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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. -
An Overview of the Effects of Forest Management on Groundwater Hydrology
This paper presents an overview of how forest management practices can influence groundwater systems in British Columbia. The paper establishes the importance of groundwater within watersheds and for human use, highlighting the limited understanding ...This paper presents an overview of how forest management practices can influence groundwater systems in British Columbia. The paper establishes the importance of groundwater within watersheds and for human use, highlighting the limited understanding of its interaction with forestry. To address this gap, the paper classifies British Columbia into distinct hydrogeologic landscapes, based on climate, geology, and physiography, to provide a regional framework for analysis. The core of the discussion then reviews existing literature on the effects of forest harvesting and road building on groundwater hydrology, such as changes in water table levels and recharge rates, within the context of these landscapes, ultimately aiming to raise awareness and inform sustainable forest management practices to protect this vital resource. -
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. -
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. -
Combining Thinning and Diverse Plantings to Adapt to Climate Change Induced Timber Supply Shortage in British Columbia
This paper explores strategies to mitigate timber supply shortages in British Columbia (BC), a problem exacerbated by climate change and past natural disturbances like the mountain pine beetle outbreak. The authors investigate two primary forest mana...This paper explores strategies to mitigate timber supply shortages in British Columbia (BC), a problem exacerbated by climate change and past natural disturbances like the mountain pine beetle outbreak. The authors investigate two primary forest management approaches: commercial thinning and diverse plantings, including assisted species migration. By simulating the long-term effects of these interventions in a case study area, the study concludes that combining commercial thinning with species diversification offers the most promising solution to sustain future timber supply in BC, emphasizing the importance of adaptive forest management in the face of environmental challenges. -
Thinning Lodgepole Pine in Southeastern British Columbia 46-year Results
This document investigates the long-term effects of thinning on a 53-year-old lodgepole pine stand. The core purpose is to understand how different thinning intensities impact tree growth, stand health, and resistance to pests over nearly five decade...This document investigates the long-term effects of thinning on a 53-year-old lodgepole pine stand. The core purpose is to understand how different thinning intensities impact tree growth, stand health, and resistance to pests over nearly five decades. A key finding suggests that heavy thinning may help "beetle-proof" stands against the destructive mountain pine beetle, contributing to greater net volume increments despite initial mortality from other factors like snow. While acknowledging some study limitations due to initial variability, the report provides valuable insights into sustainable forest management practices for older lodgepole pine. -
Cost and Productivity of Alternative Harvesting in BC's Interior Wet Belt Designed to Maintain Cariboo Habitat
This paper examines the costs and productivity of different timber harvesting methods in the interior wet-belt of British Columbia, specifically focusing on maintaining habitat for mountain caribou. The study compares group selection harvesting, wher...This paper examines the costs and productivity of different timber harvesting methods in the interior wet-belt of British Columbia, specifically focusing on maintaining habitat for mountain caribou. The study compares group selection harvesting, where small patches of forest are removed, with clearcutting and single-tree selection. Its primary purpose is to document the economic implications of a harvesting approach designed to balance timber extraction with the ecological needs of caribou in old-growth cedar-hemlock forests. -
Evaluating the Effects of Partial Cutting on Wildlife, Trees, and Coarse Woody Debris
This paper explores the effects of partial cutting, a forest management technique aimed at creating stands similar to natural uneven-aged forests, on wildlife trees and coarse woody debris in the wet forests of interior British Columbia. The authors ...This paper explores the effects of partial cutting, a forest management technique aimed at creating stands similar to natural uneven-aged forests, on wildlife trees and coarse woody debris in the wet forests of interior British Columbia. The authors introduce a new classification system based on functional habitat features ("Types") of these dead and dying wood components that are crucial for various wildlife species. By presenting preliminary data from a long-term study, the paper investigates how different partial cutting methods, specifically single tree selection and group selection, influence the occurrence of these vital habitat structures, ultimately seeking to inform forest management practices for biodiversity conservation. -
Harvesting Options in Highly Constrained IDF Stand in the Rocky Mountain Trench
This docuemnt details a case study on harvesting options in a highly constrained forest stand within the Rocky Mountain Trench, focusing on an experimental forest management pilot project. The primary goal was to evaluate different harvesting methods...This docuemnt details a case study on harvesting options in a highly constrained forest stand within the Rocky Mountain Trench, focusing on an experimental forest management pilot project. The primary goal was to evaluate different harvesting methods such as conventional, single tree, and group selection on soil disturbance and armillaria root disease. The study describes the site's characteristics, experimental design, and the specific silvicultural prescriptions implemented to achieve objectives like maintaining water levels and reducing disease susceptibility. It further outlines the harvesting operations conducted and presents preliminary results regarding the impact of each method on stand health and soil integrity. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
Harvesting and Thinning Guidance for Treatments in Wildland-Urban Interface Areas of TSA 29
This document provides guidance on harvesting and thinning treatments within Wildland-Urban Interface areas, specifically focusing on reducing wildfire risk in British Columbia. It details a multi-step planning process for Community Wildfire Protect...This document provides guidance on harvesting and thinning treatments within Wildland-Urban Interface areas, specifically focusing on reducing wildfire risk in British Columbia. It details a multi-step planning process for Community Wildfire Protection Plans, emphasizing the analysis of land features, existing values like public safety and wildlife habitat, and long-term visions for a fire-resilient forest dominated by Douglas-fir. The report also presents case studies illustrating various fuel reduction methods and their associated costs, alongside operational considerations and responses from professionals regarding logging systems, fuel management, and funding challenges. This document delves into fire behavior modeling to inform best practices for achieving target fuel loadings and canopy base heights, while also highlighting policy conflicts that hinder cost-efficient implementation of these crucial wildfire mitigation strategies. -
An Analysis of Techniques for Measuring the Impacts of Broadcast Burning
This study investigates different methods for assessing the effects of controlled burning in a harvested forest area. The study compares the utility of satellite imagery, fire behavior modeling, unmanned aerial vehicle image analysis, and ground-bas...This study investigates different methods for assessing the effects of controlled burning in a harvested forest area. The study compares the utility of satellite imagery, fire behavior modeling, unmanned aerial vehicle image analysis, and ground-based measurements in evaluating burn severity, fuel consumption, and impacts on surface conditions and vegetation. The report aims to identify accurate and efficient techniques for understanding and managing the ecological consequences of broadcast burning for land management purposes. -
Wildfire risk in Stswecem's Xget'tem (SXFN) Territory
This webinar examines how legal objectives for mule deer winter range and old growth management affect the Stswecem'c Xget'tem First Nation's ability to reduce wildfire risk, adapt to climate change, and restore ecocultural values in their south-cen...This webinar examines how legal objectives for mule deer winter range and old growth management affect the Stswecem'c Xget'tem First Nation's ability to reduce wildfire risk, adapt to climate change, and restore ecocultural values in their south-central BC forests. Despite the impacts of settler-colonial policies, SXFN has long stewarded their territory using fire. In partnership with the University of British Columbia, they assessed crown fire risk, fuel loads, and potential treatments, highlighting both current stewardship efforts and the importance of Indigenous sovereignty in land management. -
Wildfire Facilitates Upslope Advance in a Shade-Intolerant but not a Shade-Tolerant Conifer
This paper investigates how wildfires influence the upward migration of tree species in California's subalpine forests, a phenomenon often linked to climate change. Researchers examined post-fire tree regeneration across various fire severities, focu...This paper investigates how wildfires influence the upward migration of tree species in California's subalpine forests, a phenomenon often linked to climate change. Researchers examined post-fire tree regeneration across various fire severities, focusing on the contrasting responses of shade-tolerant and shade-intolerant conifer species. While overall montane species regeneration decreased in burned areas, shade-intolerant Jeffrey pine showed increased success in severely burned plots, aligning with predictions of higher climatic suitability. Conversely, shade-tolerant red fir regeneration declined significantly with higher fire severity, suggesting that the specific regeneration niche of a species, its ideal post-fire conditions, is critical in determining whether fire facilitates or hinders its range expansion. -
Lower North Thompson Community Forest Wildfire Risk Management Plan
This report outlines the Lower North Thompson Community Forest Wildfire Risk Management Plan, a comprehensive strategy developed to address the increasing threat of wildfires in British Columbia. Initiated in 2018, the plan identifies and evaluates w...This report outlines the Lower North Thompson Community Forest Wildfire Risk Management Plan, a comprehensive strategy developed to address the increasing threat of wildfires in British Columbia. Initiated in 2018, the plan identifies and evaluates wildfire risks, considering factors like ignition probability, fire intensity, and values at risk such as human life, infrastructure, and environmental assets. It proposes five key management strategies including wildfire management zones, silviculture, strategic harvesting, prescribed fire, and collaborative planning aimed at enhancing wildfire resilience and mitigating negative impacts, while also exploring potential ecological opportunities associated with fire. The plan emphasizes a proactive and adaptive approach, recommending annual progress reports and a five-year renewal cycle to adjust to changing conditions. -
Interior Sub-alpine Fire Weather Zone
This document outlines best management practices for fuel treatment within British Columbia's Interior-Subalpine Fire Weather Zone, a high-elevation region dominated by coniferous forests like Engelmann Spruce-Subalpine Fir and Montane Spruce zones...This document outlines best management practices for fuel treatment within British Columbia's Interior-Subalpine Fire Weather Zone, a high-elevation region dominated by coniferous forests like Engelmann Spruce-Subalpine Fir and Montane Spruce zones. It details the ecology of this fire zone, highlighting how fires historically occur less frequently but with high severity, often leading to stand-replacing events that favor species like lodgepole pine. The document also explains how these areas are classified within the Canadian Forest Fire Behaviour Prediction system for fuel types, providing specific guidelines for managing surface, ladder, and crown fuels to reduce wildfire risk. Finally, this document offers recommendations for mitigating impacts on forest health, including strategies to prevent pest outbreaks and maintain stand resilience after fuel treatments. -
Central Plateau Fire Weather Zone
This document outlines Best Management Practices for fuel treatment within British Columbia's Central Plateau Fire Weather Zone, a region historically shaped by frequent, stand-destroying wildfires. It details the zone's diverse ecosystems and vegeta...This document outlines Best Management Practices for fuel treatment within British Columbia's Central Plateau Fire Weather Zone, a region historically shaped by frequent, stand-destroying wildfires. It details the zone's diverse ecosystems and vegetation, highlighting how species like lodgepole pine thrive in fire-prone areas, while others like Douglas-fir develop fire-resistant bark. The guide also classifies common fuel types using the Canadian Forest Fire Behaviour Prediction system, emphasizing management strategies for surface, ladder, and crown fuels, including techniques like thinning and encouraging deciduous species to reduce wildfire risk. Finally, it provides examples of past fuel management projects and discusses considerations for forest health, such as preventing pest outbreaks and maintaining stand integrity. -
Revised Snow Recovery Estimates for Pine-dominated Forests in Interior British Columbia
This document introduces revised estimates for snow recovery in pine-dominated forests of British Columbia's interior, a critical factor for watershed management. Snow recovery refers to the restoration of snow accumulation and melt patterns in regro...This document introduces revised estimates for snow recovery in pine-dominated forests of British Columbia's interior, a critical factor for watershed management. Snow recovery refers to the restoration of snow accumulation and melt patterns in regrowing forests after clearcutting, compared to mature forests and clearcut areas. The authors highlight how changes in forest cover significantly impact spring streamflow peaks, making accurate recovery estimates essential for assessing potential hydrologic changes. The study presents new recovery curves based on long-term data from the Thompson-Okanagan region, demonstrating that previous estimates likely overstated the rate of snow recovery, suggesting a more gradual return to pre-harvest conditions as young forests grow taller.
