Tree Species BC – Project Scoping Document 5/21/2018

PROJECT: Development of a Provincial Tree Species Selection Reference System – Tree Species BC DATE: May 4, 2007

Goal: The goal of the project is to develop a provincial Tree Species Selection Reference System (Tree Species BC), incorporating all new and existing scientific and operational tree species selection information into an easily accessible database format.

Overview of the Concept: The intent is to design a web-based reference system, where users can access and share reliable tree species information in a variety of interconnected ways. Depending on their particular interest, users will be able to drill down to species information by: using a biogeoclimatic subzone, variant or site series context; exploring key questions that emerge during forest management planning and operational silviculture activities; or by going directly to the tree species of interest. Web-links and cross-links will enable comprehensive exploring and access to related publications, data, databases and other information sources.

It is critical that such a system remain current. With this in mind, users are encouraged to share: unpublished studies, data, anecdotal observations, and knowledge of relevant new information that exists elsewhere. This sharing of knowledge will be facilitated through a dynamic trees species wiki platform that will be accessible on almost every page on the site. Information submitted through this forum will be vetted and augmented annually by specialists to ensure only credible and reliable information is available.

The overarching goal is that species decisions and associated discussion in the province will be supported by the best information and data available, and that information will be readily available to all who need it to manage, administer, monitor and study the forests of British Columbia.

Objectives: The objectives of this project are1 to: 1. Ensure the most up-to-date, credible information and data regarding suitable tree species selection is available to users, and that the integrity of the data is fully supported and maintained. 2. Facilitate easy access to this information and data for all those who will be involved in the development, discussion and approval of forest (or landscape) and stand management decisions, prescriptions, plans and strategies (I.e. field foresters, resource planners, forest managers, etc…). 3. Facilitate continuous improvement through the identification of information and knowledge gaps with respect to existing information and data sets. 1 A future option is to create a comprehensive “Decision Support System” (rolling up – development, discussion and approva.

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4. To identify a process of how updated data with current/relevant information will be entered into the reference System.

Underlying Concerns: As FRPA legislation and policy came into effect, a new era of results-based forest management in British Columbia was born. The intent was to focus on end results and allow for latitude in the way our forests are managed. As well, FRPA intended to encourage innovative new ideas and different approaches to better facilitate positive evolution of thought and practice over time. In spite of the intent, considerable frustration emerged with the first round of forest stewardship plans (FSPs) concerning species selection and stocking standards. Deviation from old approaches to species selection was often difficult because the potential impacts on future stands and landscapes, as well as the related implications for timber supply, were not always clear. Part of the solution to this underlying concern is the development of a up-to-date reliable species information system that can inform discussions and debate about new approaches to species selection at various scales. Clearly the underlying concerns prompting the development of this reference system, will not be fully addressed by the system itself. Other initiatives, some of which are included in the context of this document, are essential components required to address the challenges ahead and to better serve the future of British Columbia’s natural resources..

Guiding principles: 1. Based on the best available tree species selection information, data, experience and knowledge. 2. Designed to be adaptive and enable continuous improvement of the system based on user input. 3. Focused on providing information and data relative to the selection of suitable tree species at both the landscape and site level. 4. Focused on providing non-synthesized, less prescriptive tree species selection information as a means of supporting the decision-making process.

Framework: 1. Provide the most current, best available information regarding tree species selection by BGC subzone (landscape level), Site Series (site level) and individual tree species: by Site Series:

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o Species reliability – longevity2 - specifically forest health agents and concerns - o Site productivity – information from growth and yield plots, SIBEC, trials, provenance trials, etc – updated when new information becomes available. o Site feasibility – establishment concerns – survival information, trials, relationship to site limiting factors and/or relative tree species tolerances. o Wood Quality – linkages to wood quality parameters by species. may be provided or discussed separately o Species composition – information regarding historic, 2nd growth and future stand comp o The initial species list by Site Series will be populated from the most recent guidelines for tree species selection and stocking standards for BC. o Other - new ideas or site specific issues that are important for a given site series. by BGC Subzone/variant: o Subzone/variant characteristics – general subzone information taken from regional field guides including mapped location o Species Composition – information regarding historic, 2nd growth and future stand comp, including emerging composition concerns (I.e. dramatic composition shifts as a result of current management) o Site Series - comparative site characteristics relative to tree species feasibility, productivity and/or reliability o Silvicultural considerations – emerging landscape level concerns (over stocking, forest health issues, etc…); applicable TSA’s? o Other - new ideas or site specific issues that are important for a given site series. by Tree Species:  Spp Distribution – maps and general info  Spp ecology – general spp characteristics/silvics  Health considerations – insects, disease, abiotic damage, etc… New research – new data/information  Other - new ideas or species topic issues that important for that particular species e.g., Wood Quality – general characteristics of wood quality and uses Economic Value – broad historical perspective?

2 This will be an issue with “new” species being proposed (e.g., Siberian larch) since there is limited long term data to reject or support its use. Information sources on species range trials will be provided where available.

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Scope: In Scope:  The development of a corporate tree species selection reference system, including the data base / web interface design, data loading, testing, and publication of final product;  The inclusion and correlation of all tree species selection information currently found in the MoFR Regional Field Guides, including forest health concerns, site limiting factors and silvicultural considerations;  The incorporation of all applicable existing BGC zones, subzones, variants and site series.  The incorporation of all new tree species selection information specific to individual site series, BGC units and/or tree species, including anectodal sources and expert opinion;  The production of a Tree Species Compendium for all commercial tree species found in British Columbia, using The Distribution and Synopsis of Ecological and Silvical Characteristics of Tree Species of British Columbia’s Forests (Klinka et al., 2000) as a template;  Literature reviews of new tree species selection related research and incorporation of new information into the reference system and/or compendium;  The inclusion of all ecologically acceptable tree species as listed in the Reference Guide for Forest Development Plan Stocking Standards; including all species specific footnotes; Out of Scope:  Revisions to the Reference Guide for Forest Development Plan Stocking Standards  Information regarding stocking densities  Information regarding non-commercial tree species in BC  Conducting new research associated with the collection and analysis of tree species data (I.e. climate change species relationships, forest health, etc…).  The inclusion of preferred and acceptable information as currently listed in the Reference Guide for Forest Development Plan Stocking Standards  The production of hardcopy materials.

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Related Initiatives (linkages to other initiatives) Given the breadth of issues that influence, or are affected by, tree species selection decisions it is not expected that the development of this reference system will fully address all concerns or interests. It is recognized that the outcomes associated with a number of related initiatives are key components in the overall species selection decision-making process. These initiatives include: a. Tree Gene Resource Management – Currently developing a strategy for Managing B.C.’s Tree Genetic Resources; development of a GRM Decision Support System; consideration of a GRM Reference System (information, data links, forecasts, history, performance monitoring (trends, status, changes) b. Forest for Tomorrow - The program is aimed at improving the future timber supply and addressing risks to other forest values through the re-establishment of young forests on land that would otherwise remain under-productive. Two related initiatives are aimed at: i. quantifying the effect of species choices (including broadleaf tree species) on long-term harvest levels; and ii. evaluating alternative means to establish forest-level targets for species composition in harvested areas. c. Future Forest Ecosystems – a Ministry of Forests and Range initiative for maintaining and enhancing the resilience of B.C.'s forest ecosystems. d. Climate Change Task Team – targeting issues related to potential impacts of climate change on forest and range resources e. Mountain Pine Beetle Action Plan – setting the objectives and actions to mitigate the impacts of MPB f. Forest and Range Practices Act – establishes the results-based operational requirements for forest and range management g. Forest Resource Evaluation Program - evaluates the effectiveness of FRPA objectives, operational plans and practices h. Forest Investment Account – provides financial support to research aimed at improving sustainability, productivity, and value of BC’s forests. i. Ecosystem Based Management – Resource management framework focussed on sustaining ecosystem integrity in Coastal B.C. j. Mid-level Planning Initiative - define species suitability in the context of timber supply, habitat supply, biodiversity, landscape and other objectives for an area. The TSA or mgt unit plan should the basis for broad level species selection (I.e. given the broad range of ecologically suitable species which species do stakeholders within a given TSA/TFL feel should be managed for).

Approach (Inclusive, Inputs, Continuous improvement and feedback, Linkages, Risk management etc.)

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1. The process is to be managed to incorporate new information as it becomes available. Existing database structures and information will be used wherever possible. It is a mulit-year project to be jointly managed by the Research and Forest Practices Branches. 2. Utilize a simple web-based, format (relatively inexpensive, but easy to update) to provide access to information and data. Initial format will be focused on a subset of information, capturing the appropriate content and functionality, with the intent to shift over to a complete “corporate” database format in the future. Design will allow for projected upgrades (i.e. shift into an expert system). 3. Multiple “system tools” will be used to provide access to data and information: a. TREE SPECIES REFERENCE SYSTEM - information about ecological suitability, forest health and other considerations by site series (stand level) and by subzone (landscape level) – with linkages to source information and data bases (i.e. SPAR and RESULTS). b. COMPENDIUM OF SPECIES INFORMATION – information and data by tree species with linkages to source info and databases. c. TREE SPECIES WIKI – to be used for collegial additions to the Tree Species Selection information. . Core data and local data – unpublished especially should have a peer review – flagged for levels of reliability. Could control entering information using – ID er or BCID d. DECISION-MAKING GUIDANCE – A comprehensive guide to forest management decision-making, highlighting key species selection questions at each step. The questions will have linkages back to a-c above. 4. Information and data will be ranked for reliability and clearly display the age (vintage). This will assist in professional discussions and help identify information gaps. 5. Format will allow for logical printouts.

Who will use this information and how? The project goal is “to develop a provincial Tree Species Selection Reference System, incorporating all new and existing scientific and operational tree species selection information into an easily accessible database format.

Potential End Users:

 MoFR Headquarters, Regional and District staff – silviculturists, forest health specialists, entomologists, pathologists, ecologists, geneticists, planners, etc…  Industry foresters (Licensees, BC Timber Sales and Woodlot foresters)  Timber supply area working groups

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 Forest Genetics Council  UBC Gene Conservation Center –  Forest Resource Evaluation Program  Researchers – University, Ministry of Forests, Forestry Canada and others  University and College Students  Forest Investment Account (Land Based Program)

Potential Uses:

 to aid in Forest Stewardship and Woodlot planning, pertaining to species selection by site series for inclusion in stocking standard regimes.  to assist in preparing site plans (I.e. due diligence).  in TSA or Regional Silviculture Strategies to identify areas best suited for management activities.  to input their observations in the field, unpublished data and other information about particular species on particular sites.  to be used as a source of information for the review of Forest Stewardship plan stocking standards.  To be used as a source of information for silviculture / forest health related monitoring  To help identify species choices that fit with the strategic direction for the unit in question (e.g., fiber, value, specific wood quality attributes…)  to help review information sources links and informal inputs via the wiki on a regular basis (perhaps annually) to ensure nothing is missing and rank reliability (perhaps risk as well).  to ensure the most up to date information is available for those selecting species.  to identify species suitability when assessing the Timber Objectives.  to identify research opportunities.  as a repository for new and relevant tree species information.  as a learning tool for silvics courses and to help with special projects.  to help make funding decisions based on species suitability information.  as a framework for discussion on how to incorporate climate change information as it becomes available.

Primary uses of this system are listed in red font; these are uses that are considered to be driving forces behind the content and design of the system.

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Secondary uses of this system are listed in black font; the system is useful but not necessary for these purposes

Future options: As with most multi-year projects, successful completion is dependent on securing sufficient resources on an annual basis. Given this risk, the initial phases of the project are focussed on ensuring that the minimum level of information and functionality required by our target audience is met. Once the minimum requirements have been achieved, the project focus will shift to include enhancements to the existing system. These long term goals include:  Incorporate species selection recommendations relative to climate change.  Establish links with RESULTS, SPAR and other provincial databases  Incorporate information on common/ecologically suitable species mixes.  Link into an expert system. As the project contiues to move forward, a more in depth plan for the future will be developed.

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