Regions: Gwich'in Settlement Area
Tags: biology, climate change, forestry, economic development, boreal forests, treeline
| Principal Investigator: | Johnston-Schuetz, Cheryl (1) |
| Licence Number: | 14182 |
| Organization: | University of Northern British Columbia |
| Licensed Year(s): |
2007
|
| Issued: | Jun 20, 2007 |
| Project Team: | Cheryl Johnston-Schuetz (Primary Investigator, University of Northern British Columbia), Scott Green (Research Supervisor, University Of Northern British Columbia), Emily Muller (Support Staff, University of Northern British Columbia), Kasia Caputa (Support Staff, University of Northern British Columbia) |
Objective(s): To examine the environmental thresholds to the successful establishment of a boreal (high latitude) conifer forest by measuring photosynthetic rates in conifer seedlings. The projectÆs goal is to measure rates of photosynthesis in conifer seedlings under continuous (24 hour) light conditions, examine possible impacts of water stress to conifer growth processes given the potential for continuous photosynthetic activity, and examine the environmental thresholds to the successful establishment of a boreal (high latitude) conifer forest.
Project Description: The objective of this project is to examine the environmental thresholds to the successful establishment of a boreal (high latitude) conifer forest by measuring photosynthetic rates in conifer seedlings. Climate change has the potential to shift southern commercial tree species and treelines northward with implications for existing ecosystems and future economic development. The project’s goal is to measure rates of photosynthesis in conifer seedlings under continuous (24 hour) light conditions, examine possible impacts of water stress to conifer growth processes given the potential for continuous photosynthetic activity, and examine the environmental thresholds to the successful establishment of a boreal (high latitude) conifer forest. The importance and motivation of this study is that climate change has the potential for significant impacts to boreal and arctic environments. If climate change moves the temperature threshold for conifer establishment further north, will there be a light (photosynthetic) threshold to overcome? A north-advancing treeline will impact current tundra ecosystems bringing plant and animal species previously maladapted to arctic environments. The northward expansion of commercial tree species may also have significant economic implications if commercial forestry is pursued. Reasons for type of data collected: it has been shown that the most vulnerable period in the successful establishment of a tree is in the seedling stage. Examining conifer seedling survival strategies will allow the researchers to infer the potential for successful establishment of boreal forests. Methods and activities: Transportation: pickup truck with canopy to transport all team members and equipment. Equipment: portable climate station, soil moisture probe, portable photosynthesis system. Camp equipment includes 4 single person tents, one day-use bug tent, one generator, 2 electric hot plates for cooking. Itinerary: all team members arrive approximately June 25, 2007 and set up base camp next to their research site. Research measurements will be gathered over two 24-hour periods. If weather cooperates the researchers could be done in two days, however they are prepared to spend one week or more waiting for appropriate weather conditions. Anticipate departure by July 13, 2007. Method of data collection: Direct measurement of climate (air temperature, wind speed, precipitation, relative humidity) and soil moisture (metal probe inserted into soil) data from tools. Photosynthesis is measured by placing a portion of a seedling branch (still attached to seedling) in a measurement chamber and taking readings of gas exchange (CO2 and H2O). The branch is then released uninjured. Each seedling will have the same branch targeted for subsequent re-measurements. At the end of the 24 hour measurement period the branch will be harvested for lab work, however the seedlings themselves will remain to grow on-site. Data will be collected every 4 hours over a 24 hour period. One full sun 24 hour period and one overcast 24 hour period is required. Sampling size: approximately 20-30 individuals. Species of interest: white spruce (Picea glauca), black spruce (Picea mariana) and tamarack (Larix laricina). Balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera spp. balsamifera) and aspen (Populus tremuloides) may be included if time permits. Greenhouse-grown lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) and subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) will transported to the site as controls. Copies of the finished report (paper and/or electronic) will be provided as required to individuals and communities in the NWT. Personal communication (phone or face to face meetings) is welcomed if desired. If local communities would like to see what the project is about, the researchers would be pleased to provide educational opportunities to interested parties. Fieldwork will be conducted from June 25 to July 13, 2007 and from August 06 to August 24, 2007, approximately 50 km southwest of Fort McPherson on the Dempster Highway. The researchers will be measuring conifer regeneration immediately adjacent to the highway. Approximate location - Latitude: 67° 10’ 35” Longitude: 135° 46’ 18”. Exact location is dependent on finding suitable conifer regeneration for measurements.
