An Assessment of Current and Potential Fragmentation of Forest Ecosystems in the Fundy Model Forest

Summary:
“Degree of forest fragmentation or connected ness of forest ecosystem components” is one of the principal indicators of forest biodiversity in the Fundy Model Forest (Etheridge et al. 1999). However, very little information exists on the rate of habitat fragmentation in the FMF. Woodley (1993) examined habitat fragmentation in an Intensive Study Area surrounding Fundy National Park. This study only covered a small portion of the Fundy Model Forest area and did not make any quantitative projections about future landscape change. Currently, the GFERG is examining a range of methodologies that have been used to measure fragmentation. The purpose of this proposed study is to apply one or more of these methodologies to the Fundy Model Forest. This will provide managers with quantified baseline data to assist in long-term forest management decision-making. The project has three major phases: (1) Identify and research species which will be good indicators of fragmentation, (2) Use a method defined by the GFERG to measure the rate and extent of fragmentation as it relates to these indicator species. (3) Propose an approach for integrated landscape-level planning in the Fundy Model Forest.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Background
An increasing amount of research suggests that biodiversity must be considered and planned for at the landscape level (Gibbs 1998, Husband and Barrett 1996, Robinson et al. 1995). Landscape-level habitat fragmentation has been called the greatest worldwide threat to forest wildlife (Rosenburg and Raphael 1986). Woodley (1993) identified fragmentation as a major threat to the ecological integrity of Fundy National Park and the Model Forest region. Degree of habitat fragmentation has also been identified as a critical indicator of forest health in the Fundy Model Forest (Etheridge et al. 1999). Nevertheless, very little information exists on rate of fragmentation in the Fundy Model Forest. Currently methodologies for measuring fragmentation are being examined by the GFERG, however these approaches have not been applied. Aside from the application of provincial guidelines that limit fragmentation in certain habitat types^[1], no explicit efforts have been undertaken by FMF landowners to address this issue.

Project Objective
The overall objective of this project is to quantify landscape fragmentation in the Fundy Model Forest. This will provide managers with baseline data to assist in long-term forest management decision-making and simulation modeling.

The project has three major phases:

1. Identify species that can be used as indicators of fragmentation in the FMF.
2. Use a method defined by the GFERG to measure fragmentation as it relates to these indicator species. This will be conducted in a three part ‘chronosequence’:
   1. Degree of fragmentation in 1980. Satellite images from the early 1980s will be classified according to habitat types defined in (1).
   2. Degree of fragmentation in 1999-2000. Satellite images and GIS will be classified according to habitat types defined in (1).
   3. Degree of ‘potential’ fragmentation in 2020. Spatial management plans will be requested from J.D. Irving for the next five years. Past cutting practices over the past 10 years on small private woodlots will be statistically summarized by habitat type and projected over the next five years in a hypothetical spatial management plan scenario. These two approaches will allow for a coarse picture of landscape structure and composition in the future.
   
   All three of these landscapes (past, present and future) will be quantified using fragmentation metrics summarized by the GFERG.

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