Traditionally, the forest industry has considered broadleaf trees to be weeds or competition. This is evident in the provincial free growing policy, which requires the establishment of stands of healthy trees whose growth is not impeded by plants, shrubs, or other trees. For three decades, this policy has resulted in vegetation management and the prioritization of commercially valuable, conifer trees. However, societal values are evolving, and there is a growing recognition of the role of broadleaf trees in enhancing various resource values, including ecosystem resilience and recovery, wildfire hazard mitigation, and wildlife habitat. To begin managing broadleaves proactively, it is essential to establish clear goals and objectives and develop strategies to achieve them.

This presentation aims to inspire today’s forest practitioners to enhance their understanding of managing broadleaf species and shift perspectives on their role in sustainable forest practices. This shift aims to recognize and integrate the ecological importance of broadleaves into sustainable forest management, moving beyond the traditional view of broadleaf trees as competition and exploring their potential to support broader resource values.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

• Gain a deeper understanding of the role broadleaf species play in enhancing ecosystem health and resilience.
• Develop skills to set clear goals and objectives for managing broadleaves effectively.
• Learn to design broadleaf strategies to align with forest management goals and objectives.
• Explore options for establishing stocking standards that support the presence of broadleaf species at the site and landscape level.

Moderator

• Taisa Brown, RPF, Silviculture Performance Assessment Specialist, Office of the Chief Forester, Forest Science, Planning and Practices Branch, BC Ministry of Forests