In this part

• General information about tree & vegetation species composition
• Applications for forest management

Learner outcomes

On completion of part 3F, you will understand the role that the stand level component — tree & vegetation species composition — plays in forest biodiversity and you will be able to:

1. Describe tree & vegetation species composition

2. Describe the role of tree & vegetation species composition within forest biodiversity

3. Identify forest management applications for tree & vegetation species composition

The questions on the left side of the page are to assist you in keeping actively involved in the material and your learning Answer them silently or written.

General information about tree & vegetation species composition

What role does speciescomposition play in forest biodiversity?

The maintenance of the diversity of naturally occurring plant species is key to the maintenance of biological diversity within landscape units.

Where rare and endangered plant and animal species and habitats have been identified, these should be protected according to guidelines described in the Identified Wildlife Management Strategy (IWMS).

Within cutblocks, there are actions that can help maintain diversity.

Are there other applications to the landscape level that you can think of?
If so, list them

 Are there other applications to the stand level that you can think of?
If so, list them.

Landscape level

1. The variety of native understorey plants and plant communities should be maintained across the landscape unit.

See also Table 1-A Percentage area required as wildlife tree patches

Stand level

2. Vegetation management treatments can be designed to create variability among or within treatment areas — implement actions that promote desired species and minimize effects on non-target plants. 

3. A component of deciduous species, both immature and mature, should remain after harvesting, site preparation, vegetation management and spacing activities.

4. Where mature hardwoods form a minor component of the stand (<20 %) greater emphasis should be placed on maintaining these either singly or in clumps

5. Extensive conversion from climax to seral species (e.g., Douglas-fir to lodgepole pine), or seral to climax, should be avoided.

6. Where suited to the site, stands should be regenerated with a mixture of tree species (natural and planted) rather than with a single species.

7. Consider cluster planting to encourage spatial diversity.

8. Maintain minor tree species such as yew, birch, alder, aspen, and cottonwood.