Synthesizing Operational and Silvicultural Research Results for Forest Resource Practitioners

Project Abstract:
Forests are dynamic and resilient ecosystems, responding to natural and anthropogenic changes based on biophysical and autecological characteristics. Light, water, nutrient, genetic variation, species characteristics, and seed production and dispersal all interact together under the influence of the various biotic and abiotic disturbance agents we see at play on the landscape. Teams of forestry professionals have identified the need to have access to the latest science and innovations relating the effects of these dynamic processes on their current forest management objectives and activities especially in light of many of the changes that have been taking place at that landscape level (Snetsinger 2006 – Future Forest Ecosystems Initiative, Forest Science Program Strategic Plan 2004 08, Morford et al. 2006, Swift and Scherer 2006). This project responds to that identified need. Through the use of a variety of preferred delivery methods that synthesizes the latest information and make it readily available, forest management professionals will have increased awareness of the latest scientific, experiential and indigenous information and innovations related to forest operations and silviculture practices.

In this project, the forest management extension team will work with FIA Forest Science Program research proponents to utilize existing and innovative media to expand the reach of their research innovations through the Provincial Forestry Extension Program and Partner publication products and periodicals most preferred by the primary target audiences. Using such products as short, peer reviewed BC Journal of Ecosystem and Management Extension Notes, LINK Newsletter articles, and submission to Partner publications that focus on providing short succinct, key messages, the extension team will concentrate on providing useful, local solutions to short term management challenges such as those related to early growth and survival of young stand, and various technologies associated with forest harvesting and engineering activities. The extension team will also work to highlight specific Forest Science Program research projects that link directly to high priority silviculture and forest operation questions identified by the FIA FSP Timber and Value Program Advisory Committee within the new Forest Science Corner section of LINK. Recognizing the importance of addressing questions such as “what do we already know” about managing our ecosystems, the extension team will develop a number of synthesis reports starting with the Dry Forest ecosystems of the southern interior. The team will also work collaboratively with national vegetation management experts to summarize and synthesize twenty years of data associated with vegetation management alternatives and their environmental implications related to boreal and sub boreal ecosystems in British Columbia and nationally. These synthesis reports will be the building block for future extension publications and activities.

For further information on this project, please contact kathie.swift@forrex.org.