45 resources found

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.

This case study details a study comparing different methods of harvesting trees in a coastal montane forest in British Columbia. Prompted by concerns about regeneration success at higher elevations and public desire for alternatives to clearcutting, the Montane Alternative Silvicultural Systems project investigated the productivity and costs associated with uniform shelterwood, green tree retention, and patch cutting compared to traditional clearcutting. The study tracked the efficiency and expense of falling and forwarding operations, alongside measuring the impact on soil disturbance and the amount of remaining woody debris. Ultimately, the research aimed to provide insights into the economic and operational feasibility of alternative silvicultural systems in this challenging environment, while also considering their long-term ecological effects.

This document serves as a reference handbook about the key factors influencing the successful application of various timber harvesting equipment and systems in the region. The handbook systematically explores primary transport equipment, categorized into ground-based, cable, and aerial systems, detailing their operational characteristics, environmental considerations, and distinguishing features. By outlining the advantages and limitations of each technology, the guide empowers readers to make informed judgments about equipment selection based on specific site conditions and harvesting objectives, emphasizing that no single best system exists for all situations.

This document is a comprehensive reference for harvesting systems and equipment used in British Columbia. Part one addresses equipment selection by outlining key factors, summarizing equipment characteristics by harvesting phase, and providing a risk-level assessment for various equipment and site combinations. This handbook aims to improve the understanding of loggers and planners in British Columbia, enabling them to make better-informed decisions when choosing the most suitable harvesting systems and equipment for diverse site conditions and management objectives, without prescribing a single correct solution.

This case study the practical and economic implications of implementing ecosystem-based management principles in a coastal British Columbia old-growth forest. The study specifically examines a harvesting operation that incorporated retaining tree patches and individual trees to promote biodiversity and ecological function, while assessing the productivity and costs associated with the applied harvesting systems and equipment. The report aims to provide insights into the operational challenges and potential efficiencies of adopting this new paradigm of forest management compared to traditional clearcutting practices.