bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inventory of non-timber forest product plant and fungal species in the Robson Valley
Authors: Ehlers Tyson , Berch Shannon , Mackinnon Andy
Published: November 2022

Increasing interest in non-timber forest products (NTFPs) has led to their greater recognition in sustainable forest management planning. This is evident in local resource management plans for the Robson Valley in east-central British Columbia, where public input shows strong support for the sustainable development of NTFPs harvesting. However, information needed to develop sustainable management guidelines for NTFPss is currently lacking. We, therefore, undertook an inventory of non-timber forest product plant and fungal species in the Robson Valley.The distribution and abundance of NTFPs plant species was determined by ecosystem types as described by the Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification system used in British Columbia. Species with a relatively high abundance and commercial potential included the valuable medicinal plant Devil�s club (Oplopanax horridus), berry-producing species such as black huckleberry (Vaccinium membranaceum), and the edible ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris). Plants used for floral greenery that are relatively abundant in certain ecosystem types included falsebox (Paxistima myrsinites), tall Oregon-grape (Mahonia aquifolium), pearly everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea), and conifer boughs, especially from western redcedar (Thuja plicata). We identified a number of fungal species noted for their food, medicinal, wildcrafting, industrial, or traditional uses. Among the important food mushrooms we recorded in the Robson Valley were pine mushroom (Tricholoma magnivelare), hedgehog mushroom (Hydnum repandum), and black morel (Morchella elata).Several information gaps were identified. We recommend that future research focus on gathering detailed information about selected NTFPs species. Information describing habitats, growth requirements, production levels, and response to harvesting is needed to develop sustainable management strategies.
Hemlock Dwarf Mistletoe Stand Establishment Decision Aid
Authors: Muir John , Turner Jennifer , Swift Kathie
Published: November 2022

Hemlock dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium tsugense), a parasitic seed plant, is endemic and common in coastal western hemlock forests from northern California to southern Alaska. The mistletoe spreads by seeds dispersed from residual to nearby trees. Over time, infestations can significantly reduce tree growth. Annual growth losses attributed to mistletoe infection are estimated at over 1 million m3 in coastal British Columbia. Variable retention silviculture regimes recently implemented in hemlock-dominated coastal forests create conditions that could exacerbate the spread, intensification, and effects of mistletoe.The Stand Establishment Decision Aid (SEDA) format has been used to extend information on various vegetation and forest health concerns in British Columbia. This is the second SEDA produced for the Coast Forest Region. It summarizes information that relates current management regimes to the spread and effects of hemlock dwarf mistletoe. The first page provides general information, hazard ratings for the biogeoclimatic zones and subzones of the Coast Forest Region, and silvicultural considerations for hemlock dwarf mistletoe. The second page outlines the growth and yield implications and other effects and associations of the pathogen. This page also includes a valuable resource and reference list to provide readers with more detailed information. Reference material that is not available on-line can be ordered through libraries or the Queen�s Printer at: www.qp.gov.bc.ca.
Participatory research in rural communities in transition: A case study of the Malaspina-Ucluelet Research Alliance
Authors: Morford Shawn , Robinson Dave , Mazzoni Felice , Corbett Cleo , Schaiberger Heidi
Published: November 2022

This paper provides perspectives on the value of participatory research in empowering rural communities in transition. It highlights one collaborative community-university research alliance in coastal British Columbia and illustrates the benefits and challenges of close linkages between social scientists and communities. It discusses how participatory research can build capacity for successful community economic and social transitions in rural British Columbia, and how challenges and key considerations of community- researcher partnerships are addressed.
A career in quality: An interview with wood specialist Les Jozsa
Authors: Gayton Don
Published: November 2022

In an interview conducted by extension specialist Don Gayton, senior British Columbia forester Les Jozsa reflects on a long career working in the fields of wood quality, silviculture, and dendrochronology. Jozsa, now Research Scientist Emeritus with Forintek Canada, describes the importance of distilling scientific and technical forestry information into practical terms, and extending it to industry users. He also summarizes the history of the “Hungarian connection” to the Faculty of Forestry at the University of British Columbia.
Southern Interior Forest Region Forest Health Stand Establishment Decision Aids
Authors: Stock Art , Duthie-Holt Marnie , Walsh Sheri , Turner Jennifer , Swift Kathie
Published: November 2022

Since 1998, the Early Stand Dynamics program of FORREX–Forest Research Extension Partnership, in collaboration with its volunteers and partners, has assessed the information needs of the operational silvicultural community. This process identified a number of issues relating to management of competing vegetation, forest health, silvicultural systems, and best practices. Besides information needs, members of the silvicultural community also expressed concern about the loss of their experiential knowledge. These operational concerns prompted the initiation of an extension project to fill in identified information gaps and document local knowledge. Competing vegetation and forest health were selected as the first subject areas on which to focus effort. Information relating to these two subject areas was collected, synthesized, and presented in an easy-to-use format. The resulting product was then presented to both the operational and scientific communities for review and input. The extension product generated by this process was called a “Stand Establishment Decision Aid” (SEDA). SEDAs are designed to provide information on the biological features that new and inexperienced practitioners need to consider when making silvicultural decisions about site limiting factors such as competing vegetation or forest health. These decision aids are not intended to make the decisions for practitioners.The first forest health SEDAs published in the BC Journal of Ecosystems and Management were developed for the former Cariboo Forest Region before it, and the Nelson and Kamloops forest regions, amalgamated into the Southern Interior Forest Region. Readers interested in this previously published information can obtain parts 1 and 2 at: www.forrex.org/publications/jem/ISS2/vol2_no1_art1.pdf and www.forrex.org/publications/jem/ISS13/vol2_no2_art4.pdf.The nine SEDAs presented in the current article focus on forest health concerns found within the Southern Interior Forest Region as a whole. Some of these SEDAs discuss insects or pathogens that were already addressed in parts 1 and 2 for the Cariboo Forest Region. Consequently, these particular SEDAs only provide information for the former Kamloops and Nelson forest regions. Each SEDA provides a hazard rating system that identifies the specific biogeoclimatic zone and subzone where the forest health problem potentially occurs, a detailed description of the characteristics of susceptible stands, and some general information on the insect's or pathogen's biology. In addition, harvest and silviculture strategies to consider when managing susceptible stands are presented, as well as the potential productivity implications of infestations. Each SEDA concludes with a resource section outlining where more information can be located.
Blue ecology: A cross-cultural approach to reconciling forest-related conflicts
Authors: Blackstock Michael D.
Published: November 2022

Fresh water has a unifying role at the ecosystem and human level. Water, without fail, is recognized throughout the globe as crucial to human life. By examining a dispute resolution case study relating to Mt. Ida, near Salmon Arm, B.C., this paper offers a probe of the question “What is water?”. An Elder poses three questions about fresh water's role in the forest ecosystem; the answers are sought using the concept of “blue ecology,” which interweaves Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and Western science. The purpose is to reveal cross-cultural assumptions and definitions of fresh water, and to assist in reconciling forest-related conflicts between First Nations and government agencies. Because water is a common interest to all people, blue ecology is proposed as a means towards this reconciliation. The paper presents five guiding principles that should be useful to mediators and forests managers seeking to build co-operative cross-cultural solutions.
Adding value, innovating, and collaborating: Lessons learned through economic diversification in forest-dependent communities
Authors: Schooling Julie , Cumming Victor
Published: November 2022

British Columbia's forest sector has seen substantial changes over the last 5 years, particularly in the areas of forest resource management, forest products markets, international trade conditions, provincial forest policy, and harvesting and processing technology, all with consequent impacts on the province's forest-dependent communities. In light of global patterns and pressures, it seems unlikely that British Columbia's forest sector will thrive by doing what's always been done. In response to these challenges, many forest-dependent communities have adopted innovative strategies to increase the economic benefits from their local forests.This paper summarizes some of these community economic development ventures. The emphasis is on the lessons learned from the adoption of several new business models that aim to address the challenges faced by forest-dependent communities in British Columbia. Six guiding principles that contributed to the success of these community-based initiatives emerge from this review: passion and vision; preparation, planning, and defining clear measures of success; people, partnerships, and communication; the unique qualities and resources of a place; a combination of patience and persistence; and supportive government policy.Communities are encouraged to look at the value and potential use of their natural resources from different perspectives, considering not just short-term returns, but long-term economic, social, and environmental sustainability.
The Arrow IFPA framework sustainable forest management: An early precedent
Authors: Hebert Daryll
Published: November 2022

The transition from traditional sustained yield forest management to sustainable forest management began in the early 1990s based on concepts arising from natural disturbance. The development of sustainable management frameworks followed in the late 1990s, during the emergence of certification systems, but the frameworks were largely untested, seldom included social sustainability issues, and lacked mechanisms for trade-off analysis.
Arrow IFPA Series: Note 4 of 8: Sustainable forest management basecase analysis: The Lemon Landscape Unit pilot project
Authors: Wells Ralph , Nelson John
Published: November 2022

This extension note is the fourth in a series of eight that describes a set of tools and processes developed to support sustainable forest management planning and its pilot application in the Arrow Timber Supply Area (TSA). It describes a pilot project designed to evaluate the use of criteria and indicators in developing a sustainable forest management (SFM) basecase and to provide decision support for managers in creating SFM plans. This note outlines how indicators can be used to define management objectives, planning units, and harvesting constraints or “initial thresholds,”and how the resulting SFM basecase was evaluated in trade-off and sensitivity analyses. The process revealed some priority issues in which management objectives for some indicators had significant effects on a measure for the timber criterion (harvest volume) and others had minimal effect. Although the SFM basecase was intended to emphasize non-timber criteria, it nonetheless yielded a greater short- and long-term timber supply than a scenario based on Forest Practice Code rules. This note provides an example of the first iteration of a decision-support process requiring the participation of decision makers and allowing public feedback. Initial results suggest that this decision-support approach has merit and could form an important part of an SFM framework based on criteria and indicators.
Arrow IFPA Series: Note 7 of 8: Criterion 4: Timber economic benefits
Authors: Nelson John
Published: November 2022

This extension note is the seventh in a series of eight that describes a set of tools and processes developed to support sustainable forest management planning and its pilot application in the Arrow Timber Supply Area. It demonstrates how forest-level modelling can be used to forecast criteria and indicators of timber economic benefits and how sensitive these indicators are to changes in the constraints affecting the timber harvesting land base and harvest practices. In an economic sense, forests are assets with the potential to generate wealth through a sustainable flow of benefits. Managing this asset to maximize economic returns and to minimize the risk of loss to natural disturbances are important objectives. This extension note develops these concepts and identifies indicators that can measure economic performance. A harvest simulation model is used to forecast harvest volume, growing stock, and delivered wood cost for the Sustainable Forest Management Pilot Basecase Analysis. A sensitivity analysis shows how harvest volume changes as management assumptions change. Harvest simulation models can help to identify strategic trade-offs between value and risk.
The impact of treatment on mountain pine beetle infestation rates
Authors: Nelson Trisalyn , Boots Barry , White Ken J. , Smith Alanya C.
Published: November 2022

The spatial extent of the current mountain pine beetle epidemic in western Canada has highlighted the need to understand the efficacy of treatment strategies. We investigate the effect of five direct-control treatments applied in central British Columbia during a mountain pine beetle epidemic. Using point data from GPS helicopter surveys and kernel density estimators, efficacy was explored through comparisons of infestation intensities at treated locations to randomly selected untreated sites. Small patch and block harvesting treatments showed the clearest signs of reducing infestation intensity; the effects of the fell and burn, monosodium methanearsonate, and pheromone-baited tree treatments were less clear. Through this work, five management guidelines were developed: (1) aggressive treatments can be effective when beetle populations are moderate, although still epidemic; (2) single-tree treatments are only effective when infestation intensities are low or moderate in both the treatment area and surrounding regions; (3) singletree treatments are the most effective when treatments are intensively applied; (4) overall, the more infested trees removed during treatment, the greater the reduction in infestation intensity; and (5) when it is possible to reduce the infestation levels to 2.5 or fewer infested trees per hectare, treatments can be effectively applied.
Predicting the risk of wet ground areas in the Vanderhoof Forest District: Project description and progress report
Authors: Rex John , Dubé Stephane
Published: November 2022

The mountain pine beetle epidemic is changing British Columbia forests and watersheds at the landscape scale. Watersheds with dead-pine-leading stands in the Vanderhoof Forest District of central British Columbia are reported to have wet soils due to raised water tables. They report a conversion of summer logging ground (dry firm soil) to winter logging ground (wetter less firm soil), upon which forestry equipment operation is difficult or impossible before freeze-up. This paper outlines a project that explores this serious operational issue through the perspective of the hydrologic water balance. It aims to determine the spatial extent of wet ground areas and to provide operational guidance through the development of a model that can predict where wet ground may occur at the stand and watershed level. The watershed-level prediction described here will be based on risk indicators developed from available geographic information system data and aerial photographs, as well as local knowledge. Predictions will be qualified through field verification studies at representative stands within ranked watersheds. Preliminary results are presented.
Wildlife/danger tree assessment in unharvested stands attacked by mountain pine beetle in the central interior of British Columbia
Authors: Rakochy Patience , Hawkins Chris
Published: November 2022

This extension note outlines work that was part of a broader study designed to collect baseline forest structure data in the Sub-Boreal Spruce dry cool biogeoclimatic subzone (SBSdk) of the Lakes Timber Supply Area (TSA). This data will help to assess the future ecological impacts of the mountain pine beetle. A primary component of our research was to determine the safest possible work or recreation window for individuals planning entry into stands killed by the mountain pine beetle. The provincial Wildlife/Danger Tree Assessment criteria were used to determine the types and frequency of danger trees in these stands. Data collected included species, height, diameter at breast height, and the presence or absence of danger tree characteristics for each mature tree. The majority of the trees in this study were classified as either class 1 (alive and healthy) or class 3 (recently dead). One mountain-pine-beetle-killed tree had fallen. Approximately 85 stems per hectare, or 5.5% of all trees, had a defect considered potentially dangerous. Most defects were found in the smaller diameter classes. The study area was significantly affected by mountain pine beetle; areas of high use (e.g., recreation-, cultural-, or work-related) may require specific mitigation activities to ensure user safety.
An assessment of critical assumptions supporting the timber supply modelling for mountain-pine-beetle-induced allowable annual cut uplift in thePrince George Timber Supply Area
Authors: Pousette John , Hawkins Chris
Published: November 2022

To address the mountain pine beetle epidemic, the allowable annual cut (AAC) for the Prince George Timber Supply Area (TSA) has been increased by 5.7 million m3 to 14.944 million m3. Timber supply model forecasts supporting AAC uplift decisions show a significant mid-term timber supply falldown. Timber supply modelling undertaken for the Prince George TSA in support of the recent AAC decision has not incorporated mortality in stands less than 60 years old, has generally considered the shelf life of beetlekilled wood to be 5 years for use as dimension lumber and 5 additional years for use as products of reduced fibre quality, and has assumed that pine timber makes up at least 78% of the total harvest in the short term. Current research suggests that certain of these assumptions may be optimistic. Refinements to these important timber supply analysis assumptions may result in a mid-term timber supply falldown that is deeper and longer than originally forecast. If the current outbreak continues unabated, stands in which lodgepole pine represents over 70% of the volume will provide enough mature growth to satisfy the new AAC for a further 14 years. It may be that the current increased AAC will not be realized for this period of time because of economic and environmental reasons. Greater value may be gained by not harvesting pine-dominated stands that contain significant stand structure or advance regeneration. Retention of these stands could mitigate the negative effects to the environment, hydrology, and wildlife while increasing the volume available in the latter part of the mid-term. Barriers to forest licensees focussing harvest in these stands include current mill requirements, existing traditional operating areas, previously approved cutting permits, stumpage appraisal, accessibility, and other economic considerations.
Effects of bark beetle outbreaks on avian biodiversity in the British Columbia interior: Implications for critical habitat management
Authors: Martin Kathy , Norris Andrea , Drever Mark
Published: November 2022

The health of coniferous and mixed forests in western Canada is a critical forest management issue with implications for the forest industry, biodiversity conservation, and regional land use planning. The mixed forests of interior British Columbia have high biodiversity and species abundance, and support rich communities of over 185 wildlife vertebrate species, about 24% of which are cavity-nesters. These cavity-nesting birds and mammals live in complex, strongly structured wildlife communities (Nest Webs) that consist of an array of excavators and consumers of tree holes, many of which have strong preferences for large, old and decayed trees, especially deciduous trees, for nesting.Mountain pine beetle (MPB; Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins) and fire are the two major natural disturbance types structuring mature conifer stands in the interior of the province. The temporal changes in value and availability of dead and dying trees and their associated insect fauna are expected to result in stand-level variation in wildlife populations. Our research in the Cariboo-Chilcotin region showed that insect outbreaks can initially result in improved conditions for cavity-users and many other birds that feed on insects in dead and dying trees, but as the epidemic proceeds, these enhanced conditions deteriorate for many species as the supply of forest insects and old trees decline. The cumulative effects of habitat and environmental changes on the working landscape have the potential to negatively affect the stability of wildlife populations. This paper summarizes field observations regarding changes in forest stand conditions and avian biodiversity and evaluates the patterns of habitat change, beetle salvage, and wildlife responses as the mpb epidemic runs its course. It also discusses some of the issues that forest managers face when considering the maintenance of critical habitat for cavity-nesting species.
Paper Birch and Fireweed Stand Establishment Decision Aids
Authors: D'Anjou Brian , Turner Jennifer
Published: November 2022

The Coastal Western Hemlock submaritime biogeoclimatic subzones (CWHds1 and ds2) occur in the inland valleys of coastal British Columbia, where the climate is commonly transitional between the province's coastal and interior regions. Vegetation management issues in these subzones include species such as fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium) and paper birch (Betula papyrifera). On wetter, rich sites of the CWH zone, management options for other vegetation (e.g., salmon-berry, devil's club, and elderberry) are well documented; however, little research has focussed on the competing species found primarily in the submaritime British Columbia subzones.A field guide for the region (Green and Klinka 1994) lists a number of vegetation concerns for the CWH's submaritime subzones. Practitioners, however, have identified a need for more information about paper birch and fireweed. The vegetation management Stand Establishment Decision Aids (SEDAS) included in this extension note are designed to fill this gap. Although initially developed to address the needs of coastal managers, much of the information presented here can be applied to other areas of the province experiencing similar issues related to successful conifer regeneration. Most of the content was adapted from previously published information on paper birch and fireweed management in the former Cariboo Forest Region (Swift and Turner 2002).The majority of the information provided for paper birch emanates from research conducted in the province's southern interior (Simard 1996; Simard and Henigman 1996), where birch is well distributed and can affect crop tree regeneration and survival. Earlier legislation required free-growing trees to be 150% of the height of competing vegetation; however, the relatively small canopy of paper birch compared to other hardwood species such as alder makes it a less serious deterrent to conifer development. Therefore, foresters working in the CWH's submaritime subzones must determine the effect that existing levels of birch will have on the short- and long-term growth of crop trees. Additionally, research has shown that birch within a regenerating stand of Douglas-fir are beneficial to ectomycorrhizal development (see Jones et al. 1997; Simard et al. 1997a and b). Licensees working in submaritime subzones, where a shift from timber-oriented objectives to ecosystem biodiversity and long-term site productivity objectives may occur, could greatly benefit from further research into the effects of paper birch on regeneration. This extension note provides a general guide for managing paper birch and fireweed in the Coast Forest Region. Peterson et al. (1997) provide a more complete discussion of paper birch throughout the majority of its range. Additional information sources for both paper birch and fireweed are listed in the Resource and Reference sections.
Spruce Weevil and Western Spruce Budworm Forest Health Stand Establishment Decision Aids
Authors: Heppner Don , Turner Jennifer
Published: November 2022

Western spruce budworm (Choristoneura occidentalis) is a defoliator of Douglas-fir throughout the tree's range in British Columbia. Although recent defoliation levels within the Coast Forest Region (CFR) have been primarily light, this insect has caused significant damage within the region in previous years. In the past, western spruce budworm has had its largest impacts in the Squamish and Chilliwack forest districts, particularly in the Pemberton/Birkenhead area and the Fraser Canyon area near Boston Bar.The spruce weevil (Pissodes strobi) is a major pest in the cfr where it seriously limits the use of Sitka spruce for reforestation. Repeated weevil attacks to the leading shoots of young Sitka spruce trees result in suppressed height growth and stem deformities; however, improving supplies of weevil-resistant planting stock may lead to new reforestation strategies for Sitka spruce.The Stand Establishment Decision Aid (SEDA) format has been used to extend information on a variety of vegetation and forest health concerns in British Columbia. The two-page SEDAs presented in this extension note were developed to summarize information about spruce weevil and western spruce budworm occurrence and management in the CFR. The first page of each SEDA provides general information, hazard ratings for the CFR's biogeoclimatic zones and subzones, and silvicultural considerations. The second page outlines the growth and yield implications and other effects and associations of these insects. A valuable resource and reference list that readers can use to find more detailed information is also included. Most reference material that is not available on-line can be ordered through libraries or the Queen's Printer at: www.qp.gov.bc.ca.
Growing trembling aspen and white spruce intimate mixtures: Early results (13—17 years) and future projections
Authors: Kabzems Richard , Nemec Amanda Linnell , Farnden Craig
Published: November 2022

Controlled mixtures of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) and white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench] Voss) were established in 1989 at two locations in the Boreal White and Black Spruce (BWBS) biogeoclimatic zone in northeastern British Columbia. The initial study design of three aspen treatment densities of 0, 5000, and 10000 stems per hectare was expanded by reducing existing densities of aspen on a subset of plots to 1000 and 2000 stems per hectare. A random-coefficients regression model was used to analyze height and diameter growth trends for aspen and spruce 13–17 years after establishment. White spruce grown without aspen had significantly greater rates of height and diameter growth. There were no significant differences in spruce growth between the 5000 and 10000 aspen stems per hectare treatments. Differences in spruce height and diameter growth did not consistently display a pattern of declining growth as aspen density increased from 1000 to 10000 stems per hectare. Aspen responded to aspen density reduction by increased diameter growth of the remaining stems.The Mixedwood Growth Model was used to predict future growth of the experimental stands. Yield projections indicated that a total productivity gain of 21% may be achieved for mixtures compared to a pure spruce scenario. Over the range of conditions studied, spruce comprised approximately 40% of the total volume in mixed stands. These initial results will improve the assessments of the relative contributions that pure- and mixed-species management regimes may offer to achieving forest-level objectives.
Forest bird response to partial cutting in lodgepole pine forests on caribou winter range in west-central British Columbia
Authors: Waterhouse Michaela J. , Armleder Harold M.
Published: November 2022

Breeding birds were surveyed 1 year pre-harvest (1995) and 4 years post-harvest (1996–2001) to measure the response to partial cutting in old lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl.) forests on the Chilcotin Plateau of British Columbia. The irregular group shelterwood and group selection systems recommended to manage northern caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou Gmelin) habitat did not negatively affect the breeding bird community. In some years within the post-harvest period, dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis L.), red crossbills (Loxia curvirostra L.), yellow-rumped warblers (Dendroica coronata L.), and gray jays (Perisoreus canadensis L.) showed significant (α = 0.05) increases in use of the partial-cutting treatments compared with the no-harvest treatment. No species decreased significantly in any of the partial-cutting treatments. The increased observations of mostly common species resulted in significantly (α = 0.05) higher species richness, and increased frequency of observations for the bird community in some years in the partial cuts. Partial cutting of caribou habitat will maintain bird communities typical of mature to older lodgepole pine forests.
News from editor
Authors: Schooling Julie
Published: November 2022

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Environmental characteristics of mountain pine beetle infestation hot spots
Authors: Nelson Trisalyn A. , Boots Barry , Wulder Michael A. , Carroll Allan L.
Published: November 2022

A combination of favourable temperatures and abundant host trees has resulted in a mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins) epidemic over the majority of the lodgepole pine forests of British Columbia, Canada. Understanding temporal trends in the interactions between mountain pine beetle infestations and landscape characteristics can improve our understanding of beetle biology, inform modelling of future impacts, and support management. In this paper, we demonstrate a practical technique for characterizing spatial interactions between beetles and the environment. The locations with the highest-intensity infestations (hot spots) were identified using point data derived from annual helicopter-based surveys of beetle-infested pine, and a kernel density estimator. By examining the environmental characteristics associated with hot spots through time, an increased understanding of how the mountain pine beetle utilizes resources over large areas is generated. The effect of treatment on the persistence of hot spots is also explored. Results indicate that beetles intensely infest mature trees with a shift to younger trees over time. Hot-spot locations are most commonly associated with stands composed of 30–80% pine and almost always occur at elevations between 800 m and 1000 m. In the early years of an infestation, hot spots are typically found on warmer (south and west) aspects. As well, relative to non-treatment, any type of treatment reduces the persistence of hot spots the following year.
Economic indicators and their use in sustainable forest management
Authors: Bull Gary , Schwab Olaf , Jayasinghe Priyangi
Published: November 2022

The economic sustainability literature highlights important theoretical and practical limitations when developing economic indicators to assess sustainable forest management (SFM). Since SFM is multi-disciplinary, no body of theoretical knowledge can embrace all of its dimensions. There is a significant gap between economic theory and management application which will likely remain. For the economic indicators, spatial scales have a very significant impact on the indicator chosen, and there is a danger of not selecting the best indicator simply because there is little or poor-quality data. The use of criteria and indicator frameworks and certification systems is a means to define and assess SFM. However, these frameworks and systems do not address some key conflicts in economic theory. This paper explores these conflicts and their challenges, identifies areas for improvement, and provides some guidance on the use of economic indicators in forest management. The authors conclude that: (1) stakeholder participation is imperative for sfm; (2) all stakeholders need to clearly state their choice of framework before beginning a dialogue on the implementation of economic indicators; (3) new methods for measuring economic sustainability based on the concept of total capital need to be developed; (4) spatial scale must be thoroughly discussed and incorporated into the set of indicators chosen; (5) a selection process needs to be developed to help in balancing the “best” indicators against the “practical” indicators which may not fully address the issues at hand; and (6) the collection and maintenance of appropriate datasets is a priority for the implementation of economic indicators.
Dispersal-based indices and mapping of landscape connectivity
Authors: Huggard David J. , Klenner Walt , Kremsater Laurie , Dunsworth Glen
Published: November 2022

Connectivity is often recommended as a coarse-filter indicator of landscape-level biodiversity, but useable measures of the concept for management applications are poorly developed. We describe a dispersal-based algorithm to index and map connectivity, modified from Richards et al. (2002). Users define hypothetical species with simple habitat and dispersal suitability models, home range sizes, and potential dispersal scales. Dispersal is simulated from suitable home ranges, with habitat-based declines in survivorship imposed with distance travelled. Indices include suitable home ranges, suitable home ranges encountered by dispersers, and a combined index of amount and connectivity of suitable habitat. Dispersal success and dispersers passing through each cell are mapped to help guide detailed landscape planning. We illustrate the connectivity algorithm with landscape scenarios simulated on a landscape in the North Thompson drainage of southern British Columbia. Compared to the simulated fire regime, clearcutting led to moderate declines in suitable home ranges and connectivity, clearcutting with Old-Growth Management Areas (OGMAS) produced a slight recovery by year 100, while partial cutting increased suitable habitat and dispersal. OGMAS and partial cuts better maintained some corridors. The connectivity algorithm, in conjunction with other indicators, is a useful tool for comparing planning scenarios, indexing progress over time, and guiding more detailed landscape planning.
Using avian species monitoring and map-based data in a coarse-filter approach to sustaining biodiversity
Authors: Vernier Pierre , Bunnell Fred
Published: November 2022

The coarse-filter approach to sustaining biological diversity attempts to maintain all representative ecosystems and wildlife habitats within an ecological region or a management unit. Ideally, the approach uses information that is simple to acquire or readily available. For Tree Farm Licence (TFL) 48 in northeastern British Columbia, we describe a coarse-filter approach that combines bird monitoring data with vegetation resources inventory (VRI) and Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification (BEC) data to develop statistical relationships between species occurrences and broad habitat types. The resultant models can be readily added to existing geographical information system (GIS) databases to scale up habitat suitability estimates to the regional (tenure) level. We found that habitat types based on forest cover/age class were a better predictor of habitat suitability than BEC variants for most species, but together the two classification systems provided more information for predicting species occurrences. Forest cover/age class would also provide managers with specific attributes of the landscape that could be manipulated through management actions. The ability to treat space explicitly using habitat-based models is necessary because relationships developed for individual species indicate that no management strategy will accommodate all species in all planning units. For this reason, the ability to link the models to existing databases should greatly facilitate conservation planning. Implementation of this approach could consider all terrestrial vertebrates and other organism groups within a management area.
Overcoming Obstacles to Variable Retention in Forest Management Science to Forum Proceedings
Authors: Swift Kathie , Burton et al. Phil
Published: November 2022

In the early 1980s, coastal British Columbia was the focus of a global debate around forest management practices. The use of variable retention became a jurisdictional response to the criticism of past forest management, causing a shift away from the traditional clearcutting systems. With the outbreak of the mountain pine beetle in the Interior, the use of retention systems has now increased significantly across the province. What have the lessons from the Coast taught us as retention moves into the Interior? What does the latest science have to say about what we know and don’t know about this approach, and how it works when managing for the various values on the landscape?Where is variable retention an option? Are there barriers (silvicultural, technical, and institutional) to the wider implementation of variable retention? Forrex, in partnership with the Forest Investment Account–Forest Science Program, the Sustainable Forest Management Network, and the Northern Boreal Research Partnership, presented this Science to Management Forum as a vehicle to explore and discuss how to overcome obstacles to variable retention in British Columbia’s forests. For the interest of readers and participants of this Science Forum, the information generated in the Café Process—which asked participants to articulate their vision of what successful implementation of retention would look like—will be summarized and made available in the near future.
Pine mushroom habitat characteristics and management strategies in the West Kootenay region of British Columbia
Authors: Ehlers Tyson , Fredrickson Signy , Berch Shannon
Published: November 2022

This study was initiated by BC Timber Sales (BCTS), in the B.C. Ministry of Forests and Range, to guide its forest management planning for popular pine mushroom (Tricholoma magnivelare [Peck] Redhead) harvesting areas near the town of Nakusp in the West Kootenay region of the southern Interior. Pine mushroom habitat was located and mapped in the study areas using information gathered from local harvesters and from ground surveys conducted over a 5-year period. Habitat characteristics were described for 25 plots centred on pine mushroom patches across the study areas. Recommendations were provided to bcts to incorporate into their forest management plans for the study areas. The study demonstrated how new information on managing for non-timber resources can, when integrated into forest management plans, support pine mushroom harvesting opportunities in conjunction with timber harvesting.
Using air photos to interpret quality of Marbled Murrelet nesting habitat in south coastal British Columbia
Authors: Waterhouse F. Louise , Donaldson Ann , Lank David B. , Ott Peter , Krebs Elsie
Published: November 2022

Reliable habitat assessment methods are needed to ensure the adequate management of Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) habitat in British Columbia. In two south coastal study regions, the Sunshine Coast and Clayoquot Sound, we evaluated the effectiveness of a qualitative habitat classification that uses air photo-interpreted forest structural characteristics for identifying and ranking habitat quality. Using a sample of 118 nest sites and 157 random sites within forests greater than 140 years old, we found that murrelets selected nest patches non-randomly with respect to forest characteristics. While selectivity varied between study regions, generally nest patches had taller and larger trees, exhibited more complex forest structure, and were located at lower meso-slope positions near large gaps or nearby edges. In addition, these patches were more often ranked higher in terms of habitat quality. However, we found that probable breeding success was greater in habitats classified as lower quality. Thus, further research is needed to understand our findings relative to other influences on breeding productivity, such as predators and hierarchal habitat selection. In summary, while our study supports the use of the current air photo habitat classification standards to improve identification and selection of murrelet nesting habitat for management, some modifications to these standards may be needed.
British Columbia's Coastal Forests Variable Retention Decision Aid for Biodiversity and Habitat Retention
Authors: Zielke Ken , Bancroft Bryce , Sw Kathie , Turner Jennifer
Published: November 2022

Variable retention (VR) refers to a strategy that is designed to retain biological legacies, such as large old trees, snags, and downed logs, at harvest to create and/or maintain structurally complex stands with a range of silvicultural systems. The retention system is a new silvicultural system (Forest Practices Code – Operational and Site Planning Regulations) designed for use under a VR strategy (Mitchell and Beese 2002). By retaining certain structural elements, habitat carrying capacity can be maintained and connectivity can be conserved over the landscape. The planning and implementation of VR is a complex process, with many potential risks that must be understood if one is to successfully achieve multiple management objectives. With the implementation of the retention system in coastal British Columbia, researchers have generated much information and learned many lessons. This Stand Establishment Decision Aid (SEDA) is intended to provide general guidance and points to consider when implementing the various structures (aggregated or dispersed) that are associated with the retention system in British Columbia's coastal forests. Additional information related to retention and variable retention can be found in the Resource and Reference list at the end of this document. It is important to note that the list provided in this reference section is not exhaustive and more information is available, but not necessarily cited. Reference material that is not available on-line can be ordered through libraries or the Queen's Printer at: http://www.qp.gov.bc.ca.
The fire history of a 416-year-old western larch tree in southeastern British Columbia
Authors: Hall L.R. Mark
Published: November 2022

The fire history obtained from pre-settlement fire-scarred trees provides useful benchmarks for the restoration of dry interior, fire-dependent forest ecosystems. In the Rocky Mountain Trench of southeast British Columbia, historical benchmarks obtained from periods prior to significant European influence (i.e., pre-1850) are common reference points for forest ecosystem restoration. This extension note discusses the fire history of a 416-year-old western larch (Larix occidentalis) whose growth rings recorded 268 years of fire history before 1850. The study tree's estimated mean fire interval (MFI) is 34.1 years, and its fire intervals ranged from 19 years to 51 years. The tree did not record a fire during the last 130 years of its life. This extension note also discusses the development of a network of cross-dated benchmark sites across the landscape that would create a master fire chronology for the region. Such a chronology would reflect the natural variability of historical fire patterns, helping policy-makers, managers, recovery teams, and restoration practitioners understand the spatial and temporal distribution of landscape-scale disturbances that historically have created fire-dependent ecological communities (many of which include wildlife and plant species now at risk). The creation of a benchmark network would also refine dry interior forest restoration/conservation programs and improve their efficacy.
Monitoring the effects of forest practices on soil productivity and hydrologic function
Authors: Bulmer Chuck , Berch Shannon , Curran Mike , Chapman Bill , Kranabetter Marty , Dube Stephane , Hope Graeme , Courtin Paul , Kabzems Richard
Published: November 2022

In British Columbia and elsewhere, governments are evaluating the sustainability of forest practices. This requires the development of sensitive and reliable indicators and their monitoring over time. Conserving soil productivity and hydrologic function is a key aspect of forest ecosystem sustainability. British Columbia's Forest and Range Evaluation Program (FREP) has recently developed a protocol describing indicators and methods for collecting the data necessary to evaluate forest practices. We present five indicators for describing the status of soils on recently harvested areas in British Columbia, along with a brief scientific rationale for including them in the evaluation system, and a description of their intended use for monitoring sustainability. For three of the indicators, we also provide preliminary thresholds to help in determining whether current forest practices are consistent with the maintenance of soil productivity and hydrologic function.