Publication Library

Evaluation of the Effects of Heart Rot Fungi on Live Tree Structural Stability

Executive Summary: A project was initiated in 2006 to better understand and predict the effects of the native heart rot fungus Phellinus pini infection on tree structural stability (as applicable to hemlocks and true fir species). The project objectives were:

1. to correlate the presence of visible indicators (conks, blind conks) of infection by P. pini to tree wood condition (extent of decay, actual stem shell thickness);
2. to verify the criteria and rigour of the "conks indicator thresholds" currently used in the Wildlife Danger Tree Assessor’s Course (WDTAC) training program for P. pini on hemlocks and true firs; and
3. to provide operational and safety recommendations concerning the assessment and management of trees infected with P. pini in forestry operations.

Preliminary Assessment Of The Effectiveness Of Wildlife Tree Retention On Cutblocks Harvested Between 1999-2001 Under The Forest Practices Code

Abstract: In January of 2002, the Forest Practices Branch of the BC Ministry of Forests initiated this preliminary assessment of the adequacy of Provincial Wildlife Tree Policy as a coarse-filter mechanism for conserving habitat for wildlife tree-dependent species. This project addresses the biological effectiveness of policy and resulting stand management practices and builds directly on the Phase 1 project "Evaluation of wildlife tree retention for cutblocks harvested between 1996–2001 under the Forest Practices Code". Explicit policy and management guidelines regarding wildlife tree retention were released initially in the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia (1995 Biodiversity Guidebook and 1999 Landscape Unit Planning Guide), followed by the Provincial Wildlife Tree Policy and Management Recommendations in 2000.

View Report (Feb 2005; pdf, 4.13 Mb)

Dangerous Tree Management for Silviculture Activities

The brochure and power-point presentation below describe the process for mitigating hazards associated with high densities of dead or dying trees. Good communication between managers, supervisors and fallers is key. Important considerations include:

• a thorough site assessment
• checking acceptability of natural regeneration (is treatment necessary)
• experienced danger tree assessors and avoidance of "over-assessment"
• safety decisions made on each tree assessed as dangerous - which may include hand-falling, use of a no-work-zone, or alternatives such as machine assist or explosives.

Evaluation of Wildlife Tree Retention for Cutblocks Harvested under the Forest Practices Code (1996 - 2001)

Abstract: During the 2001 field season, 128 cutblocks from 12 forest districts, representing each of British Columbia’s forest regions and seven of the province’s 14 BEC zones, were evaluated for various aspects of wildlife tree retention using a standardized methodology. The project had four main objectives:

• to assess how effectively current wildlife tree retention practices meet the ecological and administrative guiding principles specified in the Provincial Wildlife Tree Policy and Management Recommendations (Prov. of B.C. 2000);
• to determine the timber supply impacts of current wildlife tree retention practices;
• to evaluate the structural and compositional changes of wildlife tree retention areas following harvest;
and
• to identify wildlife tree retention practices that are achieving ecological objectives and minimizing costs.