bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two-year field performance of lodgepole pine seedlings: Effects of container type, mycorrhizal fungal inoculants, and site preparation
Authors: Campbell D. Bruce , Jones Melanie D. , Kiiskila Steven , Bulmer Chuck
Published: November 2022

Interior lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) seedlings were grown in Styroblocks™, Copperblocks™, or AirBlocks™, and inoculated with Rhizopogon rubescens or Hebeloma longicaudum, or left as noninoculated controls. Seedlings were planted into different rooting environments in two separate locations, encompassing two separate experiments. In experiment 1, seedlings were planted into fully rehabilitated landings (ripped with burn-pile debris and topsoil incorporated), ripped landings, and unprepared cutblocks in the spring. In experiment 2, seedlings were planted in a cutblock in manually screefed (i.e., boot screefed) planting sites or undisturbed forest floor planting sites in the summer. Seedlings in the fully rehabilitated landings were 21% taller, had 45% larger diameters, and were more vigorous than seedlings in landings that were simply ripped; seedlings planted in the unprepared cutblock were taller, but with a smaller diameter, than those on the rehabilitated landings. Seedlings in screefed microsites grew significantly larger (5%) than seedlings planted directly in the forest floor. After 2 years in the field, the sizes of spring-planted, noninoculated seedlings, and seedlings inoculated with ectomycorrhizal fungi were not significantly different. Inoculated summer-planted seedlings were approximately 5% larger than non-inoculated control seedlings. Among the variables we manipulated, planting environment had the greatest influence on seedling growth.
Small mammal response to group selection silvicultural systems in Engelmann spruce-subalpine fir forests
Authors: Waterhouse Michaela J. , Catton R. Bruce , Armleder Harold M.
Published: November 2022

We measured small mammal response to several different group selection silvicultural systems that varied by opening size (0.03, 0.13, and 1.0 ha) but maintained a consistent 30% area removal. The southern redbacked vole (Clethrionomys gapperi), followed by the common shrew (Sorex cinereus) and dusky shrew (S. monticolus), were the most abundant species pre- and post-harvest. There was no evidence that the minimum number alive estimates for red-backed voles differed significantly (α = 0.05) among treatments pre-harvest (ρ = 0.67) or post-harvest (1993, ρ = 0.98; 1994, ρ = 0.84). However, red-backed voles used harvested openings less than the surrounding forest within each treatment. Common shrews showed some preference for the unlogged controls and the treatment units containing 1.0-ha openings. Dusky shrews showed no treatment preference. Overall, we conclude that the group selection silvicultural systems did not substantially change the relatively rich, abundant small mammal community present before harvesting.
Modelling critical winter habitat of four ungulate species in the Robson Valley, British Columbia
Authors: Safford R. Kirk
Published: November 2022

A modelling exercise was conducted to identify potential critical winter habitat for four ungulate species in the Robson Valley in east-central British Columbia: mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus hemionus), whitetailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsonii), and moose (Alces alces). The model was developed to provide land managers with an effective decision-making tool to include critical winter habitat in land-use planning. Forest cover data, biogeoclimatic data, and a digital elevation model were used to reflect snow depth, forage availability, thermal cover, and security cover values during winter months. The model identifies low-elevation, south-facing, older forests where snowpacks are less deep as potential critical winter habitat for deer and elk. Because moose are better adapted to northern Interior winter conditions, the model identifies coniferous and deciduous stands with greater forage potential. Recent mild winters have limited the field validation process. Habitat assessment, using local sites as benchmarks for model evaluation, found that the distribution of resources varied within and between highrated polygons and that the model overestimates the amount of critical ungulate winter habitat in the Robson Valley. Forage availability, followed by snow interception, were shown to be the limiting factors in most cases. The model is a broad filter of critical ungulate winter habitat; it is intended for field use as a management tool to identify the boundaries of critical winter range. The limitations of the model and priorities for improvement are reviewed.
Human Dimensions of Biodiversity Conservation in the Interior Forests of British Columbia
Authors: Watson David O. , McFarlane Bonita L. , Haener Michel K.
Published: November 2022

Generally, studies on biodiversity conservation have focused on topics within the natural sciences, such as species and ecosystem concerns. However, an understanding of the human dimensions of biodiversity conservation is lacking. To address this gap, a study was undertaken in the Robson Valley in east-central British Columbia in 2001 to document stakeholders - understanding and perceptions of biodiversity issues, examine potential trade-offs associated with conservation, and provide decision makers with insight concerning the acceptability of potential forest management scenarios. A mail survey was used to collect data from residents of British Columbia and two groups of recreationists. Results show that stakeholders are diverse in their perceptions and knowledge related to biodiversity conservation. A choice experiment was used to examine trade-offs inherent in conserving biodiversity at the landscape level. The choice model showed that respondents preferred options that emphasized biodiversity conservation, and that Robson Valley residents had different preferences than the respondents in the other subsamples. Several potential forest management scenarios were simulated using the choice model results. The potential for future research, and ideas for improving the model, are discussed.
Seed rain traps for forest lands: Considerations for trap construction and study design
Authors: Cottrell Tom R.
Published: November 2022

Seed rain studies provide valuable information for forest researchers monitoring exotic species invasions. Plant species move through forests primarily as seeds, and this dispersal is critical to future forest composition. In this extension note, seed trap types are briefly outlined and suggestions made for trap selection. Funnel seed traps are recommended for most seed rain studies, and instructions for building a simple and inexpensive funnel seed trap are given. Study design considerations, such as sample adequacy, trap placement, and blocking of stands, are discussed. In addition, practical methods for sorting and identifying collected seeds are described. Seed traps can provide information about seed dispersal in disturbed forests, and give early warning to forest workers concerned with exotic species invasions.
Seed rain traps for forest lands: Considerations for trap construction and study design
Authors: Bittman Marilyn
Published: November 2022

Seed rain studies provide valuable information for forest researchers monitoring exotic species invasions. Plant species move through forests primarily as seeds, and this dispersal is critical to future forest composition. In this extension note, seed trap types are briefly outlined and suggestions made for trap selection. Funnel seed traps are recommended for most seed rain studies, and instructions for building a simple and inexpensive funnel seed trap are given. Study design considerations, such as sample adequacy, trap placement, and blocking of stands, are discussed. In addition, practical methods for sorting and identifying collected seeds are described. Seed traps can provide information about seed dispersal in disturbed forests, and give early warning to forest workers concerned with exotic species invasions.
Movements, foraging habits, and habitat use strategies of northern woodland caribou during winter: Implications for forest practices in British Columbia
Authors: Johnson Chris J. , Parker Katherine L. , Heard Douglas C. , Seip Dale S.
Published: November 2022

Land managers face increasing challenges as they try to balance timber harvesting with the habitat requirements of wildlife, including those of woodland caribou in north-central British Columbia. With the aim of conserving caribou by improving forest practices, we employed a hierarchical, scale-explicit approach to study the processes governing movement and distribution of the northern woodland caribou ecotype. Investigations of foraging sites north of Prince George, British Columbia revealed that caribou in forested and alpine areas cratered at locations with relatively low snow depths and relatively large amounts of terrestrial lichens. When snow depth, snow hardness, and snow density increased, caribou fed more frequently at trees supporting abundant arboreal lichens. Feeding activities of caribou in forested foraging patches were positively related to the biomass of several terrestrial lichen species and to decreasing snow depth; the number of arboreal feeding sites increased as snow depth and hardness increased. We identified three scales of habitat selection based on movement rates of caribou fitted with GPS collars. For all scales, caribou selected pine-lichen woodland and windswept rocky slopes. Predation risk was greatest for caribou travelling between habitat patches, was lowest for caribou in alpine habitats, and had no apparent influence on intra-patch movements.Land use plans should address the needs of northern woodland caribou by ensuring that large patches of widely distributed pine-lichen woodland are maintained on the landscape, recognize the limiting effects of deep snow (i.e., > 50–80 cm), and encourage silvicultural strategies that minimize the creation of early seral-stage forests adjacent to caribou movement routes.
Nature conservation in an era of indifference
Authors: Gayton Don
Published: November 2022

A pre-condition for successful nature conservation projects is the presence of committed individuals, largely from the volunteer sector. As environmental and conservation issues multiply , thought must be given to growth of the conservation sector in society. An informal survey of conservationists and their formative experiences suggests that traditional school and park nature programming do not meet the criteria for formative experiences. A series of fundamental social changes is required before growth in the conservationist sector becomes a reality.
Linking ecologically based productivity information to timber supply analysis units using site series sampling
Authors: Nigh Gordon D. , Love Bobby , Prasad Atmo
Published: November 2022

Timber supply analyses are used to estimate the possible harvest level of timber volume over the long term. Site index is one of the inputs of these analyses. When site index is underestimated, as is often the case for older stands, it will lead to underestimated yields. This creates a significant negative effect on harvest levels in the timber supply analyses. Better site index information is obtainable by using ecologically based site indices; however, an efficient way of applying the site index estimates is needed. The purpose of this project was to develop a technique for incorporating better site index estimates into timber supply analyses. We used simple random sampling to determine the proportion of each site series in a management unit. Site index estimates were available for these site series. To link the site index information to timber supply analysis units, we initially created analysis units using inventory information. The site series proportions were then used to form new ecologically based analysis units, and yield tables were generated from the associated site index information. After an area was harvested in the timber supply model from an inventory-based analysis unit, it was allocated to an ecologically based analysis unit in proportion to the area that the site series occupied in the timber harvesting land base. Once an area was placed into a new analysis unit, it remained there for the duration of the timber supply analysis. We tested this method in the Bulkley Timber Supply Area, where it resulted in a 26% increase in the long-term sustainable harvest level.
Bald eagle nest site and nest tree characteristics in select biogeoclimatic zones of the 100 Mile House Forest District, British Columbia
Authors: Packham Roger
Published: November 2022

Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nest site and nest tree characteristics were studied in the Sub-Boreal Spruce (SBS), Interior Cedar–Hemlock (ICH), Sub-Boreal Pine–Spruce (SBPS), and interior Douglas-fir (IDF) biogeoclimatic zones in the 100 Mile House Forest District, British Columbia. Dominant or codominant Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) containing large trunk forks or multiple forks of the trunk comprised 85% of 121 bald eagle nest trees. Black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa) comprised 11% of known nest trees, and trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides), lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), and hybrid white spruce (Picea glauca x engelmannii) each contained 1% of known bald eagle nests. Tree height and diameter at breast height (DBH), nest height, and distance of nest to fish-bearing water were less for island nests compared to non-island nests. The mean distance of nests to fish-bearing water, by biogeoclimatic zone, was 78 m in the SBS, 104 m in the ICH, 241 m in the SBPS, and 368 m in the IDF. Ground slope and aspect were not factors in nest site location. The bald eagle nest trees studied were generally of low economic value to the forest industry as they contained less recoverable lumber than similar-sized trees with better form. To maintain bald eagle nesting habitat, large diameter, dominant or codominant trees containing large trunk forks, or multiple forks or leaders of the trunk and (or) large limbs should be identified and retained in groups, patches, or forest stands.
Assessing the need for species conservation action in British Columbia
Authors: Bunnell Fred L. , Campbell R. Wayne , Squires Kelly A.
Published: November 2022

Assessing needs for conservation action is a challenge anywhere, but will be particularly so in British Columbia. Relatively few North American recovery plans have succeeded. The great species richness and biogeography of British Columbia suggest that the province may be particularly susceptible to failure. The richness increases the number of species considered; the biogeography encourages small intrusions of species of greater abundance elsewhere. These intrusions receive an artificially high rating for risk, and thus for priority because factors that modify local rarity are correlated. Among taxa Red listed by the Conservation Data Centre, about 40-100% are peripheral. Species lists of the national Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada are also affected by bias resulting from peripheral ranges. We propose criteria for selecting species for conservation action that evade some of the past failings and more directly address global stewardship responsibilities.
Research and resource-dependent communities: A world of possibilities
Authors: Kozak Robert
Published: November 2022

The recent International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) World Congress, held in Brisbane, Australia, showcased a wide variety of high-quality presentations related to forestry research from around the globe. Little of this research, however, can be extended to forest-dependent communities in British Columbia, despite the need to transform the province's forest economy from a commodity orientation to a more diversified approach. Possible exceptions include opportunities to promote the value-added wood products industry, develop a meaningful non-timber forest products and services sector, and incorporate innovative approaches into core business strategies and modes of operation. In this paper, I also argue that much of today's forestry research does not consider the “big picture,” especially concerning sustainability issues and our current ecological footprint. We have come to a juncture in time wherein forestry researchers should take a leadership role with bold, innovative, and interdisciplinary work that serves to benefit the environment, the economy, and society as a whole.
JEM Readers respond
Authors: Reveley Hal
Published: November 2022

I am writing regarding the Roosevelt Elk – WildlifeHabitat Decision Aid recently published in JEM 6(1) [seewww.forrex.org/jem/2005/vol6/no1/vol6_no1_art5.pdf].As you are aware, the management of Roosevelt elk onthe Coast of British Columbia can be problematic withrespect to reforestation efforts in some areas. Thisextension note does provide useful information topracticing foresters on the Coast. Those in the regionalforest service office with experience in damage toregeneration from similar causes, including elk, however,would like to offer some additional suggestions.
JEM Readers respond
Authors: Schooling Julie
Published: November 2022

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Arrow IFPA Series: Note 3 of 8: Public processes in sustainable forest management for the Arrow Forest District
Authors: Sheppard Stephen R.J. , Meitner Michael J. , Harshaw Howard W. , Wilson Norma , Pearce Cindy
Published: November 2022

This extension note is the third 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 summarizes the main public involvement processes used to obtain input to the Arrow Innovative Forest Practices Agreement (IFPA) Sustainability Project, contributing to the development and evaluation of criteria and indicators of sustainable forest management (SFM). This early public input guided the selection of criteria and indicators for the SFM pilot basecase analysis in the Lemon Landscape Unit.Sustainable forest management must be sustainable in a social sense and should incorporate public values. This extension note describes and evaluates several methods for involving the public in forest management planning. A standard mail survey was used to gather public perception data across a large geographic area (the former Arrow Forest District and the adjacent community of Nelson). Based on a systematic analysis of stakeholders in the IFPA area, a more focussed multi-criteria analysis (MCA) process was used to investigate stakeholder priorities and preferences for forest management scenarios at the landscape unit level. Although directed at different purposes and levels of detail, the survey and MCA processes identified some similar public values across a range of stakeholders. Both methods offer some advantages over more common public involvement processes used in British Columbia. To incorporate a broad range of public opinion, the use of multiple methods of evaluating public values is suggested in decision-making processes at various scales.
News from the Co-editors
Authors: Wiensczyk Alan , Schooling Julie
Published: November 2022

The current mountain pine beetle (MPB) epidemic gripping the province of British Columbia is the largest infestation in recorded history. As of 2005, over 8.5 million ha of lodgepole pine forests were in the red-attack stage. This infestation has spawned a wide range of research projects and trials to assess the impact of the current epidemic on all facets of natural resource management, both environmental and socio-economic. To keep you informed about the latest research on the effects of the MPB infestation, we have gathered together a series of articles that covers a wide variety of topics relating to mountain pine beetle, including shelf life, worker safety, hydrological impacts, restoration, regeneration, wildlife, timber supply, and infestation detection.
Disturbance regimes in coastal British Columbia
Authors: Daniels Lori D. , Gray Robert W.
Published: November 2022

What is the dominant disturbance regime in coastal British Columbia? In this literature review, we discuss the relative importance of fire versus canopy gaps as agents of disturbance affecting the structure and dynamics of unmanaged coastal forests in British Columbia. Our analyses focus on the province?s wet coastal temperate rain forests, specifically the Hypermaritime and Very Wet Maritime Coastal Western Hemlock (CWHvh and CWHvm) subzones, and the Wet Hypermaritime and Moist Maritime Mountain Hemlock (MHwh and MHmm) subzones. After reviewing the relationships between disturbance events, disturbance regimes, and stand dynamics, we critically assess the traditional classification of fire regimes in the wet coastal temperate rain forests, in part by differentiating between fire occurrence and mean return intervals. We provide four lines of evidence to reject the traditional view that stand-initiating fire at intervals of 250–350 years was the dominant disturbance regime in the wet coastal temperate rain forests of British Columbia. According to recent field research, historical fires were very infrequent in wet coastal temperate rain forests and were more likely low- and mixed-severity events, rather than stand-initiating fires. As an alternative to fire, we propose that fine-scale gap dynamics is the dominant process explaining the structure and dynamics of most unmanaged stands in the province?s wet coastal temperate rain forests. Improved understanding of the spatial and temporal attributes of disturbance regimes in coastal forests has important implications for sustainable forest management and conservation of biodiversity.
Examining the utility of advance regeneration for reforestation and timber production in unsalvaged stands killed by the mountain pine beetle: Controlling factors and management implications
Authors: Griesbauer Hardy , Green Scott
Published: November 2022

In unsalvaged stands killed by the mountain pine beetle, the release and growth of shade-tolerant advance regeneration may provide an important reforestation pathway. Stands developing from advance regeneration may restock quickly and provide short- to mid-term harvest opportunities, but the variability in release and growth responses among these stands will create numerous management challenges. This paper reviews and synthesizes relevant scientific literature to suggest some important differences between reforestation from advance regeneration following mountain pine beetle (MPB) attack and conventional reforestation (i.e., planting or natural reforestation following “normal” disturbance events) in regards to stand dynamics and growth. Particular attention is given to the primary traits of advance regeneration that may determine its successional and growth trends following mpb attack, including species composition, abundance and spatial distribution, developmental characteristics, and overall health. Effective management of advance regeneration following MPB attack will require a better understanding of the stand-level conditions and processes that control its growth. As well, management tools such as stocking standards that are suited to managing even-aged forests may need to be re-examined to address the unique conditions of unsalvaged MPB stands.
Old-growth definitions and management: A literature review
Authors: Hilbert Jaime , Wiensczyk Alan
Published: November 2022

Over the past two decades, scientific discoveries have altered how forest management is viewed, including the understanding of late-successional or old-growth forest communities. Some accept that old-growth forests should be managed, but the process of identification and management of these forests has proven to be very difficult. This review examines literature on old growth and old-growth management from a broad North American base with a focus on the special issues associated with high-frequency forest disturbance regimes. The purpose of this paper is to: examine the various old-growth definitions and management approaches; review the importance of old-growth management and conservation; and draw conclusions and make recommendations based on the information reviewed. Old-growth definitions were divided into three categories: conceptual functional, conceptual structural, and quantitative working. The relative merits and challenges of each category are discussed using examples from different forest types across North America, but the focus is on northern fire-dependent forest ecosystems. The authors recommend the establishment of landscape-level objectives for old-growth retention that include: approaching management from an ecological perspective; recognizing the importance of varied natural disturbance patterns; increasing funds for detailed inventories (especially in more contentious or ecologically sensitive areas); developing a regional old-growth attribute scoring theme or index; using a top-down approach to old-growth management; and developing a monitoring plan to determine the effectiveness of established objectives.
Governance and management of small forest tenures in British Columbia
Authors: Tyler Stephen , Ambus Lisa , Davis-Case D'Arcy
Published: November 2022

The growing number of small tenures in British Columbia creates new demands on local organizations to manage public forest lands. To deal with these demands, small tenure holders must develop governance practices that address both accountability and participation. Local participation is especially important for Community Forest Agreement (CFA) holders to ensure that community members are actively involved in decision-making processes. Both cfas and Woodlot licensees have upward accountability to the B.C. Ministry of Forests and Range. Holders of CFAs also have downward accountability to members of the local community. Community forests in the province have adopted various legal structures. Private corporations owned by local government are popular vehicles to hold CFAs and have commercial advantages, but their structure is less accountable than others. Although it is important to separate the political decisions of community forest governance from the technical decisions of management, both are needed. Experience with small tenures in other countries suggests that scope exists for sustainable, commercial forest management based on a substantial degree of local autonomy, if accompanied by technical support and oversight from governments, as well as training, extension, and services from voluntary associations of local tenure holders. Further study of options and experience with local forest governance and management will be helpful for small tenures in British Columbia.
Ecosystem-based management: Its application to forest management in British Columbia
Authors: Bourgeois William W.
Published: November 2022

Ecosystem-based management (EBM) has emerged as a means of moving towards sustainable forest management, although its application in British Columbia is limited. One recent example is a high-profile initiative on the Central/North Coast to protect the globally significant temperate rain forest. This paper examines the relationship between sustainable forest management and EBM in the province, and discusses how EBM might be applied to further progress towards sustainability.
Response of bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) to habitat reconnection through replacement of hanging culverts with bridges
Authors: Shrimpton J. Mark , Cena Christopher J. , Clarke Adrian
Published: November 2022

We examined the effectiveness of road culvert replacement on providing access to fish habitat in two tributary streams of the Torpy River, in central British Columbia. For both study streams, culverts had been “hanging” at the downstream end, which created waterfalls to the streambed below. To facilitate fish passage upstream, culverts were replaced with steel bridges. In one of the streams, fish movement extended above the culvert. Benthic invertebrate and fish communities, and stream channel physical characteristics were assessed before and after replacing the culverts. Physical characteristics and the benthic invertebrate communities were similar for the two study streams. The primary species found in both streams was bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus), with rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) comprising less than 3% of the total fish captured. Before culvert removal, fish were absent above the road in one of the streams. The presence of young-of-the-year fish 2 years after bridge construction, however, indicated that bull trout had colonized and spawned in the reconnected habitat within 1 year. The relative abundance of bull trout in the stream where access was not restricted by the culvert did not differ over the 4 years of the study. Conversely, abundance and year-class structure of bull trout improved in the stream where habitat above the road was reconnected. Our findings indicate that removal of hanging culverts to allow fish passage is an effective management approach to increase available fish habitat.
An old-growth index for Douglas-fir stands in portions of the Interior Douglas-fir zone, central British Columbia
Authors: Steen O. A. , Dawson R. J. , Armleder Harold
Published: November 2022

We describe a quantitative old-growth index for Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca) stands in two Interior Douglas-fir (IDF) biogeoclimatic variants (dk3 and dk4) in the central interior of British Columbia. The index uses stand structure data including basal area of very large (≥ 57.5 cm DBH) and large (≥ 37.5 cm DBH) trees, density of small (< 27.5 cm DBH) trees, tree size variability, canopy complexity, density of declining and dead trees, and occurrence of canopy gaps. Three forms of the index were developed to accommodate different objectives and levels of data availability. Index values are grouped into four classes (early seral, mid-seral, mature, and old growth). Qualifiers of these classes provide additional descriptions of old-growth structural development as well as guidance for designing management practices to enhance old-growth development. A link is provided to a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that can be used to calculate old-growth index values using each form of the index.
News from the Editor
Authors: Wiensczyk Alan , Schooliing Julie
Published: November 2022

The unprecedented magnitude of the current mountain pine beetle (mpb) outbreak in British Columbia has raised many questions about the effects that the infestation and resultant salvage harvesting will have on the environment and on the socio-economic fabric of the province. Seeking answers to these questions has been the focus of many provincially and federally funded research projects over the past 5 years. In addition, a number of projects and strategies have been co-ordinated by the three Beetle Action Coalitions and the First Nations Mountain Pine Beetle Initiative.
When is a journal not a journal?
Authors: Hollstedt Chris
Published: November 2022

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Profitability of manual brushing in young lodgepole pine plantations
Authors: Opio Christopher , Fredj Karima , Wang Baotai
Published: November 2022

Manual brushing is an important silvicultural tool commonly used to control competing vegetation in young conifer plantations. Yet little is known about the short-term economic benefits of one versus two brushing treatments. Using forest establishment data from the Fraser Lake and Bednesti areas of the Central Interior of British Columbia, we examined the profitability of one and two applications of brushing treatments under different internal rates of return (IRR) and three brushing radii (0.75, 1.00, and 1.25 m). Our results showed that one year of brushing treatment would be profitable for almost all brushing radii since profitability required only a short reduction in cutting age and lower IRRs. Applying two consecutive years of brushing would clearly require either higher discount rates or a longer waiting period for the brushing to be profitable. We believe that the approach described in this paper will assist forest practitioners when analyzing the value of brushing in terms of return on investment over time. The economic framework will also assist forest practitioners when deciding on brush control options for young conifer plantations.
Aerial overview survey of the mountain pine beetle epidemic in British Columbia: Communication of impacts
Authors: Wulder Michael A. , White Joanne C. , Grills Danny , Nelson Trisalyn , Coops Nicholas C. , Ebata Tim
Published: November 2022

In western Canada, the current outbreak of mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) is of unprecedented proportions. Annual aerial overview surveys (AOS) are the primary means of accounting for the area and severity of mountain pine beetle impacts. Typically, reports of impacted areas do not consider severity—the proportion of trees killed within a given area. A common misconception is that all impacted areas will experience 100% pine mortality.We examined a time series of AOS data collected in British Columbia from 1999 to 2005. The year-toyear trends indicated that the AOS data effectively captured the infestation's increasing area, severity, and spatial variability. The cumulative area impacted between 1999 and 2005 was estimated at 11 million ha; 39% of this area was attacked in only one year. The approximate year of death was estimated by assuming a 50% severity threshold. Approximately 6.5 million ha experienced mortality. The results of this study emphasize the importance of reporting severity, as well as considering the cumulative effects of the infestation over time.
British Columbia's Northern Interior Forests: Warren Root Collar Weevil Stand Establishment Decision Aid
Authors: McCulloch Larry , Aukema Brian , White Ken , Klingenberg Matthew
Published: November 2022

Warren root collar weevil (Hylobius warreni) is a commonly occurring insect found in most of British Columbia and as far north as the Northwest Territories. This weevil affects many tree species and is found in forest stands of any age, although its impact as a disturbance agent is most important in lodgepole pine stands. Engelmann and white spruce are also common hosts, but incidence levels have not been high enough with these species to cause reforestation issues. Incidence levels in lodgepole pine stands commonly exceed 30%, although mortality levels are generally far less and occur in younger stands (5-20 years of age). Recent research suggests that a link exists between stands affected by mountain pine beetle (MPB) and root collar weevil. In one study, the incidence of weevil-attacked trees was elevated in young plantations adjacent to mature stands that had sustained high levels of MPB-caused mortality. An understanding of the weevil's biology and the identification of high-hazard stand conditions for both insect species are essential to successfully avoid regeneration issues. Most treatments involve mitigation measures applied during stand establishment. 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 SEDA presented in this extension note was developed to summarize information that northern forest managers will need to manage the impacts of the Warren root collar weevil. The following pages describe susceptible stand types, weevil biology, hazard ratings, forest productivity considerations, and appropriate management practices. A resource and reference list that readers can use to find more detailed information is also included. Most reference material that is not available online can be ordered through libraries or the Queen's Printer at: www.qp.gov.bc.ca
Equilibrium forest age structure: Simulated effects of random wild fires, fire control, and harvesting
Authors: Barclay Hugh J. , Schivatcheva Tina , Li Chao
Published: November 2022

Historically, fire has been one of the main determinants of age structure in the forests of British Columbia, but in the face of recurring fires and other disruptive processes, achieving a stable forest age-class structure for sustainable harvesting is a challenge. The present paper investigates possible interactions of fire with harvesting and fire control, and their effects on age structure of a pine forest with varying fire-cycle lengths and fire-size regimes. We used simulation to determine the effects of the frequency and size of fires, fire control, and harvesting on the equilibrium age distribution of a forest. For small fires, resulting equilibrium age-class distributions were all declining, whereas for large fires, equilibrium was never achieved. Volume available for harvest was much greater when fires were infrequent. Harvest increased with fire control, but decreased with harvest age. In this simulation, the combination of intensive fire control and early harvesting optimized wood volume production. Awareness of the implications of particular fire regimes on sustained forest yield can inform design of better forest management and fire protection strategies.
Effects of fire return rates on traversability of lodgepole pine forests for mountain pine beetle: Implications for sustainable forest management
Authors: Barclay Hugh , Schivatcheva Tina , Li Chao , Benson Laura
Published: November 2022

The spread of mountain pine beetle (MPB) depends on climate, weather, and topography, among other factors. In predicting the spread of the MPB in British Columbia, foresters should specifically consider the susceptibility and traversability of lodgepole pine forests to MPB. In order for beetle infestations to spread through the forests at endemic or incipient beetle population levels, patches of susceptible forest must exist, and these patches must be close enough together that beetles can disperse from one to another. This study determined stand susceptibility by examining simulated effects of fire return rates on the equilibrium age structure of a 1 million ha lodgepole pine forest, and then using the results to generate mosaics of susceptibilities to MPB attack. At the landscape level, "traversability" describes the condition of a forest that allows an incipient beetle population to disperse across it according to defined rules of susceptibility and maximum distance for dispersal through unsuitable habitat. We found that: (1) long fire cycles and fire suppression yielded an age structure that is highly susceptible to beetle attack; and (2) harvesting reduced the mean susceptibility to MPB attack as well as traversability. A combination of early harvesting and moderate fire suppression would theoretically yield an equilibrium forest structure that minimizes both susceptibility and traversability for MPB.
Detecting effects of upper basin riparian harvesting at downstream reaches using stream indicators
Authors: Nordin Lisa J. , Maloney David A. , Rex John F.
Published: November 2022

Stream evaluation field data from 44 basins in the Bowron River watershed were used in combination with results from GIS spatial analysis to investigate whether impacts from logging the riparian zone of upperbasin streams could be detected at downstream sites. The field data included responses to stream indicator questions taken from the BC Ministry of Forests and Range's Riparian Management Routine Effectiveness Evaluation (RMREE). The evaluation included questions associated with the following stream indicators: (1) channel bed condition, (2) channel bank condition, (3) in-stream large woody debris processes, (4) channel morphology, (5) aquatic connectivity, (6) fish cover, (7) moss, (8) fine sediment, and (9) aquatic invertebrates. This study examined the negative responses to these indicator questions in relation to the amount of upstream riparian harvesting that took place in each basin. Evaluated reaches that had been harvested to the stream bank were not significantly different from sample reaches with streamside buffers when both groups had harvested upstream riparian areas. Negative responses increased significantly at 30% upstream riparian harvest. Sites were grouped by this threshold (low/high) and compared to nonharvested sites to examine negative responses for each indicator. In discussing the results, we explore the potential role of recovery of harvested drainages, negative responses in the non-harvested group, elevation, soil erodibility, in-stream large woody debris processes, and aquatic invertebrate diversity (which may subsequently impact food and habitat supply for fish). The results support the best management practice of leaving a "no-harvest" riparian reserve on all small streams in order to mitigate downstream impacts.
British Columbia's Southern Interior: Badger Wildlife Habitat Decision Aid
Authors: Weir Richard D. , 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.
Community resiliency: Contribution from the forest resources sector
Authors: Bourgeois W. W. (Bill)
Published: November 2022

Forest-dependent communities in British Columbia are facing a crisis brought about by uncertainty surrounding their future economic viability. For over 45 years, the provincial government has successfully applied the same forest sector model, but it has shown signs of faltering in the last 15 years due to changes involving policies, investors in forest companies, and constraints imposed through the Canada-US Softwood Lumber Agreement. The combination of these influences has resulted in serious deterioration of the connection between the forest companies and forest-dependent communities, thereby affecting the sustainability of these communities. The resiliency of forest-dependent communities (Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal) is critical in this province and depends on a holistic application of environmental, health and wellness, economic, and human capital within the community to create wealth and productivity. The evolving forest sector must contribute to achieving this goal. As a community struggles with an uncertain future and tough economic times, it requires deployment of its resources in an efficient and effective manner. This is best realized through a strategic approach that begins with identifying a vision and goals for community resiliency. Once this groundwork is established, a strategic plan will help to focus available resources on appropriate actions to achieve resiliency.
British Columbia's Interior: Fisher Wildlife Habitat Decision Aid
Authors: Weir Richard D. , Lara Almuedo Pedro
Published: November 2022

Fishers (Martes pennanti) are forest-dependent carnivores of the weasel family that are considered a Species at Risk under the Identified Wildlife Management Strategy and Species of Special Concern (blue-listed) by British Columbia Conservation Data Centre. 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 accordingly. Several aspects of the ecology of fishers make them susceptible to forest-harvest activities, including their use of structural elements found primarily in late-successional forests. This Wildlife Habitat Decision Aid (WHDA) summarizes the latest scientific and experiential information that forestry practitioners, including silviculture planners and operational foresters, need to consider when managing for fisher habitat requirements. This information was obtained through an extensive literature analysis and discussions with experts in fisher ecology in British Columbia. Most information on fisher ecology in this extension note was derived from studies conducted in the Cariboo, Williston, Chilcotin, and South Peace regions.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 habitats used by fishers for birthing and rearing young, resting, and foraging; a provincial fisher distribution map and a list of biogeoclimatic zones where fishers most commonly occur; and forest management considerations when harvesting and conducting silviculture activities within fisher range. Also included is a resource and reference list that contains more detailed information. Most reference material that is not available online can be ordered through libraries.
Retention Patches: Windthrow and Recruitment of Habitat Structure 12-16 Years Post-Harvest.
Authors: Steventon Douglas
Published: November 2022

I examined wildlife tree, coarse woody debris, and windthrow characteristics of 157 retention patches left in harvested areas of the Kispiox (mostly ICHmc), and Bulkley/Morice (mostly SBSmc, ESSFwv/mc) Timber Supply Areas in the early to mid 1990s. Patches added substantially to important habitat elements in the harvested areas. Windthrow rates were moderate, totalling about 11% and 19% of the post-harvesting standing tree basal area (after 12-16 years post-harvest) in the Kispiox and Bulkley/Morice samples respectively. Most of the windthrow occurred in the first few years post-harvest, and then dropped to background levels. I conclude that, overall, windthrow is not a significant issue. If, however, minimizing windthrow is a goal then previous rule-of-thumb criteria still apply: create larger patches (>1 ha) of minimum perimeter, oriented to minimize perimeter exposure to prevailing winds and place patches on topographically sheltered sites.