Field and Data Compilation Methods Used in the Inventory of the Peatlands of New Brunswick, Canada

The New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources has completed a detailed assessment of the peatlands of the Province. All peatlands exceeding 25 hectares have been investigated, except those within the boundaries of National Parks and military bases.

An airphoto study was followed by the field investigation of 21 000 sites between 1975 and 1981. The methods used are similar to those of the Geological Survey of Finland. Investigation sites were established at 100-m intervals along grid lines. The elevation of each site was determined. A sample core was recovered at each site using a Hiller auger. The botanical constituents and the decomposition (according to the von Post scale) of each interval were determined. Surface vegetation, bottom sediment, and other factors were also recorded at each site. One or two representative sites were selected on most major peatlands for determination of several physical and chemical characteristics. The peat type and decomposition of each sample were recorded to enable grouping of results. The determinations made are dependent on the utilization potential of the site.

Calculations were performed with the aid of a computer. Information can be retrieved at the site, bog, and regional levels. Over 600 variables can be used as grouping parameters at the regional level. Contoured peat isopach and elevation maps are produced for each peatland. Cross sections (profiles) displaying peat type and decomposition are drawn for each grid line. The inventory supplies multi-use information which enables assessment of utilization options by various disciplines and provides the basis for development of a long-term resource management plan.