State of the Greater Fundy Ecosystem - Hayward Brook Watershed Study

GREATER FUNDY ECOSYSTEM RESEARCH PROJECT

UNB Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management

State of the Greater Fundy Ecosystem

Hayward Brook Watershed Study: Introduction

Gerry Parker1, Joseph Pomeroy2 and Alyre Chaisson3
1 Environment Canada - Canadian Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 1590, 17 Waterfowl Lane., Sackville, NB, E0A 3C0
2 Environment Canada, P.O. Box 23005, Morton Ave., Moncton, NB, E1A 6S8
3 Université de Moncton, Moncton, NB, E1A 3E9

One of the major concerns of the GFERG was the effects of forestry on water courses and the ability of forested stream buffers to ensure ecological integrity of aquatic and terrestrial systems. In 1992, the Canadian Wildlife Service developed a research study to address this concern, especially its impacts on breeding birds. The study, a 5-year cause-effect experiment, was approved by the Fundy Model Forest (FMF) as part of the 1992-93 research agenda.

The subsequently formed Hayward Brook Study Group included personnel and/or resources from Environment Canada, Natural Resources Canada, University of New Brunswick, University of Moncton, and J.D. Irving Ltd. The original objectives of the study were to measure changes to the physical qualities of the water and stream flow and breeding bird populations from cutting and retention of forested stream course buffers of different widths. Addition aquatic and terrestrial studies were added as the project developed and other researchers joined.

The Hayward Brook area (30 km2) (Figure 1) is located in the FMF near the town of Petitcodiac. The area is characterized by a secondary growth, mixed forest approximately 80 years in age. A few Red and White Pines were aged at over 100 years. Dominant tree species in terms of basal area were Red Spruce, Red Maple, Balsam Fir, Trembling Aspen, White Pine and White Birch. Speckled Alder was also common. Both the Hayward Brook and Holmes Brook watersheds drain westerly into the Anagance and Petitcodiac Rivers. The study area was selected following consultations with J.D. Irving Ltd. The area was accessible and entirely owned by J.D. Irving Ltd. As such, slight modifications to the proposed timber harvest operations in the area could be made by the forestry company to facilitate the pre-treatment, treatment, and post-treatment phases of the experiment.

The five-year span of the study was divided into three periods: 1) two years of pre-disturbance resource calibration (1993-94); 2) one year of timber harvest (1995); 3) and two years of post-disturbance response measurement (1996-97). Two replications were done of the following four treatments: 1) clearcutting and leaving a 30 metre buffer; 2) clearcutting and leaving a 60 metre buffer; 3) best management practices i.e. clearcutting and selection cutting; and 4) control (no cutting).

During the pre-treatment period (1993-94) of the study, rectangular plots extending 150 m perpendicular to each side of the stream were delineated. The plots extended over the course of the stream from distances which varied from 650 m to 1 km. Within the plots, areas were flagged in preparation for analyzing bird populations. Water monitoring stations were established at the downstream end of the plots by Environment Canada and water samples were collected at all the sites. One hectare plots were established to study small mammals. The preliminary results of this project are detailed in Parker et al. (1997). Aquatic invertebrates were collected during the summer at various sites within each plot. Fish populations were sampled within the streams and their stream habitats were described. During this period, detailed descriptions of the two best management practice sites were developed and a cutting plan was submitted to J.D. Irving Ltd. Studies which examined nest tree selection by cavity nesting birds (1993-95) and forage tree selection by various species of woodpeckers (1995), were also undertaken.

Logging access roads were established in the area in autumn 1994 and harvesting (treatment) began in summer 1995. Timber harvesting continued until winter 1995-96. Nine blocks were clearcut and four blocks were partial cut or selection cut.

Further Reading:

Parker, G., J. Pomeroy and A. Chaisson. 1997. The Hayward Brook Watershed Study ( a research project of the Fundy Model Forest): Interim report (1993-1995). Fundy Model Forest, Sussex, N.B.

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