My Workplace
December 4, 2023
Tough data: looking into the depths of the old-growth forests
Louis de Granbrie studies the traditional lands of the Pessamit Nation in Canada amid extensive logging operations.
Introduction
I work with the Pessamit band of the Innu First Nation in Nitassinan, the traditional land of the Innu people. It is a vast forested area in Canada, covering approximately 130,000 square kilometers northeast of Quebec City. It has a relatively open landscape dominated by black cedar trees, with some waxy trees present. It’s not uncommon to find forests that are 300 years old here.
Forest Structure and Diversity
I study the southern part of these forests, an area of about 30,000 square kilometers, to understand how its structure and diversity have changed over time and how it responds to disturbances. I initially did this as a graduate student and then as a forestry environmentalist for the federal government. Now, I work on behalf of the Pessamit community.
The Impact of Industrialization on Forests
Industrialization began here in the 1920s and peaked in the 1970s. Now, approximately one million cubic meters of timber are harvested annually. Industrialization has completely altered the structure of the forest. Large parts of old trees have decreased from about 40% of the landscape 30 years ago to less than 20% today.
The Impact of Industrialization on Wildlife
Moose enter areas that have been logged, feeding on the new growth of deciduous trees. Wolves follow the moose, traversing logging roads and preying on wild rabbits.
The Need for Sustainable Forest Management
I am not against industrialization, but I am against the speed at which it is occurring here. Loggers move from south to north, and in five to ten years they will reach the commercial logging limits. Then they will return south and start anew. Sustainable forest management means preserving the species linked to these forests. That is not what is happening now.
Conservation of Old-Growth Forests
Many groups are seeking to establish a conservation area led by Indigenous peoples. The Innu are also interested in the potential for carbon credits. They want to find ways to manage the forest while continuing their cultural practices. I am eager to contribute to something I believe in. I feel that the Innu and I share the same environmental values.
References
Nature 624, 218 (2023)
doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-023-03820-x
Related Articles
– Nature special: Co-production of research
– Climate change pits clan against clan in drought-hit Somalia
– How damaged are coral reefs? I dive to investigate climate change
– How to craft a research project with non-academic collaborators
Related Topics
– Jobs
– Conservation biology
Subscribe to Nature Briefing
A daily scientific news briefing that provides you with a essential summary of the latest science news, opinions, and analyses delivered to your inbox every working day.
Email address:
Yes! Sign me up to receive the daily Nature Briefing email. I agree to the processing of my information in accordance with Nature’s Privacy Policy and Springer Nature Limited’s Privacy Policy.
Leave a Reply