Alternative Futures:
 Alberta's Boreal Forest at the Crossroads

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Are you concerned about our northern forest and the wildlife it supports?

This book provides an in-depth look at what is happening to our forests and what can be done to keep them healthy.

More than 125 colour photos, maps, and graphs.

Order from the Federation of
Alberta Naturalists:
Phone: 780-427-8124
On-line:
FAN books

Also available at bookstores

Softcover book
$22.95
ISBN 0-9696134-4-X

In this book two alternative futures for Alberta's boreal forest are presented:

The first is the future forest under the existing system of management. The intent is to provide readers with a clear understanding of what is happening in the forests of northern Alberta today, and what this will mean to the forests of tomorrow if no changes are made. The forestry and petroleum sectors, and their cumulative environmental impacts, are examined in detail.

In the second half of the book Dr. Schneider describes an alternative future based on the implementation of ecological forest management principles.  In non-technical terms, he explains how an integrated system of management based on maintaining natural patterns and processes can achieve ecological objectives, while maintaining a sustainable flow of economic benefits.

In addition to providing an overview of boreal issues, the book is also intended to serve as a gateway to further study. Factual information is thoroughly referenced, using material that is, for the most part, available through the Alberta library system or on the Internet.

Aerial photograph illustrating forest fragmentation by the petroleum industry (roads, wellsites, and seismic lines).

Photograph  illustrating ground
preparation prior to planting.

 

“Schneider's book accurately describes the mayhem that the cumulative effects of several types of industries regulated in isolation are causing in the boreal forests of Alberta, and the shortcomings of recent management models. In contrast to earlier works, he also devotes considerable space to proposing solutions. This book should be required reading for all Albertans, and for all Canadians concerned about the fate of their boreal forests.”  
    – David W. Schindler, Killam Memorial Professor of Ecology, University of Alberta