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Climate change mitigation in British Columbia forest sector- GHG reductions costs and environmental impacts
This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of various strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within British Columbias forestry sector. The study uses a systems perspective, evaluating the impact of different forest management and wood utiliz...This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of various strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within British Columbias forestry sector. The study uses a systems perspective, evaluating the impact of different forest management and wood utilization practices not only on forest ecosystems but also on harvested wood products and the potential for wood to substitute for more emission-intensive materials. By quantifying GHG reductions alongside economic, socio-economic, and environmental consequences, the authors aim to provide an integrated framework for decision-makers to understand trade-offs and plan for long-term climate change mitigation in the land sector. -
First-year Growth Responses of Young Red Alder Stands to Fertilization
This extension note details a study on how adding nutrients affects the growth of young red alder trees on Vancouver Island. Recognizing the increasing importance of red alder for various products and ecological restoration, the research investigates...This extension note details a study on how adding nutrients affects the growth of young red alder trees on Vancouver Island. Recognizing the increasing importance of red alder for various products and ecological restoration, the research investigates whether fertilization, particularly with phosphorus and other elements, can enhance their early development. The document describes field trials conducted at multiple locations, outlining the experimental setup, fertilization treatments, and the resulting stem growth responses observed in the first year after application. The document aims to provide initial insights into optimizing the growth and quality of red alder through nutrient management in this region. -
Windthrow in Partially Cut Lodgepole Pine Forests in West-Central British Columbia
This extension note details a study on windthrow in partially cut lodgepole pine forests in west-central British Columbia. The research was motivated by concerns that partial harvesting, a strategy used to manage habitat for the blue-listed northern ...This extension note details a study on windthrow in partially cut lodgepole pine forests in west-central British Columbia. The research was motivated by concerns that partial harvesting, a strategy used to manage habitat for the blue-listed northern caribou, might increase windthrow to levels that negatively impact caribou habitat, timber supply, and forest health. The study compared windthrow rates in different partial cutting methods to uncut control areas over a 5.3-year post-harvest period to assess the risk of increased windthrow associated with these silvicultural systems. -
The Opax Mountain Silvicultural Systems Project- Preliminary Results for Managing Complex Dry Interior Douglas-fir Forests
This extension note investigates various forest management approaches for complex, dry Interior Douglas-fir forests. The core of the project involves long-term, operational-scale experiments comparing different harvesting methods, such as individual ...This extension note investigates various forest management approaches for complex, dry Interior Douglas-fir forests. The core of the project involves long-term, operational-scale experiments comparing different harvesting methods, such as individual tree selection and patch cutting, against uncut controls across two distinct study areas. The research explores the effects of these treatments on a wide array of ecological factors, including natural disturbances, tree regeneration, vegetation dynamics, microclimate, soils, and wildlife habitat, aiming to understand how different management practices impact forest health and biodiversity. The project seeks to provide practical insights for forest managers to move beyond traditional uniform partial cutting and adopt a broader range of strategies that better reflect the natural variability of these important forest ecosystems. -
Site Preparation Alternatives in the Wet Cold ESSF- Results from Sicamous Creek
This extension note investigates the effects of different site preparation methods on a high-elevation wet, cold forest in British Columbia. The study examines the initial responses of planted and natural tree regeneration, soil properties, vegetati...This extension note investigates the effects of different site preparation methods on a high-elevation wet, cold forest in British Columbia. The study examines the initial responses of planted and natural tree regeneration, soil properties, vegetation, and biodiversity to these treatments within various harvesting systems. The report aims to provide guidance for operational decisions regarding site preparation in these challenging environments, considering both silvicultural success and broader ecological impacts. -
Forest Carbon Information Notes - Fertilization
This document outlines how adding nutrients to forests can be a tool for greenhouse gas benefit through increased carbon sequestration in trees. It details that while the production and application of fertilizer create emissions, the enhanced tree g...This document outlines how adding nutrients to forests can be a tool for greenhouse gas benefit through increased carbon sequestration in trees. It details that while the production and application of fertilizer create emissions, the enhanced tree growth leads to a net uptake of atmospheric CO2, contributing to provincial emission reduction goals. The document explains how this GHG benefit is calculated by comparing scenarios with and without fertilization, considering both increased carbon storage and operational emissions, and emphasizes the importance of selecting suitable forest stands for successful fertilization outcomes based on various ecological factors. -
Forest Carbon Information Notes - Reforestation
This document outlines strategies for reforesting in British Columbia to achieve greenhouse gas benefits. It emphasizes underplanting fire-killed stands as a particularly advantageous method because it avoids the immediate emissions associated with ...This document outlines strategies for reforesting in British Columbia to achieve greenhouse gas benefits. It emphasizes underplanting fire-killed stands as a particularly advantageous method because it avoids the immediate emissions associated with salvage logging and knockdown techniques, leading to faster accrual of carbon sequestration. The document details how the GHG benefit of reforestation is estimated by comparing project scenarios with natural regeneration baselines and highlights the economic and ecological co-benefits of such projects, including job creation and improved wildlife habitat. The purpose of this document is to inform forestry professionals and stakeholders about effective reforestation practices, particularly underplanting, as a key component of the Forest Carbon Initiatives goal to maximize long-term carbon sink rates and mitigate climate change. -
The Carbon Conundrum-Fire and Fuel Management in Fire-prone Forests
This document explores the complex relationship between fire management in fire-prone forests of British Columbia and the dynamics of forest carbon. It highlights the challenge for natural resource managers in determining when fire management actions...This document explores the complex relationship between fire management in fire-prone forests of British Columbia and the dynamics of forest carbon. It highlights the challenge for natural resource managers in determining when fire management actions act as sources or sinks of greenhouse gases. The document discusses forest carbon cycles, the impact of climate change on fire regimes, and various forest management approaches, including fire suppression and fuel reduction, in the context of carbon storage and emissions. The docuemtn aims to inform decision-making by considering carbon dynamics alongside other crucial ecological and economic values in these fire-dependent ecosystems. -
Uncertainty in adaptation to climate change in forest management
This report explores the challenges of forest management planning in British Columbia under the uncertainty of climate change. Recognizing that no single climate change prediction is definitive, the authors develop a conceptual framework using a robu...This report explores the challenges of forest management planning in British Columbia under the uncertainty of climate change. Recognizing that no single climate change prediction is definitive, the authors develop a conceptual framework using a robustness approach. Instead of seeking an optimal plan for a specific future, they aim to identify good-enough plans that perform reasonably well across a range of potential climate scenarios. The study uses the Quesnel Timber Supply Area as a case study, focusing on balancing timber supply and tree species diversity goals through multi-criteria decision analysis, considering both a status quo and an adaptation-focused forest renewal option. -
Diversifying managed forests to increase resilience
This paper investigates how diversifying managed forests in British Columbia could enhance their ability to recover from disturbances, specifically a recent mountain pine beetle epidemic linked to climate change. The authors used computer simulations...This paper investigates how diversifying managed forests in British Columbia could enhance their ability to recover from disturbances, specifically a recent mountain pine beetle epidemic linked to climate change. The authors used computer simulations to compare different forest management strategies over an 80-year period, assessing their impact on ecological resilience, timber supply, and economic outcomes. Their findings suggest that a strategy focused on proactively harvesting dominant, susceptible tree species and promoting a greater variety of planted and naturally regenerating trees leads to improved forest health, higher long-term harvest rates, and more stable economic returns without compromising economic viability. The study advocates for incorporating diversification as a key approach to increasing the resilience of managed forests in the face of future environmental challenges. -
Carbon sequestration in managed temperate coniferous forests under climate change
This paper explores the future of carbon storage within these vital ecosystems of British Columbia. Using a computer model, the researchers investigated how interactions between tree species, fire, forest management, and a changing climate might affe...This paper explores the future of carbon storage within these vital ecosystems of British Columbia. Using a computer model, the researchers investigated how interactions between tree species, fire, forest management, and a changing climate might affect the ability of these forests to absorb and store carbon until 2050. A key aspect of their work was the introduction of a new metric, net sector productivity, which offers a more comprehensive way to account for carbon by including not only forest ecosystems but also harvested wood products. The study aimed to provide a better understanding for developing effective climate change mitigation and adaptive management strategies in these forests. -
Applying Resilience Concepts in Forest Management- A Retrospective Simulation Approach
This paper investigates how different forest management strategies impact the resilience of forests facing climate change, specifically a mountain pine beetle outbreak in British Columbia. The authors use a retrospective simulation approach from 1980...This paper investigates how different forest management strategies impact the resilience of forests facing climate change, specifically a mountain pine beetle outbreak in British Columbia. The authors use a retrospective simulation approach from 1980 to 2060 to compare business as usual practices with two alternative strategies- one focused on increasing the diversity of replanted trees, and another that combined early harvesting of susceptible pine with diversified reforestation. The study assesses resilience by examining ecological factors like growing stock and tree species diversity, alongside socio-economic indicators such as timber flow stability and net revenue, concluding that proactive management enhancing diversity and reducing high-risk species leads to greater overall forest resilience in the face of climate-related disturbances. -
Forest Fuel Treatments for the Southern West Kootenays- A Summary of Experiences in Other Place
This document synthesizes existing research on forest fuel treatments and their effectiveness in modifying wildfire behavior. Recognizing that the local, currently wetter forests are projected to become similar to drier, fire-prone forests of the Wes...This document synthesizes existing research on forest fuel treatments and their effectiveness in modifying wildfire behavior. Recognizing that the local, currently wetter forests are projected to become similar to drier, fire-prone forests of the Western US due to climate change, the report explores how fuel treatments can reduce wildfire intensity and spread. It defines fuel treatments and outlines their objectives, such as ecosystem restoration and protecting communities, emphasizing that these actions aim to change fire behavior, not prevent fire ignition. Furthermore, the report delves into empirical evidence from past wildfires encountering treated areas, highlighting key principles for effective treatments in mature stands, including surface fuel reduction, increasing height to live crown, decreasing crown density, and retaining large fire-resistant trees. The ultimate purpose is to provide guidance for implementing appropriate and effective fuel management strategies in the Southern West Kootenays. -
Moving Towards Adaptation Strategies in Forest Management - a Starting Place for the West Kootenays
This document serves as a foundational guide for adapting forest management practices in the West Kootenay region of British Columbia in the face of climate change. Recognizing the confirmed reality of climate change and its projected impacts on the ...This document serves as a foundational guide for adapting forest management practices in the West Kootenay region of British Columbia in the face of climate change. Recognizing the confirmed reality of climate change and its projected impacts on the region, the report outlines a starting point for forest practitioners to consider and implement adaptation strategies. It structures these strategies across different scales - landscape, ecosystemstand, and operational - offering specific actions relevant to the unique vulnerabilities identified in the northern, mid, and southern subregions of the West Kootenays. Ultimately, the report emphasizes the need for a deliberate and informed decision-making process to select and implement effective adaptation measures, advocating for ongoing monitoring and collaboration among stakeholders. -
Using PrognosisBC to Analyze Partial-Cutting Options over a Rotation
This document details an analysis using the PrognosisBC model to evaluate various partial-cutting silvicultural options for long-term forest management compared to clearcutting. The authors explore how different harvesting methods in a specific fores...This document details an analysis using the PrognosisBC model to evaluate various partial-cutting silvicultural options for long-term forest management compared to clearcutting. The authors explore how different harvesting methods in a specific forest type could meet sustainability targets, encompassing biodiversity, visual quality, old-growth recruitment, and timber production over a 100-year rotation. By modeling several scenarios and comparing their outputs, the study aims to familiarize readers with the PrognosisBC tool and demonstrate its utility in assessing trade-offs and informing complex forest management decisions, while also acknowledging the models limitations and the crucial role of professional judgment. -
Seedling response following partial cutting in lodgepole pine forests on caribou winter range in west-central British Columbia
This paper details a study examining how different forestry practices, specifically partial cutting methods like group selection and irregular group shelterwood, impact the survival and growth of planted lodgepole pine and interior spruce seedlings. ...This paper details a study examining how different forestry practices, specifically partial cutting methods like group selection and irregular group shelterwood, impact the survival and growth of planted lodgepole pine and interior spruce seedlings. The research compared these outcomes to those in clearcut areas, with the overarching goal of identifying silvicultural systems that can maintain suitable habitat for northern caribou, which rely on terrestrial and arboreal lichens found in these forests. By analyzing seedling survival and growth over five years in relation to different harvesting techniques, the study aimed to determine if partial cutting could effectively regenerate desired tree species while minimizing negative effects on critical caribou forage. The findings provide insights into balancing timber harvesting with the ecological needs of threatened caribou populations in this region. -
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. -
Reforesting Dry Sites in the Thompson Okanagan Natural Resource Region
This document is a comprehensive guide to address the increasing challenges of establishing healthy forests on drought-prone lands. Recognizing the impact of climate change and high seedling mortality, the report meticulously examines current silvicu...This document is a comprehensive guide to address the increasing challenges of establishing healthy forests on drought-prone lands. Recognizing the impact of climate change and high seedling mortality, the report meticulously examines current silviculture practices and relevant research to identify best management practices for improved regeneration success. It provides a drought risk key for practitioners to classify sites and recommends specific treatment regimes encompassing planning, harvesting, mechanical site preparation, planting considerations, and post-planting surveys. The purpose of this guide is to offer practical, experience-based guidance to forest managers in the Thompson Okanagan region to enhance the resilience and successful reforestation of dry sites facing heightened drought risk. -
Harvesting on Mule Deer Winter Range under General Wildlife Measures for Shallow Moderate Snowpack Zones- Approach and Lessons Learned following a Second Harvest Entry after 30 Year
This report details a second timber harvest entry conducted on a mule deer winter range in British Columbia, thirty years after the initial logging. The study examines the application of General Wildlife Measures for shallow and moderate snowpack z...This report details a second timber harvest entry conducted on a mule deer winter range in British Columbia, thirty years after the initial logging. The study examines the application of General Wildlife Measures for shallow and moderate snowpack zones, focusing on a clumpy single-tree selection silvicultural system designed to balance timber harvesting with maintaining and enhancing mule deer habitat. Key aspects explored include the planning and operational implementation of this approach, including the creation of small canopy gaps and thinning from below, along with the lessons learned regarding ecological impacts, adherence to regulations, and operational feasibility. The report serves to document this long-term research projects progression and inform future management practices on similar winter ranges. -
Reburn in the Rain Shadow
This paper investigates the long-term effects of post-wildfire logging in dry coniferous forests east of the Cascade Range. It addresses a key debate by presenting findings that post-fire logging effectively reduces future surface woody fuel levels ...This paper investigates the long-term effects of post-wildfire logging in dry coniferous forests east of the Cascade Range. It addresses a key debate by presenting findings that post-fire logging effectively reduces future surface woody fuel levels over several decades, thereby potentially mitigating the severity of subsequent wildfires. Furthermore, the research indicates that when best management practices are employed, post-fire logging has minimal lasting negative impacts on the recovery of understory vegetation. The purpose of this publication is to provide scientific information to land managers making decisions about post-fire forest management, particularly regarding fuel reduction and ecological impacts.
