The Western Boreal Cumulative Effects Study

<P>The project, led by the Canadian Wildlife Federation, is applying ALCES to assess the cumulative effects of land uses on the western boreal forests of Canada. The study area spans almost 700,000 km2 of western boreal forest that is of national and international interest due to its immense economic and ecological values. The objectives of the project are to: 1) demonstrate the long-term consequences of emerging land use trajectories to western boreal ecological goods and services; and 2) assess the relative benefits and liabilities of potential strategies for balancing development and conservation in the region. The project is applying ALCES and ALCES Mapper to assess and communicate the future effects of land use on the western boreal region. Indicators include landscape condition, a range of wildlife species, water quality and quantity, ecosystem carbon, employment, and GDP. </P>