Forest, Range & Recreation Resource Analysis Table of Contents
4.6 Range Research
The need for range research in B.C. was acknowledged by the government as early as 1931. Since that time, range research has been carried out by many agencies.
In 1980, the Ministry of Forests Research Branch initiated a range fertilization research project which eventually developed into the Range Research Program within the Integrated Resource Management Section of the branch. The purpose of the Range Research Program is to develop knowledge and methods that will assist in the effective management of range resources and optimize society’s returns from rangelands. The program does this by:
- investigating the structure and function of range ecosystems, emphasizing strategies to maintain the long-term productivity and conservation of rangelands
- investigating livestock management systems that promote integrated use among livestock, timber, wildlife, recreation, watershed values and other non-consumptive uses.
The Range Research Program is currently addressing resource conflict issues. Specific projects include:
- integrated forest–range research: investigating the effects of livestock grazing and forage seeding on conifer survival and growth, native plant community structure and livestock growth
- elk, deer–livestock interactions: investigating dietary overlap and impacts of ungulate grazing on plant community structure and function
- weed research: evaluating the effectiveness of biological control agents on diffuse and spotted knapweed, the competition between knapweed and conifer seedlings and the effects of herbicides on controlling knapweed and floral diversity on grasslands
- analysis of research needs: reviewing present and future issues on B.C. range to establish a framework for the research program over the next decade.
4.7 Future Trends in Range Management
4.7.1 Forest Practices Code
Under the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act, Range Use Plans will be more comprehensive and implemented with greater rigour than the tenure management plans they replace. The Forest Practices Code will increase the onus on tenure holders to develop Range Use Plans and create a need for training in the preparation of such plans.
Provisions must be made to develop adequate inventories for planning and decision-making and for follow-up monitoring to ensure that plan objectives are achieved.
4.7.2 Riparian and Special Management Areas
Riparian and other special areas designated under the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act must be managed according to Code standards. Livestock use will need to be managed to protect conditions in and adjacent to riparian zones and to meet the needs of designated plant and animal species and their habitats.
Range management will be supported by the development of field guides such as the Range Use Planning Field Guide and Limiting the Spread of Noxious Weeds, which are currently in the draft stage. Training courses in riparian and upland management and in evaluation of ecological health will be developed. A riparian restoration and recovery program will also be initiated to rehabilitate areas damaged from past use.
4.7.3 Biodiversity
The Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act requires that biodiversity be considered in the development of Range Use Plans. A biodiversity field guide is currently being developed. Staff and clients will require training in interpreting and applying the biodiversity requirements of the Forest Practices Code and accompanying field guides.
4.7.4 Increased Backcountry Use
Commercial and non-commercial use affects range resources, and must be regulated and monitored. The use of backcountry by commercial operators and recreationists has increased since the 1984 Resource Analysis. In some cases, this has led to resource use conflicts and damage to range. At least one district is using temporary grazing permits to authorize use of Crown forage by non-commercial users.
4.7.5 Summary of Future Trends
Management of livestock and pastures on Crown range in B.C. may be more complex than in other regions of Canada because of the diverse vegetation and the extensive overlap of range use with other resource interests. Over the next decade, greater emphasis will be placed on integrated use of range. Public demand for energy, fibre, food, water, recreation and minerals will need to be balanced with environmental issues such as biodiversity and conservation. Consequently, principles of livestock and forage management must be modified to produce optimal returns to the livestock industry within an integrated framework.
