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Fire Ecology for Environmental Restoration Certificate
The micro-certificate in Fire Ecology for Environmental Restoration will equip learners with practical skills and knowledge to understand and treat the effects of fire on natural ecosystems, prepare communities to respond to wildfire threats, and cre...The micro-certificate in Fire Ecology for Environmental Restoration will equip learners with practical skills and knowledge to understand and treat the effects of fire on natural ecosystems, prepare communities to respond to wildfire threats, and create ecosystem resilience. This program will prepare graduates to help mitigate the effects of both prescribed burns and wildfire damage upon the environment. A broad range of conditions and habitat restoration will be studied through intensive in-class and on-site learning, partnered with practical online applications. Participants will learn about natural fires and their attributes; fires as an ecosystem process; fire management, regimes and techniques; fire and climate change; prescribed burns; First Nations fire management; restoring burnt sites -
Forest Carbon Management Certificate
The Forest Carbon Management micro-certificate is designed for professionals in natural resource sectors. It provides foundational knowledge in forest carbon accounting, data analysis, project development, and market navigation. Through real-world ca...The Forest Carbon Management micro-certificate is designed for professionals in natural resource sectors. It provides foundational knowledge in forest carbon accounting, data analysis, project development, and market navigation. Through real-world case studies and applied learning, participants will gain practical skills to assess and manage forest carbon initiatives in both domestic and international contexts. The program is ideal for those seeking to diversify their expertise and contribute to climate action through sustainable forest practices. -
Drought in a Changing BC Climate
This presentation outlines the critical issue of ecological drought in British Columbia, distinguishing it from lack of precipitation by emphasizing the role of water deficit relative to average conditions and evapotranspiration. The core concern hig...This presentation outlines the critical issue of ecological drought in British Columbia, distinguishing it from lack of precipitation by emphasizing the role of water deficit relative to average conditions and evapotranspiration. The core concern highlighted is how increasing temperatures due to climate change will intensify drought frequency and severity, despite potential precipitation increases, by reducing snowpacks and increasing water loss from the environment. The presentation explores recent drought occurrences, linking them to climate change and natural climate variability, and introduces a Forest Drought Risk Assessment Tool designed to evaluate and predict drought impacts on forests. The purpose of this presentation is to emphasize the urgent need to integrate climate change considerations into forestry practices to mitigate future ecological impacts. -
CO2, Carbon Storage and Utilization for Storage
This webinar presents an overview of carbon dioxide (CO2) storage options, including geological storage and biochar application. It highlights Western Canada’s favorable geology for long-term CO2 storage and discusses biochar as a stable form of carb...This webinar presents an overview of carbon dioxide (CO2) storage options, including geological storage and biochar application. It highlights Western Canada’s favorable geology for long-term CO2 storage and discusses biochar as a stable form of carbon that can enhance soil health while sequestering carbon for centuries. The webinar emphasizes both technical feasibility and ecological benefits of carbon management strategies in industrial contexts. Presented by Malcolm Wilson -
Prioritizing Commercial Thinning Quantification of Growth and Competition with High-Density Drone Laser Scanning
This document introduces a method for prioritizing commercial thinning in forests by integrating high-density drone laser scanning (DLS) data with tree-ring measurements. This research uses DLS to quantify individual tree growth and competition, spec...This document introduces a method for prioritizing commercial thinning in forests by integrating high-density drone laser scanning (DLS) data with tree-ring measurements. This research uses DLS to quantify individual tree growth and competition, specifically identifying that crown volume is the strongest predictor of recent basal area growth. This innovative approach allows for the creation of detailed spatial maps, including a new "growth competition index," which can guide forest managers in optimizing thinning strategies across large areas, moving beyond traditional stand-level assessments to a more precise, intra-stand management. The study emphasizes how this technology provides timely, fine-scale information to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of silvicultural practices, particularly commercial thinning. -
Thinning Lodgepole Pine in Southeastern British Columbia 46-year Results
This document investigates the long-term effects of thinning on a 53-year-old lodgepole pine stand. The core purpose is to understand how different thinning intensities impact tree growth, stand health, and resistance to pests over nearly five decade...This document investigates the long-term effects of thinning on a 53-year-old lodgepole pine stand. The core purpose is to understand how different thinning intensities impact tree growth, stand health, and resistance to pests over nearly five decades. A key finding suggests that heavy thinning may help "beetle-proof" stands against the destructive mountain pine beetle, contributing to greater net volume increments despite initial mortality from other factors like snow. While acknowledging some study limitations due to initial variability, the report provides valuable insights into sustainable forest management practices for older lodgepole pine. -
Alternative Silvicultural Systems on Steep-Sloped Old-Growth Forests on the Queen Charlotte Islands Project Overview and Regeneration Development
This case study details a research project investigating alternative silvicultural systems to clearcutting in the steep-sloped old-growth forests of the Queen Charlotte Islands (now Haida Gwaii). The study, initiated in 1992, compared the effects of ...This case study details a research project investigating alternative silvicultural systems to clearcutting in the steep-sloped old-growth forests of the Queen Charlotte Islands (now Haida Gwaii). The study, initiated in 1992, compared the effects of single-tree selection, two levels of group selection, and clearcutting on regeneration (both natural and planted) and residual stand characteristics over a seven-year period. Key findings address the effectiveness of these methods in promoting the regeneration of western hemlock, Sitka spruce, and western redcedar, as well as the impact on residual tree damage and browsing pressure from Sitka black-tailed deer, ultimately aiming to inform sustainable forest management practices in this sensitive ecosystem. -
Stand Dynamics After Partial Cutting in Dry Douglas-fir Forests in Central British Columbia Farwell Canyon Research Project
This report details a research project in the dry Douglas-fir forests of central British Columbia, initiated in 2001 at Farwell Canyon. The study investigated the effects of partial cutting on forest stand dynamics, specifically examining how differe...This report details a research project in the dry Douglas-fir forests of central British Columbia, initiated in 2001 at Farwell Canyon. The study investigated the effects of partial cutting on forest stand dynamics, specifically examining how different harvesting methods, coupled with pre-commercial thinning and prescribed burning, could achieve objectives like improved wildlife forage, enhanced residual tree growth, and increased fire resilience. The report presents data collected over 10-14 years following these treatments, analyzing changes in stand structure, tree growth, and regeneration patterns to assess the long-term outcomes of these forest management techniques in this specific ecosystem. -
Cost and Productivity of Alternative Harvesting in BC's Interior Wet Belt Designed to Maintain Cariboo Habitat
This paper examines the costs and productivity of different timber harvesting methods in the interior wet-belt of British Columbia, specifically focusing on maintaining habitat for mountain caribou. The study compares group selection harvesting, wher...This paper examines the costs and productivity of different timber harvesting methods in the interior wet-belt of British Columbia, specifically focusing on maintaining habitat for mountain caribou. The study compares group selection harvesting, where small patches of forest are removed, with clearcutting and single-tree selection. Its primary purpose is to document the economic implications of a harvesting approach designed to balance timber extraction with the ecological needs of caribou in old-growth cedar-hemlock forests. -
Evaluating the Effects of Partial Cutting on Wildlife, Trees, and Coarse Woody Debris
This paper explores the effects of partial cutting, a forest management technique aimed at creating stands similar to natural uneven-aged forests, on wildlife trees and coarse woody debris in the wet forests of interior British Columbia. The authors ...This paper explores the effects of partial cutting, a forest management technique aimed at creating stands similar to natural uneven-aged forests, on wildlife trees and coarse woody debris in the wet forests of interior British Columbia. The authors introduce a new classification system based on functional habitat features ("Types") of these dead and dying wood components that are crucial for various wildlife species. By presenting preliminary data from a long-term study, the paper investigates how different partial cutting methods, specifically single tree selection and group selection, influence the occurrence of these vital habitat structures, ultimately seeking to inform forest management practices for biodiversity conservation. -
Toolkit for Applying Indigenous-led Fire Practices and Western Fire Management
The toolkit shares practices and related resources on Indigenous-led fire practices and settler and state-led fire management for Indigenous Peoples and wildlife in the Saskatchewan River Delta in northern Saskatchewan. Many aspects of this toolkit a...The toolkit shares practices and related resources on Indigenous-led fire practices and settler and state-led fire management for Indigenous Peoples and wildlife in the Saskatchewan River Delta in northern Saskatchewan. Many aspects of this toolkit are applicable across Canada. -
The Influence of Initial Espacement on the Growth of a 27-year-old Sitka Spruce Plantation
This document investigates how the initial planting density, or espacement, affects the growth of a 27-year-old Sitka spruce plantation in British Columbia. The study examines various stand characteristics, including tree height, diameter, volume, an...This document investigates how the initial planting density, or espacement, affects the growth of a 27-year-old Sitka spruce plantation in British Columbia. The study examines various stand characteristics, including tree height, diameter, volume, and crown development across different planting densities ranging from 478 to 2990 stems per hectare. The core purpose is to provide foresters with data on optimizing stocking levels for Sitka spruce to enhance timber production and manage stand characteristics more effectively, suggesting a recommended range of 800 to 1400 stems per hectare for saw timber objectives. The findings highlight a trade-off: wider espacements produce larger individual trees and branches, while closer espacements yield a greater total volume per hectare when considering all trees in the stand. -
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. -
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.
