Old Growth Variability Across BEC Variants

Old Growth VariabilityObjectives

  • Establish 15 1 ha plots within protected areas of Vancouver Island (yellow outline on map) to study old growth across 5 biogeoclimatic variants: CWHvh1; vm1; vm2; mm1; xm1/2.
  • Sample species composition for overstory, shrubs, and ground cover; complete digital mapping of all overstory trees, snags, and coarse woody debris; map distribution of canopy gaps.
  • Coordinate with international researchers for comprehensive analysis –USDA FS in Oregon, Washington, Alaska
  • Complete report on comparative analysis of species composition, vertical structure, horizontal inter/intra specific spatial relationships.
  • Complete report on logistics and research practicalities of establishment of the regional old growth plot network.
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Old Growth PhotographBackground and Rationale

  • Coastal temperate rainforests span broad, latitudinal gradients in temperature, moisture, and continentality from OR, WA through BC to southeast AK; however, limited data are available from coastal BC
  • Standardized, comparative studies of these forests would contribute to comprehensive models of natural structure and function, to management for old growth restoration, and to representation planning
  • Initiatives such as ecosystem-based management, managing for ecological resilience, anticipating climate change effects require empirical data on structure-function relationships across climatic conditions.
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Anticipated Schedule

  • Initial scoping for plot sites spring, 2007
  • Establishment and sampling of 6 plots (2 variants), summer 2007
  • Initial analysis and reporting on 2 variants, winter 2007-8
  • Initial report on logistic development and research opportunities from network, winter 2007-8
  • Establishment and sampling of 9 plots (3 variants), summer 2008
  • Final comparative report on all old growth variants, winter 2008-9
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