BC’s forests are symbols of resilience, legacy, and diversity. But their future lies at a crossroads. With impacted timber supplies, a changing climate, and mounting concerns from many groups, including the forestry sector, there is a shift happening to manage forests for multiple values and embrace an ecologically-centered approach using alternative and innovative silviculture. These approaches in forestry are driven by an appreciation of ecological, social, cultural, and economic values of forests, where stewardship is focused on maintaining dynamic ecosystem processes and functions.

The goal of the Silviculture Innovation Program (SIP), based out of the Bulkley Valley Research Centre in Smithers is to accelerate the growth of existing and future applications of innovative silviculture across BC. The SIP was established following the Old Growth Strategic Review Recommendation #12, which calls on the exploration of ways to use innovative silvicultural practices as tools to manage a diverse range of values and interests on the landscape.

The session will unpack the role of research, extension, and knowledge exchange and why it’s important to all sectors of forestry. We will also summarize the findings of a SIP survey evaluating perspectives on communities of practice for innovative silviculture. And, finally, the session will summarize projects that are addressing these needs from the SIP and the Office of the Chief Forester.

Learning Outcomes

Participants in the session will learn about:

1. The purpose and vision of the Silviculture Innovative Program (SIP), opportunities to engage with the program, and linkages to other programs.
2. The importance of extension and knowledge exchange to meet the opportunities and challenges of innovative silviculture and forestry more broadly.
3. What we heard from forest professionals across BC as the primary needs to plan and implement innovative silviculture in BC.
4. What projects and resources are available or in development to support forest professionals to apply innovative silviculture (hear more about ongoing projects within the SIP and Office of Chief Forester, Forest Science Planning and Practices Branch).

Moderator

• Paul Kutz, RPF, Manager Silviculture, Western Forest Products Inc.