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Effect of Manual Treatment Timing on Red Alder Regrowth and Conifer Response
This document details an investigation into the manual control of red alder to promote the growth of planted Douglas-fir and grand fir seedlings. By testing five different cutting schedules, researchers sought to determine if the timing of brush remo...This document details an investigation into the manual control of red alder to promote the growth of planted Douglas-fir and grand fir seedlings. By testing five different cutting schedules, researchers sought to determine if the timing of brush removal influenced how effectively it prevented the alder from resprouting and competing for resources. The study concludes that performing this work during the late growing season maximizes the death of the alder stumps while minimizing new growth, though environmental factors like moisture stress significantly impacted the overall health of both the deciduous and coniferous trees. -
Irregular Strip Shelterwood Cutting in a Viewscape
This document examines the application of irregular strip shelterwood cutting as a strategy to balance timber extraction with the preservation of sensitive viewscapes and watersheds in British Columbia. By alternating narrow clearcut spokes with part...This document examines the application of irregular strip shelterwood cutting as a strategy to balance timber extraction with the preservation of sensitive viewscapes and watersheds in British Columbia. By alternating narrow clearcut spokes with partially harvested strips, the project successfully maintained visual quality objectives and water integrity while proving the operational feasibility of innovative forestry in constrained environments. The report details how collaborative planning and motivated crews are essential for managing the increased costs and technical complexities associated with these non-traditional harvesting patterns. -
Thinning and Prescribed Fire Effects on Overstory Tree and Snag Structure in Dry Coniferous Forests of the Interior Pacific Northwest
This study investigates how different forest management techniques influence the physical makeup and fire resilience of dry coniferous forests in the Pacific Northwest. By comparing mechanical thinning and prescribed burning, both independently and i...This study investigates how different forest management techniques influence the physical makeup and fire resilience of dry coniferous forests in the Pacific Northwest. By comparing mechanical thinning and prescribed burning, both independently and in combination, the authors demonstrate that thinning is the most reliable method for reducing tree density and raising the canopy to prevent crown fires. While fire alone had a minimal impact on living overstory structure in this study, it played a vital role in creating snags, or standing dead trees, which are essential for wildlife habitat. This study concludes that combining both treatments offers the most comprehensive approach to restoring historical forest conditions while simultaneously lowering the risk of catastrophic wildfire. -
Development of a Drought Risk Assessment Tool for British Columbia Forests Using a Stand-level Water-balance Approach
This technical report introduces a drought risk assessment tool designed to help forest managers in British Columbia navigate the challenges of a warming climate. By using a stand-level water-balance approach, the researchers calculated the ratio of ...This technical report introduces a drought risk assessment tool designed to help forest managers in British Columbia navigate the challenges of a warming climate. By using a stand-level water-balance approach, the researchers calculated the ratio of water availability to evaporative demand to establish drought tolerance thresholds for ten common tree species. The study concludes that many species face significant threats of stress and mortality on drier sites, whereas moist, water-receiving areas may serve as critical climate refugia for conservation. This document provides a practical framework for applying this data to silvicultural decisions, such as selecting resilient species for reforestation and identifying areas at higher risk for wildfires or invasive species. -
FRDA Comparitive Height Growth to Age 28 for Seven Species in the CWHd Subzone
This FRDA Report #005 examines the juvenile height growth of seven different coniferous species planted within the Coastal Western Hemlock subzone of Vancouver Island. By analyzing data from permanent plots over a 28-year period, the author establis...This FRDA Report #005 examines the juvenile height growth of seven different coniferous species planted within the Coastal Western Hemlock subzone of Vancouver Island. By analyzing data from permanent plots over a 28-year period, the author establishes that Douglas-fir exhibited the most rapid growth, followed by Sitka spruce and western hemlock, while amabilis fir grew the slowest initially. The study provides site-specific growth curves intended to help foresters select the best tree species for reforestation and evaluate the early progress of new plantations. This report serves as a comparative benchmark for indigenous and non-indigenous trees, noting that while the results align with broader regional trends, the specific soil conditions of the study area require a cautious interpretation for wider application. -
Interior-Dry Fire Weather Zone
This document outlines best management practices for fuel treatment within British Columbia's interior-dry fire weather zone, a region characterized by dry ecosystems like Interior douglas fir, ponderosa pine, and bunchgrass zones. It emphasizes how ...This document outlines best management practices for fuel treatment within British Columbia's interior-dry fire weather zone, a region characterized by dry ecosystems like Interior douglas fir, ponderosa pine, and bunchgrass zones. It emphasizes how wildfires significantly influence these forest ecosystems, historically maintaining biodiversity and grasslands through low-intensity burns. The guide details fuel management strategies for surface, ladder, and crown fuels, including thinning, pruning, and species conversion, all aimed at reducing the risk and intensity of high-severity wildfires. Additionally, it provides recommendations for mitigating impacts on forest health from treatments and includes case studies illustrating effective fuel management practices. -
Fire in the Dry Interior Forests of British Columbia
This extension note explores the critical role of fire in the dry interior forests of British Columbia, which historically experienced frequent, low-intensity surface fires that maintained ecosystem health and biodiversity. The authors explain how hu...This extension note explores the critical role of fire in the dry interior forests of British Columbia, which historically experienced frequent, low-intensity surface fires that maintained ecosystem health and biodiversity. The authors explain how human fire exclusion over the past 60 years has dramatically altered these forests, leading to increased fuel loads, higher tree density, altered species composition, and a greater risk of intense, large-scale crown fires. The documen then outlines four management options for these sites: continued fire suppression, controlled prescribed burns, mechanical fuel reduction, or a combination of these strategies, emphasizing the need to balance ecological, social, and economic considerations. Finally, the document highlights various ongoing research initiatives aimed at understanding fire regimes and developing integrated management solutions for these fire-adapted ecosystems. -
LMH Management Strategy for Mule Deer Winter Ranges in the Cariboo-Chilcotin Part 1a Management Plan for Shallow and Moderate Snowpack Zones
This LMH Document #60 outlines a management strategy for mule deer winter ranges in the Cariboo-Chilcotin region of British Columbia, specifically focusing on transition and deep snowpack zones. Developed through years of research and aligned with ex...This LMH Document #60 outlines a management strategy for mule deer winter ranges in the Cariboo-Chilcotin region of British Columbia, specifically focusing on transition and deep snowpack zones. Developed through years of research and aligned with existing land use plans, the document provides management objectives and strategies for forest harvesting to maintain and restore suitable habitat. Key areas addressed include access planning, stand age structure, tree species composition, opening sizes for harvests, and the spatial layout of openings. It also includes appendices detailing snowpack zones, biodiversity considerations, forest health management, and a history of related research and planning efforts, aiming to guide forest managers and monitor habitat preservation. -
FRDA Identification and Management of Summer Frost-Prone Sites in the Cariboo Forest Region
This FRDA Report #157 focuses on providing a detailed framework for identification and management of summer frost-prone sites within the Cariboo Forest Region of British Columbia. Recognizing that unexpected summer frosts severely impact the survival...This FRDA Report #157 focuses on providing a detailed framework for identification and management of summer frost-prone sites within the Cariboo Forest Region of British Columbia. Recognizing that unexpected summer frosts severely impact the survival and growth of young tree plantations, the document establishes clear frost hazard assessments based on biogeoclimatic zones, landscape topography, and other site-specific factors. The main body of the text, supplemented by a concise field guide, outlines a methodology for determining the degree of risk associated with cold air accumulation. The authors supply comprehensive management recommendations regarding site preparation, species selection, and harvest practices designed to minimize damage to seedlings and improve reforestation success. -
Stock Type Selection and Ordering Guidelines
This document assists silviculturists in British Columbia with the process of stock type selection for reforestation efforts. The document details the characteristics and definitions of both container-grown and field-grown stock, emphasizing that the...This document assists silviculturists in British Columbia with the process of stock type selection for reforestation efforts. The document details the characteristics and definitions of both container-grown and field-grown stock, emphasizing that the correct choice significantly impacts a plantation's survival and early growth. Key sections are dedicated to factors influencing selection, such as species, site limiting factors, and logistics related to ordering and tracking stock types, as well as proper receiving and handling stock upon delivery. This document serves as a comprehensive reference to match specific seedling characteristics with site-specific conditions and cost considerations. -
Coastal Fire Weather Zone
This document outlines best management practices for fuel treatment within British Columbia's coastal fire weather zone, encompassing the Coastal Western Hemlock and Coastal Douglas Fir biogeoclimatic zones. It details the ecology of this temperate...This document outlines best management practices for fuel treatment within British Columbia's coastal fire weather zone, encompassing the Coastal Western Hemlock and Coastal Douglas Fir biogeoclimatic zones. It details the ecology of this temperate rainforest, noting that while mature stands typically resist widespread fires due to high moisture and closed canopies, disturbed areas and specific drier zones are more prone to fire, especially with the presence of invasive species. The core purpose is to guide fire management through specific interventions, focusing on surface, ladder, and crown fuel reduction to prevent canopy fires, alongside recommendations for forest health mitigation to prevent pest outbreaks after treatment. The document also references established Canadian Forest Fire Behaviour Prediction System fuel types to characterize fire risk and includes practical examples of post-treatment characteristics from various locations.
