A Compilation of Forest Biomass Harvesting and Related Policy in Canada


Book Description

The main objective of this literature review is to summarize policies, including legislation, regulations and guidelines, related to the harvest of woody forest biomass in Canada. The focus of the literature review is on policy that applies to Crown land. The report focusses on policy related to biomass harvesting from logged blocks and roadside debris, rather than purpose-grown plantations, since this is seen as the major new forest biomass energy source, and policy relating to the latter has not been developed in Canada.--Document.




Land Units and Benchmarks for Developing Natural-disturbance Based Forest Management Guidance for Northeastern British Columbia


Book Description

"There has been a steady increase in the use of knowledge of natural disturbance dynamics as a basis for forest management policy directed towards maintaining biological diversity. While the merits of this approach are currently being debated, especially in light of climate change, knowledge of natural disturbance patterns provides useful baseline information to assist with landscape level planning and stand level forest practices. This document outlines an ecological land delineation process that focuses on differences in disturbance rate and pattern and successional dynamics for northeast British Columbia. It provides some general principles regarding natural disturbance-based management and, for each delineated unit, detailed information on location, climate, vegetation, natural disturbance dynamics, forest management effects on natural pattern, and recommended forest practices based on the natural disturbance-based management paradigm."--Document.




A Field Guide to Site Identification and Interpretation for the Vancouver Forest Region


Book Description

This guide presents site identification and interpretation information for forest ecosystems of the Vancouver Forest Region. Site identification is based on the biogeoclimatic ecosystem classification. The guide was prepared to assist users in describing and identifying forest sites and to provide management interpretations to assist users in preparing stand-level forest management prescriptions. The guide covers procedures for site assessment, a description of the biogeoclimatic units and the site units of the Vancouver Forest Region, management interpretations of tree species selection, slashburning, site productivity, competing vegetation potential, ground-based harvesting, pest risks of major conifer species, and wildlife diversity and habitat relationships. Appendices list indicator species; humus forms; keys to bedrock, hand-texturing soil, relative soil moisture regime, soil nutrient regime, and site sensitivity to slashburning; correlation of old and new biogeoclimatic and site units; and a site assessment form.




A Field Guide for Identification and Interpretation of the Engelmann Spruce-subalpine Fir Zone in the Prince Rupert Forest Region, British Columbia


Book Description

This field guide describes forest ecosystems and silvicultural interpretations for the Engelmann Spruce-Subalpine Fir Zone (ESSF) in the Prince Rupert Forest Region. The guide concentrates on three forested subzones: the ESSFi (Subcontinental Northern) subzone, the ESSFk (Continental Northern) subzone, and the ESSFI (Subcontinental Central) subzone."







Ecosystem and Tree Attributes Affecting the Presence of Functional Wildlife Tree Types


Book Description

"Wildlife Trees play a significant role in maintaining species richness in forested ecosystems by providing critical habitat. This study was completed to develop a better understanding of the relationship between ecosystem and tree attributes and an established functional Wildlife Tree type classification. Data from four studies conducted in different ecosystems in central British Columbia are compared in this paper. The four study areas were: (1) boreal aspen forests, (2) mixed conifer forests in the boreal foothills, (3) mixed conifer forests in the moist interior plateau, and (4) mixed conifer forests in the interior wet belt. In each study area, tree species were evaluated by diameter classes for the percentage of live versus dead stems and functional Wildlife Tree types based on an existing classification system, and results within and among study areas were then compared. The combined tree sample size totalled almost 19 300 stems, comprising 10 different tree species. To provide a link to provincial Wildlife Tree policy, each tree's value was ranked using guidelines established by the provincial Wildlife Tree Committee."--Document.




Plant Indicator Guide for Northern British Columbia


Book Description

This guidebook shows how the distribution of common forest plants changes across British Columbia's northern interior landscape due to variations in climate, terrain, and site & soil conditions. The guide contains information on 215 plant species or groups that occur in the major biogeoclimatic zones of the Prince Rupert, Prince George, and northern Cariboo forest regions. The information, arranged first by category of plant (trees; shrubs; dwarf shrubs, herbs, & ferns; grasses & sedges; mosses, liverworts, & lichens) then by scientific name, is in the form of grids that depict the predominant moisture & nutrient regimes where a species will most likely occur in old or mature forests. Also included are notes on indicator values and habitat associations. Includes index of common & scientific names.




FRDA Report


Book Description