Forestry and Logging
Forests and woodlots are a valuable resource for the Chilcotin Mountain area. Considering logging practices, real management efforts have to be made in order to insure the sustainability of timber production.
The objective of monitoring ground-forest practices is to identify related issues and to provide relevant information and advice for decision makers.
This monitoring can be done by collecting samples, recording observations, and analysing the potential conflicts with real experience in forest practices.
WSTF and partners are providing input concerning the management plans of the area, and propose assessments in case of conflict between users or for the need of industrial projects such as resort construction, proposed construction of wind turbines, or new water power projects.
For example, WSTF gets involved in the deactivation of roads to limit access to certain areas. This strategy enhances the possibilities for wildlife to occupy new areas and create new migration corridors.
Future projects
The Whitebark Pine is threatened by the Mountain Pine Beetle. The beetle’s larvae mine the phloem area beneath the bark and eventually cut off the tree’s supply of nutrients. The beetles are threatening Whitebark Pine populations that are already affected by White Pine Blister Rust, a fungal disease widespread in British Columbia. The whole ecosystem is affected. Bears, birds, squirrels and many other species depend on the Pine to fatten up for winter.
The South Chilcotin Mountain forests are largely affected by the disease.
What can we do?
We are planning a Mountain Pine Beetle count to:
- Estimate the percentage of infested trees
- Link infestation levels to pine tree health
- Compare old timber with areas where there has been a fire in the past