and site preparation methods on the regeneration and growth of tree species, particularly for white spruce and aspen. Findings reveal that retention levels influence species regeneration and productivity differently across forest cover types. Effective site preparation techniques emerge as a key factor in enhancing seedling growth. Management insights highlight the importance of tailored approaches based on site conditions and objectives.
Soil Management
EMEND researchers have studied the relationship between forest management practices including the effects of forest cover type, retention level and forest floor disturbances on soil properties and nutrient dynamics. Forest cover type emerged as a critical factor that shapes soil properties. The research emphasizes the value of maintaining stand type diversity within the boreal mixedwood to benefit soil health. Implications of forest floor disturbances including various mechanical site preparation methods, harvesting and prescribed burning on nutrient availability and vegetation response are also explored at EMEND.
