Research Branch Staff Publications

Thinning Lodgepole Pine in Southeastern British Columbia: 46-year Results.

Citation:

Johnstone, W. 2002. Thinning Lodgepole Pine in Southeastern British Columbia: 46-year Results. B.C. Min. For., Working Paper 63.

Abstract:

The effects of thinning 53-year-old, fire-origin lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. var. latifolia Engelm.) are reported 46 years after treatment. Five thinning treatments plus unthinned controls were established in plots in the Montane Spruce biogeoclimatic zone in southeastern British Columbia. Although tree-size responses were substantial in relative terms, the absolute responses to thinning were small. On an area basis, the response to thinning can be substantial, particularly when the net periodic annual increment of the thinned plots is compared to that of the unthinned controls. During the 46-year observation period, the plots were attacked by mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins), and the results of the study tend to support the theory that heavy thinning may help to beetle-proof lodgepole pine stands.

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