Are clearcuts appropriate for the mixed forest of Québec?

Sustainable forest management involves, among other things, maintaining diversity of ecosystems and preserving their natural processes. The main objective of this paper is to consider the validity of current harvesting techniques applied to the mixed forest of Québec. The old-growth mixed forest naturally regenerates by gap dynamics. However, the harvesting technique most commonly used in the mixed forest is clearcutting, with the result that succession must start over from the beginning. A general forest succession model applicable after such large disturbances is proposed. The most positive estimate indicates that the mixed forest will not be re-established earlier than 250 years after clearcutting. To ensure sustainable development in the mixed forest, harvesting techniques should imitate natural regeneration processes. Key words: balsam fir-yellow birch stands, CPRS, gap dynamics, succession model, sustainability, sustainable development