BEC – Research, Consultation & Extension Activities
Reviewed Jan/26/09 Andy MacKinnon, Sari Saunders

Continued five-year program of establishing ecosystem plots in coastal
ecosystems not previously well sampled, focussing this year on the central
coast. The data will be used to refine ecosystem classifications, update BEC
maps, and produce field guides. In response to interest in stand structure in
coastal ecosystems, mensuration data are being collected in all new plots.
BEC forms a foundation for making forest management decisions and
estimating site productivity.

Producing a draft classification of ecosystems for the Central Coast area. The
information will be available to MFR districts and licensees, and includes
identification of new units. Additional sampling was also conducted on the
central coast to fill gaps in ecosystems. A regional ecosystem guide is also in
the works for B.C.'s Central and North Coasts.

Drafting a regional BEC field guide for Haida Gwaii to provide an ecological
basis for silviculture planning, site productivity assessments and ecosystem
representation planning. The guide also expands the application of BEC in
forest management by including new BEC information collected on coarse
woody debris and stand structure.

Collected additional information for BEC to help differentiate some units on
Vancouver Island.

Delivered BEC training to three districts, ILMB, and Malaspina College, plus
BEC courses are planned for forest districts on Vancouver Island, the Lower
Mainland, and Haida Gwaii in spring 2009.

Gave an update on BEC classification to the Coastal Silviculture Committee.

Advised Campbell River District on a pilot project to model changes in BEC
zone locations instigated by climate change.

Made a presentation to an SFU graduate class on BEC classification.

Advised on sampling procedures, data priorities, and various approaches for
implementing TEM as part of a Forest Analysis and Inventory Branch initiative
under the Coast Forest Action Plan. The mapping is aimed at improving site
productivity estimates in coastal ecosystems.
Applicable Divisional Priorities & Major Issues
 AAC's & Timber Supply Review
 Coarse Woody Debris (FSD)
 Coastal Revitalization (FSD)
 Data Systems & Information (FSD)
 Sustainable Forest Management
Sources
Andy MacKinnon, Sari Saunders CFR