Adaptive Management Projects

Project Summary: Lagins Creek Silviculture Systems Trial

Contacts:
Del Williams - Registered Professional Forester (RPF), District Silviculturist/Resource Officer

Background:
This report comprises the Pre-Harvest Silvicultural Prescriptions (PHSPs) for Timber Supply License 16873, CP845, Blocks 1, 2, &3. The two silvicultural systems outlined within this PHSP are clearcutting and group selection.

Given the untested nature of the group selection system, a number of Foresters with interest and expertise in fields associated with this project were asked for or volunteered input. Among these were Peter Sanders RPF, Frank Pendl RPF, Ted Nash RPF, John Andres RPF, Jim Guido RPF, and Chuck Wan Hemmen RPF. Personnel from Husby Forest Products and Coast Forest Management provided information on the mechanics of helicopter yarding as well as some initial PHSP information.

Objective:
To test the performance of clearcut and group selection harvesting methods in the Queen Charlotte District area.

Experimental Design:
Small patch cuts averaging 0.34 hectares - actually a cross between group selection and clearcutting. Snags were retained close to felled trees due to early consultation with UCB and falling crew. Almost no windthrow occurred. Some of the sites were logged to streambanks in some places, this is no longer possible under the Forest Practices Code.

In the FFVP trials (single tree selection at 15%+25% volume levels plus group selection, helicopters and conventional clearcutting, there were some serious problems at Gregory Creek and Hangover Creek.) Also, the gridded patterns for group selection openings didn't work well because the slope was variable and the block layout didn't recognize that.

Monitoring:
Regeneration surveys are currently underway. Further monitoring of windthrow, riparian habitat impacts, water quality impacts, and wildlife impacts is required.

Time Frame:
Continuous

Current Status:
Monitoring in progress. Next logging takes place in the year 2000.

References:
Williams, D. 1990. Preharvest Silvicultural Prescriptions for TSL A16873, CP 845 Blocks 1,2, & 3. Ministry of Forests Queen Charlotte Forest District, B.C.