INTRODUCTION
The forest management cycle shows the continuous series of activities required to ensure that the working forest balances the economic value we want with the social and environmental values we also cherish. Every activity is tied to forest ecology. How, when, and where an activity takes place is based on the combination of soils, climate, terrain and vegetation found in that particular place.
Every aspect of the forest management cycle is controlled and reviewed by the Ministry of Forests and regulated by the Forest Practices Code - the strictest rules in the world!
PLANNING
The planning process is designed to:
- Build a comprehensive picture of the forest as it is today (inventory)
- Pull together the mix of social, economic and environmental values we want from this forest over a future period of time (government land use processes / public input / business issues)
- Design the forestry activities that will produce the type of forest to deliver those values. (Harvest/reforestation.)
The planning process can take three years before a single tree is harvested. Planning includes:
- the gathering and analysis of data: climate, soil, slope, plants, fish and wildlife habitat, recreation potential, cultural heritage, etc.
- ecological classification
- discussions with stakeholders and local communities
- removal from harvest plan of any sensitive areas or critical habitat
- the development of the series of plans required by the Ministry of Forests. These plans go from broad long term plans for the entire area to highly detailed plans for a specific block. All activities from harvesting through to protection are planned.
Government approval is required at many stages to ensure that all values have been considered. Values such as fish and wildlife habitat, cultural heritage, water quality, recreation, and many others.
HARVEST
Once the Ministry of Forests has approved all the plans and issued permits - harvesting can begin. Every aspect is tightly regulated by the Forest Practices Code.
Road building has to meet the high standards set by the forest practices code. Poorly built roads and improper use of machines can cause soil erosion which can lead to fish habitat damage. This must not occur.
There are several types of harvesting systems and various kinds of equipment that can be used. The selection of which harvest system or machine to utilize is determined in the planning stage based on the ecology of the specific forest area and the reforestation plan. The decision process follows this sequence:
- determine the type of future forest desired, based on the forest ecology.
- design the harvest system to produce the conditions that will enable that type of forest to regenerate. eg. If we want to grow back the Douglas fir forest that is there now, the harvest system selected must create large enough openings to produce the high levels of light required to grow this species of tree. The system would be some kind of clear cut.
- Modify the system to suit the slope, soil and habitat situations for this site.
Once the plans are approved the logging can begin. Logging crews are trained to work with great care around fish streams, wildlife trees, special nest sites, cave openings, wet areas and other situations.
REFORESTATION
All areas must be reforested, it is the law. During the planning stage the forester will assess what kind of forest to grow back, which types of trees to plant and how to prepare the area for planting.
Seedlings that come from this or very similar areas will be used in replanting.
Cones are collected from standing trees (by helicopter), from logged trees and from seed orchards. The seed is separated and planted in nurseries. Once they reach the desired size they will be replanted in the forest. The elevation and area where a cone was picked is recorded so that the seedling can be replanted in a similar environment. This ensures they will be well suited for that particular habitat, and grow well.
In some areas, natural regeneration is the most appropriate method of reforestation. Others areas spread seeds for reforestation.
Whether by seedling, nature or seed the new forest is monitored carefully to ensure the proper reforestation occurs. Supplementary planting will be provided as required.
STAND TENDING
To speed up the re-growth of the new forest "gardening" or stand tending techniques can be used.
- Weeding:
- to prevent competition with other plants which slows the growth of the trees.
- Thinning or spacing:
- removing some trees- to limit competition which slows growth
- Pruning:
- removing branches so new formed wood will be knots free.
- Fertilization:
- to increase the nutrients the trees need for good growth.
These activities can produce significant results under certain conditions. Foresters study and monitor tree growth I the forest to determine which stands will benefit from these programs.
PROTECTION
More trees are lost to insects, disease and forest fire every year than the total amount of wood harvested!
There are fire prevention actions that forest companies take from monitoring the forest to determine fire hazard levels, controlling fuel levels in the forest with prescribed burning to careful use of machinery in dry areas.
Fighting forest fires is very costly. In BC there are about 2,800 forest fires annually and the province spent millions of dollars fighting them.
Insects and disease can be controlled through good forest management. Identifying and monitoring problem areas, use of "trap trees" and "pheromone trap", removal of infested trees and clearcutting areas of high pest populations.
RESEARCH
The forest is a complex system to work in. According to UBC professor Dr. Bunnell, "Forestry isn't rocket science, it's much more complicated!" Research into all aspects of forest ecosystems and methods of forestry is essential. The more we learn, the better our management decisions will be. Research is a cornerstone to sustainable forestry.
SUMMARY
The forest management cycle illustrates the continuous series of activities on-going in the managed forest. Harvesting, reforestation and stand tending are all inter-linked through the intensive planning process. Protection is also a consideration within each of these components. The ecology of the forest is the context that drives the decisions for all of these management actions. Research is providing important inputs to all parts of the cycle. This new information leads to the continuous improvement in the level of forest management in British Columbia.
For detailed information on the individual components of the forest management cycle, see the Forestry Files section of this web site.