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In British Columbia, Canada, high elevation plateau areas provide a significant proportion of the annual allowable cut. Most forest hydrology research in these environments has focused on cutblocks smaller than about 40 ha, and little research has examined the effects of larger openings. In a recent Forest Development Plan, Tolko Industries Ltd. proposed a cutblock of 300 ha in the upper part of the Boulder Creek catchment north of Kamloops, B.C., located on the Nehalliston Plateau at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 1,900 m. Given the lack of research applicable to such situations, Tolko Industries partnered with hydrologists with the University of British Columbia, Ministry of Forests, and Summit Environmental Consultants Ltd. to conduct studies on the effects of this large cutblock on snow accumulation, melt, streamflow, stream temperature and channel morphology. Three sub-basins, each covering about 200 ha, were instrumented in summer 2001 to record water level and temperature. Discharge measurements made using current metering and salt dilution will allow rating curves to be developed to generate streamflow hydrographs. These sub-basins are adjacent to each other, and are similar with respect to physiographic, geologic, and biogeoclimatic characteristics. Two fall within the area of the future 300 ha cutblock, and will each experience about 50% forest cover removal in a single pass in 2005. The third sub-basin will experience no harvesting until at least 2010 to provide an experimental control. Funding for this portion of the project provided by UBC and the work is being done by Dr. Dan Moore. Snow surveys, covering areas both within and outside the future 300 ha cutblock, have been conducted three times each spring, beginning in 2000. In each year, the first snow survey has been timed to coincide with the time of peak snow accumulation, and subsequent surveys have provided data over the rest of the melt season (ending in approximately mid-June). An automated weather station records air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, solar radiation, snow depth, and rainfall intensity on an hourly basis. This is the portion of the research experiment funded by FIA (Project 2001016). Channel surveys in the lower reaches of Boulder Creek were completed in summer 2001. The objective is to monitor changes in stream morphology prior to harvest and post harvest. Funding for this portion of the project is provided by the MOF and the work is being conducted by Tim Giles. An additional aspect to the project may be added to the project in 2003. The University College of the Caribou is planning to study the effects on water chemistry and responses of benthic invertebrates. Funding for this portion of the project would be provided by UCC. Most forest hydrology and stream morphology research in B.C. has focused on coastal biogeoclimatic zones and the mountainous southern interior; little research has been conducted in the more rolling upland terrain typical of the Kamloops TSA. This collaborative research project will help to fill these knowledge gaps, provide a stronger scientific basis for estimating future hydrologic impacts associated with proposed harvesting, and add confidence to forest planning decisions in the Kamloops TSA and throughout the plateau-dominated environments of central B.C. Tolko Industries.
Tolko Industries. 2003. Water quality monitoring Boulder Creek: annual summary - effects of large openings on the hydrolic regime in high elevation interior plateau environments in British Columbia, Canada. Forest Investment Account (FIA) - Forest Science Program. Forest Investment Account Report. FIA2003MR127
123 stream crossings were surveyed in the southern Kitwanga River Watershed for fish passage using the Fish Passage-Culvert Inspection (Parker 2000) and for sediment risk using the Water Quality Effectiveness Evaluation (Carson et al. 2007). Two crossings on suspected fish bearing streams were classified as barriers with further habitat and fish assessment recommended. Six of 104 crossings surveyed ranked from moderate to extreme sediment risk, 59 ranked low risk, and the remainder were zero risk. Remedial recommendations included grass seeding, bioengineering, road deactivation and constructing waterbars. Overall, current fish passage and sediment risks are considered minimal for this part of the watershed, with regards to forestry roads. However, absence of fish caught with gee trapping indicates potential blockages downstream, possibly at highway crossings, and is an area needing further investigation. Future sedimentation risk is considerable as road crossings age and deteriorate, and could eventually release into the watershed if not maintained or removed.
Koch, Kevin, McCarthy, Mike. 2008. Water Quality Effectiveness Evaluations and Culvert Inspections. Forest Investment Account (FIA) - Land Base Investment Program. Forest Investment Account Report
Topic: FLNRORD Research Program
Series: Forest Investment Account Report
Keywords: Forest, Investment, Account, (FIA), British, Columbia
Forest roads can contribute significant amounts of sediment to nearby streams (Luce and Wemple, 2001) with subsequent impacts on aquatic ecology and water quality, including drinking water quality. The Village of Queen Charlotte, BC, is planning to use the Honna River as their new drinking water source. However, there are concerns about high turbidity due to sediment from logging roads next to the river, specifically the Queen Charlotte Mainline South. High turbidity in drinking water is a health risk because it makes treatment (chlorination and ultraviolet sterilization) less effective.
The Ministry of Forest and Range- Forest and Range Evaluation Program (FREP) recently (2008) developed an indicator based water quality assessment methodology called the Water Quality Effectiveness Evaluation (WQEE). The WQEE assesses the contribution of fine sediment to the stream network as a result of forest operations. The procedure employs a field based approach to assess stream crossings. Systematic measurements are taken at each crossing within an area of concern yielding an estimate of the volume of sediment the crossing may deliver to the stream network. Initial validation of the WQEE suggests that the volumes calculated differ by an order of approximation, however this error margin is considered acceptable as the risk classes the system employs span several orders of approximation (Floyd, 2008).
A WQEE assessment of the portion of the Queen Charlotte Mainline South with the potential to deliver sediment to the Honna River was completed to establish an estimate of the amount of sediment generated by the road on an annual basis. This assessment is part of a larger project which is attempting to determine the contribution of the Queen Charlotte mainline to overall turbidity levels in the Honna River. This report will present a summary of the crossing results and field cards with detailed information about individual crossings.
Baird, Elizabeth. 2010. Water Quality Effectiveness Evaluation (WQEE) for the Queen Charlotte Mainline and Honna River, Haida Gwaii, BC. Forest Investment Account (FIA) - Land Base Investment Program. Forest Investment Account Report
Topic: FLNRORD Research Program
Series: Forest Investment Account Report
Keywords: Forest, Investment, Account, (FIA), Land, Base, Investment, Program
Livestock grazing has a long history in British Columbia dating back to the 1860s. On Crown range, grazing is authorized under the Range Act and regulated by the Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA). In much of British Columbia, livestock are everywhere on the landscape and have a legal right to be there. British Columbia is unique in the relatively small percentage of land that is privately owned. This means that access to provincial Crown land is necessary for both the beef cattle and forest industries and also for recreationists.
Fraser, D.A.. 2009. Water quality and livestock grazing on crown rangeland in British Columbia: rangeland health brochure 12. British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. Brochure (FLNRORD). BRO87
A modified Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) project was initiated in 2008, within West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd (West Fraser) operating areas in Northeast British Columbia. The survey targeted mixedwood leading forest polygons within the following Landscape Units; Upper Moberly, Lower Moberly, Gwillim/Moose, Pine, Bearhole and a small portion of the Wolverine Landscape Unit that is not located within TFL48. The goals of the project focused on identifying the presence/absence of four target warbler species, Bay Breasted Warbler (BBWA), the Black Throated Green Warbler (BTGW), Cape May Warbler (CMWA) and Canada Warbler (CAWA) within candidate habitat types. Additional goal included the identification of suitable habitat transects for future BBS projects within the Landscape Units. The Breeding Bird Survey Project (BBS) was designed to followed Canadian Breeding Bird Survey Procedures and Resource Inventory Committee Standards (RISC). In 2008, a total of 22 transects (66 point count stations) were established within two study areas in the vicinity of Tumbler Ridge, Chetwynd and Moberly Lake. Transects were designed to target mixedwood stands and deciduous leading stands with spruce components. A few pine dominant stands were also targeted in the study. The project was designed as a Presence/Absence survey along transects identified in suitable habitat types for key warblers of interest. No detailed full species recording at point count stations was incorporated into this overview study. Only two (CAWA, BTGW) of the four target warbler species were recorded during the survey. No records of the CMWA or BBWA were recorded during the survey; however suitable habitat polygons were identified. No species listed under the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) were recorded during the survey. There were no recordings of Red-listed species and 17 recordings of Blue-listed species during the 2008 study. The study identified suitable habitat transects for more detailed BBS point counts studies within West Fraser BC Peace Operating area.
Ecofor Consulting Ltd.. 2009. Warbler Breeding Bird Survey for the South Peace. Forest Investment Account (FIA) - Forest Science Program. Forest Investment Account Report. FIA2009MR079
Topic: FLNRORD Research Program
Series: Forest Investment Account Report
Keywords: Forest, Investment, Account, (FIA), British, Columbia
Provides pictures and information on 20 of our native freshwater fishes, from lampreys to sturgeon, the fish of British Columbia are as diverse as their body forms and life histories.
Ministry of Fisheries. 1999. Walleye. Ministry of Fisheries. BC Fish Facts
Topic: Fish and Fish Habitats
Series: BC Fish Facts
Keywords: freshwater fish, diverse, walleye, stizostedion vitreum, fish fact
The objective of the VRI Phase 1project is to improve TSA polygon information ? especially in areas where specific management issues occur ? using photo interpretation. The VRI product is a spatial database consisting of unadjusted photo-interpreted estimates. Delineation, digital line capture, field calibration, classification and digital map production are the key phases to completing this project.
Warren Nimchuk.
This research addresses the Forest Science Program strategic goal to improve knowledge-based science in support of sustainability. Consistent with Research Theme 1, recommended by the Sustainability Program Advisory Committee for 2004-5, we have quantified forest structure, function and processes and applied them in an experimental application of variable retention silviculture. Funded in 2004-5, the first component of this project quantified the spatial and temporal aspects of natural disturbance ecology (Topic 1.5) of the Bamfield Huu-ay-aht Community Forest (BHCF). We have measured the abundance and spatial distribution of ecosystem structures (e.g., canopy cover and coarse woody debris) and shown links to functions such as seeding establishment and tree recruitment to the canopy (see Statement of Progress, below). We are now quantifying the temporal processes that create structural variability in these forests and contribute to natural regeneration. This information is the baseline for our second research component, a variable retention (VR) experiment. The experimental component of our research is a replicated, controlled trial of VR silviculture that emulates natural canopy gaps in coastal old-growth forests. In this trial, harvesting includes high retention and low removal using small patch cuts (microgaps of 5-8 trees and 0.25 ha patches). The size and spatial distribution of natural gaps provide guidelines to ensure that the spatial dimensions of the harvested VR gaps are within the natural range of variation. Our objective is to test for differences between natural gaps and gaps created by VR silviculture. We will compare tree regeneration, understory vegetation, soil microorganisms, nutrient dynamics and resource availability (substrate and light) in natural and VR gaps and adjacent forest. Pre-harvest sampling was completed in June to September 2004. These results will be compared with post-harvest data (2005-9) to test for the impacts of VR gaps on above- and below-ground biodiversity (Topics 1.4 and 1.2). Monitoring of sites will document medium to long-term impacts of harvesting. Ultimately, these empirical data will be used to develop criteria and guidelines to predict/assess the impacts of VR silviculture on composition, structure and stand dynamics of forests in the very wet hypermaritime Coastal Western Hemlock (CWHvh) biogeoclimatic subzone. Our results will empower coastal forest managers to employ scientifically-based, practical, adaptive management that demonstrates sustainable use of BC?s forests, facilitating successful certification of forest management practices.
Passmore, J., Daniels, Lori D.; Lertzman, Kenneth P.; Stan, A.B.; Prescott, Cindy E.; Grayston, Susan J.. 2007. VR emulating canopy gaps in coastal forests: an operational trial and experiment. Forest Investment Account (FIA) - Forest Science Program. Forest Investment Account Report
Topic: FLNRORD Research Program
Series: Forest Investment Account Report
Keywords: Forest, Investment, Account, (FIA), Variable, retention, harvesting, British, Columbia
This research addresses the Forest Science Program strategic goal to improve knowledge-based science in support of sustainability. Consistent with this goal, we have quantified forest structure, function and processes and applied them in an experimental application of variable retention silviculture. In 2004-5, the first component of this project quantified the spatial and temporal aspects of natural disturbance ecology of the Bamfield Huu-ay-aht Community Forest (BHCF). We have measured the abundance and spatial distribution of ecosystem structures (e.g., canopy cover and coarse woody debris) and shown links to functions such as seeding establishment and tree recruitment to the canopy. We have used tree-ring analyses to quantify the temporal processes that create structural variability in these forests and contribute to natural regeneration. This information is the baseline for our second research component, a variable retention (VR) experiment. The second, experimental component of our research is a replicated, controlled trial of VR silviculture that emulates natural canopy gaps in coastal old-growth forests. In this trial, harvesting includes high retention and low removal using small patch cuts (microgaps of 5-8 trees and 0.25 ha patches). The size and spatial distribution of natural gaps provide guidelines to compare that the spatial dimensions of the harvested VR gaps relative to the natural range of variation. Our objective is to test for differences between natural gaps and gaps created by VR silviculture. We will compare tree regeneration, understory vegetation, soil microorganisms, nutrient dynamics and resource availability (substrate and light) in natural and VR gaps and adjacent forest. Pre-harvest sampling was completed in 2004 and 2005. These results will be compared with post-harvest data (2006) to test for the impacts of VR gaps on above- and below-ground biodiversity. Monitoring of sites (2007+) will document medium to long-term impacts of harvesting. Ultimately, these empirical data will be used to develop criteria and guidelines to predict/assess the impacts of VR silviculture on composition, structure and stand dynamics of forests in the very wet hypermaritime Coastal Western Hemlock (CWHvh) biogeoclimatic subzone. Our results will empower coastal forest managers to employ scientifically-based, practical, adaptive management that demonstrates sustainable use of BC?s forests, facilitating successful certification of forest management practices.
Lori D. Daniels.
Daniels, Lori D.. 2006. VR emulating canopy gaps in coastal forests: an operational trial and experiment. Forest Investment Account (FIA) - Forest Science Program. Forest Investment Account Report. FIA2006MR173
The mountain pine beetle (MPB) began attacking the Quesnel Timber Supply Area (TSA) forests in 2001. Since then, the outbreak reached an epidemic, significantly altering the forest ecosystems within the TSA. The outbreak is subsiding and the impacted lodgepole pine (Pl) stands that remain are in a state of decay. The focus of the forest sector has been to salvage the dead Pl stands before they become uneconomic to harvest. The salvage window is closing and the focus will soon shift to harvesting non-Pl.
The Ministry of Forests and Range (MFR), Forest Analysis and Inventory Branch (FAIB) is leading Timber Supply Review (TSR4), with an expected allowable annual cut (AAC) Determination due in 2010. TSR5 is no more than five years away, and the AAC is expected to be significantly reduced.
The licensees and MFR are investing to improve inventory information to support TSR5. These initiatives include, but are not limited to:
?h Developing a Predictive Ecosystem Map to better describe forest ecosystems in the TSA;
?h Completing a Site Index Adjustment project to ensure that more realistic forest productivity estimates are used to grow stands in the forest estate model; and
?h Completing an Economic Operability Assessment to define the economically operable timber within the TSA.
Approximately 70 percent of the TSA is covered by stands leading in Pl, much of which is now dead and decaying. The inventory labels used to describe these stands are no longer reliable and this erodes the confidence in timber supply forecasting. To improve the forest inventory information, the FAIB created a pilot program to assess ways in which the Vegetation Resources Inventory (VRI) can better describe the forests affected by MPB. A series of initiatives have been completed as part of this pilot program. Notably:
?h An image based re-inventory test was completed on 10 mapsheets whose polygons were predominantly leading in Pl. The polygons were difficult to describe mostly because the imagery was poor and the generally grey colour of dead Pl stands. This program was completed in 2007.
?h A VRI Phase I program was completed on 83 mapsheets in the east portion of the TSA on mapsheets that were predominantly mature green (ie, non-Pl leading). This program was completed in December 2009.
The next step is to design a field program that supports the key inventory information needs for TSR5.
Keywords: Forest, Investment, Account, (FIA), British, Columbia
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