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Module 1.2

Describe current and past tree and stand conditions and the processes that led to them and articulate possible future conditions

Overall objectives of Module 1.2 are to enhance student’s knowledge and comprehension of forest stand dynamics, which requires an understanding of tree-level functional biology and attributes that influence stand structure and development. Participants will learn how tree species composition and tree size and age distributions provide evidence as to stand origin and disturbance history, as well as means to predict future stand conditions.

Key topics include: the influences of water, light, and other biotic and abiotic factors on tree form and function; dendrology and its applications; conceptual models of stand dynamics and succession; and gap dynamics. Selection silviculture is introduced to demonstrate the integration of related knowledge requirements in practice.

Module Objectives

  • Measure tree-level attributes;
  • Determine tree quality;
  • Explain the resource potential of trees;
  • Explain processes that influence tree health and vigour;
  • Measure stand-level attributes;
  • Determine stand origin;
  • Recognize the range of values found in a stand;
  • Define succession and stand dynamics;
  • Describe and analyze the agents driving stand dynamics; and
  • For a range of different stands, be able to describe the dynamics that have led to the current stand structure and be able to predict future stand structures

Module Schedule

This course involves a combination of recorded lectures, readings, assignments and participation in semi-synchronous online discussion forums and synchronous tutorials with instructors and other participants over an 8-week period.

See course content below to get started!

Course Content

Getting Started

  • Getting Started

    Welcome to Module 1.2

Week 1

  • Introductory Core Lectures

    Two Introductory core lectures using knowledge elements 1.2.1-1.2.4 (tree-level aspects) and 1.2.5 - 1.2.10 (stand-level aspects ) as the organizational framework to introduce key concepts and related content.

  • Core Lecture 1: Water and other abiotic factors

    Conifer vs. hardwood water transport, flood tolerance, wind, temperature, shade, drought tolerance, and other factors that influence the form and functional biology of trees, stands, and forests.

  • Core Lecture 2: Dendrochronology

    Tree ring measurements and related applications including tree growth dynamics, disturbance history, tree demography, cross dating, growth patterns, calculating basal area increments, climate-BAI correlations

  • Supplementary Lecture (not mandatory)

    Basic biophysics of light and photosynthesis, gap dynamics,  early vs. late successional trees [seed types, tree architecture], shade tolerance classes, tree size and successional status relationships

  • Readings

    Chapter 2 - Forest stand structure, composition and function; Chapter 3 - Disturbance, recovery and stability

Week 2

  • Core Lecture 3: Stand dynamics

    4-stage model of stand development, drivers of change in stand structure, old growth concepts and associated definitions, old growth characteristics,  gap-phase dynamics

  • Core Lecture 4: Selection silviculture

    Target stand basal area, theoretical growth patterns, negative exponential distribution and Q-factors, theoretical arguments for exponential distribution, Relascopes (prisms)and point sampling, overview of stand analysis tally sheets for point sampling BA by species, size category, and quality [AGS &UGS].

  • Supplementary Lectures (not mandatory)

    Urban tree risk assessment and conservation arboriculture Tree valuation and benefits of urban forest management

  • Readings

    Disturbances and structural development of natural forest ecosystems with silvicultural implications, using Douglas-fir forests as an example

  • Discussion Forum 1.2a

    The climax concept and forest ecosystems

Week 3

  • Online Tutorial

    The online tutorial will give students the opportunity to connect with their instructors and peers to discuss content to-date, answer questions and foster conversations surrounding course materials, and discuss upcoming assignments.

  • Assignment #1

    Define and discuss one biotic and one abiotic process that may affect tree health and vigour

Week 4

  • Discussion Forum 1.2b

    Shade tolerance – is it really that simple?

Week 5

  • Submission: Assignment #1

    Please submit Assignment #1

  • Assignment #2

    Describe in detail a common successional pathway following a severe fire in a mature and fully stocked Jack pine dominated stand in northwestern Ontario.

Week 6

  • Proposal Submission: Assignment #2

    Submit your proposal for Assignment #2

Week 7

  • Online Tutorial

    The online tutorial will give students the opportunity to connect with their instructors and peers to discuss content to-date, answer questions and foster conversations surrounding course materials, and discuss upcoming assignments.

Week 8

  • Submission: Assignment #2