Earth Sciences Research

The objective of earth sciences research is to understand how forest management affects natural processes. This research provides the Ministry of Forests with the information necessary for maintaining forest productivity, water quality, fish habitat and terrain and stream stability. 

Earth sciences research provided the technical foundation for the development of many of the components of the Forest Practices Code (FPC). This research is also used in timber supply modelling and to help ensure successful regeneration after harvesting. Working with researchers in silviculture and ecology, earth sciences researchers play an important role in the integrated silvicultural systems projects that have been established through B.C.'s forest regions.

Earth sciences research is carried out in a number of areas, including:

• Forest hydrology research has been a significant activity in most forest regions for the last two decades. Long-term watershed hydrology studies have been established in a number of regions to help determine the effects of forestry on different watershed components. Some of these include the timing and magnitude of streamflows, sediment movement in streams and impacts of fish habitat (fish/forestry interactions).

• Forest soils research initially focused on soil disturbance effects such as soil compaction and nutrient displacement. More recent research has looked at soil conservation and rehabilitation, the role of coarse woody debris and root rot treatments. All of which will help improve the technical foundation of the Forest Practices Code standards and guidelines.

• Geomorphology research has supported the development of terrain mapping standards and slope stability assessments under the Forest Practices Code. This is important research, as landslides can affect fish habitat, site productivity, road construction and maintenance costs, timber access and visual quality. Slope stability and terrain analysis helps to delineate areas where it is safe to operate machinery and to help prescribe logging and road building techniques.