Applied Research and Innovation Projects

In North America alone, over 45 million hectares of plantation forest exists, contributing to both biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. This research aims to assess whether biodiversity and wildlife habitat objectives may be achieved through small patch cuts in a second growth spruce plantation, while ensuring economic feasibility through the extraction of timber without contributing negatively to watershed hazards and landscape conditions. Habitat enhancement objectives are investigated through the creation of small openings (<0.9ha) select tree removal, and long-term habitat monitoring to assess forage availability and quality, tree growth to promote snow interception and thermal regulation required among winter range habitats. A final report will be generated outlining the long-term findings of this project, including changes in plant communities, wildlife use, and thermoregulating properties of the forest as time progresses. This data can then help land managers and forest management planning better understand how to better manage plantations for wildlife habitat.

The deforestation of British Columbia's old growth forests is becoming an increasing concern for many wildlife species and can be particularly detrimental for many mammal species, which may avoid crossing high exposure areas. This project aims to monitor wildlife use among constructed coarse woody debris piles created for habitat enhancement in areas impacted by forest harvest. By using trail cameras, wildlife use will be assessed across four different habitats, including the constructed piles, to assess wildlife use and overall species diversity. A final report will be generated comparing wildlife use across habitats to better understand wildlife use and distribution in altered landscapes. This research can provide insight into simple habitat enhancement measures that can make cutblocks more wildlife friendly towards all wildlife species.

As requested by the BC Ministry of Forests, CNC is contributing to the mission of the Canada Wildfire partnership to undertake priority research in vegetation fire management. It is critical that forestry practitioners understand how to continuously steward forest ecosystems, within urban interfaces, to significantly lessen the likelihood of severe, out-of-control forest fires. CNC is engaged in a multi-year assessment of the wildfire hazard reduction treatment applied within the Pidherny Recreation Area in the City of Prince George.