CWD retention and timber harvesting methods

CWD can be managed during harvesting in a number of different ways. Some of the methods to consider are:

• Retaining green trees and standing dead trees for future CWD recruitment

• Extending the rotation of certain sites to provide larger CWD

• Reducing the impacts of slashburning by spring burning, avoiding broadcast burning, or using spot treatments

• In feller-buncher operations, creating stubs trees defective in the butt (from WLT class 1, 2 or 3), as those will serve as CWD recruitment

• Piling debris on larger stumps, throughout areas where ground based harvesting is used

Selecting a CWD management strategy must be compatible with other management objectives, and applied on a site-specific basis. One strategy is not always going to work on all sites.

CWD management must be considered in relation to the following:

• The ability to perform site preparation activates

• The ability to meet reforestation stocking objectives

• Increased CWD levels that may increase fire hazard, or forest health problems

• Implications to growth and yield and AAC levels

• Worker safety concerns in subsequent stand tending activities

Guidelines for maintaining CWD in managed forests are described in the the the Provincial CWD short-term strategy. See www.for.gov.bc.ca/research/deadwood/DTgui3.htm

Also see Biodiversity Guidebook at  www.for.gov.bc.ca/tasb/legsregs/fpc/fpcguide/biodiv/biotoc.htm