2 resources found

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.

This paper reviews the effectiveness of stand-level fuel reduction treatments in Canadian boreal conifer forests, specifically focusing on black spruce, jack pine, and lodgepole pine. These treatments, which involve thinning trees, pruning lower branches, and removing understory vegetation, aim to mitigate the risk of fast-spreading, high-intensity crown fires that are naturally prevalent in these ecosystems. While these fuel treatments generally reduce modeled and observed fire behavior under low to moderate fire weather, evidence suggests they become ineffective under very high or extreme fire conditions, especially when combined with high surface fuel loads and the relatively short stature of boreal conifers. The authors highlight the need for further research into managing surface fuel loads, exploring alternative fuel configurations, and integrating these treatments with broader fire suppression strategies.