Pothole Creek
Study Area
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Background
On-Site Projects
Related Work
Stand Modelling
Demonstration Area
• IDF Timber Supply
• Area Land Base
• Development of Area
• Growth and Yield Studies
• Silviculture Trials
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Background
The dry hillsides surrounding the communities of Merritt and Princeton
contain unique and complex Douglas-fir and pine forests. These stands,
which help define the distinct landscape and flavour of southern
interior forestry in British Columbia, are also among the least
understood forest ecosystems we manage. Criteria for determining
which stands should be included in the timber harvesting landbase
are still uncertain2 (see IDF Timber
Supply Issues). Our estimates of site productivity, stand growth
and response to treatment must be improved in order to evaluate
the potential contribution of the resource to timber supply and
other forest values, and to identify opportunities for restoration.
In 1996, the development of a demonstration area to examine silviculture
alternatives for cutover dry-belt interior Douglas-fir (IDF) was
one of four related studies initiated by Weyerhaeuser Canada Ltd.,
the Ministry of Forests and Range (MFR), and Forest Renewal BC (FRBC) in
the Merritt Timber Supply Area (TSA). The 561-hectare Pothole
Creek Demonstration Area is located 53 km southeast of Merritt
(east of Kentucky-Alleyne Lakes Provincial Park), and provides
an area in which to develop and test various silviculture-related
activities. The MFR Research Branch Pothole Creek Study Area is
also within the area boundaries.
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