Book review by David Coon, Conservation Council of NB
as
appeared in EcoAert, Spring 2009
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Restoring the Acadian Forest is a comprehensive guide to forest stewardship for woodlot owners in the Maritimes. Jamie Simpson, a forester and woodlot owner, provides a detailed description of the Acadian forest region and composition, discusses the threats to its persistence, and makes descriptive recommendations for careful rehabilitation of this forest type across the Maritime Provinces.
Simpson describes patterns of forest disturbances and succession, the importance of old forest habitats, and |
the respective roles of the riparian ecosystem, soil nutrients, deadwood and cavities, and woodlot genetic diversity. Simpson also provides a detailed chapter on practical management – making a woodlot plan, harvesting and thinning trees, planting trees and shrubs, and providing habitat. Silviculture funding, woodlot certification and land trusts are also discussed. The book contains case studies of woodlot owners in the three Maritime provinces to provide the reader with a variety of perspectives and examples to follow. The book also contains a chapter on the native tress of the Acadian forest, to help woodlot owners identify what they have and what species will grow under different environmental conditions.
Simpson is clearly a conscientious and concerned woodlot owner, and has provided a thorough resource for others that are like-minded. Woodlot owners who are interested in rehabilitating their woodlot to a more diverse and resistant Acadian forest will find this book indispensable.
The book is available from www.restelluris.ca, or at bookstores. |
