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Windthrow in Partially Cut Lodgepole Pine Forests in West-Central British Columbia
This extension note details a study on windthrow in partially cut lodgepole pine forests in west-central British Columbia. The research was motivated by concerns that partial harvesting, a strategy used to manage habitat for the blue-listed northern ...This extension note details a study on windthrow in partially cut lodgepole pine forests in west-central British Columbia. The research was motivated by concerns that partial harvesting, a strategy used to manage habitat for the blue-listed northern caribou, might increase windthrow to levels that negatively impact caribou habitat, timber supply, and forest health. The study compared windthrow rates in different partial cutting methods to uncut control areas over a 5. 3-year post-harvest period to assess the risk of increased windthrow associated with these silvicultural systems. -
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. -
Diversifying Managed Forests to Increase Resilience
This paper investigates how diversifying managed forests in British Columbia could enhance their ability to recover from disturbances, specifically a recent mountain pine beetle epidemic linked to climate change. The authors used computer simulations...This paper investigates how diversifying managed forests in British Columbia could enhance their ability to recover from disturbances, specifically a recent mountain pine beetle epidemic linked to climate change. The authors used computer simulations to compare different forest management strategies over an 80-year period, assessing their impact on ecological resilience, timber supply, and economic outcomes. Their findings suggest that a strategy focused on proactively harvesting dominant, susceptible tree species and promoting a greater variety of planted and naturally regenerating trees leads to improved forest health, higher long-term harvest rates, and more stable economic returns without compromising economic viability. The study advocates for incorporating diversification as a key approach to increasing the resilience of managed forests in the face of future environmental challenges. -
Carbon Sequestration in Managed Temperate Coniferous Forests under Climate Change
This paper explores the future of carbon storage within these vital ecosystems of British Columbia. Using a computer model, the researchers investigated how interactions between tree species, fire, forest management, and a changing climate might affe...This paper explores the future of carbon storage within these vital ecosystems of British Columbia. Using a computer model, the researchers investigated how interactions between tree species, fire, forest management, and a changing climate might affect the ability of these forests to absorb and store carbon until 2050. A key aspect of their work was the introduction of a new metric, net sector productivity, which offers a more comprehensive way to account for carbon by including not only forest ecosystems but also harvested wood products. The study aimed to provide a better understanding for developing effective climate change mitigation and adaptive management strategies in these forests. -
Applying Resilience Concepts in Forest Management A Retrospective Simulation Approach
This paper investigates how different forest management strategies impact the resilience of forests facing climate change, specifically a mountain pine beetle outbreak in British Columbia. The authors use a retrospective simulation approach from 1980...This paper investigates how different forest management strategies impact the resilience of forests facing climate change, specifically a mountain pine beetle outbreak in British Columbia. The authors use a retrospective simulation approach from 1980 to 2060 to compare business as usual practices with two alternative strategies: one focused on increasing the diversity of replanted trees, and another that combined early harvesting of susceptible pine with diversified reforestation. The study assesses resilience by examining ecological factors like growing stock and tree species diversity, alongside socio-economic indicators such as timber flow stability and net revenue, concluding that proactive management enhancing diversity and reducing high-risk species leads to greater overall forest resilience in the face of climate-related disturbances. -
Seedling Response Following Partial Cutting in Lodgepole Pine Forests on Caribou Winter Range in West-Central British Columbia
This paper details a study examining how different forestry practices, specifically partial cutting methods like group selection and irregular group shelterwood, impact the survival and growth of planted lodgepole pine and interior spruce seedlings. ...This paper details a study examining how different forestry practices, specifically partial cutting methods like group selection and irregular group shelterwood, impact the survival and growth of planted lodgepole pine and interior spruce seedlings. The research compared these outcomes to those in clearcut areas, with the overarching goal of identifying silvicultural systems that can maintain suitable habitat for northern caribou, which rely on terrestrial and arboreal lichens found in these forests. By analyzing seedling survival and growth over five years in relation to different harvesting techniques, the study aimed to determine if partial cutting could effectively regenerate desired tree species while minimizing negative effects on critical caribou forage. The findings provide insights into balancing timber harvesting with the ecological needs of threatened caribou populations in this region. -
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. -
Impact of Partial Cutting on Lichen Diversity in Lodgepole Pine Forests on the Chilcotin Plateau of British Columbia
This study investigates the impact of partial cutting logging practices on lichen diversity within lodgepole pine forests of British Columbia's Chilcotin Plateau, an important habitat for northern caribou that rely on lichens for winter forage. The s...This study investigates the impact of partial cutting logging practices on lichen diversity within lodgepole pine forests of British Columbia's Chilcotin Plateau, an important habitat for northern caribou that rely on lichens for winter forage. The study compares different partial cutting methods, including variations in removal intensity and harvesting techniques, against unlogged control sites. Through pre- and post-logging measurements of lichen richness, diversity, and abundance, the authors aim to determine how these forestry practices affect the lichen communities and, consequently, the caribou's food source, with a focus on the influence of solar radiation and logging slash. This study aims to inform silvicultural systems that can balance timber harvesting with the maintenance of crucial caribou habitat. -
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. -
Can Thinning and Fertilizing Young Lodgepole Pine Mitigate Future Timber Supply Challenges
This extension note reports on a 14-year study investigating how thinning young lodgepole pine stands to different densities and repeatedly fertilizing them with multiple nutrients affects their growth. The central question explored is whether these ...This extension note reports on a 14-year study investigating how thinning young lodgepole pine stands to different densities and repeatedly fertilizing them with multiple nutrients affects their growth. The central question explored is whether these silvicultural practices can accelerate stand development enough to help offset future timber supply shortages anticipated due to the mountain pine beetle epidemic. The research measured the impact of these treatments on tree size and overall stand volume, aiming to determine optimal strategies for mitigating timber supply challenges in the interior of British Columbia. -
Adapting Forest and Range Management to Climate Change in the Skeena Region Considerations for Practitioners and Government Staff
This extension note serves as a guide for adapting forest and range management practices in the Skeena Region of British Columbia to the realities of climate change. Recognizing the significant impact of a warming and wetter climate with increased ex...This extension note serves as a guide for adapting forest and range management practices in the Skeena Region of British Columbia to the realities of climate change. Recognizing the significant impact of a warming and wetter climate with increased extreme weather on local ecosystems, it synthesizes current climate change research to project future conditions and their ecological consequences. The document outlines potential adaptation strategies for resource professionals and government staff involved in operational planning, effectiveness monitoring, and climate action plans. Ultimately, the goal is to foster resilient ecosystems that can continue to provide essential services and products in the face of ongoing climatic shifts. -
Management Strategy for Mule Deer Winter Ranges in the Cariboo-Chilcotin Part 1b Management Plan for Transition and Deep Snowpack Zones
This document 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 objectiv...This document 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. -
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.
