ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This research was possible only through the hard work and dedication of many individuals. First and foremost, Weldwood of Canada Ltd. (Hinton Division), Jasper National Park, the Canadian Forest Service, Alberta Newsprint Company, Weyerhaeuser Company Ltd., Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, and the Alberta Forest Products Association generously supported the natural disturbance research presented in this report. The Foothills Model Forest (FtMF) Natural Disturbance Program was the vision of two individuals; Hugh Lougheed from Weldwood of Canada Ltd., and Dan Farr, then with the Foothills Model Forest. Since then, the unflagging support of the FtMF Natural Disturbance activity team is reflected in the thoroughness of the research, and quality of the data. We would like to thank Dan, Hugh, Gord Stenhouse (then with Weldwood), George Mercer, Al Westhaver and Dave Smith from Jasper National Park, Don Harrison, Herman Stegehuis, and Bob Anderson from Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Greg Branton from Alberta Newsprint Company, and Rick Blackwood, Mark Storie and Don Podlubny from the Foothills Model Forest for their perpetual faith and support. Also, many thanks to the FtMF Board of Directors, and in particular Bob Udell, for their unrelenting belief in the Natural Disturbance Program. The FtMF Natural Disturbance Program was fortunate to inherit some exceptional raw age data thanks mostly to the vision and efforts of Jack Wright, formerly of Weldwood of Canada Ltd, and Gerald Tande, who did his graduate work in Jasper National Park. These data were complimented by the meticulous work of MP Rogeau who coordinated all of our outstanding stand-origin sampling and mapping. Kim MacLean was instrumental in putting together the island remnants database and some preliminary analysis. Christian Weik of the FtMF has also been instrumental in providing any and all forms of GIS support to our research program in general, and these data in particular. To the numerous field crews who tirelessly cut and cored trees across the FtMF, and sanded and counted rings on those rainy days, thank you for your efforts. Also, thanks to Dr. Bill Baker for providing valuable input during the early stages of this project.
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