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Adjusting Free-growing Guidance Regarding Aspen Retention in the Cariboo-Chilcotin Research to operational implementation
This document details a research project in the Cariboo Region of British Columbia focused on revising free-growing guidelines to better account for the interactions between young conifer plantations and broadleaf trees, particularly trembling aspen....This document details a research project in the Cariboo Region of British Columbia focused on revising free-growing guidelines to better account for the interactions between young conifer plantations and broadleaf trees, particularly trembling aspen. The central theme is understanding the competitive relationships between aspen and various conifer species across different biogeoclimatic zones. Through long-term experimental studies and field verification, the researchers gathered data on tree growth, health, and density to propose scientifically supported adjustments to the regulations that determine when a reforested area is considered successfully established. The goal of this study was to create more ecologically informed and practically applicable guidelines that recognize the potential benefits of broadleaf presence while ensuring successful conifer regeneration for timber production. -
Stand Growth and Natural Regeneration Development Following Selection Harvesting of Dry-Belt Douglas fir - 15 Year Results
This document details a 15-year study examining the effects of partial cut logging, specifically single-tree selection harvesting, on dry-belt Douglas-fir stands in British Columbia. The research, initiated in 1993, investigated how different levels ...This document details a 15-year study examining the effects of partial cut logging, specifically single-tree selection harvesting, on dry-belt Douglas-fir stands in British Columbia. The research, initiated in 1993, investigated how different levels of residual growing stock and stand structure influenced the growth of remaining trees and the establishment of new seedlings. By remeasuring permanent plots and analyzing overstorey and understorey development, the study aimed to provide long-term data crucial for improving growth and yield models, informing sustainable forest management practices, and understanding the dynamics of these complex forest ecosystems. -
Harvest Intensity Effects on Carbon Stocks and Biodiversity Are Dependent on Regional Climate in Douglas-Fir Forests of British Columbia
This paper investigates how different forest harvesting methods impact both the amount of carbon stored and the variety of plant and tree life. The study compared the effects of clearcutting, varying levels of partial tree retention, and no harvestin...This paper investigates how different forest harvesting methods impact both the amount of carbon stored and the variety of plant and tree life. The study compared the effects of clearcutting, varying levels of partial tree retention, and no harvesting across different climatic regions in British Columbia's Douglas-fir forests, ranging from humid to semi-arid. The central finding is that the intensity of harvesting significantly influences carbon storage and biodiversity, but importantly, the magnitude of these effects is strongly linked to the regional climate. -
The Opax Mountain Silvicultural Systems Project Preliminary Results for Managing Complex Dry Interior Douglas-fir Forests
This extension note investigates various forest management approaches for complex, dry Interior Douglas-fir forests. The core of the project involves long-term, operational-scale experiments comparing different harvesting methods, such as individual ...This extension note investigates various forest management approaches for complex, dry Interior Douglas-fir forests. The core of the project involves long-term, operational-scale experiments comparing different harvesting methods, such as individual tree selection and patch cutting, against uncut controls across two distinct study areas. The research explores the effects of these treatments on a wide array of ecological factors, including natural disturbances, tree regeneration, vegetation dynamics, microclimate, soils, and wildlife habitat, aiming to understand how different management practices impact forest health and biodiversity. The project seeks to provide practical insights for forest managers to move beyond traditional uniform partial cutting and adopt a broader range of strategies that better reflect the natural variability of these important forest ecosystems. -
Uncertainty in Adaptation to Climate Change in Forest Management
This report explores the challenges of forest management planning in British Columbia under the uncertainty of climate change. Recognizing that no single climate change prediction is definitive, the authors develop a conceptual framework using a robu...This report explores the challenges of forest management planning in British Columbia under the uncertainty of climate change. Recognizing that no single climate change prediction is definitive, the authors develop a conceptual framework using a robustness approach. Instead of seeking an optimal plan for a specific future, they aim to identify good-enough plans that perform reasonably well across a range of potential climate scenarios. The study uses the Quesnel Timber Supply Area as a case study, focusing on balancing timber supply and tree species diversity goals through multi-criteria decision analysis, considering both a status quo and an adaptation-focused forest renewal option. -
Moving Towards Adaptation Strategies in Forest Management - a Starting Place for the West Kootenays
This document serves as a foundational guide for adapting forest management practices in the West Kootenay region of British Columbia in the face of climate change. Recognizing the confirmed reality of climate change and its projected impacts on the ...This document serves as a foundational guide for adapting forest management practices in the West Kootenay region of British Columbia in the face of climate change. Recognizing the confirmed reality of climate change and its projected impacts on the region, the report outlines a starting point for forest practitioners to consider and implement adaptation strategies. It structures these strategies across different scales - landscape, ecosystemstand, and operational - offering specific actions relevant to the unique vulnerabilities identified in the northern, mid, and southern subregions of the West Kootenays. Ultimately, the report emphasizes the need for a deliberate and informed decision-making process to select and implement effective adaptation measures, advocating for ongoing monitoring and collaboration among stakeholders. -
Using PrognosisBC to Analyze Partial-Cutting Options over a Rotation
This document details an analysis using the PrognosisBC model to evaluate various partial-cutting silvicultural options for long-term forest management compared to clearcutting. The authors explore how different harvesting methods in a specific fores...This document details an analysis using the PrognosisBC model to evaluate various partial-cutting silvicultural options for long-term forest management compared to clearcutting. The authors explore how different harvesting methods in a specific forest type could meet sustainability targets, encompassing biodiversity, visual quality, old-growth recruitment, and timber production over a 100-year rotation. By modeling several scenarios and comparing their outputs, the study aims to familiarize readers with the PrognosisBC tool and demonstrate its utility in assessing trade-offs and informing complex forest management decisions, while also acknowledging the model's limitations and the crucial role of professional judgment. -
Reforesting Dry Sites in the Thompson Okanagan Natural Resource Region
This document is a comprehensive guide to address the increasing challenges of establishing healthy forests on drought-prone lands. Recognizing the impact of climate change and high seedling mortality, the report meticulously examines current silvicu...This document is a comprehensive guide to address the increasing challenges of establishing healthy forests on drought-prone lands. Recognizing the impact of climate change and high seedling mortality, the report meticulously examines current silviculture practices and relevant research to identify best management practices for improved regeneration success. It provides a drought risk key for practitioners to classify sites and recommends specific treatment regimes encompassing planning, harvesting, mechanical site preparation, planting considerations, and post-planting surveys. The purpose of this guide is to offer practical, experience-based guidance to forest managers in the Thompson Okanagan region to enhance the resilience and successful reforestation of dry sites facing heightened drought risk. -
Harvesting on Mule Deer Winter Range under General Wildlife Measures for Shallow Moderate Snowpack Zones Approach and Lessons Learned following a Second Harvest Entry after 30 Year
This report details a second timber harvest entry conducted on a mule deer winter range in British Columbia, thirty years after the initial logging. The study examines the application of General Wildlife Measures for shallow and moderate snowpack z...This report details a second timber harvest entry conducted on a mule deer winter range in British Columbia, thirty years after the initial logging. The study examines the application of General Wildlife Measures for shallow and moderate snowpack zones, focusing on a clumpy single-tree selection silvicultural system designed to balance timber harvesting with maintaining and enhancing mule deer habitat. Key aspects explored include the planning and operational implementation of this approach, including the creation of small canopy gaps and thinning from below, along with the lessons learned regarding ecological impacts, adherence to regulations, and operational feasibility. The report serves to document this long-term research project's progression and inform future management practices on similar winter ranges. -
Ecology and Management of Interior Douglas-fir at the Northern Extreme of its Range
This study addresses the ecology and management of interior Douglas-fir at the northern extent of its range in British Columbia, particularly within the Prince George Timber Supply Area. The study delves into concerns about a perceived decline in Dou...This study addresses the ecology and management of interior Douglas-fir at the northern extent of its range in British Columbia, particularly within the Prince George Timber Supply Area. The study delves into concerns about a perceived decline in Douglas-fir abundance, exploring its ecological, cultural, and economic significance in this northern environment. It synthesizes existing knowledge on Douglas-fir, examining past and present management practices, its role in local ecosystems including wildlife habitat and soil health, and challenges related to its regeneration, often comparing it with other species like lodgepole pine and spruce. The document serves as a problem analysis and aims to inform the development of an interim management strategy and future research directions for sustaining Douglas-fir in these unique northern landscapes. -
Strategic Plan for the Use of Prescribed Fire to Restore Ecosystems in the Okanagan Region
This case study outlines a detailed approach to employing planned burns for ecological benefits. The document details the ecological role of fire in the Okanagan, current fire management practices, and the proposed strategic plan. Key themes include ...This case study outlines a detailed approach to employing planned burns for ecological benefits. The document details the ecological role of fire in the Okanagan, current fire management practices, and the proposed strategic plan. Key themes include the restoration and maintenance of ecosystem health and biodiversity through mimicking natural fire regimes, while also addressing risk management and collaboration among stakeholders. The plan likely specifies objectives, strategies, and implementation considerations for using prescribed fire as a vital tool in landscape management. -
Timber-focused Evaluation of Partial Cutting in BC Under the Forest and Range Evaluation Program
This document details a timber-focused evaluation of partially harvested forest areas within a specific management unit. Its core purpose was to determine if the resulting stand conditions aligned with the government's objectives for timber, as outli...This document details a timber-focused evaluation of partially harvested forest areas within a specific management unit. Its core purpose was to determine if the resulting stand conditions aligned with the government's objectives for timber, as outlined in the Forest and Range Practices Act. The evaluation employed both routine and intensive assessment methods to analyze various indicators, such as stocking levels, wood volume, and tree quality, and even used growth simulation to predict future stand development under different management scenarios. The report aimed to assess the effectiveness of partial harvesting practices in meeting timber objectives and to provide recommendations for improvement in practices, evaluation methods, and related policies. -
Successional Responses to Natural Disturbance Forest Management and Climate Change in British Columbia's Forests
This extension note outlines the successional pathways of various forest ecosystems in British Columbia and how these natural trajectories are influenced by natural disturbances, forest management practices, and projected climate change. The authors ...This extension note outlines the successional pathways of various forest ecosystems in British Columbia and how these natural trajectories are influenced by natural disturbances, forest management practices, and projected climate change. The authors describe typical disturbance regimes like fire and insect outbreaks within different Ecoprovinces and their characteristic Ecosystem Types. Furthermore, the note discusses how human interventions, particularly logging, have altered these successional patterns, and it concludes by considering the potential future impacts of changing temperature and precipitation on these vital forest dynamics, emphasizing the need for management that fosters resilient and resistant forests.
