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LMH Management Strategy for Mule Deer Winter Ranges in the Cariboo-Chilcotin Part 1b Management Plan for Transition and Deep Snowpack Zones
This LMH Document #59 outlines a management strategy for mule deer winter ranges specifically within the transition and deep snowpack zones of the Cariboo-Chilcotin region. It's structured in two main parts: the first details winter range management ...This LMH Document #59 outlines a management strategy for mule deer winter ranges specifically within the transition and deep snowpack zones of the Cariboo-Chilcotin region. It's structured in two main parts: the first details winter range management objectives, including long-term spatial goals, access considerations, and stand-level targets for forest structure and species composition, largely employing a group selection silviculture system. The second part provides guidance on planning forest harvests to align with these objectives, offering practical steps and a checklist for implementation, aiming to integrate timber harvesting with the maintenance and restoration of suitable mule deer habitat. -
Montane Alternative Silviculture Systems (MASS) - Testing Operational Economic and Biological Impacts of Alternatives to Clearcutting in a Coastal Montane Forest on Vancouver Island, British Columbia
This study documents the Montane Alternative Silvicultural Systems project, a long-term cooperative study on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, established to find forest management practices that could replace conventional clearcutting in high-ele...This study documents the Montane Alternative Silvicultural Systems project, a long-term cooperative study on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, established to find forest management practices that could replace conventional clearcutting in high-elevation coastal environments. This research initiative evaluated the operational, economic, and biological consequences of alternatives like patch cuts, green tree retention, and shelterwood logging. The findings cover crucial metrics such as operational costs and feasibility, as well as detailed ecological and silvicultural impacts on forest regeneration, soil health, and local biodiversity. The purpose of the MASS research was to provide the scientific foundation needed for implementing environmentally sustainable harvesting systems, such as variable retention, in the region's complex montane forests. -
Comparing Silvicultural Systems in a Coastal Montane Forest - Productivity and Cost of Harvesting Operations
This technical report details the outcomes of the Montane Alternative Silvicultural Systems study, which was prompted by operational concerns about forest regeneration and public pressure to limit clearcutting in high-elevation coastal regions of Br...This technical report details the outcomes of the Montane Alternative Silvicultural Systems study, which was prompted by operational concerns about forest regeneration and public pressure to limit clearcutting in high-elevation coastal regions of British Columbia. The core objective was to compare the operational productivity and financial viability of three alternative harvesting techniques including uniform shelterwood, green tree retention, and patch cutting against a conventional clearcut. The findings indicated that while these innovative systems could be applied successfully on gentle terrain, they resulted in significantly higher harvesting costs, with the shelterwood system proving to be 38% more expensive than clearcutting. The report also examined the acceptable low levels of site disturbance and soil compaction caused by the machinery, confirming that long-term success will rely on future monitoring of windthrow occurrence and regeneration success. -
Post-Harvest Nitrogen Cycling in Clearcut and Alternative Silvicultural Systems in a Montane Forest in Coastal British Columbia
The Montane Alternative Silvicultural Systems trial was designed to compare the ecological effects of traditional clearcutting against alternative silvicultural systems regarding forest nutrient dynamics in coastal British Columbia. Researchers obse...The Montane Alternative Silvicultural Systems trial was designed to compare the ecological effects of traditional clearcutting against alternative silvicultural systems regarding forest nutrient dynamics in coastal British Columbia. Researchers observed that while harvesting led to a slight, short-lived increase in soil nitrogen availability, the resulting fluxes of nitrogen below the rooting zone were negligible. A key finding was that mineralized nitrogen remained predominantly in the form of ammonium, and subsequent nitrate increases were primarily due to decreased microbial consumption rather than increased production. The study concluded that since the estimated nitrogen losses from the rooting zone were minimal compared to vast soil reserves and natural atmospheric inputs, harvesting is unlikely to negatively impact future site productivity. -
Montane Alternative Silviculture Systems (MASS) - Understory Vegetation Response to Alternative Silvicultural Treatments and Systems 26 Year Results
This report details the 26-year results of the Montane Alternative Silvicultural Systems Project, an integrated, long-term study designed to evaluate the biological consequences of different harvesting approaches in montane coastal forests of Britis...This report details the 26-year results of the Montane Alternative Silvicultural Systems Project, an integrated, long-term study designed to evaluate the biological consequences of different harvesting approaches in montane coastal forests of British Columbia. Researchers quantified changes in understory vegetation cover, diversity, and conifer regeneration across four systems, including clearcutting and various forms of tree retention, compared to an old-growth benchmark. The study found that while all harvesting methods led to an eventual increase in overall species richness, the uniform shelterwood retained more stand structure and pre-harvest plant species initially. The findings suggest that the retention of relatively intact mature forest patches is the most effective approach for conserving plant and non-vascular species associated with older forests. -
Windthrow Monitoring of Alternative Silvicultural Systems in Montane Coastal Forests
This research documents a six-year monitoring study at the Montane Alternative Silvicultural Systems site, examining how different harvesting methods influence the likelihood of windthrow damage in coastal montane forests. The study quantified stem ...This research documents a six-year monitoring study at the Montane Alternative Silvicultural Systems site, examining how different harvesting methods influence the likelihood of windthrow damage in coastal montane forests. The study quantified stem loss across four treatments, including clearcut, shelterwood, green tree retention, and patch cut, finding that windthrow losses were substantial across the site, which was not initially considered high risk. Although low-density green tree retention experienced the highest proportion of damaged trees, the overall greatest number of wind-damaged stems occurred in the shelterwood treatment. The data indicates that small, concentrated patch cuts resulted in the lowest amount of windthrow, suggesting that grouped retention is a more effective strategy than dispersed retention for minimizing wind damage. The authors conclude that adopting group retention strategies can better conserve structural forest elements while addressing challenges related to windthrow risk. -
Montane Alternative Silvicultural Systems (MASS) Conifer Growth and Understory Vegetation Response to Alternative Silvicultural Treatments and Systems - 15 Year Results
This comprehensive 15-year report details the Montane Alternative Silvicultural Systems Project, which tested the efficacy of different harvesting treatments, including clearcutting, patch cutting, and various forms of retention, on forest health an...This comprehensive 15-year report details the Montane Alternative Silvicultural Systems Project, which tested the efficacy of different harvesting treatments, including clearcutting, patch cutting, and various forms of retention, on forest health and regeneration in coastal British Columbia. Key findings reveal that while conifer survival remained consistent across treatments, tree height and volume growth was generally slower in the shelterwood environment due to reduced light, and the single most effective way to boost planted tree growth was through intensive vegetation control. Conversely, the shelterwood system successfully maintained the greatest understory species diversity and composition most similar to the uncut old-growth forest, minimizing the loss of shade-loving plants. The long-term data emphasizes a crucial trade-off: maximizing early conifer growth favors more open treatments, but retaining pre-harvest biodiversity values is best achieved with substantial canopy protection. -
Montane Alternative Silvicultural Systems (MASS) 25 Year Growth of Planted and Natural Regeneration
The Montane Alternative Silvicultural Systems project is a 25-year study designed to evaluate how different harvesting methods impact regeneration, wildlife habitat, and aesthetics at high elevations on Vancouver Island. This research compared stand...The Montane Alternative Silvicultural Systems project is a 25-year study designed to evaluate how different harvesting methods impact regeneration, wildlife habitat, and aesthetics at high elevations on Vancouver Island. This research compared standard clearcutting with three alternative silvicultural systems including patch cut, green tree, and shelterwood, while tracking the growth and survival of five conifer species. The findings revealed that planted Douglas-fir was the fastest growing species across all treatments, despite experiencing the highest rate of mortality. The research also confirmed that post-planting efforts such as vegetation control significantly improved the volume and growth of species like western hemlock and amabilis fir over the long term. -
Montane Alternative Silvicultural Systems (MASS) Field Trip Posters
This report outlines the Montane Alternative Silvicultural Systems study, a large-scale project designed to test the ecological and operational feasibility of harvest methods beyond conventional clearcutting in coastal British Columbia montane fores...This report outlines the Montane Alternative Silvicultural Systems study, a large-scale project designed to test the ecological and operational feasibility of harvest methods beyond conventional clearcutting in coastal British Columbia montane forests. The research examined the biological and silvicultural impacts of four systems, including clearcut, patch cuts, green tree retention, and shelterwood, to address concerns regarding regeneration, aesthetics, and biodiversity in challenging high-elevation environments. Key findings indicated that while clearcutting was often the most cost-effective, alternative systems faced specific issues, such as increased operational costs and shade limitations that suppressed seedling growth in the shelterwood treatments. The results offer actionable implications, suggesting that small patch cuts and low retention levels can be successfully implemented without significantly reducing early plantation performance. -
Comparison of Western Redcedar and Yellow-Cedar Growth Under Different Silvicultural Systems
This document summarizes the findings of the Montane Alternative Silvicultural Systems study, detailing a long-term comparison of how different harvesting techniques affect the survival and growth of western redcedar and yellow cedar. The study cont...This document summarizes the findings of the Montane Alternative Silvicultural Systems study, detailing a long-term comparison of how different harvesting techniques affect the survival and growth of western redcedar and yellow cedar. The study contrasted methods such as clearcut, shelterwood, and various retention systems over a 28-year period to assess key metrics like height and volume at the 25-year mark. The conclusions revealed that the silvicultural system profoundly impacts growth rates, showing that western redcedar grew fastest in clearcuts while yellow cedar achieved greater volume and height in the shaded shelterwood environments. This indicates distinct species preferences regarding light exposure following logging. -
Stock Type Selection and Ordering Guidelines
This document assists silviculturists in British Columbia with the process of stock type selection for reforestation efforts. The document details the characteristics and definitions of both container-grown and field-grown stock, emphasizing that the...This document assists silviculturists in British Columbia with the process of stock type selection for reforestation efforts. The document details the characteristics and definitions of both container-grown and field-grown stock, emphasizing that the correct choice significantly impacts a plantation's survival and early growth. Key sections are dedicated to factors influencing selection, such as species, site limiting factors, and logistics related to ordering and tracking stock types, as well as proper receiving and handling stock upon delivery. This document serves as a comprehensive reference to match specific seedling characteristics with site-specific conditions and cost considerations. -
Analysis of a Skyline Partial Cutting Operation in the Interior Cedar Hemlock Biogeoclimatic Zone
This technical report presents an analysis of a skyline partial cutting operation conducted in British Columbia's Interior Cedar-Hemlock zone. The primary goal was to evaluate the economic and operational feasibility of using a specific cable yarding...This technical report presents an analysis of a skyline partial cutting operation conducted in British Columbia's Interior Cedar-Hemlock zone. The primary goal was to evaluate the economic and operational feasibility of using a specific cable yarding system to meet modern silvicultural goals in this ecosystem. This report confirmed the importance of careful logging planning and developed productivity functions to help forest engineers predict and optimize the use of single- and multi-span skyline configurations in future partial cuts. -
Commercial Thinning Experiments in the Horsefly Forest District
This document is a detailed report summarizing a commercial thinning experiment in the Horsefly Forest District in British Columbia. The primary goal was to assess the operational feasibility of commercial thinning as an alternative silviculture trea...This document is a detailed report summarizing a commercial thinning experiment in the Horsefly Forest District in British Columbia. The primary goal was to assess the operational feasibility of commercial thinning as an alternative silviculture treatment, particularly focusing on developing higher-valued timber stands. The report delves into numerous technical and environmental issues, including desired crop tree characteristics, hydrological stability, and windthrow and snow-damage, backed by exhaustive production reports from the harvesting machinery and detailed snow breakage and crown growth surveys. The study concluded that commercial thinning is an operationally viable option within the Cariboo Forest Region, providing continued access to merchantable stands. -
Strathcona Elk Winter Range Enhancement Project
This document details the Strathcona Elk Winter Range Enhancement Project, a multi-year initiative in British Columbia focused on improving habitat for Roosevelt elk. The project's main goals were to increase forage production, create better cover, a...This document details the Strathcona Elk Winter Range Enhancement Project, a multi-year initiative in British Columbia focused on improving habitat for Roosevelt elk. The project's main goals were to increase forage production, create better cover, and ultimately support a healthier elk population through various habitat enhancement trials, including seeding, pruning, and clearing. The report summarizes the methodology, results, and recommendations from the 2004 efforts, highlighting observations on forage growth, browse availability, and elk usage patterns, alongside financial expenditures and the project's long-term objectives for elk conservation within the Strathcona Provincial Park and surrounding valleys. -
Strathcona Elk Winter Range Restoration Project
This document summarizes the Strathcona Elk Winter Range Restoration Project in British Columbia, outlining habitat restoration efforts from 2002 to 2003. The project focused on increasing forage production and improving cover attributes for elk thro...This document summarizes the Strathcona Elk Winter Range Restoration Project in British Columbia, outlining habitat restoration efforts from 2002 to 2003. The project focused on increasing forage production and improving cover attributes for elk through activities like planting, pruning, and scarification at six sites. Beyond restoration, a significant component involved monitoring techniques to assess project success and document its impact on Roosevelt elk populations, alongside efforts to increase public awareness about elk habitat needs. -
Harvesting Small Patch Clearcuts in Southeastern British Columbia
This document investigates harvesting small patch clearcuts in southeastern British Columbia. Faced with the challenge of balancing timber extraction with high recreational values and visually sensitive landscapes, this study aims to evaluate differe...This document investigates harvesting small patch clearcuts in southeastern British Columbia. Faced with the challenge of balancing timber extraction with high recreational values and visually sensitive landscapes, this study aims to evaluate different harvesting systems. The study was conducted at Robson Ridge and Pilot Point and compared the productivity, costs, and site disturbance of ground-skidding and cable-yarding methods, highlighting key factors like terrain, machine type, and operational planning that influence the success of these silvicultural approaches in visually sensitive areas. The findings emphasize that meticulous planning, especially concerning road layouts and patch boundaries, is crucial for achieving both economic and environmental objectives in small patch clearcutting. -
The Shelterwood Silvicultural System in British Columbia - A Practitioner's Guide. Part 3 Operational Implementation
This guide serves as a practical manual for foresters looking to implement the shelterwood cutting method in British Columbia. As the third part of a three-part series, this guide builds upon previous parts by focusing on the specific harvesting oper...This guide serves as a practical manual for foresters looking to implement the shelterwood cutting method in British Columbia. As the third part of a three-part series, this guide builds upon previous parts by focusing on the specific harvesting operations involved in this silvicultural system. The guide emphasizes that each harvest entry is a deliberate silvicultural treatment designed to manipulate the forest environment to achieve regeneration and stand-tending objectives, highlighting key considerations like protecting the soil, existing trees, and new growth while promoting a favorable environment for the next forest generation. -
The Shelterwood Silvicultural System in British Columbia - A Practitioner's Guide. Part 1 Implementation Considerations
This guide focuses on the shelterwood silvicultural system in British Columbia and specifically addresses implementation considerations. As the first part of a three-part series, it outlines the advantages and risks associated with this partial cutti...This guide focuses on the shelterwood silvicultural system in British Columbia and specifically addresses implementation considerations. As the first part of a three-part series, it outlines the advantages and risks associated with this partial cutting method compared to clearcutting. The guide also delves into crucial aspects like forest health factors and administrative hurdles within the BC forestry context, emphasizing the need for careful planning to manage risks and achieve both timber and non-timber objectives. -
Disturbance Regimes in Coastal British Columbia
This paper challenges the traditional view that stand-initiating fires are the dominant disturbance regime in British Columbia's wet coastal temperate rainforests. Through a comprehensive literature review and analysis of empirical data, the authors ...This paper challenges the traditional view that stand-initiating fires are the dominant disturbance regime in British Columbia's wet coastal temperate rainforests. Through a comprehensive literature review and analysis of empirical data, the authors argue that fine-scale gap dynamics, resulting from the death of individual or small groups of trees, is the primary process shaping these forests. They present four lines of evidence supporting this, including the prevalence of old-growth forests dominating the landscape, the infrequency of historical fires, and the biophysical conditions that limit fire spread. The paper emphasizes that a better understanding of these natural disturbance patterns, particularly gap dynamics, is crucial for developing sustainable forest management and conservation strategies in British Columbia. -
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.
