A silvicultural and economic comparison of clearcutting and partial cutting studies in northeastern North America [Caitlyn Chappell and Jamie Simpson]

This report compiles and summarizes the available literature on the silvicultural and economic outcomes of partial cutting and clearcutting systems in the Acadian Forest and other forests in northeastern North America with the aim of informing an analysis of the potential impacts of reducting the prevalence of clearcutting in Nova Scotia. Yield and growth, regeneration, stand composition, costs, profitability and employment were investigated. We also estimate the potential increase in harvesting costs associated with increased levels of group selection harvesting, and how increased harvest costs might be mitigated by changes to government silviculture spending. Lastly, relatively recent changes in forestry legislation and practices in Maine and impacts of those changes are briefly discussed.