A MOOSE HABITAT STRATEGY FOR ONTARIO

Abstract

Ontario has a large moose range which encompasses a variety of environmental conditions. Timber harvest is controlled by a planning process carried out by foresters under the guidance of a provincial planning policy. There are specific points within that planning process at which biologists have the opportunity to suggest changes in forest harvesting plans for their protection of fish and wildlife habitat. In order to fulfill their obligations, biologists across Ontario must coordinate their input to these plans and ensure that conflicting instructions to foresters are minimized. A series of provincial habitat guidelines have been developed as a tool for biologists working with foresters (Appendix 1). These guidelines have not been wholly successful in changing methods of harvesting. Neither have they been universally accepted by field staff. The reasons for their success and failures are discussed.