Abstract

Accurate identification of origin for cultural and natural scars is becoming more important for forest management and legal evidence to help demonstrate Aboriginal Title under the Delgamuukw Decision. This paper examines the defining tree ring characteristics of natural and cultural scars on stem-round samples of cedar trees. The importance of taking multiple samples from different heights on the tree stem where there is doubt about origin is stressed. Using tree-ring analysis in combination with field observation will usually allow for absolute determination of cultural or natural origin.