The Future Forest Ecosystems of BC: Exploring the Opportunities

Future Forest Ecosystems originated at a December 2005 symposium and workshop.  The session was attended by federal and provincial agencies, universities, First Nations, forest and range industries, environmental organizations, and consulting resource professionals.

The Ministry of Forests and Range sponsored the Future Forest Ecosystems of B.C. – Exploring the Opportunities symposium Dec. 6-7, 2005 in Prince George to examine forest management challenges such as climate change, insect infestations, wildfire event, and timber species selection.

The symposium featured leading experts presenting overviews and the latest projections for ecological change agents that may significantly impact B.C.’s forests. The symposium agenda also included working group sessions to provide recommendations for adapting the current forest management paradigm to meet the future challenges.

• Final Report by the Symposium Chair
• Key Opportunities and Messages
• Speaker Presentations - Exploring the Opportunities

Summaries from Working Group Discussions

• Natural Disturbance
• Fire
• Biotic Disturbance Agents
• BEC as a Scientific Foundation for Management
• Species and Genetics
• Alternative Management Models (Paradigms)

Speaker Presentations

• Brad Hawkes, Canadian Forest Service - 4.5 MB
• Jim Pojar, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society - 2.5 MB
• Russell Collier, Gitxsan First Nation
• Lorraine Maclauchlan, Ministry of Forests and Range - 6 MB
• Dave Spittlehouse, Ministry of Forests and Range - 2 MB
• Sally Aitken, UBC - 11 MB
• Robert Kozak, UBC
• Bruce Larson, UBC
• Suzanne Simard, UBC - 4 MB
• Kathy Lewis, UNBC - 4 MB
• Fred Swanson, U.S. Forest Service - 2 MB | abstract of presentation
• Opening Remarks by the Chief Forester
• Speech by Deputy Minister of Forests and Range