Overview OverviewLandscape ecology modelers engage in research on topics related to the implications of forest management at spatial scales larger than individual cutblocks or forest stands. Their principal scientific domain is landscape ecology and their primary tools are spatially explicit models and Geographic Information Systems. By its very nature, much of their work is collaborative and cross-disciplinary and therefore provides models, tools, and products to other Forest Science Program researchers and a range of Ministry staff involved in strategic-level forest management decisions. This research supports the Future Forest Ecosystem Initiative, Timber Supply Review, Land Use Planning, Forests For Tomorrow, and Forest Stewardship Planning. Models generated are providing critical information and analysis for dealing with landscape-level issues such as mountain pine beetle impacts and the implications of climate change.
Current Focus AreasProvincial-level modelling and analysis of the mountain pine beetle outbreak and management responses. [link] Updating digital data and revising district-level biogeoclimatic ecosystem classification (BEC) maps and tools (Version 7.0) to provide a basis for stand-level forest management prescriptions and detailed Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping (TEM) or Predictive Ecosystem Mapping (PEM). [link] Providing technical support and advice on model development, spatial data management, GIS use and mapping products, landscape-level analysis, and ecosystems mapping. Using spatial landscape metrics to determine the relationship between climate and biogeoclimatic ecosystem mapping units. Estimating patch-size, age, and species-composition distributions prior to colonial contact for use in establishing ecosystem resilience benchmarks. Research Highlights
Extension and ConsultationsLandscape Ecology Modelling researchers provide critical analysis and decision-making support to clients involved in strategic forest-management decisions. The models, tools, and products produced are used by many internal Ministry clients, from the Chief Forester’s office and the Forest Analysis and Inventory Branch to the Aboriginal Affairs Branch and District offices. External clients have included the Canadian Forest Service, the Ministry of Small Business and Revenue, the Caribou Recovery Team, the Forest Practices Board, and non-government organizations. Researchers also provide ongoing technical support to formal committees and working groups such as: Mountain Pine Beetle Inventory and Monitoring Project Team, Forest Analysis and Inventory Branch – providing technical advice to the Forest Analysis and Inventory Branch to develop new inventory/monitoring methods and procedures for mountain pine beetle-affected areas. Mountain Pine Beetle Provincial Analysis Team – Mid-term Timber Supply Group, Forest Analysis and Inventory Branch – providing technical input and tools for determining the impact of mountain pine beetle on mid-term timber supply by forest management unit. Mountain Pine Beetle Survey Group, Inventory Branch – using model analysis and mapping products to assist in developing a field sampling plan for infestation levels. Rare Ecosystems Group - working with the Ministry of Environment’s Conservation Data Centre and other ecology researchers to assign NatureServe’s global conservation status to the biogeoclimatic zones of British Columbia. Hectares BC – collaborating between the Integrated Land Management Bureau, Ministry of Forests and Range, and Ministry of Environment to provide a summary of fine-grained spatial data at the regional and sub-regional level (1 hectare grid size) to support requirements for land-use plans, ecosystem modelling, forest sensitivity decisions, fisheries analyses, and other reporting purposes.Recent PublicationsWalton, A. and J. Hughes. 2007. Provincial-level projection of the current mountain pine beetle outbreak: Documentation of revisions to the model resulting in BCMPB.v4. [link] Walton, A., J. Hughes, M. Eng, A. Fall, T. Shore, B. Riel, and P. Hall. 2007. Provincial-level projection of the current mountain pine beetle outbreak: update of the infestation projection based on the 2006 provincial aerial overview of the forest health and revisions to “the model” (BCMPB.v4). [link] Nigh, G., L. de Montigny, M. Eng, and R. Archer. 2006. Development of a research strategy for mountain pine beetle issues associated with forest stewardship division functions. B.C. Min. For. Range, Res. Br., Victoria, B.C. Tech. Rep. 034. Walton, A. and D. Meidinger. 2006. Capturing expert knowledge for ecosystem mapping using Bayesian network. Can. J. For. Res. 36: 3087-3103.Other Publications of InterestEng, M.A. 2004. A BC perspective on landscape and population modelling. In Northern Spotted Owl Workshop, Vancouver, B.C. 2004. Zimmerman, K. (editor) Forrex Series 14, pp.29-31. [pdf] Eng, M., A. Fall, and G. D. Sutherland. 2001. Examining assumptions about unsalvaged losses in timber supply analysis. Presentation at Natural Disturbance and Forest Management: What's Happening and Where It's Going. Mar. 5-7, 2001 Edmonton, Alta Sponsored by the Sustainable Forest Management Network. Eng, M., A. Fall, and G.D. Sutherland. 2001. Simulating natural disturbance dynamics and evaluating management scenarios with the Robson Valley Landscape Model. B.C. Ministry of Forests, Victoria, B.C. Eng, M. and E. Hamilton. 2000. From here to eternity: The perils of policy analysis. In: Proc.: From science to management and back: A science forum for southern interior ecosystems of British Columbia. C. Hollstedt, K. Sutherland, and T. Innes (editors) Southern Interior Forest Extension and Research Partnership, Dec. 1-2, 1999, Kamloops, B.C. ,pp. 55-58. Sutherland, G.D, M.A. ,Eng, and S.A. Fall. 2004. Effects of uncertainties about stand-replacing natural disturbances on forest-management projections. BC Journal of Ecosystems and Management. 4(2). Sutherland, G., M.A. Eng, and S. A. Fall. 2002. Uncertainties from natural disturbance scenarios on Forest management projections in the Robson Valley. B.C. Min. For. Robson Valley District, McBride, B.C. Contact
Adrian Walton, Landscape Ecologist
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