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An Old Growth Index for Douglas-fir Stands in Portions of the Interior Douglas-fir Zone Central British Columbia
This report introduces a quantitative old-growth index specifically designed for Douglas-fir forests in central British Columbia's Interior Douglas-fir zone, particularly in the IDF_dk_3 and IDF_dk_4 biogeoclimatic variants. Recognizing that traditi...This report introduces a quantitative old-growth index specifically designed for Douglas-fir forests in central British Columbia's Interior Douglas-fir zone, particularly in the IDF_dk_3 and IDF_dk_4 biogeoclimatic variants. Recognizing that traditional age-based definitions of old growth are insufficient for forests frequently impacted by disturbances, the authors developed an index based on measurable structural attributes like tree size, canopy complexity, and the presence of dead trees. This index aims to provide forest managers with a consistent tool to identify and classify old-growth stands into four seral stages, helping guide management practices for biodiversity conservation and the enhancement of old-growth characteristics. The study emphasizes that this index relies on expert professional judgment to quantify what constitutes old-growth attributes in these specific forest types. -
Carpenter Lake Bridge River Prescribed Fire Planning
This document outlines the Carpenter LakeBridge River Prescribed Fire Planning initiative from September 2000, developed for the B. C. Hydro Bridge Coastal Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program. The core purpose of the project is to enhance and expan...This document outlines the Carpenter LakeBridge River Prescribed Fire Planning initiative from September 2000, developed for the B. C. Hydro Bridge Coastal Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program. The core purpose of the project is to enhance and expand crucial winter range habitat for ungulates, specifically Mule Deer, California Bighorn Sheep, and Mountain Goats, within the Carpenter Lake drainage area through the strategic application of prescribed fire. It addresses how fire suppression has led to coniferous encroachment, diminishing the open grassland ecosystems essential for these animals, and details the objectives, techniques, and specific areas identified for burning to restore more suitable forage and diverse habitat. The document also highlights past fire history in the area, the specific benefits of prescribed fire for each ungulate species, and detailed planning considerations for future burns. -
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. -
Comparison of Harvesting Phases in a Case Study of Partial Cutting Systems in Southwestern British Columbia
This report details a collaborative study evaluating different timber harvesting methods in dry Douglas-fir ecosystems. The primary goal was to compare the productivity of clearcutting with various variable retention treatments (seed-tree, regenerati...This report details a collaborative study evaluating different timber harvesting methods in dry Douglas-fir ecosystems. The primary goal was to compare the productivity of clearcutting with various variable retention treatments (seed-tree, regeneration cut, removal cut), utilizing both cable-yarding and ground-skidding systems. The study also aimed to identify operational factors affecting varibale retention efficiency and to validate procedures for these systems, noting that factors like piece size, slope, and yarding/skidding distance often overshadowed the cutting pattern's influence on productivity. -
Application of a Selection Silvicultural System in the ICHwk1 of the Columbia Forest District
This document details the Revelstoke Community Forest Corporation's implementation of a single-tree selection silvicultural system in a second-growth forest area. The primary objectives of this alternative harvesting method were to maintain ungulate ...This document details the Revelstoke Community Forest Corporation's implementation of a single-tree selection silvicultural system in a second-growth forest area. The primary objectives of this alternative harvesting method were to maintain ungulate winter range, cultivate caribou habitat, minimize visual impacts from a nearby highway, and enhance future wood quality, particularly by reducing western white pine mortality. The document outlines the site's characteristics, the planning and prescription process for harvesting, and the challenges and successes of the logging operation, including cost analyses. This document concludes that while initial costs were higher, this approach offers a feasible way to access timber in sensitive areas that would otherwise be off-limits to traditional clearcutting, with an expectation of reduced costs as experience grows. -
Benefits of Commercial Thinning to Ageclass Four Lodgepole Pine Stands and to the Communities of Houston and Burns Lake, British Columbia
This document assesses the advantages of commercial thinning operations on lodgepole pine stands for both the forest stand and the communities of Houston and Burns Lake, British Columbia. The document details the thinning process, which includes juve...This document assesses the advantages of commercial thinning operations on lodgepole pine stands for both the forest stand and the communities of Houston and Burns Lake, British Columbia. The document details the thinning process, which includes juvenile spacing and shortwood harvester selection, and highlights benefits such as reduced fire hazard, a decrease in tree mortality, and an increase in total stand volume over time. Furthermore, the analysis emphasizes the significant socio-economic prosperity generated through increased employment, stable contracts, and a rise in the Allowable Annual Cut (AAC), concluding that commercial thinning is a valuable practice that aligns with the broader goals of the Forest Renewal Plan. -
Partial Cutting Prescriptions in Constrained Areas - Implementing the Guidelines
This extension note examines how partial cutting prescriptions in British Columbia's Kootenay region successfully balance timber harvesting with heightened public demand for visual quality and biodiversity conservation. It details two specific case s...This extension note examines how partial cutting prescriptions in British Columbia's Kootenay region successfully balance timber harvesting with heightened public demand for visual quality and biodiversity conservation. It details two specific case studies, Hope Creek and Loki Creek, demonstrating how complex land-use plans and legislation like the KootenayBoundary Land Use Plan Implementation Strategy and the Higher Level Plan Order translate into on-the-ground forestry practices. The document highlights the necessity for flexibility and ingenuity from foresters and loggers to achieve multiple, sometimes conflicting, objectives, such as maintaining caribou and grizzly bear habitat while ensuring the harvested areas remain visually appealing. This document showcases the feasibility of meeting diverse resource objectives at the stand level through carefully designed harvesting techniques in constrained areas. -
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. -
British Columbia's Interior Fisher Wildlife Habitat Decision Aid
This document synthesizes scientific and experiential knowledge regarding the habitat needs of fishers, a forest-dependent carnivore considered a Species at Risk. The guide offers practical considerations for managing forests within fisher territorie...This document synthesizes scientific and experiential knowledge regarding the habitat needs of fishers, a forest-dependent carnivore considered a Species at Risk. The guide offers practical considerations for managing forests within fisher territories, covering aspects like denning, resting, and foraging habitats, aiming to help maintain essential resources during forestry operations such as harvesting and silviculture. This document seeks to integrate fisher conservation with forest management practices in British Columbia's interior. -
Silviculture Options for Use in Ranges Designated for the Conservation of Northern Caribou in British Columbia
This paper explores silviculture strategies applicable in British Columbia's designated northern caribou ranges. It addresses the critical intersection of forestry practices and caribou conservation, especially in light of the mountain pine beetle in...This paper explores silviculture strategies applicable in British Columbia's designated northern caribou ranges. It addresses the critical intersection of forestry practices and caribou conservation, especially in light of the mountain pine beetle infestation and resulting salvage logging. The paper synthesizes current scientific research to provide guidelines for managing forest stands to maintain or improve caribou habitat, considering their ecology, legal protections, and the potential impacts of forestry operations. The paper aims to offer practical silvicultural options that balance timber harvesting with the conservation of this sensitive species and its habitat. -
Tomentosus Root Rot Forest Health Stand Establishment Decision Aid
This document serves as a stand establishment decision aid for forest managers in British Columbia dealing with tomentosus root rot, a fungal disease prevalent in spruce and pine forests. It outlines the characteristics and spread of the disease, emp...This document serves as a stand establishment decision aid for forest managers in British Columbia dealing with tomentosus root rot, a fungal disease prevalent in spruce and pine forests. It outlines the characteristics and spread of the disease, emphasizing its impact on forest health and productivity through mortality, growth reduction, and windthrow. The guide details how to identify susceptible stands based on species composition and site conditions, discusses methods for assessing disease presence after harvesting, and presents silvicultural considerations like inoculum reduction and the planting of less susceptible tree species to mitigate future issues. The purpose of this document is to inform forest management practices in areas where tomentosus poses a significant risk to ensure healthy and productive future forests. -
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 2 The Interplay of Stand Dynamics Disturbance and Regeneration
This guide delves into the fundamental ecological principles underpinning the successful application of the shelterwood silvicultural system in British Columbia. As the second part of a three-part series, this guide emphasizes that effectively using ...This guide delves into the fundamental ecological principles underpinning the successful application of the shelterwood silvicultural system in British Columbia. As the second part of a three-part series, this guide emphasizes that effectively using partial cutting methods like shelterwoods requires a strong understanding of stand dynamics, which involves how forest structure changes over time due to factors such as tree regeneration, growth, competition, and disturbance. The guide highlights the crucial role of regeneration ecology, exploring the necessary conditions for new trees to establish and thrive after silvicultural interventions. This resource aims to equip forest managers with the knowledge to manipulate forest stands predictably to achieve specific management objectives by considering the interplay of these ecological processes. -
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. -
Aspen Complex Stand Establishment Decision Aid
This extension note serves as a decision aid for forest managers in northeastern British Columbia regarding aspen stands. It is structured to provide guidance on managing aspen either as a primary timber species or as a component within mixedwood for...This extension note serves as a decision aid for forest managers in northeastern British Columbia regarding aspen stands. It is structured to provide guidance on managing aspen either as a primary timber species or as a component within mixedwood forests with conifers. The note details various aspects of aspen ecology, including its regeneration, growth, interactions with other species, and its susceptibility to health issues. Furthermore, it outlines different silvicultural systems and management practices tailored to specific objectives, such as maximizing aspen production, promoting conifer growth, or achieving mixed stands, while also considering non-timber values like wildlife habitat and First Nations uses. The extension note aims to equip managers with the knowledge to make informed decisions about establishing and tending aspen-dominated or mixed forests in the region. -
Southern Interior Forest Region Forest Health Stand Establishment Decision Aids
This extension note serves as a practical guide for silvicultural practitioners. It addresses critical operational concerns identified by the forestry community, specifically focusing on competing vegetation and forest health. The core of the documen...This extension note serves as a practical guide for silvicultural practitioners. It addresses critical operational concerns identified by the forestry community, specifically focusing on competing vegetation and forest health. The core of the document presents Stand Establishment Decision Aids for nine distinct forest health issues prevalent in the Southern Interior Forest Region of British Columbia, such as the black army cutworm, various root diseases, and blister rusts. Each SEDA provides essential information on identifying susceptible stands, understanding the biology of the damaging agent, and outlining relevant harvest and silviculture considerations, including regeneration and plantation maintenance strategies, ultimately aiming to support informed decision-making for healthy forest establishment. -
Natural Regeneration of Lodgepole Pine Following Partial Harvesting on Northern Caribou Winter Range in West-Central British Columbia
This paper investigates how well lodgepole pine forests naturally regrow after partial harvesting in important winter habitats for northern caribou in west-central British Columbia. The study compares the density and growth of new pine seedlings in s...This paper investigates how well lodgepole pine forests naturally regrow after partial harvesting in important winter habitats for northern caribou in west-central British Columbia. The study compares the density and growth of new pine seedlings in small harvested openings across two different subzones and under three different partial harvesting methods over a seven-year period. A key focus is understanding if these methods can successfully regenerate the forest without harming the lichens that the caribou rely on for food, ultimately aiming to inform forest management practices that balance timber harvesting and wildlife conservation. -
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. -
Adjusting Free Growing Criteria for Broadleaves in the Northern Interior of British Columbia
This documentinvestigates the growth dynamics of mixed broadleaf-conifer stands and a push for improved forest management that better reflects multiple objectives, as outlined in the Forest and Range Practices Act. The report achieves this by reviewi...This documentinvestigates the growth dynamics of mixed broadleaf-conifer stands and a push for improved forest management that better reflects multiple objectives, as outlined in the Forest and Range Practices Act. The report achieves this by reviewing existing literature on the silvicultural traits and competitive interactions of both planted conifers and naturally regenerating broadleaf species in the northern interior, alongside the ecological and silvicultural benefits of retaining broadleaves. The study proposes alternative free-to-grow criteria specifically designed to encourage the retention of broadleaf species in the Prince George, Robson Valley, and Mackenzie Timber Supply Areas, aiming for implementation within BCTS Prince George's Forest Stewardship Plan. -
Prioritizing Commercial Thinning Quantification of Growth and Competition with High-Density Drone Laser Scanning
This document introduces a method for prioritizing commercial thinning in forests by integrating high-density drone laser scanning (DLS) data with tree-ring measurements. This research uses DLS to quantify individual tree growth and competition, spec...This document introduces a method for prioritizing commercial thinning in forests by integrating high-density drone laser scanning (DLS) data with tree-ring measurements. This research uses DLS to quantify individual tree growth and competition, specifically identifying that crown volume is the strongest predictor of recent basal area growth. This innovative approach allows for the creation of detailed spatial maps, including a new "growth competition index," which can guide forest managers in optimizing thinning strategies across large areas, moving beyond traditional stand-level assessments to a more precise, intra-stand management. The study emphasizes how this technology provides timely, fine-scale information to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of silvicultural practices, particularly commercial thinning.
