Monitoring and Adaptive Management

Monitoring and Adaptive Management:

The Weyerhaeuser BC Coast Forest Strategy aims to manage forests for sustained timber values, while conserving biodiversity in an ecologically credible manner. A cornerstone of the strategy was the development of a variable retention strategy for harvesting across a range of planning zones. SEE: Sustainability / Ecosystem-based Management (in this document) for more information.

Symmetree designed and conducted the five years of implementation monitoring for Weyerhaeuser BC Coastal Group’s adaptive management program.

During this time they thoroughly assessed over 7000 ha of variable retention harvesting. Blocks were evaluated against indicators developed from the company’s three goals for variable retention. The quantity, quality and distribution were all assessed, as well as general prescription, layout and harvesting practices. The Symmetree assessors provide feedback to help the Timberlands adjust practices. As well, the written reports provide key input for Weyerhaeuser’s annual progress report to its scientific panel.

In 1997 Symmetree evaluated Alternate Silvicultural Systems within the Special Log Sales Projects for the Small Business Forest Enterprise Program under contract to Forest Practices Branch of the BC Ministry of Forests.

In 1992 Ken evaluated partial-cutting silvicultural systems for the Vernon Forest District Small Business Forest Enterprise Program of the Ministry of Forests.

Symmetree is currently working with Forest Practices Branch to develop monitoring and adaptive management training and extension materials for BC.

Symmetree is currently working with the Forest Practices Board to evaluate forest practices in mountain pine beetle salvage areas.

See http://www.fpb.gov.bc.ca/News/Releases/2003/09-18.htm for a description of the project

Symmetree was a team member in evaluating free-growing success for the Forest Practices Board in 2002. The assessment viewed 291 cutblocks over six Forest Districts finding overall good reforestation success.

For a copy of the final report see http://www.fpb.gov.bc.ca/SPECIAL/reports/SR16/SR16.pdf

In 2003 Symmetree analyzed free-growing success on challenging ecosystems in the Blue River Area, for Tolko Industries, Hefley Woodlands. The goal to link critical learning points over a number of management eras for the range of brush complexes back into strategic planning and objectives.

In 1996 Symmetree evaluated reforestation and brushing efforts in the Interior Cedar Hemlock zone in British Columbia. Their observations and recommendations in eight different Forest Districts (four Forest Regions) influenced current management approaches in that zone throughout the Interior of BC.

Integrating knowledge, experience and common sense.

Variable Retention and Weyerhaeuser BC Coastal Group’s Adaptive Management Program:

Other Partial-cutting / Silvicultural Systems Monitoring Projects:

Provincial Monitoring and Adaptive Management Program:

General Forest Practices in Mountain Pine Beetle Salvage:

Reforestation and Free-growing Success: