Field Guide To The Forest Ecosystem Classification For Northwestern Ontario

Guide to assist in the recognition of vegetation and soil features of forest ecosystems in north-western Ontario using a classification system that enables the allocation of any forest ecosystem to one of 40 vegetation types and one of 22 soil types. Provides an orientation to the vegetation classification; describes the vegetation types and their determination, including a key and factsheets for classifying stands to vegetation types; provides keys and factsheets for classifying soil types; and gives a brief overview of the relationships among vegetation and soil types in north-western Ontario as well as background information on potential applications of the classification. Also contains aids for describing or recognizing important soil features and many of the plant species used in the allocation keys and factsheets.

This guide provides a framework for classifying wetlands in north-western Ontario using vegetation and environmental features. It is complementary to the Northwestern Ontario Forest Ecosystem Classification which describes forested communities. The classification is intended to help resource managers make informed decisions about wetland management and conservation. It consists of keys, fact sheets, descriptions of vegetation communities, and environmental data summaries for 36 wetland community types. The classification is based on the analysis of vegetation, soil, and water data from field samples collected in plots in north-western Ontario wetlands. Also includes descriptions and illustrations of six wetland toposequences, an overview of wetland succession and stability, and a glossary.