bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE ART AND SCIENCE OF SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLANNING SCIENCE FORUM PROCEEDINGS
Authors: Hartley et al. Brenda
Published: November 2022

What can be more challenging and rewarding than contributing knowledge or developing plans for the management of British Columbia’s natural resources? How can you consider and manage for achieving objectives at various scales and for different values? How can managers combine what they learn from the latest science and indigenous knowledge with the tools and knowledge acquired through years of experience? Why is it important to consider both art and science in developing sustainable resource management plans? How can scientists best contribute their knowledge to sustainability solutions?Forrex, in partnership with the Forest Investment Account–Forest Science Program (fia–fsp), hosted this Science Forum to support exploration of the art and science of sustainable forest management planning. The Forum aimed to:• increase awareness of the challenges, the art, and thescience of sustainable forest management planning;• increase awareness of current projects and initiativesthat are contributing knowledge to improve scienceand knowledge-based resource managementplanning; and• stimulate dialogue between resource professionalsengaged in science and resource managementplanning.Forrex and fia–fsp appreciate the contributions of presenters and registrants, of session Chairs, and of the Forum organizing committee. We are pleased to present the following package of Popular Summaries from some of the presentations and posters as an enduring record of the Forum’s dialogue. Due to certain constraints, not all summaries are presented here. We encourage readers to contact authors of those presentations for more information.
Assessing approaches to climate-change-related policy formulation in British Columbia's forest sector: The case of the mountain pine beetle epidemic
Authors: Wellstead Adam M. , Davidson Debra , Stedman Richard C.
Published: November 2022

A growing literature considers how the forest management community will have to adapt to future climate change impacts. Recently in this journal, Spittlehouse and Stewart presented a framework for planning adaptive actions to address forest-related climate change issues. This paper expands on that framework by discussing five policy process approaches that might be used to implement such actions. The policy community approach outlines the complex configuration of policy actors. The policy network approach examines the relationships between those actors on particular issues. The advocacy coalition framework attempts to measure policy change by taking into account the competing policy-oriented belief structures. Agenda setting considers how issues get the attention of politicians. The punctuated equilibrium model attempts to explain how rapid change in government policy direction can alternate with long periods of stability. The authors conclude that understanding the policy process and how recommended policy changes will be realized is as important as identifying issues and the need for change. Examples from the application of these frameworks to British Columbia's mountain pine beetle infestation are highlighted throughout the paper.
An empirical approach to predicting water quality in small streams of southern British Columbia using biogeoclimatic ecosystem classifications
Authors: Lulder Chad D. , Scherer Rob , Curtis P. Jefferson
Published: November 2022

Water quality data from a synoptic survey of low-order streams (n = 581) were investigated as a function of the biogeoclimatic zone and moisture subzone groupings of the biogeoclimatic ecological classification (BEC) system. The potential utility of the BEC system as a watershed characterization tool was evaluated. The preliminary results were limited to streams sampled during June 1998 and 1999 over the large spatial scale of southern British Columbia. Significant differences (ρ < 0.05) were observed among biogeoclimatic zones and moisture subzones for specific conductance, turbidity, ph, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration. Our approach explained between 8 and 37% of the variation in water quality data, which could significantly reduce error in assessing water quality or investigating the effects of watershed activities among watersheds. The data provide a snapshot of water quality and identify areas that are likely to exceed water quality guidelines (ρ > 0.50). High proportions of low-order streams within the southern interior of British Columbia are likely to exceed water quality guidelines for turbidity and DOC content during a comparable sample period. Similarly, streams located in coastal areas of southern British Columbia exhibited ph values that were below the approved guideline of 6.5. Overall, the BEC system accounted for a significant amount of variation in water quality, suggesting that further development of this approach is warranted. The addition of other variables such as a history of land-use activities should be included, and data should be extended temporally to account for different flow regimes.
Laminated Root Rot Forest Health Stand Establishment Decision Aid
Authors: Sturrock Rona , Zeglen Stefan , Turner Jennifer
Published: November 2022

Laminated root rot (Phellinus weirii) is the most prominent root disease of Douglas-fir in coastal coniferous forests and is endemic throughout its host's range in British Columbia. The disease spreads primarily via root contact and can attack and gradually kill trees throughout their life cycle. It can lower stand volume by 40–70% on infected sites and acts as a stand-altering disturbance agent. The retention of infected stumps and residual trees (via partial cutting) can perpetuate the incidence of laminated root rot in a regenerating stand by leaving material on site to act as reservoirs of disease. To mitigate disease impact, a good understanding of the distribution and biology of P. weirii is necessary. The cedar form of P. weirii, which is responsible for a butt rot in western redcedar, is not covered in this extension note.The Stand Establishment Decision Aid (SEDA) format has been used to extend information on various vegetation and forest health concerns in British Columbia. This decision aid summarizes information that relates current management regimes to the spread and effects of laminated root rot. The first page provides general information, hazard ratings for some of the biogeoclimatic zones and subzones of the Coast Forest Region, and silvicultural considerations for laminated root rot. The second page outlines the growth and yield implications and other effects and associations of the disease. 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.
Natural regeneration of lodgepole pine following partial harvesting on northern caribou winter range in west-central British Columbia
Authors: Steen Ordell A. , Waterhouse Michaela , Armleder Harold , Daintith Nola M.
Published: November 2022

This study compares pine natural regeneration density and height growth in small harvested openings (0.01–0.07 ha) within two biogeoclimatic subzones (Sub-Boreal Pine–Spruce [SBPS] xc and Montane Spruce [MS] xv) and three partial harvesting treatments on northern caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou Gmelin) winter range in the western Chilcotin region of British Columbia, Canada. Regeneration density was assessed annually for 7 years (1996–2002). In year 7, post-logging ingress stems > 1 year old had a significantly greater density on SBPSxc blocks (5898 stems per hectare) than on the higher-elevation MSxv blocks (1829 stems per hectare). The percentage of 2-m2 plots with a natural post-logging seedling > 1 year old averaged 52% in the SBPSxc and 31% in the MSxv. Advance regeneration added substantially to density and stocking in the SBPSxc but not in the MSxv. These results indicate that small (0.01–0.07 ha) harvested openings in the SBPSxc can be naturally restocked by lodgepole pine without post-logging site preparation, but higher-elevation blocks in the MSxv will need to be planted to ensure full stocking by lodgepole pine within 7 years. However, the long period between harvest entries on caribou winter range may still allow sufficient time to naturally regenerate openings in the MSxv.
Ecology and management of small tenures: Implications for landscape- and estate-level forest management
Authors: Marshall Fred
Published: November 2022

This extension note provides small-scale tenure holders with information about the management challenges they might face and how these challenges could be addressed. The use of exemplary management strategies in a collaborative manner with local stakeholders, adjacent licensees, and others through sound ecological principles combined with appropriate conflict resolution techniques are encouraged so that the many benefits available from forested lands are realized.
Strength in diversity: Market opportunities and benefits from small forest tenures
Authors: Ambus Lisa , Davis-Case D'Arcy , Mitchell Darcy , Tyler Stephen
Published: November 2022

Holders of small forest tenures are largely “market loggers,” selling undifferentiated raw logs into fluctuating local and regional markets at low margins. However, these tenure holders have potential advantages in responding to the changes currently under way in British Columbia?s forest industry. Their community networks and local forest knowledge can be helpful in identifying specialty products and niche markets, but they need to collaborate with new partners to share value-added investments and to tap into specialized market opportunities which build on their strengths. Innovative responses may find support from a range of government funding programs (existing or new) and private capital sources. Opportunities may arise from value-chain management, or from collaboration on shared-facility investments. Holders of Community Forest Agreements and private woodlot owners also have rights to botanical products or non-timber forest products. Commercial markets for these and related products are growing, but changes to the current system should be undertaken cautiously so as not to jeopardize the benefits and expertise of knowledgeable local users, or the rights of First Nations. Payment for environmental services is an emerging concept that may provide future commercial benefits to holders of small forest tenures. To take advantage of the widest range of these diverse opportunities will probably require adjustments to provincial forest management policies as well as small tenure operations.
Snow accumulation and ablation in a beetle-killed pine stand in Northern Interior British Columbia
Authors: Boon Sarah
Published: November 2022

This preliminary study examined the impact of mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) infestation and subsequent canopy mortality on ground snow accumulation and ablation in lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) stands. During the winter of 2005–2006, meteorological and snow conditions were measured in three stands—dead, alive, and cleared—in Northern Interior British Columbia. Variations in measured snow conditions and meteorological data between stands were assessed. Data were used in an energy-balance model to calculate snow ablation in each stand and estimate effects on meltwater production. Results showed that the dead stand no longer behaved like an alive stand, but had not yet approached cleared stand conditions. Ablation rates in the dead stand remained similar to those in the alive stand, although accumulation was closer to that in the cleared stand. The combination of a low ablation rate and increased ground snow accumulation in the dead stand resulted in a lengthened period of snowpack disappearance. In the cleared stand, however, high ablation rates were sufficient to remove the thicker snowpack earlier than in the dead stand. A multi-year study is under way at a new research site to further quantify the relationship between beetle-kill and its effect on snowpack.
Blue ecology and climate change
Authors: Blackstock Michael D.
Published: November 2022

Building on the concept of “Blue Ecology” introduced in previous BC Journal of Ecosystems and Management articles, the author proposes that we re-examine climate change from this “water first” angle: What is happening to the world's water in the context of climate change? As evidenced by higher temperatures resulting in melting Arctic ice, melting permafrost, freshwater (i.e., cold meltwater) influx into oceans, shifting water currents, drought, water stress, higher rainfall, and floods, the rhythm of water's transformations between solid, liquid, and gaseous states on our planet is undergoing a significant change, and at a significant rate. The author sees as essential the acknowledgement of water's central functional and spiritual roles in our world, and urges us to apply both respect and science-based understanding as we develop collaborative climate change mitigation strategies and instill this respect and understanding in younger generations.
Striking a balance: Safe sampling of partial stem cross-sections in British Columbia
Authors: Chochrane Jed , Daniels Lori D.
Published: November 2022

Dating cambial injury on a tree is an important objective of ecological research that determines the timing of disturbances such as fire, insect outbreaks, tree falls, or human modification of trees. To accurately date cambial scars requires either a full or partial cross-section of the wounded area so that the scar morphology can be observed, the scar tip(s) identified, and ring widths cross-dated to assign an exact year and (or) season to each scar. Partial cross-sections are less destructive; however, they are rarely used in British Columbia due to potential violations of existing standard-of-care procedures regarding wildlife/danger trees. We outline new safety criteria, sampling procedures, and documentation required to safely extract partial cross-sections. Based on British Columbia's Wildlife/Danger Tree Assessment methods, the three safety criteria are: (1) area removed should not exceed 25% of total cross-sectional area, (2) circumference removed should not exceed 25% of total circumference, and (3) shell thickness remaining after sampling is greater than 30% of the radius of the tree. Documenting the location of partially sectioned trees is critical, as it allows management agencies to inform future forest users of the location and condition of the modified trees.
Little known and little understood: Development of a small wetland assessment field card to identify potential breeding habitat for amphibians
Authors: Wind Elke , Beese Bill
Published: November 2022

The effect of timber harvesting on small wetland habitats and associated amphibians has not been studied in the Pacific Northwest. In 2004, we initiated a study of three forested sites containing 70+ small wetlands in the Nanaimo Lakes area on Vancouver Island to investigate the use of these sites by amphibians before and after harvesting. Before harvesting, the majority of these wetlands were used for breeding by at least one of four aquatic-breeding amphibian species. Use continued after harvesting, with some species apparently drawn to breed in the newly harvested sites in response to reduced canopy cover conditions, which increase water temperature and productivity. Variable retention harvesting methods often use small wetlands as anchor points for retention patches, which protect the integrity of the in-pond environment and provide cover for metamorphs emerging in mid-summer; however, often only the largest wetlands receive retention. Our results indicate that habitat factors beyond wetland size are also important. Based on our research, we developed and tested a wetland field card that forestry personnel in south coastal areas can use to identify small wetlands used by breeding amphibians.
Evaluation of a mature lodgepole pine stand's resistance to the current mountain pine beetle infestation after nitrogen fertilization
Authors: Jack David , McLean John , Weetman Gordon
Published: November 2022

Research is currently under way in the Southern Interior Forest Region to determine whether nitrogen fertilization can be used to increase mature lodgepole pine trees' natural defences against the mountain pine beetle (MPB) and thereby reduce the impact of the mpb infestation in pine stands. In fall 2006, three nitrogen fertilizer treatments (0, 200, and 400 kg N/ha) were applied randomly to each of 10 plots in a 140-year-old fire-regenerated stand of mixed lodgepole pine, spruce, and true fir. In 2007, the stand was inoculated with two isolates of blue stain fungus and with local beetle microflora. A forest health survey helped determine the level of MPB within the stand before the plot centres were baited with pheromones. Early results show that the 400 kg N/ha treatment significantly increased nitrogen levels in pine phloem and needles. No significant differences were apparent in lesion length related to nitrogen treatment levels within each of the three fungal isolates. Measurements in 2008 will show whether MPB attack success varies among nitrogen treatments.
Biodegradable roads
Authors: Lyons C. Kevin , Day Ken
Published: November 2022

This project assessed whether mulching windrows of waste wood from right-of-way logging could produce an all-weather road surface for in-block roads. Three in-block spur roads in the Alex Fraser Research Forest at Williams Lake, B.C., were divided into three 50-m sections with: (1) waste wood collected from a 40 m right-of-way, (2) waste wood collected from a 20 m right-of-way, and (3) no waste wood. A gravel truck was loaded to produce drive axle loads similar to a loaded logging truck and was used in the cyclic loading of the test road. The mulched wood roads clearly out-performed the soil roads. Failure occurred in the mulched wood roads at points of localized rutting in weak spots within the mulched layer. In an operational setting, the weak spots could easily be filled by hand or with a skidder blade.
Snow cover extent during spring snowmelt in the south-central interior of British Columbia
Authors: Smith Russell S. , Scherer Rob A. , Dobson Don A.
Published: November 2022

The H60 contour elevation (i.e., elevation above which 60% of the watershed lies) is commonly used in hydrologic impact assessments of snowmelt-dominated watersheds in the interior of British Columbia. The H60 concept assumes that the upper 60% of a mountainous watershed is snow-covered and is contributing meltwater during the time of peak flow; thus, peak streamflow is assumed to be more sensitive to forest harvesting above the H60 contour elevation. However, the concept has not been well-verified by field data. This study tested the H60 concept for the Mission Creek watershed in the Okanagan region of British Columbia. Snowlines were mapped during spring freshet (snowmelt runoff) for 5 years (1999–2003). These data were analyzed with corresponding runoff data to determine, for each year, the snowline that best represents the lower extent of snow cover upon commencement of the peak flow period. It was found that, on average, 38% of the Mission Creek watershed was snow-covered at the start of the peak flow period, which represents an average contour elevation of 1520 m; the H60 elevation is 1300 m. These results suggest that the H60 concept overestimates the extent of snow cover during the spring peak flow period and, therefore does not reasonably represent the snow-sensitive zone of the Mission Creek watershed. This may be important in the assessment of potential forest harvesting impacts in the watershed.
New promises, new possibilities? Comparing community forestry in Canada and Mexico
Authors: Davis Emily Jane
Published: November 2022

The popularity of community-based natural resource management has grown both within British Columbia's forests and around the world. It is often assumed that increased local control of resources will enable more ecologically sensitive forestry practices, but this is not necessarily the case. Through case study examples of "earlier" community forest models in British Columbia and Mexico, the implications of local control for better ecosystem management are investigated. Th is paper suggests that while community forestry in British Columbia has achieved laudable economic goals, it is still a diverse and emerging type of tenure. Increased institutional support for the Community Forest Agreement Program, meaningful levels of community control, lessons learned through future experience, and comparisons to other community forest programs may lead to a better understanding of the conditions for improved ecosystem management in British Columbia.
British Columbia's Forests White Pine Blister Rust Forest Health Stand Establishment Decision Aid
Authors: Zeglen Stefan , Hunt Richard , Cleary Michelle
Published: November 2022

White pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola) is an introduced disease affecting five-needle pines throughout North America. Like other non-native pests, its impact on the native hosts has been dramatic, decimating species such as western white pine in both number and distribution. Because of its prevalence, white pines have been removed from commercial forestry consideration in most areas. This is unfortunate as western white pine is an excellent substitute for Douglas-fir in areas prone to laminated root disease. It can also command a premium price. To mitigate disease impact and permit management, a good understanding of the biology of C. ribicola is necessary.The Stand Establishment Decision Aid (SEDA) format has been used to extend information on various vegetation and forest health concerns in British Columbia. This decision aid summarizes information that relates current management regimes to the spread and effects of white pine blister rust. The first page provides general information, hazard ratings for the biogeoclimatic zones and subzones of British Columbia, and biological considerations for white pine blister rust. The second page outlines the implications to silviculture and the various techniques used to manage the disease. This page also includes a resource and reference list to provide readers with more detailed information. Reference material that is not available online can be ordered through libraries or the Queen's Printer at: www.qp.gov.bc.ca
An Indigenous perspective on economic sustainability in mountain pine beetle-affected communities
Authors: Caverley Natasha
Published: November 2022

The mountain pine beetle (MPB) infestation has created momentum for change in British Columbia. Over the past 3 - 4 years, the formation of collaborative networks and other innovative partnerships, such as the First Nations Mountain Pine Beetle Initiative (FNMPBI), has identified strengths in multiagency economic development dialogue and problem solving. For the 103 First Nations communities affected by the MPB, a need exists to further transform this collaborative and synergistic atmosphere into tangible economic gains for local communities, whereby First Nations are full partners (rather than mere stakeholders) in the design and implementation of joint decision making, integrated planning, and sectoral strategy development for traditional lands. Equally important is the opportunity to acknowledge First Nations knowledge, values, and connection to nature and the surrounding land base. This commentary reflects on key discussion points that arose during the FNMPBI strategic planning sessions and the respective implications for advancing economic sustainability in MPB-affected First Nations communities in British Columbia.
News from the Editor
Authors: Schooling Julie
Published: November 2022

na
Relationship between winter severity and survival of mule deer fawns in the Peace Region of British Columbia
Authors: Baccante Dominic (Nick) A. , Woods Rob
Published: November 2022

This extension note summarizes results of an ongoing study to measure the survival of mule deer ( Odocoileus hemionus) fawns through their first winter in the Peace Region of British Columbia. Each spring since 1991, mule deer were counted and classified by sex and age by driving along roads that go through areas known for providing good winter range. Seven transects were driven for a total distance of 205.3 km. The number of fawns observed is expressed as a ratio of fawns per 100 does. Average monthly air temperature and total monthly snowfall data from November to the following April from 1991 through 2008 were obtained from Environment Canada’s website. A winter severity index (WSI) integrating temperature and snowfall data was calculated and correlated to the observed fawn-to-doe ratio. A statistically significant relationship between this ratio and the WSI was obtained through  regression analysis. Resulting data confirms previous research that showed survival of fawns through their first winter is higher in milder winters. For the same time period, we also compared WSI values for the Peace Region with those from three other areas in British Columbia. Results indicate that, on average, the Peace Region experienced harsher winter conditions than the other regions. The variation of the WSI was also much greater in the Peace Region. These results have implications for mule deer management in this region.
Identifying the determinants of windthrow damage in wildlife tree patches in the Boreal White and Black Spruce biogeoclimatic zone of northeastern British Columbia
Authors: Maxwell Scott D. , Green Scott , Zhang William
Published: November 2022

Leaving wildlife tree patches (WTPs) has become a common strategy employed to maintain biodiversity among managed forest ecosystems in British Columbia. High levels of wind damage have been observed in many of these reserves owing to the increased wind loading after harvesting. The ensuing damage disrupts forest management plans and reduces the value of WTPs. The objective of this study was to identify the primary determinants of windthrow in WTPs in the boreal forest of northeastern British Columbia and to suggest management strategies to minimize wind-related damage. Line transects oriented parallel and perpendicular to prevailing and dominant winds across 13 WTP reserves were used to quantify wind-related damage and factors that may contribute to windthrow incidence. The occurrence of windthrow corresponded with the exposure of WTP edges to high velocity winds; common, but lower-velocity winds resulted in little windthrow damage. Edaphic, site, and forest-stand factors appeared to have little influence on the incidence of windthrow in this study as compared to exposure to strong winds. The study suggests that forest managers can reduce the incidence of windthrow in WTPs in the boreal forests of northeastern British Columbia by: (1) creating patches that are elliptically shaped with the long axis in the direction of the dominant winds; (2) reducing wind exposure of susceptible edges; and (3) increasing the size of WTPs.
Badger Wildlife Habitat Decision Aid
Authors: Weir Richard , Lara Almuedo Pedro
Published: November 2022

Under the Forest and Range Practices Act, forest and range licensees in British Columbia are required to develop Forest Stewardship Plans and manage their operations to maintain limiting habitats of Identified Wildlife within their tenures. North American badgers (Taxidea taxus) are large members of the weasel family that are a Species At Risk within the Identified Wildlife Management Strategy (IWMS) and are listed as Endangered by COSEWIC. Several aspects of their ecology make them susceptible to forest and range management activities, including their dependence on the grassland, open forest, and modified forested habitat that supports their prey. This Wildlife Habitat Decision Aid (WHDA) summarizes the latest scientific and experiential information that forest and range managers, including silviculture planners, operational foresters, and ranchers, need to consider when managing for badger habitat requirements. This information was obtained through a literature review and discussions with researchers studying badger ecology in British Columbia.The WHDA format has been used to convey information on factors requiring consideration when managing forests and range in British Columbia for specific wildlife species. This WHDA provides information on habitat features needed by badgers for reproductive dens, resting sites, and foraging habitats; biogeoclimatic zones where badgers occur; and considerations when conducting harvesting, silviculture activities, or livestock grazing in badger range. We provide a map of the distribution and list the biogeoclimatic zones in which badgers occur to help users identify where to apply management considerations. Also included is a valuable resource and reference list that contains more detailed information. Most reference material that is not available online can be ordered through libraries.
Does interpretation of Marbled Murrelet nesting habitat change with different classification methods?
Authors: Waterhouse F. Louise , Burger Alan E. , Ott Peter , Donaldson Ann , Lank David B.
Published: November 2022

Accurate and reliable identification of potential nesting habitat is required to manage for the threatened Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus). Three habitat classifications are typically used by wildlife planners: a bivariate suitability algorithm following recommendations of the Canadian Marbled Murrelet Recovery Team (CMMRT) and based on geographical information systems (GIS), and two habitat classifications based on air photo interpretation mapping and low-level aerial survey mapping. The CMMRT model uses vegetation resource inventory data. The air photo interpretation and low-level aerial survey methods directly assess the forest for attributes likely to provide nesting platforms, cover, and access into the stand by the bird. The prime indicators of nesting habitat potential for murrelets are large (generally mossy) branches for use as nest platforms. These are only directly visible using low-level aerial surveys. Methods involving GIS cost the least to apply, and low-level aerial surveys cost the most. We compared and assessed the consistency of the three methods using 243 sites. The CMMRT model proved least reliable by underestimating habitat suitability of sites compared to both the air photo interpretation and aerial survey estimates. The air photo interpretation and aerial survey methods were generally aligned in the ordinal ranking of sites by habitat class, but only 44% had matching ranks. Sites that differed tended to be ranked lower by air photo interpretation and mostly occurred in the �Moderate� and �Low� air photo interpretation classes. Either classification may refine information from the CMMRT model, particularly for habitat classed as �Unsuitable.� Using air photo interpretation first and then applying the aerial surveys as a further refined assessment of moderate and low habitat classes may provide the most cost-effective approach for accurately classifying and mapping habitat potential for management planning.
Identifying the determinants of windthrow damage in wildlife tree patches in the Boreal White and Black Spruce biogeoclimatic zone of northeastern British Columbia
Authors: Maxwell Scott , Green D. Scott , Zhang William
Published: November 2022

Leaving wildlife tree patches (WTPs) has become a common strategy employed to maintain biodiversity among managed forest ecosystems in British Columbia. High levels of wind damage have been observed in many of these reserves owing to the increased wind loading after harvesting. The ensuing damage disrupts forest management plans and reduces the value of WTPs. The objective of this study was to identify the primary determinants of windthrow in WTPs in the boreal forest of northeastern British Columbia andto suggest management strategies to minimize wind-related damage. Line transects oriented parallel and perpendicular to prevailing and dominant winds across 13 WTP reserves were used to quantify wind-related damage and factors that may contribute to windthrow incidence. The occurrence of windthrow corresponded with the exposure of WTP edges to high velocity winds; common, but lower-velocity winds resulted in little windthrow damage. Edaphic, site, and forest-stand factors appeared to have little influence on the incidence of windthrow in this study as compared to exposure to strong winds. The study suggests that forest managers can reduce the incidence of windthrow in WTPs in the boreal forests of northeastern British Columbia by:(1) creating patches that are elliptically shaped with the long axis in the direction of the dominant winds;(2) reducing wind exposure of susceptible edges; and (3) increasing the size of WTPs.
The Effects of Straw Mulching on Post-Wildfire Vegetation Recovery in South Eastern British Columbia
Authors: Covert Ashley
Published: November 2022

Following the severe wildfire season of 2007 in southeastern British Columbia, straw mulching was used to stabilize soil on burned hillslopes and to reduce the risk of debris flows and flooding after the fires. The effects of the straw mulch on vegetation recovery and the introduction of invasive species were studied in two elevation classes over 2 years following the fires. The study measured percent of live vegetation cover including native, non-native, and invasive species in mulched and untreated control plots in highseverity burns. Total percent vegetation cover was not significantly different between treatments in either elevation class. A slightly slower rate of vegetation growth in mulched sites may suggest that mulch inhibits growth. Invasive species were present prior to mulching in both elevation classes. In the lowelevation class, the invasive species cover increased in both treated and control plots and in both years of the study. High-elevation plots showed a decrease in invasive species in the second year. Non-native species introduced with the mulch did not increase after the first year in either elevation class. This study shows that the use of straw mulch as an erosion control treatment has minimal effects on vegetation growth, but considerable effort should be taken to access mulch that does not contain seed to prevent the introduction of invasive species.
Moose (Alces alces) Wildlife Habitat Decision Aid
Authors: Wall Wayne , Belisle Myriam , Luke Lindsay A.
Published: November 2022

In British Columbia, specific amounts of habitats critical for the winter survival of moose are maintained under the Forest Planning and Practices Regulation (FPPR) and protected under the Government Actions Regulation (GAR). Key habitat elements such as mineral licks and significant wallows, can be protected as a practice requirement under the FPPR as Wildlife Habitat Features.  Other seasonal habitat elements, such as buffers on wetlands and riparian reserve areas receive limited protection under these statutes and are protected to varying degrees across the range of the species.  A number of land use plans have made recommendations for maintenance of moose habitat.  A complete list of these plans can be found at http://ilmb.gov.bc.ca/category/subject-area/strategic-land-use-planning . This Wildlife Habitat Decision Aid (WHDA) summarizes key seasonal habitat elements and provides information for land and resource managers to consider when addressing the seasonal habitat requirements for moose in managed forest areas.
Considerations for Rehabilitating Naturally Disturbed Stands: Part 2. Stand Level Treatments and Hydrological Equivalent Clearcut Area
Authors: Huggard David
Published: November 2022

Large wildfires near communities in southern BC, and the extensive outbreak of mountain pine beetle (MPB) throughout pine forests of the BC Interior, have created many new issues for forest managers. A particular concern is managing the cumulative effects of large natural disturbances in combination with forest management activities. In the past, planning for multiple values focused on forest development plans for normal commercial forest harvest in landscapes dominated by mature forest. Now, increasing pressure to recover disturbed stands for biofuels has resulted in multiple overlapping volume-based tenures, and an increased rate and extent of large-scale commercial salvage.
Considerations for Rehabilitation of Naturally Disturbed Forests (MPB); Part 1 Watershed Hydrology
Authors: Milne Michael , Lewis Doug W.
Published: November 2022

This extension note is the first of a two-part series involving watershed management considerations for stand rehabilitation activities following large-scale natural disturbances. The note is designed to provide practitioners involved in reforestation of naturally disturbed stands under the Ministry of Forests and Range’s Current Reforestation investment category of the Land-based Investment Program (LBIP) with information to increase the likelihood of a positive effect of stand rehabilitation activities on water and water related resources. Part 1 of this series explores watershed-level considerations when planning stand rehabilitation activities while Part 2 provides a more detailed summary of the effects of different stand-level treatment options on the rate of hydrologic recovery (using stand-level Equivalent Clearcut Area (ECA) as an index) under  a range of pre-treatment forest conditions ( i.e. site index, pine mortality and existing understory regeneration).
Bluejoint Stand Establishment Decision Aid
Authors: Dunbar Jill , McCulloch Larry , Kabzems Richard
Published: November 2022

Bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis [Michx]. Beauv.), which is also known as Canada bluejoint grass, reedgrass, marsh reed grass, and Scribner’s reed grass, is a commonly occurring indigenous grass found throughout British Columbia. Bluejoint is a natural part of many ecosystems, but openings caused by fire, flooding, insect outbreak, windfall, timber harvesting, or other larger-scale disturbances have locally increased its abundance. Bluejoint has become a problem weed species on some sites in the northeastern part of the province. Its major impact in forestry is at the stand establishment stage where it can aggressively invade disturbed sites, inhibiting natural regeneration and impeding root and shoot development of planted seedlings. Seedling mortality is often an outcome.This Stand Establishment Decision Aid (SEDA) is a synopsis of key information forest managers in northern British Columbia will need to help understand how to mitigate the impacts of bluejoint. This SEDA describes susceptible site types, hazard ratings, bluejoint development, impacts on forest productivity, other values, and appropriate management practices. The synopsis also includes a short list of references for further reading and contact information for experts on the topic.
Thirty Years of Lessons Learned from the Forest Fertilization Research Program for the BC Interior
Authors: Swift Kathie
Published: November 2022

N/A
Fire in the Pines
Authors: Gayton Don
Published: November 2022

The Trout Creek Ecological Reserve (TCER), near Summerland, is a 75 hectare parcel that was set aside in 1971 as a good example of Okanagan ponderosa pine and bunchgrass habitat.
Guest Editorial
Authors: Iachetti Pierre
Published: November 2022

n/a
Central Interior Ecoregional Assessment: Freshwater Analysis
Authors: Howard Sara Grace , Carver Martin
Published: November 2022

The Nature Conservancy of Canada recently completed a project to identify priority watersheds for conservation action in British Columbia’s Central Interior and Sub-Boreal Interior ecoprovinces. These watersheds will be focus areas for conservation action to protect freshwater ecosystems and species. Conservation planning techniques described in this article include determining conservation targets and goals, identifying these targets with coarse- and fine-filter approaches, and using Marxan software to identify priority watersheds for conservation actions such as land purchase and management actions. Methods to incorporate connectivity within freshwater ecosystems are also discussed, along with methodsto include climate change in broad-scale conservation planning. We identify 2257 priority watersheds within the Central Interior and Sub-Boreal Interior ecoprovinces, covering 33% of the freshwater analysis study area.
Introduction: Central Interior Ecoregional Assessment
Authors: Iachetti Pierre , Howard Sara Grace
Published: November 2022

Ecoregional assessments provide a regional scale, biodiversity-based context for implementing conservation efforts by identifying a portfolio of sites for conservation action with a goal of protecting representative biodiversity and ecologically significant populations. The intent of these assessments is to create a shared vision for agencies and other organizations at the regional, state, and local levels to form partnerships and to ensure efficient allocation of conservation resources. The Nature Conservancy of Canada recently completed an ecoregional assessment of British Columbia’s Central Interior, the main components of which are presented as articles in this special issue of the BC Journal of Ecosystems and Management. These components include terrestrial ecosystems and animals, and freshwater ecosystems and species. The assessment also incorporates some new and innovative approaches to considering conservation priorities along with climate change, ecosystem services, and wildlife habitat modelling.The Central Interior Ecoregional Assessment provides a guide for prioritizing work on the conservation of habitats that support the extraordinary biological diversity of the ecoregion. Issues associated with land use and resource management planning are incredibly complex and this complexity is accelerating as a result of a changing climate and the cumulative effects of human impacts on species and ecosystems. The methods and results described in the following articles reflect the growing body of conservation planning experience.
Conclusion: Central Interior Ecoregional Assessment
Authors: Howard Sara Grace , Iachetti Pierre
Published: November 2022

The Central Interior Ecoregional Assessment brought together professionals from the Nature Conservancy of Canada, provincial government ministries, and academic researchers, to complete a conservation-based scientific analysis of the Central Interior region of British Columbia.  Four principal products emerged from this effort: conservation portfolios, Marxan summed solutions, conservation value maps, and a comprehensive compilation of conservation data for the ecoregion. With the completion of this assessment, NCC has developed conservation plans for the vast majority of British Columbia.
Mapping Grizzly Bear Habitats for Conservation Planning in the Central Interior of British Columbia
Authors: Nielsen Scott
Published: November 2022

The Central Interior and Sub-Boreal Interior ecoprovinces of British Columbia represent an important transitional population of grizzly bears (Ursus arctos L.) occupying the area between two major mountain systems (Coastal Ranges and Central Rockies), as well as defining the boundary of extirpated range in the Fraser Plateau South. To assist ecoregional planning in the area, grizzly bear habitat models were produced for density, mortality risk, and source-sink habitat. Bear density was based on population estimates for each management unit and downscaling approaches using local habitat suitability rankings; mortality risk was modelled using 339 mortality locations from 2004 to 2007 and a suite of environmental and anthropogenic factors as predictors. Both models were combined to form a two-dimensional framework of habitat states representing source-like and sink-like habitats that help prioritize areas for protection and restoration (road decommissioning), respectively, as well as provide a basis for comparing with other biodiversity features. Irreplaceability values based on rare biota and unique habitats measured as the sum of runs in Marxan were significantly higher in grizzly bear source habitats than sink habitats suggesting that protection of grizzly bear source habitats would confer an umbrella or surrogate effect to other biodiversity.
Updating the FORREX Report on Carbon Management in British Columbia’s Forests
Authors: Greig Mike , Krishnaswamy Ajit
Published: November 2022

N/A
The Shelterwood Silvicultural System in British Columbia – A Practitioner’s Guide. Part 1: Implementation Considerations
Authors: Day Ken , Koot Cathy , Wiensczyk Alan
Published: November 2022

The shelterwood silvicultural system is not yet widely applied in British Columbia. However, it can be used to achieve particular forest land-use objectives, grow higher-value products, and incur lower silviculture costs when natural regeneration is secured. The first in a series of three extension notes guiding practitioners in the use of this system, Part 1 presents advantages and risks of the system. As well, it examines considerations related to forest health, natural disturbance, and administration that must be addressed before implementation of the system. Research results and practitioners’ experiences suggest that although there are risks and administrative hurdles associated with partial cutting (including shelterwoods), the risks are manageable and the use of partial cutting results in significant benefits, especially on area-based tenures and private land.
Will BC Forests Deliver on Expectations over the Long-term
Authors: Bourgeois Bill
Published: November 2022

Interim results of the Healthy Forests-Healthy Communities: A conversation on BC forests initiative and relevant evaluations are summarized and interim conclusions identified.  The input to date includes comments from six (6) Community Dialogue Sessions, Background Briefs from 37 BC leaders in various aspects of forest management and comments from concerned citizens and forest professionals submitted through the HFHC website.  Forest management expectations for a viable and sustainable forest sector are identified along with examples of policy and forest practices which raise the question regarding whether BC forests will be able to deliver in the long-term.  Overall, participants are concerned regarding the direction of BC forest management relative to meeting the long-term needs for communities and families.  A number of challenges are identified that will confront communities, professionals and decision-makers to move towards an identified vision for BC forest lands.
A Warm FORREX Welcome to Suzan Lapp
Authors: Bittman Marilyn
Published: November 2022

n/a
Global Weirding in British Columbia: Climate Change and the Habitat of Terrestrial Vertebrates
Authors: Bunnell Fred L. , Kremsater Laurie L. , Wells Ralph W.
Published: November 2022

The authors summarize the distribution of terrestrial vertebrates of British Columbia across major habitat types and present empirical and projected effects of global weirding within two particularly vulnerable habitats—alpine and wetland. Global weirding embraces all phenomena associated with climate change: increases in average temperatures, heat waves, cold spells, floods, droughts, hurricanes, blizzards, plant and animal die-offs, population explosions, new animal migration patterns, plus dramatic regional differences. Current data suggest that many alpine species will be lost to changes in habitat wrought by climate, particularly increases in average temperatures. For many wetlands, particularly in the central and southern interior of the province, the basic issue is simple—the incoming water is decreasing and the outgoing water (evaporation) is increasing. The authors illustrate three approaches to projecting trends in wetland habitat, elaborating on the “drying index” approach, in which they have most confidence. For wetland species, they say management will struggle with the concept of a real-world triage—allocating conservation efforts where they are most likely to succeed and have the most benefit. They conclude that several conservation approaches for wetland species will face the difficulty of allocating water between needs of these species and of humans.