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A view of the sub-boreal coniferous and Mt.Tairoku(1,459 m, the highest peak in the Univer- |
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PDSummary
The University Forest in Hokkaido was established in 1899 and transferred
gratis from the Hokkaido govern- ment. The purpose of this University Forest
has been to provide information for practical forestry in Hokkaido, to
train students and to facilitate the carrying out
of forest research in the sub-boreal zone.
The studies completed here have made a substantial contribution to the
development and practice of forest science.The forest stands
were severely damaged by typhoons in 1954 and 1981, the wind fall volume being 306,000m3 and 810,000m3, respectively. Wind damaged
areas increased to 8,700 hectares in 1981. Planting was undertaken on 1,043 hectares and a further 948 hectares regenerated naturally following mechanical site scarification.
| Anexcellent example of conserved oak(Quercus mongolica var. grosseserrata) forest Broad-leaved trees with good phenotype still remain in natural forest. These fine genetic resources should be reserved for posterity. |
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QDLocation
This University Forest is situated in the central part of Hokkaido (14218-40E,
4310-20N). It lies in the Furano city administrative district and
covers Yamabe, Higashiyama, and Rokugo. The area is 22,762 hectares.The
head office and laboratories are located at Yamabe and the branch office
is at Higashiyama. There is also an arboretum and a nursery at Yamabe.
The Rokugo forest museum opened in 1999.
RDLand condition
The Yamabe head office is located on a low site, 224m a.s.l., while the highest point is Mt. Tairoku (1,459m) on the north-eastern boundary.
The topography of the forest area is gentle and the geological formation is princi- pally Tokachi welded tuff. Moreover, sandy loam is widely distributed throughout the area.
The Forest displays a climate characteristic of inland sites, represented by low annual precipitation and cold winters. For Yamabe, the mean annual temperature is 6.4, and the annual precipitation is 1,200mm.
SDForest condition
The Forest is located in an area of mixed forest with coniferous and broad-leaved species (Pan-mixed forest) between the cool-temperate and the sub-boreal zone. The greater part of the forest is covered by natural forests, most of which are the Pan-mixed forest. The predominant tree species are Abies sachalinensis, Picea jezoensis, Quercus mongolica var. grosseserrata, Kalopanax pictus, Fraxinus mandshurica, Betula maximowic- ziana and Tilia japonica. A. sachalinensis is one of the dominant tree species in the Pan-mixed forest and occupies a wide range of altitudes from low elevations (200 - 300m) to the upper forest limit (about 1,200m). The average volume of the natural forests is about 205m3/ha (1998).
| Some Larix species in autumn Larix is one of the dominant tree general in the boreal zone. A lot of Larix species and their hybrids are planted at Yamabe arboretum and Higashiyama tree breeding arboretum. Their growth, biotic stress tolelance and phenological characteristics have been studied. |
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| A avenue of Betula plantyphylla var. japonica These trees are planted for purpose of genetic conservation at Yamabe arboretum. Numerous species of trees are planted here, especially Pinus, Abies, Picea, Larix, Fagus, Betula and Populus spp. |
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TDResearch and Education
iPjResearch
@ Forest planning and management
The improvement of the damaged forest by extensive selection cutting was
initiated using a stand- based forest management system that was put into
practice in 1958. This led to a large scale experiment involving an area
of about 20,000 hectares. The idea behind the management system is that
operations should be carried out according to the structure of each stand
to maximize the multiple public functions and economic functions of the
forest. According to geographical conditions and the growth rate of stands,
the cutting cycle is either 10 or 20 years. The rate of removals in the
selection cutting is below the growth rate, 16 or 17% by volume.
The standard annual cut amounts to 43,000m3 (at the rate of 2.15m3/ha), and the usual annual reforestation by planting is about 30ha.
The allowable cut for each stand is determined according to species composition, rege- neration, stand density and growth rate.
| A select cutting stand in a coniferou/broad-leaveed mixed forest Many research plots have been established in different forest types and stand conditions. The most suitable forest management method is being investigated. |
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A Tree breeding and ecological genetics
The selection of desirable individuals among native trees has been undertaken
for some time. Native and exotic tree species from, for example, inland,
sub-alpine zones in Japan and from regions in East Asia, North and Central
Europe, and North America have been introduced. These are preserved in
the clone archives, strain archives, various trial stands and seed orchards
as genetic resource collections of forest tree species. Artificial crossings
have been carried out on some species of larch, fir, spruce, aspen, and
cotton wood. Their artificial and spontaneous hybrids have been planted
and their growth compared. Specimens selected predominantly from the genus
larch (Larix kaempferi) have been used for crossing. The hybrids and introgressive
hybrids are analyzed for their growth, biotic stress tolerance, and DNA
variation.
B Work system analysis and mechanization of logging operations and forest roading
Timber production operations are analyzed through systems analysis to
obtain high efficiency and better operational conditions. Suitable operational
mechanization is also the subject of research. The improved integration
of logging, stand growth and environmental conservation has been studied.
The forest road system has been the subject of research to improve operational
efficiency. As of 1999, the total length of forest roads was about 925km
and the road density is 40.6m/ha.
C Properties of trees
Wood qualities such as ring width, bulk density, late-wood percentage,
tracheid length of the trees in natural forests and their hybrids are studied.
The properties of seedlings and standing trees, especially conifers, are
measured to produce high quality wood. For example, the modulus of elasticity
of seedlings are measured by static methods and that of standing trees
with sound waves.
D Forest protection
Collections of fungi on many tree species have been made on a continuing
basis. The ectomycorrhizal fungus on Yezo spruce (Picea jezoensis) is now
under study.
Resistance of conifers against voles has been investigated. Also, the black woodpecker (Dryocopus martius) has been observed continuously over its life cycle.
| Booding of the black woodpecker(Dryocopus martius) Black woodpecker live in managed forests rather than in reserved forests. We are trying to manage the forest without disturbing the birds and animals. |
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E Forest policy, economics and history
Forestry labor problems and the social role of the University Forest are being investigated.
F Environmental impact
The negative effects of acid rain and climatic changes have been investigated through meteorological monitoring of forest stands under different conditions. The water quality in rivers has also been monitored.
G Experiment in natural regeneration
This experiment was initiated in 1979. In order to rear young trees of Abies sachalinensis and Picea jezoensis from natural seedlings in the working section, investigation is undertaken from various specialized perspectives, i.e. management, silviculture, tree breeding, forest pathology and forest soil science.
iQjEducation
Many field practicals are conducted at this University Forest. Studies
and research are often conducted for bachelor, master and doctor degrees.
Specialized research by researchers from many other institutes is increasing.
More than ten other universities and high schools use this forest for their
practical work. Many research groups also use this forest to study forest
vegetation, animals and their number exceeded 5,000 in 1996.
| Outdoor lectures in the University forest for children This plan was started in 1999. The children work while they play and play while they work. |
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| Children are sking in the cross-country course at Rokugo This ski course was designed to investigation recreation in the forest. More than 2,000 people visit here annually to enjoy the sking. |
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