Report Finds B.C. Interior Douglas-Fir Forests Are Not Being Managed to Full Healthy Forest Potential

New research conducted by the B.C. Forest Practices Board (FPB) offers an illustration of how climate change is going to alter the province’s landscape, as well pointing out potential shortcomings in current management practices. The Interior Douglas-fir (IDF) bio geoclimatic zone, an area of dry forest and grassy understory that covers a swath of the Interior that stretches from the Kootenays and the Okanagan up into the Cariboo plateau covers 5% of province but shifting climatic conditions are expected to nearly double it in size over the next 60 years. However, research by the FPB has shown that while replanting objectives and species diversity goals are being met, current harvesting practices may need to be revised to maximize forest health. The board’s recommendation for higher-cost partial harvesting versus the current method of clear harvesting casts doubt on the region’s ability to develop into a significant wood basket for the province.