A Synthesis of the Art and Science of Sustainable Forestry & Ecosystem-based Management

Project Abstract:
Today’s practicing natural resource professionals are dealing with many complex natural resource management challenges. For example, how productive are our ecosystems and will that productivity change in response to the expected changes in climate? How do forests develop and change based on biotic and abiotic interventions and how do we monitor those changes and developments? In order to meet those challenges natural resource managers have identified the need for a solid foundation in the basic principles, practices and monitoring techniques associated with specific SFM elements such as ecosystem productivity and ecosystem-based management (EBM) (Morford and Hollstedt, 2007).

This project addresses this identified need by synthesizing the latest and most current science on Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) practices in British Columbia related to ecosystem productivity and condition. The extension team will work with existing literature and experts to synthesize current innovations in sustainable forest management and extend the information to forest management professionals. The extension activities conducted will be guided by the scientific community in relation to innovations in ecosystem based management and the principles that guide them. As part of this project, there will be an EBM needs assessment which will inform the development of a curriculum on the basics of ecosystem based management as well as future extension efforts in Sustainable Forest & Ecosystem Based Managements. When completed the project impacts will be evaluated and future work adjusted based on evaluation results.

For further information on this project, please contact Alan.Wiensczyk@forrex.org.