In 1981, we established a network of 14 permanent forest research plots. These are monitored every 5 years or so to track changes in species composition, biomass and growth. The results of this have been quite surprising. In 1981, birch represented about 13% of the forest biomass. This has declined to far less than 1% of the biomass. We find almost zero growth of new, young birches. It appears that our forest is now “too far south” to grow birches, due to changing climate.
The Wabana Lake Family Trust 