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Establishing and Growing Aspen Stands in the SBS
This presentation focuses on the establishment and growth of aspen stands within the Sub-Boreal Spruce zone of British Columbia. It draws upon existing research to discuss key factors influencing aspen regeneration, including the importance of remov...This presentation focuses on the establishment and growth of aspen stands within the Sub-Boreal Spruce zone of British Columbia. It draws upon existing research to discuss key factors influencing aspen regeneration, including the importance of removing apical dominance through disturbances like logging or fire to promote suckering. The presentation also details harvest considerations, such as the benefits of winter harvesting and the negative impacts of excessive canopy retention and soil compaction. The presentation explores the effects of various silvicultural practices and the interactions between aspen and coniferous species like spruce and pine, providing guidance on site selection and stockingregeneration surveys for successful aspen management. -
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. -
Aspen Distribution in North-Central British Columbia Abundance Trends and Implications for Shallow Water Wetlands
This study focuses on aspen, a vital broadleaf tree, examining its distribution and health in north-central BC and the various threats it faces, including climate change, forest management practices, and ungulate grazing. It explores the ecological i...This study focuses on aspen, a vital broadleaf tree, examining its distribution and health in north-central BC and the various threats it faces, including climate change, forest management practices, and ungulate grazing. It explores the ecological implications of potential aspen declines, specifically considering the relationship between aspen and beaver-created shallow water wetlands, offering recommendations for future research and management. -
Site Preparation Application of Rough and Loose Mounding and Furrowing (RipPlow) on a Wood Mulched Site
This extension note investigates two site preparation techniques, Rough and Loose mounding and furrowing with a RipPlow, for improving plant re-establishment on forested sites that have been wood mulched during winter industrial activities. The study...This extension note investigates two site preparation techniques, Rough and Loose mounding and furrowing with a RipPlow, for improving plant re-establishment on forested sites that have been wood mulched during winter industrial activities. The study evaluated the effectiveness of these methods in displacing the mulch and exposing soil to create favorable conditions for revegetation. While both techniques enhanced surface soil heterogeneity and facilitated the regeneration of deciduous species, Rough and Loose mounding proved more consistently effective at moving the mulch. Despite this, the more cost-effective RipPlow method showed promise, particularly in areas with thinner mulch layers, suggesting that supplemental planting might be beneficial in heavily mulched areas treated with this approach. -
Interior wet fire weather zone
This guidance document outlines best management practices for fuel treatment within British Columbia's Interior-Wet Fire Weather Zone, a region characterized by its productive forests and diverse tree species like western cedar and hemlock. While typ...This guidance document outlines best management practices for fuel treatment within British Columbia's Interior-Wet Fire Weather Zone, a region characterized by its productive forests and diverse tree species like western cedar and hemlock. While typically experiencing higher precipitation and less frequent stand-replacing wildfires, drier subzones are prone to mixed-severity fire regimes. The guide emphasizes managing surface fuels, ladder fuels that allow fire to climb, and crown fuels to reduce the intensity and spread of wildfires, especially given the increased risk from climate change-induced drought and successful fire suppression efforts near communities. The document aims to provide professional guidance for mitigating wildfire threats through strategic fuel management and maintaining forest health. -
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. -
Exploring Commercial Thinning Opportunities in Arrow and Cranbrook TSA - Technical Report MIT-007
This technical report explores the viability of commercial thinning as a forest management strategy within the Arrow and Cranbrook Timber Supply Areas of British Columbia. The primary goal was to investigate if commercial thinning could help offset p...This technical report explores the viability of commercial thinning as a forest management strategy within the Arrow and Cranbrook Timber Supply Areas of British Columbia. The primary goal was to investigate if commercial thinning could help offset projected wood supply reductions resulting from new forest policies and land-use plans. The study involved a multi-stage methodology: identifying potential forest stands using Geographic Information Systems theming, conducting field inventories and reconnaissance surveys to assess suitability, and modeling the impact of thinning on wood flow. While the project successfully identified potential thinning volumes, it also highlighted significant challenges such as limited road access, unsuitable stand structures, and the need to balance timber extraction with other resource management objectives. -
Potential of Partial Cutting Silvicultural Systems to Affect Stand Productivity and Wood Flow - Technical Report MIT-005
This technical report investigates the potential of variable retention silvicultural systems to manage forests in British Columbia's Nelson Forest Region, aiming to mitigate anticipated reductions in wood supply due to new environmental regulations. ...This technical report investigates the potential of variable retention silvicultural systems to manage forests in British Columbia's Nelson Forest Region, aiming to mitigate anticipated reductions in wood supply due to new environmental regulations. The study specifically evaluates how different variable retention methods impact stand productivity and overall wood flow despite the widespread presence of Armillaria root disease. Using the PROGNOSIS growth model, the authors identify low-risk timber types and develop management guidelines to balance timber harvesting with objectives like biodiversity and visual quality and reccomend a more balanced mixture of clearcutting and variable retention approaches to ensure sustainable forest management. -
Effect of Silviculture Practices on Greenup Delay in the Nelson Forest Region
This technical report investigates the impact of silviculture practices on greenup delay in the Nelson Forest Region, specifically within the Cranbrook and Revelstoke Timber Supply Areas. Greenup delay refers to the time it takes for a newly harveste...This technical report investigates the impact of silviculture practices on greenup delay in the Nelson Forest Region, specifically within the Cranbrook and Revelstoke Timber Supply Areas. Greenup delay refers to the time it takes for a newly harvested forest stand to reach a specified average height, signaling successful regeneration. The report evaluates how enhanced silviculture techniques, such as site preparation, planting, brushing, and the use of genetically improved stock, can reduce this delay and increase the short-term and long-term timber supply to optimize tree growth and forest yield. -
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. -
Redfish Creek Prescribed Burn Vegetation Monitoring Project
This technical report details a study on how understory vegetation responds to different burn treatments and soil moisture conditions in the Interior Cedar-Hemlock dry warm subzone. The core purpose was to monitor and compare vegetation changes in ar...This technical report details a study on how understory vegetation responds to different burn treatments and soil moisture conditions in the Interior Cedar-Hemlock dry warm subzone. The core purpose was to monitor and compare vegetation changes in areas that experienced no burn, moderate burns, or severe burns following a fall slashburn. The research highlights the dominant plant species that emerged in each environment over four years, noting differences in species composition and competition dynamics, particularly concerning the impact of a fall slashburn and soil seepage on vegetation development. -
A Retrospective Investigation of Partial Cuts in the ICHmw1 and ICHmk1 in the Golden Forest District
This technical report presents a retrospective investigation of partial cuts within the Golden Forest District. The primary purpose of the study was to explore the relationship between regeneration density and various site factors following partial h...This technical report presents a retrospective investigation of partial cuts within the Golden Forest District. The primary purpose of the study was to explore the relationship between regeneration density and various site factors following partial harvesting. Researchers found that while abundant natural regeneration occurred, its success was not strongly correlated with specific harvest treatments, but rather more significantly influenced by factors like brush potential and site preparation. The report recommends guidelines for residual basal area levels to optimize seed supply and moisture protection in these forest ecosystems. -
Silvicultural systems in the great bear rainforest under ecosystem based management
This document outlines the strategic approach to silvicultural systems in the Great Bear Rainforest, focusing on Ecosystem-Based Management. A central theme is the retention silvicultural system, which involves deliberately leaving trees and vegetati...This document outlines the strategic approach to silvicultural systems in the Great Bear Rainforest, focusing on Ecosystem-Based Management. A central theme is the retention silvicultural system, which involves deliberately leaving trees and vegetation within harvested areas to maintain forest structure and biodiversity. The application of this system is context-dependent, influenced by the proportion of mature and old forest at both the broader landscape unit and immediate cutblock scales, with increased retention mandated where older forests are scarce. Additionally, the document addresses windthrow considerations at both landscape and stand levels, providing guidelines to mitigate damage while prioritizing the retention system in areas of lower wind hazard. -
25 years of variable retention implementation on WFP tenure
This document outlines the corporate and operational implementation of VR, including specific targets and zoning strategies, alongside a monitoring framework to ensure intended ecological outcomes are met. The document asserts that VR is crucial for ...This document outlines the corporate and operational implementation of VR, including specific targets and zoning strategies, alongside a monitoring framework to ensure intended ecological outcomes are met. The document asserts that VR is crucial for future forest management as it aligns with broader BC initiatives for biodiversity and ecosystem health. -
Sustainable Forest Management Certificate
The Sustainable Forest Management certificate is a flexible, career-focused program designed for forestry professionals aiming to advance their skills or pursue Registered Professional Forester designation. Delivered through three stackable micro-cr...The Sustainable Forest Management certificate is a flexible, career-focused program designed for forestry professionals aiming to advance their skills or pursue Registered Professional Forester designation. Delivered through three stackable micro-credentials, the program covers forest ecology, silviculture systems, harvesting practices, and forest health management. Learners gain practical, applied knowledge to assess forest disturbances and implement sustainable management strategies. -
Forest Management Planning Certificate
The Forest Management Planning micro-certificate will equip participants with foundational knowledge and tools to develop and evaluate forest management plans. Participants will learn to assess forest ecosystem services, balance competing objectives,...The Forest Management Planning micro-certificate will equip participants with foundational knowledge and tools to develop and evaluate forest management plans. Participants will learn to assess forest ecosystem services, balance competing objectives, and apply planning concepts across multiple scales. The program integrates case studies from British Columbia and emphasizes sustainable forest management practices. By the end, participants will be able to critically analyze management options and create effective, goal-oriented forest plans. -
Communication Strategies for Resource Practitioners Certificate
The Communication Strategies for Resource Practitioners micro-certificate is designed to help professionals in natural resource sectors develop impactful communication skills. Through four focused courses, participants will learn written, oral, multi...The Communication Strategies for Resource Practitioners micro-certificate is designed to help professionals in natural resource sectors develop impactful communication skills. Through four focused courses, participants will learn written, oral, multimedia, and social change strategies tailored to environmental contexts. The program emphasizes audience engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and reputation-building for the forestry industry. Learners will gain hands-on experience through case studies and campaign development, preparing them to communicate complex ideas effectively and persuasively. -
Forest Health Management Certificate
The Forest Health Management micro-certificate will teach professionals how to detect, diagnose, and manage forest health issues caused by insects and diseases. Through four sequential courses, learners will explore insect and disease biology, ecolog...The Forest Health Management micro-certificate will teach professionals how to detect, diagnose, and manage forest health issues caused by insects and diseases. Through four sequential courses, learners will explore insect and disease biology, ecology, identification, and mitigation strategies. The program emphasizes early detection and response to forest health threats, which are increasingly influenced by climate change and globalization. -
Co-Management of Natural Resources Certificate
The Co-Management of Natural Resources micro-certificate is a flexible online program designed to build competencies in collaborative resource management. It equips Indigenous and non-Indigenous professionals with tools to foster institutional change...The Co-Management of Natural Resources micro-certificate is a flexible online program designed to build competencies in collaborative resource management. It equips Indigenous and non-Indigenous professionals with tools to foster institutional change, intercultural understanding, and effective partnerships. Participants will explore real-world case studies, including those from Haida Gwaii, and gain insights into law, governance, and strategies for navigating complex systems. The program is grounded in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. -
Fire Ecology Course
This course offers practical skills and knowledge to understand the effects of fires on natural environments through ecosystem decoding. The course also explores the impacts of, and the interactions between, fire management and forest management over...This course offers practical skills and knowledge to understand the effects of fires on natural environments through ecosystem decoding. The course also explores the impacts of, and the interactions between, fire management and forest management over the past 100 plus years. By the end of the course, participants will be able to prepare communities to respond to wildfire threats and create ecosystem resiliency through restoration methods - in fire and forest landscapes with multiple ecological objectives.
