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Forest Region |
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Forest Region |
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INTRODUCTION
In the ICHmk3 biogeoclimatic subzone in the Cariboo Forest
Region, Douglas-fir stands tend to be even-aged. These seral forests are
eventually replaced with western redcedar-subalpine fir climax communities.
Douglas-fir stands, within this wetbelt ecosystem, are important to the
forest industry and wildlife. They are particularly valuable as mule deer
winter range because of the snow interception cover, thermal cover, and
Douglas-fir forage provided by mature and older trees. Douglas-fir stands
in these ecosystems are typically clearcut which effectively removes large
portions of the winter range for long periods of time. Furthermore, regenerating
these large clearcuts with Douglas-fir is often difficult due to frost,
snow press, and/or vegetation competition. The typical silvicultural system
used on mule deer winter range in uneven-aged Douglas-fir, is low-volume,
single tree selection. This system is not ecologically appropriate for
these even-aged stands. This pilot study was designed to explore openings,
of variable size, orientation and shape, that could be used in conjunction
with group selection, patch cut, or clearcut silvicultural systems to maintain
Douglas-fir stands on mule deer winter range.
CONTACT
Michaela
Waterhouse
Silvicultural Systems, Research Associate
(250) 398-4405
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