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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. -
Using Partial Cutting Timber Harvesting in Methods in a Sensitive Watershed in Southeastern British Columbia
This extension note details a case study on partial cutting timber harvesting methods within a sensitive watershed in southeastern British Columbia. The study evaluates a multi-resource objective approach to logging, aiming to balance timber producti...This extension note details a case study on partial cutting timber harvesting methods within a sensitive watershed in southeastern British Columbia. The study evaluates a multi-resource objective approach to logging, aiming to balance timber production with the conservation of water quality, wildlife habitats, and visual landscapes. It highlights the company's shift from conventional clear-cutting to silvicultural systems that maintain forest health and biodiversity, while also addressing the economic and environmental concerns of the region. The report assesses the effectiveness and challenges of these partial cutting methods in achieving sustainable forest management within a sensitive ecological area. -
Using Alternatives to Clearcutting in Veiwscapes Case Study in the Columbia Forest District in Southeastern British Columbia
This extension note explores alternatives to conventional clearcutting for timber harvesting in visually sensitive areas of British Columbia, specifically within the Columbia Forest District. The central purpose is to identify silvicultural systems a...This extension note explores alternatives to conventional clearcutting for timber harvesting in visually sensitive areas of British Columbia, specifically within the Columbia Forest District. The central purpose is to identify silvicultural systems and harvesting methods that reduce visual impact while maintaining timber supply and ecological health. The document details various standard units of harvesting, such as shelterwood and commercial thinning, explaining their application and effects on the landscape, often contrasting them with traditional clearcutting. This document emphasizes the importance of balancing economic viability with aesthetic and environmental considerations when managing forest viewscapes. -
Partial Cutting Options in Hemlock-Dominated Stands in Southeastern British Columbia the Selkirk College Woodlot Experience
This document details Selkirk College's experimental shift from traditional clearcutting to variable retention silvicultural systems in their hemlock-dominated demonstration forest. The primary purpose of these experiments was to explore alternative ...This document details Selkirk College's experimental shift from traditional clearcutting to variable retention silvicultural systems in their hemlock-dominated demonstration forest. The primary purpose of these experiments was to explore alternative harvesting methods that could maintain water quality, enhance biodiversity and habitat structures, produce quality timber, and provide educational opportunities for students. The document highlights Selkirk College's experiences with various approaches including natural shelterwood with overstory retention, group selection, and a mix of group and dispersed retention to assess their effectiveness in minimizing environmental impacts such as windthrow, and achieving diverse management objectives. A key theme emphasized is the critical role of clear communication between the woodlot manager and harvesting crews for successful implementation of these complex variable retention strategies. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
Equivalent Clearcut Area as an Indicator of Hydrologic Change in Snow-dominated Watersheds of Southern British Columbia
This extension note introduces Equivalent Clearcut Area, a metric used to assess the potential impact of forest disturbances, like logging or fires, on watershed hydrology in snow-dominated regions of British Columbia. The document explains how ECA i...This extension note introduces Equivalent Clearcut Area, a metric used to assess the potential impact of forest disturbances, like logging or fires, on watershed hydrology in snow-dominated regions of British Columbia. The document explains how ECA is calculated by accounting for the area disturbed and the subsequent forest regrowth, which influences water interception, evaporation, and transpiration. It details the historical development and application of ECA in forest management planning, highlighting its use as an indicator for potential changes in streamflow and peak flow events. While acknowledging ECA's utility as a simplified tool for risk assessment and comparing management options, the note also stresses its limitations, emphasizing that it should not be used as a stand-alone metric due to the complex and variable nature of watershed responses to disturbance. -
Revised Snow Recovery Estimates for Pine-dominated Forests in Interior British Columbia
This document introduces revised estimates for snow recovery in pine-dominated forests of British Columbia's interior, a critical factor for watershed management. Snow recovery refers to the restoration of snow accumulation and melt patterns in regro...This document introduces revised estimates for snow recovery in pine-dominated forests of British Columbia's interior, a critical factor for watershed management. Snow recovery refers to the restoration of snow accumulation and melt patterns in regrowing forests after clearcutting, compared to mature forests and clearcut areas. The authors highlight how changes in forest cover significantly impact spring streamflow peaks, making accurate recovery estimates essential for assessing potential hydrologic changes. The study presents new recovery curves based on long-term data from the Thompson-Okanagan region, demonstrating that previous estimates likely overstated the rate of snow recovery, suggesting a more gradual return to pre-harvest conditions as young forests grow taller. -
The Lucille Mountain Study 8-year Results of a Silvicultural Systems Trial in the Engelmann Spruce-Subalpine Fir zone
This paper presents the 8-year results of a silvicultural systems trial at Lucille Mountain in British Columbia's Engelmann Spruce-Subalpine Fir zone. The study investigates the effects of different logging methods like clearcutting, patch cutting, ...This paper presents the 8-year results of a silvicultural systems trial at Lucille Mountain in British Columbia's Engelmann Spruce-Subalpine Fir zone. The study investigates the effects of different logging methods like clearcutting, patch cutting, and various partial cuts on climate, regeneration, tree growth, wind damage, arboreal lichens, and litter decomposition. The research highlights the complex environmental responses to forest harvesting in this high-elevation ecosystem and provides initial insights for better managing these sensitive forests, including considerations for reforestation practices and the challenges of adaptive management. -
Fort St. John pilot project Mixedwood Management Guidelines
This document outlines guidelines for managing mixedwood forests within the Fort St. John Pilot Project in British Columbia, aiming to meet the objectives of their Sustainable Forest Management Plan. A central theme is the classification and tracking...This document outlines guidelines for managing mixedwood forests within the Fort St. John Pilot Project in British Columbia, aiming to meet the objectives of their Sustainable Forest Management Plan. A central theme is the classification and tracking of different forest types across the landscape using a ledger system to ensure long-term balance. The guidelines also describe various proposed reforestation methods, ranging from creating mosaics of single-species stands to fostering intimate mixtures of conifer and deciduous trees, with the overall purpose of achieving desired future forest conditions at a landscape level while incorporating new scientific understanding. -
Silviculture Guidelines and Practices for Maintaining or Recruiting Key Habitat Objectives
This document provides operational management guidance for forest managers on how to integrate wildlife habitat considerations into forestry practices. It identifies ten key, broad habitat objectives relevant to many forested regions, focusing on mai...This document provides operational management guidance for forest managers on how to integrate wildlife habitat considerations into forestry practices. It identifies ten key, broad habitat objectives relevant to many forested regions, focusing on maintaining or encouraging features like coarse woody debris, wildlife tree patches, and specific habitat needs for various species, including cavity-nesting birds and ungulates. For each objective, the report offers management guidelines and silvicultural practices, suggesting how activities like harvesting, regeneration, and stand tending can be adapted to support wildlife. The document emphasizes using these guidelines in areas with high habitat suitability, as defined within associated forest stewardship plans, and intends to complement existing provincial and regional forest management guidelines. -
Influences of Clearcut Harvesting and Fertilization on Structure and Function of the Soil Food Web in ICH Forests of Southern Interior British Columbia
This report details two studies investigating the impacts of common forestry practices on soil health in Interior Cedar-Hemlock forests. The first study compared clearcut harvested areas to adjacent forests, finding that clearcutting generally reduce...This report details two studies investigating the impacts of common forestry practices on soil health in Interior Cedar-Hemlock forests. The first study compared clearcut harvested areas to adjacent forests, finding that clearcutting generally reduced key indicators of soil food web activity and nitrogen cycling. The second study examined the effects of broadcast fertilization on clearcuts, revealing it boosted nitrogen availability but also increased the potential for nitrogen loss through leaching and denitrification. This research aims to inform foresters and managers about how harvesting and fertilization influence soil ecosystems, suggesting ways to mitigate negative impacts and sustain forest productivity. -
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. -
Long-term Silviculture Experiments Contribute to Science-Based Forest Management in British Columbia's Public Forests
This paper discusses long-term silviculture experiments in British Columbia aimed at informing science-based forest management on public lands. It highlights two key projects, MASS and Sicamous Creek, which compare different harvesting methods, incl...This paper discusses long-term silviculture experiments in British Columbia aimed at informing science-based forest management on public lands. It highlights two key projects, MASS and Sicamous Creek, which compare different harvesting methods, including variations of clearcutting and retention forestry, and their impacts on ecological values like regeneration, nutrient cycling, and biodiversity. The authors explore how the findings from these experiments can contribute to decisions about balancing timber harvesting with environmental considerations, noting the varying degrees of influence these projects have had on actual forestry practices due to differing socio-economic contexts. The paper emphasizes the complexity of applying ecological research to forest management and the importance of considering both ecological understanding and societal pressures. -
Silviculture Treatments for Ecosystem Management in the Sayward (STEMS) Establishment Report for STEMS 1 Snowden Demonstration Forest
This document details the establishment of a significant forestry experiment called Silviculture Treatments for Ecosystem Management in the Sayward. The core purpose of STEMS is to compare different forest harvesting and management techniques beyond ...This document details the establishment of a significant forestry experiment called Silviculture Treatments for Ecosystem Management in the Sayward. The core purpose of STEMS is to compare different forest harvesting and management techniques beyond traditional clearcutting in second-growth Douglas-fir stands. This comparison evaluates their impacts on forest productivity, economics, and public perception, aiming to provide scientific data for making informed decisions about sustainable, multiple-use forest management. The project replicates a similar study in Washington State to enhance the reliability and broader applicability of its findings, addressing the increasing demand for forestry practices that balance timber production with ecological and social values. -
Comparing Clearcutting and Alternatives in a High-Elevation Forest Early Results from Sicamous Creek
This extension note reports on the early findings of the Sicamous Creek Silvicultural Systems project, a long-term study comparing different forestry practices in high-elevation forests of British Columbia. The central theme is the evaluation of clea...This extension note reports on the early findings of the Sicamous Creek Silvicultural Systems project, a long-term study comparing different forestry practices in high-elevation forests of British Columbia. The central theme is the evaluation of clearcutting versus alternative harvesting methods, such as small patch cuts and individual tree selection, regarding their impacts on various ecological and economic factors. The purpose of this note is to summarize initial results concerning harvest costs, regeneration, soil conditions, microclimate, and biodiversity, ultimately aiming to inform more ecologically diverse and sustainable forest management in these sensitive ecosystems. -
Alternatives to Clearcutting in BC Coastal Montane Forests
This paper details the establishment and early findings of the Montane Alternative Silvicultural Systems partnership, formed to investigate alternatives to clearcutting in the high-elevation old-growth forests of Vancouver Island. The study compares...This paper details the establishment and early findings of the Montane Alternative Silvicultural Systems partnership, formed to investigate alternatives to clearcutting in the high-elevation old-growth forests of Vancouver Island. The study compares the operational costs and biological impacts of Uniform Shelterwood, Green Tree Retention, and Patch Cuttings to traditional clearcutting and an old-growth control. Initial results highlight differences in harvesting expenses, windthrow, site disturbance, nutrient cycling, understory vegetation response, and coniferous regeneration, emphasizing the complexity of balancing timber harvesting with ecological sustainability in these montane ecosystems.
