Tree Improvement Branch

Interior SPZ Review

Over the past two years, the interior seed planning zones (SPZ’s) have been under review. This review has encompassed not only a close examination of SPZ boundaries but also the relationships held between genetic class, seedling request ordering, transfer guideline application and the biogeoclimatic ecosystem classification system (BEC). The Interior Seed Planning Zone Review has included input from both ministry and industry clients involved in tree breeding, orchard management, forest genetics, seed planning and silvicultural activities.

The Interior SPZ Review survey brought to the table a vast range of local knowledge and experience. Response was generally positive and showed strong support for separate class A SPZ’s defined at the level of species. The proposed use of overlap zones as a means of introducing greater flexibility in seed selection and the alignment of SPZ’s along BEC boundaries was also well-received. Several revisions to the new interior class A SPZ maps and to the new X Reference BGC/SPZ (Class A) tables have been recommended based on comments received from the survey.

Two major recommendations are proposed as a result of this review: 1) incorporation of new orchard breeding zones into the interior SPZ structure (using a species-level approach), and 2) alignment of new interior class A SPZ’s with BEC classification units. The Interior Technical Advisory Committee (ITAC) has endorsed the recommendations as outlined in this report.

Training needs will be met through SPAR/Seed Planning workshops to be held prior to the 1999 sowing request season. This project has been identified as having the highest priority within the Tree Improvement Program for the 1998/99 fiscal year. A target date of September, 1998 has been set for implementation of the new interior class A SPZ’s on the Seed Planning and Registry System (SPAR).