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Establishing and Growing Aspen Stands in the SBS
This presentation focuses on the establishment and growth of aspen stands within the Sub-Boreal Spruce zone of British Columbia. It draws upon existing research to discuss key factors influencing aspen regeneration, including the importance of remov...This presentation focuses on the establishment and growth of aspen stands within the Sub-Boreal Spruce zone of British Columbia. It draws upon existing research to discuss key factors influencing aspen regeneration, including the importance of removing apical dominance through disturbances like logging or fire to promote suckering. The presentation also details harvest considerations, such as the benefits of winter harvesting and the negative impacts of excessive canopy retention and soil compaction. The presentation explores the effects of various silvicultural practices and the interactions between aspen and coniferous species like spruce and pine, providing guidance on site selection and stockingregeneration surveys for successful aspen management. -
Alternative Silvicultural Systems and Harvesting Techniques for Caribou Habitat
This study investigates alternative forestry practices to mitigate the negative impacts of conventional clearcutting on caribou habitat. Recognizing that clearcutting leads to habitat loss and increased predation on caribou through apparent competiti...This study investigates alternative forestry practices to mitigate the negative impacts of conventional clearcutting on caribou habitat. Recognizing that clearcutting leads to habitat loss and increased predation on caribou through apparent competition, the report reviews various silvicultural systems and harvesting techniques, analyzing their potential to maintain old-growth characteristics, limit forage for other ungulates, and minimize access. Through a literature review and expert interviews, the study assesses the applicability of methods like partial harvesting, understory protection, and intensive silviculture in the Alberta context, considering ecological, economic, and practical challenges. The report aims to identify strategies that balance timber harvesting with caribou conservation, acknowledging that site-specific conditions and careful implementation are crucial for the success of any alternative approach. -
Aspen Distribution in North-Central British Columbia Abundance Trends and Implications for Shallow Water Wetlands
This study focuses on aspen, a vital broadleaf tree, examining its distribution and health in north-central BC and the various threats it faces, including climate change, forest management practices, and ungulate grazing. It explores the ecological i...This study focuses on aspen, a vital broadleaf tree, examining its distribution and health in north-central BC and the various threats it faces, including climate change, forest management practices, and ungulate grazing. It explores the ecological implications of potential aspen declines, specifically considering the relationship between aspen and beaver-created shallow water wetlands, offering recommendations for future research and management. -
Interior wet fire weather zone
This guidance document outlines best management practices for fuel treatment within British Columbia's Interior-Wet Fire Weather Zone, a region characterized by its productive forests and diverse tree species like western cedar and hemlock. While typ...This guidance document outlines best management practices for fuel treatment within British Columbia's Interior-Wet Fire Weather Zone, a region characterized by its productive forests and diverse tree species like western cedar and hemlock. While typically experiencing higher precipitation and less frequent stand-replacing wildfires, drier subzones are prone to mixed-severity fire regimes. The guide emphasizes managing surface fuels, ladder fuels that allow fire to climb, and crown fuels to reduce the intensity and spread of wildfires, especially given the increased risk from climate change-induced drought and successful fire suppression efforts near communities. The document aims to provide professional guidance for mitigating wildfire threats through strategic fuel management and maintaining forest health. -
Alternative silvicultural systems (MASS) and variable retention (VRAM) research
This document summarizes key findings from two long-term silvicultural research initiatives: the Montane Alternative Silvicultural Systems study and the Variable Retention Adaptive Management experiments. The MASS study, spanning 25 years, compared...This document summarizes key findings from two long-term silvicultural research initiatives: the Montane Alternative Silvicultural Systems study and the Variable Retention Adaptive Management experiments. The MASS study, spanning 25 years, compared clearcutting to various alternative methods, revealing that tree growth was best in clearcuts, though other methods offered biodiversity benefits and paved the way for variable retention. The VRAM research explored different retention strategies, identifying windthrow as a significant challenge and demonstrating that retention provides crucial life-boating habitat for various species, with the amount, aggregation, and size of retained areas being critical factors. The research highlights that while increased canopy retention and dispersion can impact tree growth, these alternative systems offer important ecological advantages, particularly for understory vegetation and diverse species. -
Effect of Silviculture Practices on Greenup Delay in the Nelson Forest Region
This technical report investigates the impact of silviculture practices on greenup delay in the Nelson Forest Region, specifically within the Cranbrook and Revelstoke Timber Supply Areas. Greenup delay refers to the time it takes for a newly harveste...This technical report investigates the impact of silviculture practices on greenup delay in the Nelson Forest Region, specifically within the Cranbrook and Revelstoke Timber Supply Areas. Greenup delay refers to the time it takes for a newly harvested forest stand to reach a specified average height, signaling successful regeneration. The report evaluates how enhanced silviculture techniques, such as site preparation, planting, brushing, and the use of genetically improved stock, can reduce this delay and increase the short-term and long-term timber supply to optimize tree growth and forest yield. -
Review of Past Partial-Cutting Activities in the Nelson Forest Region (1988-Present)
This technical report presents a review of partial-cutting activities in the Nelson Forest Region. The primary purpose is to evaluate the potential of partial cutting to reduce annual cut levels, specifically focusing on how different partial-cutting...This technical report presents a review of partial-cutting activities in the Nelson Forest Region. The primary purpose is to evaluate the potential of partial cutting to reduce annual cut levels, specifically focusing on how different partial-cutting silvicultural systems impact timber and non-timber values. It analyzes historical logging data from various districts within the region to understand past practices, identify discrepancies in data, and suggest more effective strategies for forest management and harvest scheduling that could lead to increased flexibility and improved non-timber benefits. -
Redfish Creek Prescribed Burn Vegetation Monitoring Project
This technical report details a study on how understory vegetation responds to different burn treatments and soil moisture conditions in the Interior Cedar-Hemlock dry warm subzone. The core purpose was to monitor and compare vegetation changes in ar...This technical report details a study on how understory vegetation responds to different burn treatments and soil moisture conditions in the Interior Cedar-Hemlock dry warm subzone. The core purpose was to monitor and compare vegetation changes in areas that experienced no burn, moderate burns, or severe burns following a fall slashburn. The research highlights the dominant plant species that emerged in each environment over four years, noting differences in species composition and competition dynamics, particularly concerning the impact of a fall slashburn and soil seepage on vegetation development. -
A Retrospective Investigation of Partial Cuts in the ICHmw1 and ICHmk1 in the Golden Forest District
This technical report presents a retrospective investigation of partial cuts within the Golden Forest District. The primary purpose of the study was to explore the relationship between regeneration density and various site factors following partial h...This technical report presents a retrospective investigation of partial cuts within the Golden Forest District. The primary purpose of the study was to explore the relationship between regeneration density and various site factors following partial harvesting. Researchers found that while abundant natural regeneration occurred, its success was not strongly correlated with specific harvest treatments, but rather more significantly influenced by factors like brush potential and site preparation. The report recommends guidelines for residual basal area levels to optimize seed supply and moisture protection in these forest ecosystems. -
Silvicultural systems in the great bear rainforest under ecosystem based management
This document outlines the strategic approach to silvicultural systems in the Great Bear Rainforest, focusing on Ecosystem-Based Management. A central theme is the retention silvicultural system, which involves deliberately leaving trees and vegetati...This document outlines the strategic approach to silvicultural systems in the Great Bear Rainforest, focusing on Ecosystem-Based Management. A central theme is the retention silvicultural system, which involves deliberately leaving trees and vegetation within harvested areas to maintain forest structure and biodiversity. The application of this system is context-dependent, influenced by the proportion of mature and old forest at both the broader landscape unit and immediate cutblock scales, with increased retention mandated where older forests are scarce. Additionally, the document addresses windthrow considerations at both landscape and stand levels, providing guidelines to mitigate damage while prioritizing the retention system in areas of lower wind hazard. -
25 years of variable retention implementation on WFP tenure
This document outlines the corporate and operational implementation of VR, including specific targets and zoning strategies, alongside a monitoring framework to ensure intended ecological outcomes are met. The document asserts that VR is crucial for ...This document outlines the corporate and operational implementation of VR, including specific targets and zoning strategies, alongside a monitoring framework to ensure intended ecological outcomes are met. The document asserts that VR is crucial for future forest management as it aligns with broader BC initiatives for biodiversity and ecosystem health. -
Sustainable Forest Management Certificate
The Sustainable Forest Management certificate is a flexible, career-focused program designed for forestry professionals aiming to advance their skills or pursue Registered Professional Forester designation. Delivered through three stackable micro-cr...The Sustainable Forest Management certificate is a flexible, career-focused program designed for forestry professionals aiming to advance their skills or pursue Registered Professional Forester designation. Delivered through three stackable micro-credentials, the program covers forest ecology, silviculture systems, harvesting practices, and forest health management. Learners gain practical, applied knowledge to assess forest disturbances and implement sustainable management strategies. -
Forest Management Planning Certificate
The Forest Management Planning micro-certificate will equip participants with foundational knowledge and tools to develop and evaluate forest management plans. Participants will learn to assess forest ecosystem services, balance competing objectives,...The Forest Management Planning micro-certificate will equip participants with foundational knowledge and tools to develop and evaluate forest management plans. Participants will learn to assess forest ecosystem services, balance competing objectives, and apply planning concepts across multiple scales. The program integrates case studies from British Columbia and emphasizes sustainable forest management practices. By the end, participants will be able to critically analyze management options and create effective, goal-oriented forest plans. -
Communication Strategies for Resource Practitioners Certificate
The Communication Strategies for Resource Practitioners micro-certificate is designed to help professionals in natural resource sectors develop impactful communication skills. Through four focused courses, participants will learn written, oral, multi...The Communication Strategies for Resource Practitioners micro-certificate is designed to help professionals in natural resource sectors develop impactful communication skills. Through four focused courses, participants will learn written, oral, multimedia, and social change strategies tailored to environmental contexts. The program emphasizes audience engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and reputation-building for the forestry industry. Learners will gain hands-on experience through case studies and campaign development, preparing them to communicate complex ideas effectively and persuasively. -
Forest Health Management Certificate
The Forest Health Management micro-certificate will teach professionals how to detect, diagnose, and manage forest health issues caused by insects and diseases. Through four sequential courses, learners will explore insect and disease biology, ecolog...The Forest Health Management micro-certificate will teach professionals how to detect, diagnose, and manage forest health issues caused by insects and diseases. Through four sequential courses, learners will explore insect and disease biology, ecology, identification, and mitigation strategies. The program emphasizes early detection and response to forest health threats, which are increasingly influenced by climate change and globalization. -
Co-Management of Natural Resources Certificate
The Co-Management of Natural Resources micro-certificate is a flexible online program designed to build competencies in collaborative resource management. It equips Indigenous and non-Indigenous professionals with tools to foster institutional change...The Co-Management of Natural Resources micro-certificate is a flexible online program designed to build competencies in collaborative resource management. It equips Indigenous and non-Indigenous professionals with tools to foster institutional change, intercultural understanding, and effective partnerships. Participants will explore real-world case studies, including those from Haida Gwaii, and gain insights into law, governance, and strategies for navigating complex systems. The program is grounded in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. -
Fire Ecology Course
This course offers practical skills and knowledge to understand the effects of fires on natural environments through ecosystem decoding. The course also explores the impacts of, and the interactions between, fire management and forest management over...This course offers practical skills and knowledge to understand the effects of fires on natural environments through ecosystem decoding. The course also explores the impacts of, and the interactions between, fire management and forest management over the past 100 plus years. By the end of the course, participants will be able to prepare communities to respond to wildfire threats and create ecosystem resiliency through restoration methods - in fire and forest landscapes with multiple ecological objectives. -
FPBC Professional Development Courses
FPBC's professional development courses are designed to enhance the competence of forest professionals in British Columbia. These e-courses and micro-courses cover topics such as climate change, ethical conduct, forest stewardship, conflict managemen...FPBC's professional development courses are designed to enhance the competence of forest professionals in British Columbia. These e-courses and micro-courses cover topics such as climate change, ethical conduct, forest stewardship, conflict management, and working with Indigenous communities. Learners gain practical skills in areas like visual resource management, fieldwork quality, and professional forestry practice rights. Each course supports ongoing learning and includes a certificate of completion to recognize achievement. -
Managing Wildlife Habitat Complex Interactions with Biotic and Abiotic Disturbances
This document investigates how partial harvesting strategies, designed to enhance mule deer habitat and allow timber extraction in British Columbia's dry Douglas-fir forests, impact complex interactions with natural disturbances like insect outbreaks...This document investigates how partial harvesting strategies, designed to enhance mule deer habitat and allow timber extraction in British Columbia's dry Douglas-fir forests, impact complex interactions with natural disturbances like insect outbreaks and wildfires. The study, spanning 30 years, found that while short-term harvesting altered forest structure and reduced the immediate risk of crown fires and Douglas-fir beetle infestations, many of these structural and susceptibility changes reverted over the long term. The removal of harvesting residuals proved more significant in mitigating long-term disturbance risks, particularly for Douglas-fir beetles and intense surface fires, than the time elapsed since the treatment itself. The authors conclude that sustainable forest management integrating timber extraction and mule deer habitat conservation is achievable if partial harvesting occurs at intervals of 30 years or less and residuals are promptly cleared. -
Harvesting and Thinning Guidance for Treatments in Wildland-Urban Interface Areas of TSA 29
This document provides guidance on harvesting and thinning treatments within Wildland-Urban Interface areas, specifically focusing on reducing wildfire risk in British Columbia. It details a multi-step planning process for Community Wildfire Protect...This document provides guidance on harvesting and thinning treatments within Wildland-Urban Interface areas, specifically focusing on reducing wildfire risk in British Columbia. It details a multi-step planning process for Community Wildfire Protection Plans, emphasizing the analysis of land features, existing values like public safety and wildlife habitat, and long-term visions for a fire-resilient forest dominated by Douglas-fir. The report also presents case studies illustrating various fuel reduction methods and their associated costs, alongside operational considerations and responses from professionals regarding logging systems, fuel management, and funding challenges. This document delves into fire behavior modeling to inform best practices for achieving target fuel loadings and canopy base heights, while also highlighting policy conflicts that hinder cost-efficient implementation of these crucial wildfire mitigation strategies.
