increasing the timber management land base
The Forest Service analysis is based on the area within the Kootenay Lake Timber Supply Area that is feasible and economical to harvest and reforest—the timber management land base. The land base used in the timber industry critique was slightly larger than was used in the Forest Service analysis. However, this had little effect on the timber supply forecast in the timber industry critique.
reducing the minimum harvest ages
Three respondents indicated concern that the minimum harvest ages are too young.
reduction of losses to wildfire, insects, disease and blow down
Four respondents indicated insect and disease losses were likely to increase in the future. This was not addressed in the timber industry critique.
increasing the growth rate of regenerated forests
Six respondents indicated silvicultural successes would at least partially offset the decline in timber supply. As mentioned, the timber industry critique used managed stand yield tables which projected faster growth for reforested areas. This did not affect the forecast short-term timber supply, but it did increase the projected long-term timber supply.
A number of respondents expressed doubt that regenerated forests would perform as well as expected, citing personal knowledge of plantation failures, climatic change, and a lack of human knowledge of how forest ecosystems function.
