The scope of the information found in this publication will provide the reader with a comprehensive understanding of the silvics, characteristics, manufacturing and end-uses of major commercial softwoods in eastern Canada. While the section on silvics is intended to provide wood professionals with basic knowledge of each species, the other sections provide comprehensive information on various wood properties and characteristics, primary and secondary manufacturing opportunities and various end-use products.
It will provide the wood industry with a high-quality, species-specific reference tool that will enable it to manage, process and utilize each species efficiently and to add value along the forest-wood value chain from "seed-to-tree-to-product". Other groups will find it useful:
- Forest managers: comprehensive information on the effects of silvicultural practices on various wood characteristics and end-uses.
- Forest and wood professionals: reference tool to gain comprehensive knowledge of the species they work with on a daily basis.
- Governments: can use the information to define scientifically sound forest management policies and regulations.
- Public: heighten awareness of the economic value of this resource, its renewability and its contribution to economic sustainability.