HyP³ Research Approach

We have initiated an integrated research program aimed at a better ecological understanding of the coastal blanket bog – upland forest complex of the CWHvh2.  Ultimately, we must assess the feasibility of harvesting these areas in a responsible and sustainable manner and, where it is deemed appropriate, provide management guidelines for doing so.

The HyP³ project has been divided into the following components:

1. Regeneration, growth, and productivity
           -Stem Analysis
2. Hydrology, geochemistry, and peat development
3. Soil ecology.
4. Operational research trials
           -Oona River (background & harvesting)
           -Oona River (treatments & planting)
5. Classification and inventory
           -Wood Quality Assessment
           -End Product Recovery

Intensive, site-specific studies are being carried out along two study transects that include representative examples of the following site series:

1) hemlock-cedar-amabilis fir productive forest (CWHvh2/06)	2) cedar-cypress-hemlock lower productivity forest (CWGvh2/01)
3) bog forest (CWHvh2/11)	4) bog woodland (CWHvh2/12)
5) open blanket bog (CWHvh2/32)

These represent the most common site series within the CWHvh2 (Banner et al. 1993). Intensive study components (especially components 1, 2, and 3) occur along these common transects to maximize the co-operation among researchers. This will also help to develop a better understanding of how one ecosystem component (e.g., hydrology) relates to another (e.g., soil ecology, site productivity).  Intensive study sites are located at Diana Lake Provincial Park and Smith Island, both near Prince Rupert. Other aspects of the study are more extensive in nature. For example, component 4 involves locating appropriate study sites for operational trials at several possible locations within the North Coast Forest District. Component 5 involves inventory and classification work throughout the North Coast District. The study is being coordinated to fully integrate the research results among components.

End Products/Application of Results

1. Management Tools

• A variety of extension methods are planned to ensure that the HyP³ results are applied in TSA planning initiatives as well as on the ground:
• A Land Management Handbook synthesizing the 5 year results of the HyP³ Project and providing management interpretations for coastal cedar-hemlock forests.
• Predictive Ecosystem (PEM) maps will be produced for the relevant planning areas within the North Coast TSA. These maps will combine predicted site series with timber attributes and will rank cedar-dominated polygons as to their timber management potential.
• Inventory summaries tabulating the areas, volumes, and geographic location of cedar-dominated stands within the North Coast TSA.
• A silvicultural guide (Field Guide Supplement) to the management of cedar-dominated forest types in the North Coast TSA
• A variety of operational field demonstration trials.
• Field workshops.
• A series of Extension Notes providing summarized information on the findings of each study component.  There are currently 11 extension notes dealing with the HyP³ project: #38, #39, #44, #45, #48, #49, #50, #51, #52, #54, and #56.
• The Final Report is now available in both hard copy and on-line.  The report is a synthesis of the results from 7-years of research work.

Contacts:

Project Leader: Allen Banner,  MoF, Smithers.

Project Manager: Karen McKeown, MoF, Smithers.

Component 1: Phil LePage, MoF, Smithers.

Component 2: David Maloney, MoF, Prince George, Jonathan Price, U. Waterloo, Ontario, Paul Marquis, MoF Nanaimo

Component 3: Marty Kranabetter, MoF, Smithers.

Components 4 and 5: Phil LePage and Allen Banner, MoF, Smithers.

North Coast District Contact: Mike Grainger, MoF, Prince Rupert.
 

References:

Banner, A., J. Pojar, and G.E. Rouse. 1983.  Postglacial paleoecology and successional relationships of a bog woodland near Prince Rupert, British Columbia. Can. J. For. Res. 13: 938-947.

Banner, A., W. MacKenzie, S. Haeussler, S. Thomson, J. Pojar and R. Trowbridge. 1993.  A field guide to site identification and interpretation for the Prince Rupert Forest Region; Parts 1 and 2. Res. Br., B.C. Min. For., Victoria, B.C. Land Mgmt. Hand. No. 26.

Kayahara, G.J, and K. Klinka. 1997.  The potential for managing nutrient poor and low productivity yellow-cedar – redcedar – hemlock forests of north coastal British Columbia; A problem analysis.  Unpublished contract report, B.C. Ministry of Forests, Research Section, Smithers, B.C.

Pederson, L. 1995. North Coast Timber Supply Area: rationale for allowable annual cut (AAC) determination, September 1, 1995. B.C. Min. For. Doc.

Prescott, C.E. and G.F. Weetman. 1994. Salal Cedar Hemlock Integrated Research Program: A Synthesis. Faculty of Forestry. University of B.C. Vancouver, B.C.