Climate Based Seed Transfer
Proposed Assessment Framework
Ministry of Forests and Range
January 7, 2008
Forests are adapted to climates that existed in the past. In a rapidly changing climate, many forest trees will become maladapted to their environment - compromising forest health and productivity. Development of a climate-based seed transfer system will assist in mitigating some of the negative effects, and take advantage of some of the benefits, that a changing climate will have on forest productivity.
Facilitating the migration of species and seedlots is also one of the most pragmatic approaches to addressing climate change in forest management. None-the-less, making the transition from current transfer rules to new climate-based rules will require careful management given the range and complexity of policy and operational implications of this change.
The assessment will be guided by several operating principles and a process and timeframe overseen by the Forest Genetics Council of BC (FGC). It is anticipated that 3-5 years will be required to undertake the assessment and implement a new system – although incremental changes may be made in the interim. The assessment will begin with identifying and evaluating candidate climate-based seed transfer systems based on current research and science. Candidate options will also evaluated and examined through policy, operational and business lenses. For example, the candidate system(s) will be assessed for implications on: existing genecology and breeding programs; seed orchards; seed collection, processing, storage and testing; seed inventories; seed planning and selection; seedling production; planting operations; seed information systems (SPAR and SeedMap); and FRPA legislation and seed use standards (including linkages to species selection and C&E). It is anticipated that both incremental and transformation changes to the existing seed transfer standards will be required and introduced in staged approach.
An implementation plan, including resource requirements and timelines, will subsequently be developed, and supported by the establishment of committees and working groups as required. Overall project management will be lead by Tree Improvement Branch with the scientific review and assessments lead by Research Branch. Considerable involvement and support from TIB and Research Branch staff and members of the Forest Genetics Council of BC (FGC) will be required. Consultation and communication with stakeholders, First Nations and other client groups, will also be necessary throughout the duration of the project.
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Graphs provided by Greg O'Neill, Research Branch |
For further information, please contact:
Brian T. Barber MA, RPF
A/Director, Tree Improvement Branch
British Columbia Forest Service
Mailing: PO Box 9518 STN PROV GOVT V8W 9C2
Victoria, B.C., Canada
ph (250) 356-0888
brian.barber@gov.bc.ca
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