B.C. Invests in
Forest Science and Research
The
Province
is investing $16.1 million in forestry research and extension that will
improve
timber growth and value, support sustainable forest management, and
address
mountain pine beetle priorities, Forests and Range Minister Rich
Coleman
announced.
“These research projects will provide
information that will continue to enable science-based, sustainable
management
of B.C.’s forest resources,” said Coleman. “Studies on topics as varied
as
climate change, fire hazards, harvesting techniques and the mountain
pine
beetle emphasize the importance of British Columbia’s forests and the
value of
research.”
A
total of
267 research and extension projects will be funded through the Forest
Investment Account Forest Science Program (FIA-FSP) in locations
throughout
B.C. The funding will be for studies that range from one to three
years, led by
researchers at universities, provincial and federal governments, First
Nations,
companies and not-for-profit organizations.
Several
climate change studies will assess the impact that changes in
temperature and
precipitation level may have on the sub-boreal spruce forest and
interior grass
lands ecosystems. Others will focus on the impact of weather changes on
species
including the Interior Douglas fir, and forest pests such as bark
beetles.
A
collaborative study by the University of British Columbia and the
Gitxaala and
Nuxalk First Nations aims to determine how First Nations, government
and
industry can develop sustainable forestry practices that enhance
traditional
First Nation economic activities. The research will incorporate
traditional
ecological knowledge of Gitxaala and Nuxalk community members into
forestry
practices. In addition, the FIA-FSP Forest Science Board will continue
to work
with the First Nations Forestry Council and communities to generate
future
partnerships and program involvement.
Wildfire
studies will consider best practices for stand management in urban
interface
areas while others will investigate post wildfire flood, erosion impact
and
mitigation.
Mountain
pine beetle research will include projects examining the combined
effects of
beetle infestation and salvage harvesting processes on waterflow and
how to
harvest beetle-killed lodgepole pine while protecting younger trees and
non-pine species. The studies will help improve access and use of
science and
innovation in areas affected by the beetle.
Other research topics include the effects of
livestock grazing in Southern Interior wetlands, studies involving
mountain
caribou, marbled murrelets and bats, and several long-term soil
productivity
and restoration studies. The soil research will allow B.C. to continue
to
contribute to the world’s largest coordinated effort to understand how
soil
disturbance affects long-term forest productivity.
“The FIA Forest Science Program contributes
knowledge that helps to improve management practices and techniques,”
said Dr.
Bill Bourgeois, chair of the Forest Science Board. “In addition to
providing
leadership in sustainable forestry, these studies build and bridge the
network
of the scientific community with on-the-ground forestry operations.”
The
FIA-FSP
is also increasing funding and attention on the topical collection,
analysis
and sharing of existing research. The ongoing synthesis and
distribution of
data and results will help forest practitioners in making informed
management
decisions. Funding will continue to support graduate students in the
second of
a three year pilot project, which links forest sector sponsors with
graduate
students, to address key forest management priorities and develop
expertise and
specialists in targeted fields.
The
program
is also providing $2.8 million to the Provincial Forest Extension
Program to
deliver new and existing knowledge to those who plan and manage British
Columbia’s public forest lands.
The Province has invested more than $52 million since the founding of the FIA Forest Science Program in 2004. A call for proposals for projects for 2008/09 was issued in August. Information on the call and the Forest Investment Account’s Forest Science Program 2007/08 business plan, listing currently funded projects, is available at www.fia-fsp.ca.
