Strategic Evaluation of the Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification for the Coast Forest Region (Gap Analysis)

Objectives

Locate and evaluate (quality, geographic accuracy) existing hardcopy data for plots currently in the Regional BEC database.
Evaluate existing data (e.g., TEM) not in the database for inclusion.
Analyze sampling adequacy with respect to site series, geographic location (e.g., forest district).
Provide recommendation for strategic sampling to improve rigour of the current classification, support management needs, and guide development of the classification in the advent of future stresses (e.g., climate change).

The biogeoclimatic ecosystem classification in BC provides a foundation for ecological management; the framework provides context for silvicultural prescriptions, protected areas planning, representation analysis, wildlife habitat assessments.
The previous field guides incorporating the Coast Region’s land base were published in 1993 and 1994; the sampling available for certain site series was limited at that time.
Geographic data are limited for many plots within the Region, making verification and reassessment of data difficult for seral classifications or as conditions (e.g., climate) change.
Evaluation of the existing data, its geographic accuracy and coverage over the Region is necessary to support strategic sampling for a solid foundation of the biogeoclimatic classification and revisions to the Region’s field guide.