This study is concerned with the manner in which white spruce/trembling aspen mixedwood stands within the Boreal Forest Region (Rowe, 1972) should be managed and utilized. Impacts on allowable cut of both softwood and hardwood are evaluated using a harvest scheduling model. The study first observes harvest volumes produced from the coniferous and deciduous land bases, as currently defined by the Alberta Government.

On the conifer land base, increases in conifer allowable cut are sought through application of two forest management practices, softwood understorey release and/or species conversion. Several conclusions are drawn from this case study that would be applicable to other forests with similar age class structures and species distribution.

The study concludes that if both release of mixedwood and choice in species regeneration are allowed, then the use of the deciduous fibre within the conifer land base can occur without significantly impacting conifer volume production. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)