The **portrait of forest cover in Québec** is an assembly made from the up-to-date ecoforest map of the inventory of southern Quebec and vegetation maps from the northern ecoforest inventory and Northern Quebec. Administrative divisions, forest boundaries and territories where forest management responsibilities and obligations are under the responsibility of the municipal environment are also added. Then, an update is carried out for areas that have a predominant use other than forest, including the road and rail network, energy transmission lines, cultivated land and built environments. The portrait makes it easy to calculate the rate of land use by forests in the territory of a municipality, an unorganized territory, an indigenous territory, an MRC or an administrative region, then to draw up a summary of some main characteristics of the forest.**This third party metadata element was translated using an automated translation tool (Amazon Translate).**

__The link: *Access the data directory* is available in the section*Dataset Description Sheets; Additional Information*__. Ecoforest maps in PDF format are available at a scale of 1/20,000 and cover Quebec territory approximately up to the 52nd parallel. Each map covers an average area of approximately 250 km2 and presents forest information for the territory concerned. Its accuracy is approximately 10 meters. These maps are an image of the current ecoforest map for the corresponding year. __2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 cards__ The 2021, 2022, 2023 maps, as well as those of 2024, are produced from the current ecoforest map of the corresponding year. It represents the result of the photo-interpretation of aerial photographs taken during the 4th and 5th ecoforestry inventories of southern Quebec to which were added natural disturbances (fires, epidemics, windfalls, etc.) and forest interventions (harvesting and reforestation) carried out in the public forest following the year in which the picture was taken. According to the maps, data using the forest stand inventory approach (AIPF) is included when available for a complete sheet. Main components: type of vegetation (forest species grouping, density class, height class, age class, etc.) or type of AIPF vegetation (detailed forest species, density (%), height (m), age class, etc.); slope class; type of terrain; nature of the terrain (peatlands, height class, age class, etc.) or type of AIPF vegetation (detailed forest species, density (%), height (m), age class, etc.); slope class; nature of the terrain (peatlands, gravel, etc.); hydrography (lakes, rivers, streams, swamps, etc.); transport network and bridges; topography (level curves); fragmentation. __2019 and 2020 maps__ The 2019 maps, as well as those of 2020, are produced from up-to-date ecoforest maps of the corresponding year. They represent the result of the photo-interpretation of aerial photographs taken during the 4th and 5th ecoforestry inventories of southern Quebec to which were added natural disturbances (fires, epidemics, windfalls, etc.) and forest interventions (harvesting and reforestation) carried out in the public forest following the year in which the photo-interpretation of aerial photographs from the 4th and 5th ecoforestry inventories of southern Quebec were taken. An update is then carried out taking into account natural disturbances (fires, epidemics, windfalls, etc.) and forest interventions (harvesting and reforestation) carried out in public forests. The information presented corresponds to the current ecoforest map of 2019 or 2020 as the case may be. On each map, the name of the stands is expressed by the group of species. Main components: type of vegetation (forest species, density, height, age class, etc.); slope class; type of terrain (peatlands, gravel, etc.); hydrography (lakes, rivers, streams, swamps, etc.); transport network and bridges; topography (level curves); fragmentation. __Maps 2015__ The 2015 maps are produced from the photo-interpretation of aerial photographs from the 3rd and 4th ecoforest inventories of southern Quebec. An update is then carried out taking into account natural disturbances (fires, epidemics, windfalls, etc.) and forest interventions (cutting and planting) carried out in public forests. The information presented corresponds to the 2015 updated ecoforest map. MAP FOR PRINTING (GEOREFERENCED) **This third party metadata element was translated using an automated translation tool (Amazon Translate).**

__The link: *Access the data directory* is available in the section*Dataset Description Sheets; Additional Information*__. The **Harvest and other silvicultural interventions** mapping is produced as part of the ecoforestry inventory of southern Quebec in order to maintain an up-to-date portrait of the forest. Several stakeholders related to forest operations participate in maintaining this forest portrait, including the Regional Operations Sector of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests (MRNF), private forest development agencies and major landowners. This map contains information on forest interventions carried out on the territory (e.g. harvesting, thinning, reforestation) as well as the year of work. The period of work begins at the beginning of the 20th century (when information is available) to the present day. The associated information is presented as a series of overlays of interventions. This map covers the commercial territory of public forests and private forests in Quebec. **The minimum mapping area is 0.1 ha. ** __ ⚠️ Note that__ when there is more than one intervention on the same territory during the same year, priority is given to the one that changes the forest cover in a sustainable way (e.g. planting). To have access to all the interventions for the same year (in public forests only), please consult the technical and financial activity reports (RATF) distributed by the Ministry's Regional Operations Sector on the government website of Data Québec. **This third party metadata element was translated using an automated translation tool (Amazon Translate).**

The temporary sample plot is a circular sample unit that covers an area of 400 m2. For each tree, we observe and measure the species, diameter, sunlight, and floor in relation to other trees, as well as the defoliation and the quality of the stems of deciduous trees and certain pines. In addition, the age and height of three trees are determined. Finally, a survey of the station and the vegetation of the undergrowth is carried out, and the characteristics of the soil are noted. Plot data also includes information about the location of the plots and the sampling plan. These data are acquired as part of the **fourth ecoforest inventory of southern Québec.** They are used in particular to produce forest compilation results used to feed the calculation of forest opportunities in public forests in Quebec. They can also be useful in the development of private forests. The establishment of these plots took place from 2004 to 2018. This database covers almost all of the territory south of the 52nd parallel of Quebec's public and private forest. **This third party metadata element was translated using an automated translation tool (Amazon Translate).**

__The link: *Access the data directory* is available in the section*Dataset Description Sheets; Additional Information*__. **Slope classes** express the slope of the terrain in a relatively homogeneous area with a minimum area of 0.5 ha. They are generated from a numerical model that groups terrain slopes into six classes: + 0-3% zero + Low by 4-8% + 9-15% soft + Moderate by 16-30% + 31-40% strong + Steep by 41% or more These data cover almost all of Quebec south of the 52nd parallel. This map is presented in two groups: grouping at the provincial level and grouping at the scale of 1/250,000. Each grouping represents an assembly of sheets produced on a scale of 1/20,000. The datasets were originally produced in 2005 and then updated in 2006. In 2010, they were enhanced with slope information for the northernmost part. No updates have been made since then. __For more information, please refer to the document: [Products presenting the concept of slope] (https://diffusion.mffp.gouv.qc.ca/Diffusion/DonneeGratuite/Foret/DONNEES_FOR_ECO_SUD/Classes_pente/01-Documentation/Produits_presentant_la_notion_de_pente.pdf) __ __ ⚠️ Notes: __ The numerical terrain model is prepared from the level curves and altitude points that come from the topographic map at a scale of 1/20,000 and 1/50,000 from the Quebec Topographic Database (BDTQ). This geographic database was produced in 2010 and has never been updated. __ 🕰️ Former names:__ Numerical slope classes, Slope class **This third party metadata element was translated using an automated translation tool (Amazon Translate).**

The temporary sample plot is a circular sample unit that covers an area of 400 m2. For each tree, we observe and measure the species, diameter, sunlight, and floor in relation to other trees, as well as the defoliation and the quality of the stems of deciduous trees and certain pines. In addition, the age and height of three trees are determined. Finally, a survey of the station and the vegetation of the undergrowth is carried out, and the characteristics of the soil are noted. Plot data also includes information about the location of the plots and the sampling plan. These data are acquired as part of the **fifth ecoforest inventory of southern Québec**. They are used in particular to produce forest compilation results used to feed the calculation of forest opportunities in public forests in Quebec. They can also be useful in the development of private forests. The establishment of these plots began in 2017. This database covers part of the territory south of the 52nd parallel of Quebec's public and private forest. **This third party metadata element was translated using an automated translation tool (Amazon Translate).**

__The link: *Access the data directory* is available in the section*Dataset Description Sheets; Additional Information*__. Formerly, forest maps were produced by the Land Survey Department of the Ministry of Lands and Forests. Some of these maps dating **from 1924 to 1946** still exist and are treasured at the National Archives of Quebec. The information they contain makes it possible to locate and characterize forest areas in certain regions of Quebec. Color codes were then assigned for each of the following classes: young forests, old forests, burned, logged, rocky, savannas, and colonization. **These historical forest maps are available in two digital formats (PDF and TIFF) . ** **This third party metadata element was translated using an automated translation tool (Amazon Translate).**

__The link: *Access the data directory* is available in the section*Dataset Description Sheets; Additional Information*__. The layer of **ecological planning units (UPE) ** constitutes the territorial base at the base of the ecoforest inventory process in southern Quebec (IEQM). It was created and then integrated as part of the current inventory (fifth IEQM). It integrates concepts that are both administrative (forest region) and ecological (ecological region). More precisely, the division is done on an ecological basis within each of the forest regions. It is on this basis that the activities of the IEQM are planned. Each of the layers included in the IEQM monitoring datasets reports on what has been achieved as part of the current inventory. We are talking here about aerial photography, mapping, terrestrial sampling of temporary sample plots, and compilation activities. Each year, new territories are added to each layer to reflect the progress of the work. **This third party metadata element was translated using an automated translation tool (Amazon Translate).**

__The link: *Access the data directory* is available in the section*Dataset Description Sheets; Additional Information*__. The Directorate of Forest Inventories (DIF) carries out assessments of tree biomass and their carbon content at the scale of ecoforest stands to deepen knowledge on the contribution of forests in the global carbon cycle. This information can be useful in the context of climate change to document the mitigating role played by forests. The resulting product, a database containing a single table entitled “BIOMASSE_CARBONE_PEE_ORI_PROV”, shows the biomass and carbon values of living trees above ground for all productive ecoforest stands 7 m or more in height. The exploitation of the database requires the data from [the original ecoforest map] (https://www.donneesquebec.ca/recherche/dataset/resultats-d-inventaire-et-carte-ecoforestiere) and the establishment of a connection with the information of the polygonal entity class of settlements. The database includes biomass variables converted to carbon stocks, detailing the biomass of wood, bark, branches, and foliage. For a thorough understanding, you can consult the Read Me associated with this product and the publication [“Biomass and carbon forests in southern Quebec - Method and use”] (https://mrnf.gouv.qc.ca/nos-publications/biomasse-carbone-forestiers-quebec-meridional/) (MRNF, 2023) which offers additional methodological information. **This third party metadata element was translated using an automated translation tool (Amazon Translate).**

[forest certification] (https://mffp.gouv.qc.ca/les-forets/amenagement-durable-forets/certification-forestiere/) is a voluntary process by which an accredited and independent registration body recognizes that forest management practices meet pre-established standards for sustainable forest management. Compliance with the requirements of a certification system is assessed by an external auditor. Two forest certification systems are currently used by the forest industry in Quebec: the [Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)] (https://forests.org/fr/) and the [Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)] (https://ca.fsc.org/ca-fr). A management certificate is granted to a forest area and its scope may extend to one or more management units. Forest certification monitoring is limited to public forests managed under the Quebec forest regime. **This third party metadata element was translated using an automated translation tool (Amazon Translate).**