A variety of projects
have been completed or are ongoing at the Pothole Creek Study Area.
Mensuration, Growth and Yield: A 1-hectare Permanent Sample Plot was
established in which most trees larger than 6.0 cm dbh were tagged and measured for diameter, height, age,
increment profile, and location. On three smaller subplots, trees at least 10 cm in height were mapped and measured. These plots provide baseline information for following growth and yield dynamics.
Canopy Modelling and Stem Analysis: Trees representing the range of size, age and canopy classes within the permanent plot
were selected from outside the plot buffer for destructive sampling. Height,
branch and bole increment was reconstructed for these trees and estimates of
leaf area and biomass recorded. These data will be used to model individual
tree growth, wood quality and canopy/light dynamics.  Regeneration and Seed Dispersal:
Several projects
have investigated regeneration establishment (natural and planted)
in relation to site and stand conditions. Seed dispersal and seed
predation are also under study.
Coarse Woody Debris: Coarse woody debris was
described on three levels. On the Permanent Sample Plot, all coarse woody debris with large end diameters larger than 20 cm was permanently tagged,
measured (length, species and decay class), and mapped. On the 5-hectare study site, a survey of coarse woody debris was conducted in conjunction with a survey of regeneration. Within the
more extensive Demonstration Area, the coarse woody debris was measured
(species, length, and diameter size and decay class) on fifty-seven 0.04 ha
plots.
Light Relationships: Hemispherical photography and light sensors have
been used to document light conditions and calibrate a light distribution
module for the TASS model.
 Tree
Physiology and Moisture Dynamics: The water usage (via sap flow measures) of individual trees
has been examined under
different light and vegetation regimes. Measures of soil moisture were also
correlated to observed growth and survival patterns. Following
initial study at the Pothole Creek Study Area, further measurements
to confirm or expand the relationships were initiated at
additional sites.
 Root Excavation:
Several root excavation studies were initiated to gain insight into the
nature of below-ground competition on dry interior Douglas-fir sites. The
architecture and anatomy of root system development will be important for
possible future development of a root competition model.
Pothole Creek Demonstration Area: The 5 ha Pothole Creek Study Area is part of the 561 ha Pothole Creek Demonstration Area that was established in 1996 by Weyerhaueser Canada Ltd., the
Cascades Forest District
and Forest Renewal BC to investigate the Douglas-fir Problem Forest Type in the Merritt Timber Supply Area. Silviculture prescriptions and management strategies that may enable a sustainable harvest
were designed and tried at suitable locations around the Demonstration
Area. | 
