Harvesting Methods Used in B.C.

Clearcut systems remove most of the trees from an area, leaving patches of trees and buffers to protect other forest values.

Seed tree systems support natural regeneration by leaving trees with the most desirable traits to supply seed for the next generation of trees.

Retention systems leave more than half of the trees individually or in groups.

Patch cut system use small cuts of less than one hectare.

Shelterwood systems harvest trees in stages over a short period of time so the new forest grows under the shelter of the existing trees.

Selection cutting systems remove timber as single trees or in small groups at relatively short intervals, repeated indefinitely. Since the higher-value trees are usually selected, care is needed to protect overall forest quality.

Clearcutting
Resource professionals in B.C. usually choose clearcutting because it is more efficient and less disruptive for harvesting and regeneration, it is safer for forest workers and can be the best way to deal with pests or disease. Clearcutting also leads to forests that are the same age and cover different sized areas, not unlike the result of natural disturbances such as wildfire. Other harvesting techniques are used in specific situations such as protecting scenic vistas along popular routes or in interior Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine forests where soils are dry and selection harvesting maintains shade to avoid losing moisture.

When used appropriately, clearcutting is less disruptive because once the site is regenerated, it is left to grow freely until the new growth is ready to harvest again in 60 to 80 years. Debris such as stumps, branches and fallen trees are left on the forest floor after harvesting to maintain biodiversity and to provide habitat for plants, animal and insects and nutrients for soil development.

While the average size of clearcuts in B.C. has dropped to 23 hectares (57 acres) in 2002 from 43 hectares (106 acres) in 1988, concerns remain about visual appearance. B.C.'s scenery is critical to tourism and to our way of life and, as a result, forest specialists take great care to ensure harvesting does not compromise visual values. Today, logging activities are often not apparent from roads or waterways.

For more information:

Articles from Patrick Moore's website:
Biodiversity in a Clearcut?
Clearcutting - Right or Wrong?

See Reforestation