this thesis explores the viable alternative to tending crop plantations by implementing manual tending instead of herbicide application in the lake nipigon forest. the thesis provides a comparative analysis between manual tending and herbicide application and explores the advantages and disadvantages of both tending options. in this study, data was collected by the lake nipigon forest management company using the free-growing regeneration assessment procedure for ontario, and then was analyzed to see the success of utilizing a manual tending method instead of herbicide application. the t-tests determined the two methods were significant (p<0.05). on average the manually tended stands seen more well spaced free growing stems and better stocked. the implementation of manual tending has proven to increase the success of well-stocked stands, influence public view and contribute to employment in the community. manual tending is not the best alternative but rather a viable alternative to herbicide application in the lake nipigon forest.