presettlement hardwood forests and wildlife of Algonquin Provincial Park: A synthesis of historic evidence and recent research

• Published in: Forestry chronicle 2004-11, Vol.80 (6), p.705-717
• Main Author: Quinn, N.W.S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0015-7546; 1499-9315
• DOI: 10.5558/tfc80705-6

The hypothetical structure and composition of the presettlement tolerant hardwood forests of Algonquin Provincial Park are contrasted with current conditions, primarily via a review of the literature and recent research in the Park. Change over time of the overstory and gap structure of the forest and also of riparian habitat is examined, and implications made regarding the wildlife community, in particular the wolf-prey system. There has, since the early 1800s, been a loss of conifer, alteration in gap size structure, qualitative change in woody debris, a reduction in basal area and of "supersize" trees, and a reduction in early successional riparian (beaver) habitat. Overall, the presettlement community of terrestrial vertebrates was probably richer, but it is emphasized that these changes are not fundamental; the forest ecosystem is substantively similar to the past.