sign in sign up
<<
Home , Birch, Douglas fir

Extension Note CONDENSED TITLE BC Journal of Ecosystems and Management ’s Coastal and Fireweed Stand Establishment Decision Aids

Brian D’Anjou1 and Jennifer Turner2 Introduction The Coastal Western Hemlock submaritime biogeoclimatic subzones (cwhds1 and ds2) occur in the inland valleys of coastal British Columbia, where the climate is commonly transitional between the province’s coastal and interior regions. Vegetation management issues in these subzones include such as fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium) and paper birch (). On wetter, rich sites of the cwh zone, management options for other vegetation (e.g., salmon- berry, devil’s club, and elderberry) are well documented; however, little research has focussed on the competing species found primarily in the submaritime British Columbia subzones. A field guide for the region ( and Klinka 1994) lists a number of vegetation concerns for the cwh’s submaritime subzones. Practitioners, however, have identified a need for more information about paper birch and fireweed. The vegeta- tion management Stand Establishment Decision Aids (sedas) included in this extension note are designed to fill this gap. Although initially developed to address the needs of coastal managers, much of the information presented here can be ap- plied to other areas of the province experiencing similar issues related to successful regeneration. Most of the con- tent was adapted from previously published information on paper birch and fireweed management in the former Cariboo Region (Swift and Turner 2002). The majority of the information provided for paper birch emanates from research conducted in the province’s southern interior (Simard 1996; Simard and Henigman 1996), where birch is well distributed and can affect crop regeneration and survival. Earlier legislation required free-growing to be 150% of the height of competing vegetation; however, the relatively small canopy of paper birch compared to other species such as makes it a less serious deterrent to conifer development. Therefore, foresters working in the cwh’s submaritime subzones must determine the effect that exist- ing levels of birch will have on the short- and long-term growth of crop trees. Additionally, research has shown that birch within a regenerating stand of Douglas-fir are beneficial to ectomycorrhizal development (see Jones et al. 1997; Simard et al. 1997a and ). Licensees working in submaritime subzones, where a shift from timber-oriented objectives to ecosystem biodiversity and long-term site productivity objectives may occur, could greatly benefit from further research into the ef- fects of paper birch on regeneration. This extension note provides a general guide for managing paper birch and fireweed in the Coast Forest Region. Peterson et al. (1997) provide a more complete discussion of paper birch throughout the majority of its range. Additional information sources for both paper birch and fireweed are listed in the Resource and Reference sections. Acknowledgements The preparation and publication of this decision aid was supported by the British Columbia Ministry of Forests and Range through the Forest Investment Account–Forest Science Program.

KEYWORDS: Betula papyrifera, Coastal Western Hemlock, competing vegetation, Epilobium angustifolium, fireweed, harvest- ing, non-timber values, paper birch, . Contact Information 1 Research Silviculturist, B.C. Ministry of Forests and Range, Research Section, Coast Forest Region, 2100 Labieux Road, Nanaimo, BC V9T 6E9. Email: [email protected] 2 (formerly Extensionist, Ecosystem Productivity, Forrex) Gartner Lee Ltd., Sperling Plaza, 6400 Roberts Street, Suite 490, Burnaby, BC V5G 4C9. Email: [email protected] ARTICLE RECEIVED: May 6, 2005 ARTICLE ACCEPTED: September 1, 2006

JEM — VOLUME 7, NUMBER 3 Published by FORREX Forest Research Extension Partnership D’Anjou, B. and J. Turner. 2006. British Columbia’sJEM — V coastalOLUME forests: #, NUMBER Paper #birch and fireweed Stand Establishment 1 Decision Aids. BC Journal of Ecosystems and Management 7(3):35–39. url: http://www.forrex.org/publications/jem/ ISS38/vol7_no3_art4.pdf D’ANJOU AND TURNER ------specific conifer species. specific conifer of benefits positive including species maintaining the on-site biodiver productivitymaintaining site and meeting higher-level modelling zone, Hemlock Cedar the Interior In sity objectives. mixtures (Douglas-fir)/birch that managingsuggests conifer for stands. yields conifer greater than pure provide may brushing. broadcast to alternative Brushing maintain seedling vigour. to very high sites hazard is competition will the vegetation rapidlycosts once increase periods crop Longer of reduce high may competition expressed. release. to growth response costs. increase results. had mixed while competition maintain control to stems gets smaller birch trees. as crop birch ing dominant during just treat the summer frillsdouble has been successful; stems can be difficult because birch following -out. not round. are in the province’s interior owing to the differing crown and leaf the differing crown owing to interior in the province’s characteristics of Douglas-fir. and interior coastal and forest occupancy, site growth, benefit conifer ties and may ofhealth (see discussion ecological benefits). relative strategies should consider phase during the regeneration with objectives. management other growth in combination rates management vegetation other creates which herb component, of the incidence fireweed). increase (e.g., issues abun birch increase may that mix mineral and organic layers seedbed. a preferred creating by dance (1.5–2.1 kg ai/ha; spray foliar broadcast summer plied as a late in 100–300 L/ha of with water) hand- clean Vision® 3–6 L/ha treatments season early growing Avoid sprayers. pump backpack if is a risk. re-sprouting PLANTING • that benefit the with stock calliper large microsites on Maintenance: Brushing • the consider of levels paper acceptable birch, determining When MANUAL • is an competition-stressed brushing around Selective • high on to Early post-harvest brushing is recommended old. years 10–12 are stands when occur should • brushing Late-entry • and perhaps treatments heavier require brushing may Delayed • has brush motorized or saws cutting with power Manual • tar brushing early in stand development manual the Interior, In • or (> 5 cm) with stems notches deep larger-diameter Girdling Silvicultural Considerations Silvicultural • than coast the less on development conifer influence may Birch • densi at lower with conifers is less competitive birch Paper • Management growth. conifer at high can reduce densities Birch • of component a stand can affect the - the birch Reducing Establishment SITE PREPARATION • or that cause mineral exposure treatments soil preparation Site • when ap birch in controlling Glyphosate can be highly effective 1 - ms1 and ds1, ms1, ms1, ds1, cwh cwh ds1 and ds2, and for for and ds1 and ds2, cwh ) zone, subzone, and variant abbreviations. subzone, ) zone, bec ww. Hazard ratings for Hazard ww. idf rative veneer, , dimensional , and ). lumber, dimensional strand oriented board, veneer, rative Alterna- regeneration. birch or biodiversity for patches birch floor as a coarse the forest on scattered stems cut leave tively, debris component. woody with seedbed suitable combined (mineral or soil and, the block establishment. birch enhances mineral and organic soil), mixed within to 100 m of seed is confined standing trees. Most Ecosystem Classification ( Classification Ecosystem and the be similar. speculated to ms2 are (1994). hazard vegetation the overall rated by series are Site clearcutting. establishment. conifer successful to rating as it relates by supported be should landscape broader the over and cutblock may This Plan. Stewardship Forest a within standards stocking Stocking decisions. management post-harvest and pre- affect describe that plans higher-level in supported be may standards management. under ecosystems the for objectives biodiversity Scagel and Erikkson the (2003) for Ratings from adapted through been harvested with associated Ratings are stands that have of an explanation (1991) for Biogeoclimatic and Pojar See Meidinger and Klinka Green based on incidence Speculated ratings paper birch for • deco furniture, utilization (e.g., commercial for has potential Birch • of retention Consider composition. birch pre-harvest Assess • on seed source maintains a potential of birch mature Retention a b c 1 Harvesting Considerations the within distribution its tree, • crop a considered is birch Ifpaper Site Series With Potential For A Paper Birch Component For A Paper Birch Potential With Site Series - - - - -

ms2 occurs at low elevations (valley at low bottoms ms2 occurs elevation) in the east (700–1000 m ws2 occurs ds1 (up to 650 m elevation)ds1 (up to and ms1 (650– elevations (valley at low mainly bot ds2 occurs ww (Interior Douglas-fir)ww (Interior biogeoclimatic variant

idf cwh cwh cwh cwh

Paul Wray, Iowa State University, University, State Iowa Wray, Paul http://www.forestryimages.or g the elevations limit to the eastern near at lower occurs and has a slopes, southwest-facing on commonly region, the Skagit to Lillooet Lake from presence discontinuous the northern In part near it occurs of the region, River. valleys. river Atnarko the Klinaklini and and South Bentick Arm, and the major rivers draining rivers and the major Arm, Bentick and South of the east end into Lake. the Owikeno ern portion north of of coast, Inlet. the central Knight valleys in the upper is found and inland drainages, It Klinaklini, Bella Coola, Dean, the Kimsquit, including the main riv as well as along areas, river and Kingcome of and east end the drainingers into Lake the Owikeno Arm. Bentick South wack, and the eastern portion and the eastern ofwack, Mountains the Coast Valley. the Homathko to Harrison upper Lake from 500 m) north to oftoms the head of in the Inlet Knight and Dean valleys. Talchako, Bella Coola, Klinaklini, as well as valley, River Kimsquit 700 m) in the lower to Channel, Labouchere Southernalong Dean Channel, well-drained soils. fern. and bracken , fireweed, thimbleberry, berry, 1200 m elevation) biogeoclimatic variants in the occur drainages north and east of River Fraser upper Chilli Paper Birch – British Columbia’s Coastal Forests Coastal British Columbia’s – Paper Birch • The • The • The • The Site Characteristics • with sites open rich, to medium on occurs birch Paper • salmon , with found cottonwood, Commonly • The

36 JEM — VOLUME 7, NUMBER 3 PAPER BIRCH STAND ESTABLISHMENT DECISION AID

- -

- m

Ecol In m m m m Rep. No. 257. 257. No. Rep. Pseudotsuga

http://www.for. f diseases in in diseases root : : frda Betula papyrifera Betula Handb. No. 6. 6. No. Handb. url http://www.forrex. : : Phellinus frda url and and Rep. No. 179. 179. No. Rep. dm subzone. B.C. Min. For., Victoria, Victoria, For., Min. B.C. subzone. dm Armillaria frda cwh f http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/pubs/Docs/ 1991–2000 protocol for operational brushing brushing operational for protocol 1991–2000 : : http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/pubs/Docs/Lmh/ : : url probe url http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/pubs/Docs/Frh/Frh011.ht

m : m m url http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/pubs/Docs/Frr/Frr271.ht http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/pubs/Docs/Frr/Frr158.ht http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/pubs/Docs/Frr/Frr255.ht : : : : : : http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/pubs/Docs/Lmh/Lmh28.ht : : url url url url f f Report No. 226. pp. 254–261. pp. 226. No. Report Handb. No. 11. 11. No. Handb. http://www.forrex.org/publications/jem/ISS13/vol2_no2_art5.pd m : : Rep. No. 158. 158. No. Rep. 271. No. Rep. frda frda mw2 site near Salmon Arm. For. Can. and B.C. Min. For., Victoria, B.C. B.C. Victoria, For., Min. B.C. and Can. For. Arm. Salmon near site mw2 url frda frda ich seedlings grown in mixture in soils from southern British Columbia. Can. J. For. Res. Res. For. J. Can. Columbia. British southern from soils in mixture in grown seedlings http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/pubs/docs/en/en06.pd Rep. 255. pp. 157–167. 157–167. pp. 255. Rep.

: seedlings grown in the greenhouse or outplanted in single-species and mixed plots in southern Brit southern in plots mixed and single-species in outplanted or greenhouse the in grown seedlings url frda http://article.pubs.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/ppv/RPViewDoc?_handler_=HandleInitialGet&journal=cjfr&volum : : The white weevil: Biology, damage and management. R. Alfaro, G. Kiss, and R.G. Fraser (eds.). Can. For. For. Can. (eds.). Fraser R.G. and Kiss, G. Alfaro, R. management. and damage weevil: Biology, pine white The m Betula papyrifera Betula In . url m and and http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/pubs/Docs/Srs/SRseries.ht http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/pubs/Docs/Frr/Frr257.ht http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/pubs/Docs/Frh/Frh006.ht cd-rom

Pseudotsuga menziesii Pseudotsuga : : : : e=27&calyLang=eng&articleFile=x96-186.pd 2(2):111–119. Manage. Ecosystems . B.C. white Victoria, For., Min. B.C. and Serv. 165:285–293. Manage. Ecol. For. Columbia. British of interior 2(1):28–47. Manage. Ecosystems J. BC strategies. conservation and research current of summary A org/publications/jem/ISS2/vol2_no1_art6.pd B.C. Exten. Note No. 06. 06. No. Note Exten. B.C. 28. No. Handb. Manage. Land B.C. Victoria, 33. No. For., Rep. Manage. Land B.C. Victoria, For., Min. B.C. review. literature A Mr/Lmr033.ht B.C. Victoria, For., Min. B.C. and and 27:1872–1889. Res. For. J. Can. Columbia. ish B.C. url Victoria, For., Min. B.C. and Can. For. Columbia. British of interior southern the gov.bc.ca/hfd/pubs/Docs/Frr/Frr179.ht B.C. Victoria, For., Min. B.C. and B.C. (eds.). Thomas K.D. and Boateng, J.O. B.C. Blache, M.E. Harper, G.J. Comeau, P.G. . B.C. of management and ogy B.C. Victoria, For., Min. an on treatments release manual url 388:579–582. Nature field. the in species tree rhizal from Results Columbia: 48. British of No. interior Handb. southern Manage. the Land in B.C. communities Victoria, For., Min. B.C. evaluations. Lmh48.ht menziesii 27:331–342. Serv. and B.C. Min. For., Victoria, B.C. B.C. Victoria, For., Min. B.C. and Serv. url Swift, K. and J. Turner. 2002. Cariboo Forest Region – Part 2 of 3: Vegetation complex Stand Establishment Decision Aids. BC J. J. BC Aids. Decision Establishment Stand complex 3: of 2 Vegetation Part – Region interior Forest to damage Cariboo weevil 2002. pine white on Turner. J. shading and K. overstory of Swift, effects The 1994. Rankin. L. and Delong, C. Alfaro, R. S.P., and coast Taylor, in Douglas-fir and birch paper between relationship competitive and growth Height Columbia: 2002. British in Kimmins. and J.P. and J.R. Ectomycorrhizae 2002. Wang, Simard. S.W. and Jones, M.D. Durall, D.M. Gamiet, S. A.M., Wiensczyk, Fowells, H.A. 1965. Silvics of forest trees of the . U.S. Dep. Agric. For. Serv., , D.C. Agric. Handb. No. 271. No. Rep. Handb. Unpubl. Agric. For., D.C. Min. B.C. Washington, growing. free Serv., not?: Min. or Redefining For. B.C. detrimental Agric. Region. Dep. Forest vegetation, U.S. Non-crop States. 1998. the United I. for the of Davis, trees interpretation forest of and Silvics 1965. identification site H.A. to guide Columbia: Fowells, field A British in 1994. conifers Klinka. with K. and compete R.N. that Green, species selected of characteristics Autecological 1986. Coates. D. and S. Serv. For. Haeussler, Can. review. literature A Columbia: British in common of Autecology 1990. Mather. on J. and diversity Coates, D. S., Ectomycorrhizal 1997. Haeussler, Simard. S.W. and Classen, D.C. Harniman, S.M.K. Durall, 6. D.M. No. M.D., Ser. Jones, Rep. Spec. B.C. Victoria, For., Min. B.C. Columbia. British of Ecosystems 1991. Pojar. J. and D. of management Meidinger, and recognition Detection, 1991. Norris. D. and Can. Merler, H. For. D., Columbia. Morrison, British for handbook managers’ birch Paper 1997. Wang. J.R. and Simard, S.W. B.C. Peterson, N.M. Vancouver, E.B., Publ., Peterson, Pine Squamish, Lone Columbia. Management, British Forest N&R coastal of Plants silviculture. 1994. regeneration Mackinnon. for A. and J. monitoring and Pojar, Planning 2003. Columbia. British Eriksson. of L. and interior R. southern Scagel, the in birch paper of characteristics silvicultural and Ecological 1996. S.W. Simard, and chemical to complex hardwood–shrub mixed the and Douglas-fir of response Nine-year 1996. Heineman. J. and ectomycor S.W. between carbon Simard, of transfer Net 1997a. Molina. R. and Durall, D.M. Myrold, plant and D.D. conifers on Jones, brushing M.D. Perry, operational of D.A. Effects 2001. S.W., Vyse. Simard, A. and Sachs, D.L. Mather, W.J. Heineman, J.L. S.W., Simard, on ectomycorrhizae of compatibility Shared 1997b. Jones. M.D. and Perry, D.A. Smith, J.E. Molina, R. S.W., Simard, Biring, B.S., P.G. Comeau, and J.O. Boateng. 1996. Effectiveness of forest vegetation control methods in British Columbia. Can. For. For. Can. Columbia. British in methods control vegetation forest of Effectiveness 1996. List and Reference Boateng. Resource J.O. B.C. and Comeau, Victoria, P.G. For., B.S., Min. B.C. Biring, and Serv. For. Can. (Revised). handbook field Herbicide 2002. J.O. the of Boateng, vegetation seral young in performance conifer early in Differences 1996. P. Burton, - - - - - may reduce the spread the spread reduce may from early spring to late summer; how summer; late early spring to from dbh has been effective . has been effective and immunity to and immunity to dbh may not be controlled. Alternatively, stem injection (Ez-ject stem Alternatively, not be controlled. may dbh Armillaria of these root diseases to susceptible conifers. As with other species, weevil with attacks species, As deciduous other conifers. of susceptible diseases to these root leads shade to this is because increased increases; cover overstorey as birch decrease may leaders. terminal spruce smaller-diameter baskets, cradles, , pit house roofing, and to wrap and store food. The was used to was used to The wood food. wrap and to and store pit house roofing, canoes, cradles, baskets, colds. treat to was ingested Birch and spoons. bows make floor may the forest to contributions annual is rich nutrients; in several foliage Birch sion. trees. crop to nutrient availability improve is possible. dant light. It rarely survives under established forests except in openings created by windthrow, windthrow, by in openings created except survives forests established rarely under It dant light. diseases. or , becomes birch matures, as the forest Later, stages. successional in later dominate as conifers openings. restricted to organic materials. Conversely, minimizing soil and maintaining a ground cover of cover a ground disturbance and maintaining minimizing soil Conversely, organic materials. seed. leaf from its regeneration discourages litter with of originalthe densityin sites substantially on high a stand. component birch birch creases vigour ofThe sprouting is variable; mortality trees felled mature of high. is usually sprouts is minimal. establishment birch Subsequent harvesting. or at a rate ofat a rate 1 mL of 5 cm of each for product birch 20 cm exceeding trees ever, ®) with shellsystem one per 5 cm ofhas the advantage of season a broader application. stands. form pure plication can be used for controlling paper birch. controlling plication can be used for stands. re-sprouting control cutting to after immediately the stump on of herbicide). to 2:1 water escape brush competition. use girdling to and (or) treatments Ecological Benefits • wildlife species. many for is an important food source and habitat Birch • fungi exten of can be an important mycorrhizal through trees source carbon Birch crop for • leaders crop-tree although to whippingdamage trees, crop to protection frost provide can Birch • to resistance Birch • generation one last only stands usually birch of pure the absence In further disturbance, major of the Species Other Values First Nations’ Values • make was used to Birch Nations. First interior by commonly more was used much Birch • mineral and mineral and mixed is exposed soil regeneration seedbed birch for The preferable • This in damaged stems. or cut from sprouting by vegetatively also reproduces birch Paper • fire as such disturbances after years 2–3 in re-sprouting, stem by or seed, from regenerates Birch • abun growth and survival long-term but requires best seed in shade, germinates birch Paper • squirt and when as a hack applied applied treatment control good birch Glyphosate provides • and carrier) in diesel oil as basal bark (10–30% product application is effective ester Triclopyr Characteristics Specific Autecological • it can harvesting wildfire)or where disturbed (e.g., areas recently on regenerates birch Paper Plantation Maintenance: Plantation Maintenance: Brushing CHEMICAL • a range of herbicides representing methods of application and seasons different Several ap • young for only (aerial is suitable application) ground or Glyphosate spray as a foliar applied • dilution or product full strength glyphosate cut-stump (i.e., require may trees Large-diameter Silvicultural Considerations (continued) Silvicultural Paper Birch – British Columbia’s Coastal Forests Coastal British Columbia’s – Paper Birch

JEM — VOLUME 7, NUMBER 3 37 D’ANJOU AND TURNER - - - - tion from damage. from tion preparation). site (and harvesting after immediately stock vigorous development. seedling threatened. is growth and survival if conifer required be may treatments re-sprout to tends fireweed as light for competition from relief cutting. after vigorously grow current the during re-growth fireweed limiting fall–winter while the growth during press vegetation following minimizing the and until season only ing control provide will treatment This period. spring. season. growing following the until treatment another require in ai/ha kg 1.5–2.2 application; aerial or spray (backpack establishment fireweed Glyphosate after August in for applied water) of treatment L 50–100 effective an be can release seed reduce to fireweed seedlings before and planted of timing budset the Consider years. 2–3 damage. seedling for potential development than winter harvesting. winter than development partial whereas temperatures, soil and levels light management increasing by tition site-specific Other cover. reduces generally pattern. cutting cutting of selection the determine will objectives which mounds, mineral Creating provide competitiveness. may and fireweed, abundance for seedbed favourable less drier, a competition. make reduced of years 2–3 with seedlings crop-tree fall. seed fireweed before immedi Apply years. 2–3 for fireweed of seed control after good to conducted medium treatments establishment; fireweed after ately ineffective. are release protec require not do trees crop because season growing the during • Minimize reforestation problems in this complex by planting large, large, PLANTING planting by complex this in problems • reforestation Minimize subsequent benefit may stumps to next and sites raised • on Planting (Brushing) Maintenance Plantation • chemical or cutting manual through abundance of fireweed Control MANUAL temporary only with trees crop provides fireweed of • cutting Manual diameter tree crop enhance can August early in • fireweed Cutting not may stems stems; fireweed bend to used been have • sticks Hockey CHEMICAL • Harvesting Considerations Harvesting fireweed subsequent benefit to likely more is • harvesting Summer compe fireweed encourages clearcutting climates, wet • and moist In Considerations Silviculture Establishment fireweed SITE PREPARATION increase may fire prescribed or preparation site • Mechanical and harvesting after promptly treatments preparation • site Time provides ai/ha) kg (1.4–2.1 June in glyphosate with • preparation Site window time wider a over applied be can preparation • site Chemical - 1 ms1 ds1, ms1, ms1, ds1, cwh cwh ds1 and ds2, and for for and ds1 and ds2, cwh ) zone, subzone, and variant abbreviations. subzone, ) zone, bec ww. Hazard ratings for Hazard ww. ww (Interior Douglas-fir warm)ww (Interior wet biogeoclimatic idf idf clearcutting. Site series are rated by the overall vegetation hazard hazard vegetation the overall rated by series are Site clearcutting. establishment. conifer successful to rating as it relates variant occurs at lower elevations near the eastern limit to the elevations limit to near the eastern variant lower at occurs and has a discon slopes, southwest-facing on commonly region, the In the Skagit to River. Lillooet Lake from presence tinuous northern part near in the Klinaklini and it occurs of the region, valleys. river Atnarko Ecosystem Classification ( Classification Ecosystem and the be similar. speculated to and ms2 are through been harvested with associated Ratings are stands that have Scagel and Erikkson the (2003) for Ratings from adapted of an explanation (1991) for Biogeoclimatic and Pojar See Meidinger and Klinka (1994). Green based on incidence Speculated ratings fireweed for 1 Site Series With Potential For A Fireweed Component For A Fireweed Potential With Site Series • The a b c - - - -

ds2 occurs mainly at low elevations (valley at low mainly bot ds2 occurs elevations (valley at low ms2 also occurs elevation) in the (700–1000 m ws2 occurs ds1 (up to 650 m elevation)ds1 (up to and ms1 (650– Jamie Kantor, International Forest Products Ltd. Products Forest International Kantor, Jamie cwh cwh cwh cwh eastern portioneastern north of of coast, the central Knight valleys in upper is found and inland drainages, It Inlet. Klinaklini, Bella Coola, Dean, in the Kimsquit, mainly the main riv as well as along areas, river and Kingcome of and the east end drainingers into Lake the Owikeno Arm. Bentick South toms to 500 m) north to oftoms the head of in the Inlet Knight and Dean valleys. Talchako, Bella Coola, Klinaklini, valley, River Kimsquit 700 m) in the lower to bottoms Labouchere Southernas well as along Dean Channel, drain rivers and the major Arm, Bentick South Channel, of the east end ing into Lake. the Owikeno grasses, Sitka alder, and willow. and willow. alder, Sitka grasses, aspects. and slopes of range wider a prefers it elsewhere 1200 m elevation) biogeoclimatic variants in the occur drainages north and east of River Fraser upper Chilli portion and the eastern ofwack, Mountains the Coast Valley. the Homathko to Harrison upper Lake from dry to fresh sites, and on recently disturbed through sites recently and on dry sites, fresh to stands. mature to Prefers sunny or south-facing slopes in northern climates; climates; northern in slopes south-facing or sunny Prefers Fireweed – British Columbia’s Coastal Forests Columbia’s British – Fireweed • The • The • • The • The Site Characteristics • moderately on the province throughout occurs Fireweed • raspberry, red with associated thimbleberry, Commonly

38 JEM — VOLUME 7, NUMBER 3 FIREWEED STAND ESTABLISHMENT DECISION AID - - - f - -

- pd

f

from from m m

m

Epilobium Epilobium Handb. No. 011. 011. No. Handb. m http://www.for.gov. : : frda Rep. No. 158. 158. No. Rep. url m frda http://www.forrex.org/publica

: m L. (Onagraceae). Brittonia 18: Brittonia (Onagraceae). L. m m url , in southwestern Washington. Ann. Ento Ann. Washington. southwestern in , . Range management handbook for British Columbia. Columbia. British for handbook management Range In http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfp/publications/00047/fireweed. Pissodes sitchensis Pissodes

cd-rom Epilobium angustifolium Epilobium : http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/pubs/docs/Frm/frm163.pd f : : http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/pubs/Docs/Frh/Frh006.ht http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/pubs/Docs/Mr/Lmr077.ht url m : : : : http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/pubs/Docs/Lmh/Lmh48.ht url : : url url url http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/pubs/Docs/Srs/SRseries.ht : : url Memo No. 163. 163. No. Memo http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/pubs/Docs/Mr/Lmr033.ht L.) and associated vegetation on planted conifer survival and growth in the southern southern the in growth and survival conifer planted on vegetation associated and L.) : : Handb. No. 006. 006. No. Handb. frda url 1991–2000 protocol for operational brushing evaluations. B.C. Min. For., Victoria, B.C. Land Land B.C. Victoria, For., Min. B.C. evaluations. brushing operational for protocol 1991–2000 http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/pubs/Docs/Frh/Frh011.ht http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/pubs/Docs/Lmh/Lmh28.ht http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/pubs/Docs/Frr/Frr158.ht frda

: : : Forest Management, Squamish, B.C. B.C. Squamish, Management, Forest Columbia: Results British of interior southern the in communities plant and conifers on probe 48. No. Handb. Manage. 2:111–119. Manage. Ecosystems J. BC Aids. Decision ment tions/jem/ISS13/vol2_no2_art5.pd url B.C. B.C. Victoria, For., Min. B.C. plex. Rep. Unpubl. B.C. Victoria, weevil, spruce Sitka the of behaviour 62:467–471. Amer. Soc. mol. 28. No. Handb. Manage. Land. B.C. Victoria, For., Min. B.C. Region. Forest Vancouver url Rep. Manage. Land B.C. Victoria, For., Min. B.C. review. Columbia: literature A British in conifers 33. No. B.C. Victoria, For., Min. B.C. and Serv. For. Can. review. literature A url 11. No. Rep. Res. B.C. Victoria, For., Min. B.C. post-treatment. years 9 bc.ca/hfd/pubs/Docs/Rr/Rr11.ht B.C. Victoria, For., Min. B.C. needs. information and knowledge current of Columbia: review A 77. No. Rep. Manage. Land Rep. angustifolium Unpubl. B.C. Victoria, For., Min. B.C. results. interior: year Fifth 37–53. pp. B.C., Kamloops, Stn., Res. Can. Agric. (ed.). McLean A. 6. No. Ser. Rep. 167–168. ria, B.C. B.C. ria, B.C. Victoria, For., Min. B.C. and Serv. For. Can. Columbia. British in ods Pojar, J. and A. Mackinnon. 1994. Plants of coastal British Columbia. Lone Pine Publ., Vancouver, B.C. Vancouver, Publ., Pine Lone Columbia. British coastal of Plants 1994. N&R Mackinnon. A. and silviculture. J. regeneration Pojar, for tools monitoring and Planning 2003. Eriksson. L. and R. Scagel, brushing operational of Effects 2001. Vyse. A. and Sachs, D.L. Mather, W.J. Heineman, J.L. S., Simard, Establish Stand complex 3: of 2 Part – Vegetation Region Forest Cariboo 2002. Turner. J. and K. Swift, Boateng, J.O. 1998. Herbicide field handbook (Revised). Can. For. Serv. and B.C. Min. For., Victoria, Victoria, For., Min. B.C. and Serv. For. Can. (Revised). handbook field Herbicide 1998. J.O. Boateng, com management: Fireweed vegetation for summary Operational 1997. Comeau. P.G. and J.O. Boateng, For., Min. B.C. growing. free not?: or Redefining detrimental vegetation, Non-crop 1998. I. Davis, the on factors host and physical some of Influence 1971. Hrutfiord. B.F. and Carlson, R.I. R.I., Gara, the for interpretation and identification site to guide field A 1994. Klinka. K. and R.N. Green, with compete that species selected of characteristics Autecological 1986. Coates. D. and S. Haeussler, Columbia: British in plants common of Autecology 1990. Mather. J. and Coates, D. S., Haeussler, trial: response herbicide Conifer River Mackay 1997. Heineman. J. and Biring, B.S. G.J., Harper, British in management vegetation forest for brushing Manual 1992. Comeau. P.G. and D. Hart, ( fireweed of effects the Assessing 1994. Nicholson. A. and Fleming, T. S., Lindeburgh, communities. plant Range 1979. A. McLean, Spec. B.C. Victoria, For., Min. B.C. Columbia. British of Ecosystems 1991. Pojar. J. and D. Meidinger, for new A 1966. T. Mosquin, Bianco, J. 1990. Managing fireweed on problem coastal sites. Can. For. Serv. and B.C. Min. For., Victo For., Min. B.C. and Serv. For. List and Reference Resource Can. sites. coastal problem on fireweed Managing 1990. J. Bianco, meth control vegetation forest of Effectiveness 1996. Boateng. J.O. and Comeau, P.G. B.S., Biring, - - - , , g orrex F [email protected] . At such heights, it can out- heights, such At . Forest Research Research Forest

cwh ORREX F © 2006 © Forest Research Extension Partnership Partnership Extension Research Forest orrex F Province of British and Columbia 1488-4674. Information in this publication may be reproduced in electronic electronic in reproduced be may publication this in Information 1488-4674. important food source for all deer species in British Columbia. As become estab shrubs become As all species deer for in Britishimportant Columbia. food source wildlife. in importance to increase to is likely this complex lished, boiled the stems. Stem fibres were woven into fishing twine. Fluff fishing twine. bedding. into was used for woven were fibres Stem boiled the stems. produce plants up to 3 m tall on rich, moist sites in the sites moist 3 m tall rich, on plants up to produce seedlings young and can damage and nutrients, moisture, light, for trees crop compete press. and snow vegetation through Other brush develop. canopies as shrubs declines and conifer abundance Fireweed sion. within fireweed 1–3 years. species can outgrow with species. shade-tolerant stocked turbed alpine and subalpine forest meadows. turbed forest and subalpine alpine established. well is already vegetation other where compete to is unable but niches, plants. length. their along buds shoots new from and produce horizontally that spread of this work, in whole or in part, for commercial use, resale, or redistribution from permission written requires Editor, Managing contact: purpose, this For copyright all holders. and BC Kamloops, Avenue, 235 1st 702, Suite or email V2C 3J4, © 2006 © Extension Partnership. issn orreproduction printHowever, formacknowledged. fully for is work use the of in source educational, the that training,provided and not-for-profit activities • , bear, and browse fireweed to some extent in the summer. It is an It in the summer. • extent some to fireweed elk browse and Roosevelt bear, Moose, • honey. produce bees to used by are flowers Fireweed • small mammals. many for food cover and habitat provides Fireweed Other Benefits • disturbed sites. severely on organic matter nutrients and increases stores Fireweed • areas. in fire-prone acts as a fuel break Fireweed Other Values of the Species Other Values First Nations’ Values • cord. of make to stem used the outer fireweed The Haida • fluff”“seed and padding. Salish in weaving the Coastal was used by Fireweed • and cooked while groups other tissue of inner ate raw, the stem Nations First Some Wildlife Food and Habitat Values • and can season fifth growing to the third by abundance it maximum reaches Fireweed • longevity their of the rate on depends can survive decades, Although for colonies succes • new effect on a negative of less than 50% will not have cover likely Fireweed • in undis is common and ecosystems forest seral, usually in mature, occurs Fireweed • unburned and rapidly vacant ground exploits burned over ground favours Fireweed • of the pseudorhizomes via existing and by spreads windblown buried Fireweed or seed, • systems rhizome perennial through mainly expand populations a site, colonizing After Specific Autecological Characteristics Specific Autecological Fireweed – British Columbia’s Coastal Forests Columbia’s British – Fireweed

JEM — VOLUME 7, NUMBER 3 39 AUTHOR(S) Test Your Knowledge . . .

British Columbia’s coastal forests: Paper birch and fireweed Stand Establishment Decision Aids

How well can you recall some of the main messages in the preceding Extension Note? Test your knowledge by answering the following questions. Answers are at the bottom of the page.

1. Retaining a component of paper birch may have the following benefits: a) Reduce the spread of these root diseases to susceptible conifers b) Provide frost protection to crop trees c) Decrease weevil attacks on spruce terminal leaders d) All the above

2. Retention of mature birch maintains a potential seed source on the block. Most seed is confined to within: a) 10 m of standing trees b) 50 m of standing trees c) 100 m of standing trees d) 200 m of standing trees

3. Fireweed cover below which it is unlikely to have a negative effect on new plantations stocked with shade-tolerant species: a) 10% b) 25% c) 50% d) 75%

4. Fireweed reaches its maximum abundance by which growing season? a) First to second b) Third to fifth c) Sixth to seventh d) Over eight years

ANSWERS

b 4. c c d 3. 3. 2. 1.

2 JEM — VOLUME #, NUMBER #