Volume 1 - Resource Management
Chapter 2 - Silviculture

Policy 2.4 - White Pine

Effective Date: 15-Aug-96
Updated: 14-Jul-98
Responsible Branch: Forest Practices Branch

Resource Management Volume Table of Contents | Amendment Log

Scope

This policy covers the conservation, management, and improvement of white pine.

Policy

Because of blister rust disease (caused by fungus), white pine is not on the list of preferred species for reforestation and silvicultural activities. However, white pine often has a superior growth rate compared to many other species, and some white pine trees are resistant to blister rust (Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act, s.106).

Therefore, the Ministry's policy is to conserve and manage white pine as a commercial tree species, and improve its resistance to blister rust.

Improvement Methods

Genetic principles will be applied along with appropriate silvicultural practices to preserve or improve the quality and growth of both existing and future stands of white pine.

Treatment guidelines will be established for:

  • white pine stand testing
  • regeneration prescriptions and activities
  • pest and disease management

Forestry Canada, the Silviculture and Research branches, and regional staff will cooperate to develop seed production areas to produce quality white pine seed. Silviculture Branch will act as a central registry for white pine seed inventory.

Participation

Participation in white pine improvement work by forest companies, Forestry Canada, universities, and other interested parties will be encouraged and promoted.

Cooperative programs will be coordinated through established councils and committees.

Research Branch Role

The Research Branch will assist with white pine improvement as follows:

  • reviewing and providing direction for the provincial white pine improvement strategy
  • reviewing all working plans for white pine planting trials
  • acting as a central registry for white pine reproductive material contained in clone banks and other research plantations
  • acting as a clearing house for the flow of information on genetic improvement of white pine
  • assisting in developing and implementing a white pine seed production program

Improvement Implementation

Improvements will be implemented using the white pine tree improvement strategy as developed by Forestry Canada and the Tree Improvement Councils.

Regional Managers will develop and coordinate a management plan which recognizes white pine as a viable commercial species, and provide for its conservation and improvement. Reports and proposals from the districts which contribute positively to these plans will be approved. Regional Managers will also monitor district activities involving white pine management, and provide district staff with the necessary training and expertise.

District Managers will assist the region in identifying trees which exhibit resistance to blister rust and which may respond to treatment, or have value as genetic breeding material. The districts will propose and carry out all prescribed silvicultural treatments on white pine stands, including carrying out and monitoring white pine planting trials, and collecting cones from trees demonstrating high resistance to blister rust.

References

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