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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. -
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. -
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.
