Silviculture Systems

Silviculture, or caring for the forest, is a process in which the forest is managed through the phases of harvesting, regeneration and tending.  Silviculture plays a major role in sustainable forest management.
 

Sustainable forest management objectives are obtained through the application of silvicultural systems. These systems involve an assortment of treatments used to maintain and enhance the establishment, development and composition of the forest. Choosing the best system is dependant upon forest and site conditions, species composition and age as well as forest landowner’s objectives.

There are three primary silvicultural systems used in Ontario:
• the selection system
• the shelterwood system
• the clearcut system