Modeling spatial interactions among fire, spruce budworm, and logging in the boreal rorest

Patrick M.A. James; M.-J. Fortin; Brian R. R. Sturtevant; A. Fall; D. Kneewhaw

doi:10.1007/s10021-010-9395-5

Treesearch

Modeling spatial interactions among fire, spruce budworm, and logging in the boreal rorest

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Patrick M.A. James, M.-J. Fortin, Brian R. R. Sturtevant, A. Fall, D. Kneewhaw

Year:

2011

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Northern Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10021-010-9395-5

Source:

Ecosystems. 14: 60-75.

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Abstract

In the boreal forest, fire, insects, and logging all affect spatial patterns in forest age and species composition. In turn, spatial legacies in age and composition can facilitate or constrain further disturbances and have important consequences for forest spatial structure and sustainability. However, the complex three-way interactions among fire, insects, and logging and their combined effects on forest spatial structure have seldom been investigated. We used a spatially explicit landscape simulation model to examine these interactions. Specifically, we investigated how the amount and the spatial scale of logging (cutblock size) in combination with succession, fire, and spruce budworm outbreaks affect area burned and area defoliated.

Keywords

dynamic feedbacks, forest management, landscape legacies, forest disturbance, spatial modelling, landscape pattern metrics

Citation

James, Patrick M.A.; Fortin, M.-J.; Sturtevant, B.R.; Fall, A.; Kneewhaw, D. 2011. Modeling spatial interactions among fire, spruce budworm, and logging in the boreal rorest. Ecosystems. 14: 60-75.