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How many and which species do you see in this picture from southern central British Columbia Canada, by hwy 97C between Kelowna and Merritt??
Elevation approx 5600 ft or 1700 meter. The stand is a native old growth, seems never to have been subject to harvest. Trees are approx 30ft or 20 meter tall, and max diameter approx 12 inches or 30 centimeter. Age 200+ years?
Area picture cover approx 500 sq miles, 300 000 acres or 130 000 hectaresI see two species: subalpine fir and white spruce. They’re the ones most acclimated to growing at this altitude and the little diameter is due to the harsh winters up there.
I see two species: subalpine fir and white spruce. They’re the ones most acclimated to growing at this altitude and the little diameter is due to the harsh winters up there.
Thank you, Steve! I traveled this area 7-8 weeks ago and got stunned by all clear cutting that was done in recent years. I assume it is damage from bark beetles. Do you know how forestland is owned in this area? Government land that is leased out to the forest-logging industry?
Yes, the high altitude makes harsh climate conditions, but I also think the lack of thinning in these native old growth stands makes poor diameter growth on trees. I also expect genetically developed plants and more appropriate species will allow these land areas in the future to produce more wood fiber per acre. But for sawmill timber production spacing/thinning will be a requirement in the future.
Here in BC Canada, we really don’t thin and prep the stands for optimum growth or health. It’s very poor management and land use. We are only now seeing our results of disastrous forestry practices. Cudos to Europe for thinning!!!
Thinning is on its way. The future is bright!
What spices do you left and what do you cut?
In the images I am working in a primarily Douglas Fir stand with some Ponderosa pine and western Larch.
Further east we have cedar, spruce, 3 pines, Doug fir, larch, hemlock, balsam and grand fir.
I usually am either thinning to space out the canopy and clean out the forest floor for fuel Reduction or doing more of a restorative approach to prep the forest for uneven aged management.
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