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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. -
Considerations for Rehabilitating Naturally Disturbed Stands Part 2 Stand Level Treatments and Hydrological Equivalent Clearcut Area
This extension note focuses on the hydrological equivalent clearcut area as a tool for managing forests in British Columbia that have been affected by natural disturbances like mountain pine beetle infestations. It explores how different stand-level...This extension note focuses on the hydrological equivalent clearcut area as a tool for managing forests in British Columbia that have been affected by natural disturbances like mountain pine beetle infestations. It explores how different stand-level treatments, such as salvaging timber and replanting, can influence ECA over time compared to leaving stands unsalvaged. The author examines the contributions of various stand components-including surviving trees, dead snags, and regeneration-to ECA and compares the cumulative hydrological effects of different management strategies using ECA years. The document provides a decision framework to help forest managers consider hydrological values, especially when detailed assessments aren't possible, while also acknowledging other important ecological and economic factors in rehabilitation decisions. -
Considerations for Rehabilitation of Naturally Disturbed Forests (MPB) Part 1 Watershed Hydrology
This extension note serves as a guide for practitioners involved in reforestation efforts following large-scale natural disturbances, particularly those caused by the mountain pine beetle in British Columbia's interior. The document emphasizes the im...This extension note serves as a guide for practitioners involved in reforestation efforts following large-scale natural disturbances, particularly those caused by the mountain pine beetle in British Columbia's interior. The document emphasizes the importance of considering watershed hydrology when planning these rehabilitation activities, highlighting potential negative impacts on water resources such as increased runoff, stream sedimentation, and reduced riparian function. It advocates for a cautious approach that includes clear objectives, risk analysis, and coordination with stakeholders to minimize these negative effects and ensure the long-term health of both timber and water-related values. -
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. -
Successional Responses to Natural Disturbance Forest Management and Climate Change in British Columbia 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 document...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 document describes typical post-disturbance development, the impacts of human interventions like harvesting, and potential future shifts due to altered temperature and precipitation regimes. The primary aim is to provide natural resource managers with a concise overview to inform strategies for building resistant and resilient forests in the face of ongoing environmental change. -
Thinning of a Ponderosa Pine - Douglas Fir Forest in South Central BC Impacts on Understorey Vegetation
This study investigates the effects of forest thinning on the understory vegetation in ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir forests of south-central British Columbia. The study addresses the problem of forest in-growth due to fire suppression, which reduce...This study investigates the effects of forest thinning on the understory vegetation in ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir forests of south-central British Columbia. The study addresses the problem of forest in-growth due to fire suppression, which reduces grazing land and increases wildfire risk. Through a four-year data collection period at two sites, the researchers examined how thinning, which reduces tree density, impacts understory species diversity and biomass production. The findings indicate that while thinning may not consistently increase species diversity in the short term, it does lead to a significant increase in total understory biomass within a few years, suggesting its potential as a tool for ecological restoration and enhancing forage for livestock. -
Assessing Feasibility of Wildfire Fuel Reduction Targets in North Central British Columbia
This paper investigates the practicality of current wildfire fuel reduction goals in north-central British Columbia by examining mechanical raking treatments within the Burns Lake Community Forest. The study assessed if these treatments achieved the ...This paper investigates the practicality of current wildfire fuel reduction goals in north-central British Columbia by examining mechanical raking treatments within the Burns Lake Community Forest. The study assessed if these treatments achieved the targeted fuel load of 1-5 tonnes per hectare in areas deemed high risk for wildfire. Their findings suggest that meeting these targets using current methods is challenging and potentially unsustainable, highlighting the need for a standardized fuel measurement methodology and more adaptable fuel load targets that consider ecological and operational factors. The research advocates for a more feasible and scientifically sound approach to wildfire risk reduction in the region, emphasizing the importance of consistent data collection for future comparisons and improved practices. -
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. -
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. -
Commercial thinning effects on growth, yield and mortality in natural lodgepole pine stands in Alberta
This study investigates how commercial thinning impacts the growth, yield, and mortality of natural lodgepole pine forests in Alberta, Canada. Faced with a predicted timber shortage due to fires and mountain pine beetle infestations, the research exp...This study investigates how commercial thinning impacts the growth, yield, and mortality of natural lodgepole pine forests in Alberta, Canada. Faced with a predicted timber shortage due to fires and mountain pine beetle infestations, the research explores thinning as a strategy to increase mid-term sawlog supply by accelerating tree growth and enabling earlier timber access. The findings reveal that while thinned stands initially show less volume, they ultimately demonstrate a greater cumulative volume gain when factoring in the wood removed during thinning. This benefit stems from increased individual tree diameter and live crown ratio for remaining trees and a significant reduction in overall tree mortality, particularly among smaller trees. -
Using Partial Cutting Timber Harvesting in Methods in a Sensitive Watershed in Southeastern British Columbia
This extension note details a case study on partial cutting timber harvesting methods within a sensitive watershed in southeastern British Columbia. The study evaluates a multi-resource objective approach to logging, aiming to balance timber producti...This extension note details a case study on partial cutting timber harvesting methods within a sensitive watershed in southeastern British Columbia. The study evaluates a multi-resource objective approach to logging, aiming to balance timber production with the conservation of water quality, wildlife habitats, and visual landscapes. It highlights the company's shift from conventional clear-cutting to silvicultural systems that maintain forest health and biodiversity, while also addressing the economic and environmental concerns of the region. The report assesses the effectiveness and challenges of these partial cutting methods in achieving sustainable forest management within a sensitive ecological area. -
Using Partial Cutting to Reduce Susceptibility of Mature Lodgepole Pine Stands to Mountain Pine Beetle Attacks - Beetle Proofing
This extension note presents a case study on using partial cutting to reduce the susceptibility of mature Lodgepole Pine stands to Mountain Pine Beetle attacks, a process termed Beetle Proofing. The document details the objectives and criteria for t...This extension note presents a case study on using partial cutting to reduce the susceptibility of mature Lodgepole Pine stands to Mountain Pine Beetle attacks, a process termed Beetle Proofing. The document details the objectives and criteria for this forestry practice, emphasizing proper layout, experienced logging contractors, and a commitment to overall parties. It outlines the harvesting and silviculture systems involved, explaining how selective removal of trees aims to create a stand structure that is less vulnerable to beetle infestations, rather than a clear-cut approach. This document serves as a guide for forest management, outlining management objectives and planning for sustainable timber production and biodiversity while mitigating the impact of MPB in the British Columbia interior. -
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. -
Silviculture and Best Management Practices for the Dry-Belt Douglas Fir Area in the Cariboo Forest Region
This document serves as a first approximation of guidelines for managing forests in British Columbia. Recognizing the historical influence of First Nations' cultural burning and the current challenges of overstocked stands and wildfire risk, it outli...This document serves as a first approximation of guidelines for managing forests in British Columbia. Recognizing the historical influence of First Nations' cultural burning and the current challenges of overstocked stands and wildfire risk, it outlines a strategic shift in silvicultural practices. The report details Best Management Practices (BMPs), structured around key aspects like appropriate silvicultural systems, restoration thinning, regeneration, and resilience to disturbances like fire and pests. The document aims to guide practitioners and inform policy, moving towards healthier, more resilient Douglas-fir ecosystems that balance ecological values, community safety, and sustainable resource use. -
Learning to Live with Fire State of Wildfire in BC
This document explores the increasingly severe wildland fire situation in B. C. , driven by climate change and accumulated forest fuels, with an emphasis on the urgent need for a whole-of-government provincial landscape resilience strategy. It is str...This document explores the increasingly severe wildland fire situation in B. C. , driven by climate change and accumulated forest fuels, with an emphasis on the urgent need for a whole-of-government provincial landscape resilience strategy. It is structured to detail the current wildfire context, analyze the significant social and ecological impacts of catastrophic wildfire, and examine the current governmental and non-governmental responses to wildfire governance in the province, including the critical role of First Nations and local governments. Ultimately, the primer The document calls for a fundamental shift toward proactive prevention and mitigation measures, highlighting the need to vastly expand fuel management efforts and adopt a comprehensive, collaborative approach to build lasting social-ecological resilience across B. C. -
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. -
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. -
Small Stream Riparian Retention the Prince George Small Streams Project
This extension note details the Prince George Small Streams Project, an initiative launched to evaluate the effectiveness of policies aimed at protecting the riparian functions and fish habitat values of small streams. The study assessed how a minimu...This extension note details the Prince George Small Streams Project, an initiative launched to evaluate the effectiveness of policies aimed at protecting the riparian functions and fish habitat values of small streams. The study assessed how a minimum riparian retention prescription impacted various stream characteristics. While the policy successfully met four of its five management objectives, it ultimately failed to maintain overall fish habitat values, particularly concerning the long-term supply of large woody debris, a significant decrease in litter fall, and an increase in stream temperatures due to reduced shade. Therefore, the authors recommend retaining all trees within 10 meters of the stream bank to better achieve desired environmental outcomes. -
The Bowron River Watershed A Synoptic Assessment of Stream and Riparian Condition 20 30 Years after Salvage Logging
This document presents a synoptic assessment of stream and riparian conditions in the Bowron River watershed, conducted 20-30 years after extensive salvage logging. The study investigates the long-term impacts of harvesting, prompted by a spruce beet...This document presents a synoptic assessment of stream and riparian conditions in the Bowron River watershed, conducted 20-30 years after extensive salvage logging. The study investigates the long-term impacts of harvesting, prompted by a spruce beetle outbreak in the 1970s and 80s, on stream health and surrounding riparian areas, which are crucial for ecological balance. Using the Routine Riparian Effectiveness Evaluation, the assessment compares current conditions to historical watershed assessment procedure rankings, revealing that while some recovery has occurred, the lack of mature vegetation in riparian zones continues to significantly impact stream characteristics, particularly the supply of large woody debris whcih is vital for stream morphology and fish habitat. The authors conclude by offering guidance statements to improve forest management practices, emphasizing the importance of riparian buffers, proper road deactivation, and minimizing soil compaction to mitigate ongoing adverse effects. -
Retention Strategies to Maintain Habitat Structure and Wildlife Diversity during the Salvage Harvesting of Mountain Pine Beetle Attack Areas in the Southern Interior Forest Region
This document provides guidance on how to conduct salvage harvesting in areas affected by the mountain pine beetle in the Southern Interior Forest Region of British Columbia while maintaining habitat structure and wildlife diversity. It emphasizes th...This document provides guidance on how to conduct salvage harvesting in areas affected by the mountain pine beetle in the Southern Interior Forest Region of British Columbia while maintaining habitat structure and wildlife diversity. It emphasizes that salvage logging, while economically important, can negatively impact ecosystems already disturbed by beetles. The core idea is to use within-stand retention practices like leaving live trees, snags, and downed wood, along with strategically placed partial harvesting, to mimic natural disturbance patterns and create habitats that support a variety of species and aid forest recovery. The report discusses five key issues to consider: loss of mature forest attributes, connectivity, riparian areas, access management, and habitat homogenization, offering strategies to address them.
