Learning Objectives

Introduction

Issues and Challenges

Herbicides

Mechanical Operations

Burning

Reforestation

Stand Tending

Fertilizing

Rehabilitating Degraded Features and Sites

Self-check

Karst Management Handbook for
British Columbia

Rehabilitating Degraded Features and Sites

The following section summarizes the recommended best management practices for rehabilitating degraded features and sites on karst terrain. Be sure to check out more detailed information in the Karst Management Handbook for British Columbia.

Best Management Practices for All Vulnerability Categories

The following best management practices are recommended:

• Evaluate degraded features or sites individually to determine if rehabilitation efforts would be successful or lead to more disturbance. Where more damage could result from rehabilitation efforts, avoid undertaking any action.
• Rehabilitation efforts may include:
  • stabilizing sinkhole sideslopes with grass seeding
  • modifying tree planting where soil has been lost into epikarst cavities
  • removing logging debris or windthrow from sinking streams, surface karst features and cave entrances.
• Use low ground-pressure equipment and rubber mats for recovering debris in or near sinkholes with unstable rims and sideslopes.
• Keep the wheels or tracks of equipment at least 5 metres from the edge of karst features. If not possible, keep wheels or tracks parallel to the edge of features.