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Vulnerability Resilience and Climate Change Adaptation Potential for Ecosystems and Their Management in the West Kootenay - Summary Report
This report details an initiative undertaken to understand and address the impacts of climate change on ecosystems and forest management in the West Kootenay region of British Columbia. The project aimed to assess ecological vulnerability using local...This report details an initiative undertaken to understand and address the impacts of climate change on ecosystems and forest management in the West Kootenay region of British Columbia. The project aimed to assess ecological vulnerability using local climate projections, collaboratively learn with forest practitioners and scientists, and case study relevant concepts like vulnerability, resilience, and risk management. The report outlines the methodologies employed - including climate modeling and bioclimate envelope analysis - and the findings regarding projected climate changes, potential impacts on ecosystems, and an initial assessment of ecosystem vulnerability across different subregions. The report serves as a foundation for identifying potential adaptation options for forest management and discusses barriers, incentives, and opportunities for implementing these changes in the face of a changing climate. -
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. -
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.
