Conclusion

After the 1950s, the expansion of commercial logging lands and the control by forestry companies, the extension of annual operations, and job specialization were just some of the transformations brought about by the mechanization of forestry. The size of the workforce needed to handle the actual harvesting process would diminish, while responsibilities related to maintenance and other services would increase. State-of-the-art research conducted within the fields of Forestry and the Environmental Sciences would enable a refinement of harvesting and wood processing operations, and would ultimately encourage the adoption of incentives and other means designed to ensure the protection and sustainable development of Canada’s forest resources.

Tree harvester used in a private forest in Athabaska, Alberta (Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Forests of Canada Collection, 2003)

Louise Trottier
Curator,
Energy and Natural Resources, 1988 to 2008

To learn more, visit the Museum at 1867 St Laurent Blvd in Ottawa, telephone 613-991-3081, or write to the following address:

Collection and Research
Canada Science and Technology Museum
P.O. Box 9724, Station T
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada K1G 5A3