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Silviculture is the art and science of growing trees and managing forest vegetation to meet the resource objectives of the landowner. Starting with the replacement of the existing forest, timber and non-timber objectives are assessed and accommodated through the choice of silviculture system, reforestation, brushing and weeding, stocking surveys, juvenile spacing, pruning, commercial thinning, and fertilization.
Previously, progressive clearcutting was the predominant silviculture system applied in the district. Currently, there is a wide range of silviculture systems applied. The retention silviculture system is used most often, but also utilized are the seed tree, shelterwood, patch cut, clearcut with reserves, and clearcut. Commercial thinning is utilized on the older second growth stands found on the East Coast of the district. Commercial thinning salvages trees that are dead or dying from inter tree competition, allowing the remaining trees to stay healthy and grow unimpeded until the next planned harvest entry.
To meet their basic silviculture obligations planting is the preferred method of most licensees. On average there are 4 million seedlings planted annually in the South Island Forest District. There are nine different coniferous species and 2 deciduous species used in reforestation. The choice of species is based on the management objectives and the ecology of the area harvested. Principle species planted are douglas-fir on the east coast, and western hemlock, western red cedar and amabalis fir on the west coast. Other species planted are grand fir, western white pine, yellow cedar, lodgepole pine, mountain hemlock, red alder, and hybrid poplar. Natural regeneration, while cheaper, is less reliable and usually results in longer regeneration delays with irregular distribution, and lower yields. Natural regeneration augments planted seedlings and adds to the overall stocking and biodiversity of all sites.
Over 85% of seedlings planted in the district survive and grow. These seedlings may be protected from deer or elk browse, and are monitored by regeneration surveys until they meet specified free growing standards. Licensees will conduct brushing and weeding treatments until the free growing standards are met.
Incremental silviculture treatments, juvenile spacing, pruning and fertilization, are evaluated for treatment under the Forest Investment Account (FIA) once the trees are free growing. The FIA account is administered and audited by Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) under principles established by government. Licensees assess the stands and apply directly to PWC for funding. Treatments are monitored for compliance with legislation, and environmental standards by district staff.
MOF FIA http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hcp/fia/
PWC FIA. http://www.fialicensees.com/Login/login.asp
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Indicates that information has been added or modified since August 25, 2007