Case Study: Selective Cutting on Pinkerton Mountain
Pinkerton Mountain is in the Caribou
Mountains in BC. As the name suggests, the
Caribou Mountains are home to mountain
caribous. These animals have one main food
source: Tree Lichen. This hair-like lichen
hangs from the branches of every green tree
that lie on the mountain’s steep slopes.
Commercial logging of these trees can have a
huge impact on mountain caribou survival. As
a result, silvicutlure practices must make
caribou habitat a top priority, to examine
different harvesting practices and its effect
on the Caribou Habitat.
http://www.findfast.org/animals-caribou.htm
Results of the Experiment:
The Pinkerton Mountain study had a control area and 2 experimental areas. The control area was a section of unlogged
forest. Trees in the experiment areas were removed 2 selective cutting techniques that mimic natural forest
disturbances on the mountain: group selection and single-tree selection. In the single-tree selection, only individual
trees were removed. Overall, no more than 30% of the trees were harvested.
After 10 years, scientists measured the amount of tree lichen growing at caribou grazing level. They found that the same
amount of lichen grew in each area. They also assessed which species of lichen was most common in each area. In the
control area, one species of lichen was most common; in the experimental areas a different type was most common.
Since caribou often prefer one species of tree lichen to another, such a change could have an impact on their diet and,
thus, on their survival.
In this case, the caribou actually preferred the species that thrived in the experimental areas. Therefore, scientists
concluded that changes to lichen growth due to the two selective cutting methods used in the experiments did not
affect mountain caribou.
Research and Analysis
1. The study showed that changes to lichen growth due to selective cutting did not affect the mountain caribou.
Describe three other factors that foresters might consider when harvesting trees on Pinkerton Mountain.
2. Suppose you are the owner of a commercial logging company that operates Caribou Mountains. You learn that
selective cutting can help protect mountain caribou habitat. Do research to learn more about the advantages
and disadvantages of selective cutting for commercial logging. Include information about its environmental,
economic, and social impacts. Use a risk-benefit analysis to decide if selective cutting is the best method to
harvest trees in Caribou Mountains.
Communicate
3. The Pinkerton Mountain Study did not investigate clear-cutting. Write a short opinion paper of 2 or three
paragraphs to explain how you think clear cutting could affect tree lichen and, therefore, caribou, in the Caribou
Mountains.
Jackson , Ann, Ellen Murray , et al, et al. Environmental Science: A Canadian Perspective. 1. Whitby: McGraw-Hill Ryerson, 2013. Print.