This is an FGrOW project involving permanent sample plots established between 2007–2015 to examine the ways hardwood (aspen) affect spruce development.
As a result of significant in-flights of mountain pine beetles coming from British Columbia in 2006 and 2009, as well as subsequent local production, there are widely distributed pine dominated stands throughout Alberta that have been significantly affected by MPB-caused mortality.
Protecting understory white spruce during removal of overstory aspen will ensure the utilization and release of advanced spruce growth, which will result in a shortened rotation, reduction of reforestation cost, and eventually an increase of timber production per unit of land.