The Shelterwood Silvicultural System in British Columbia – A Practitioner’s Guide. Part 1: Implementation Considerations

Abstract

The shelterwood silvicultural system is not yet widely applied in British Columbia. However, it can be used to achieve particular forest land-use objectives, grow higher-value products, and incur lower silviculture costs when natural regeneration is secured. The first in a series of three extension notes guiding practitioners in the use of this system, Part 1 presents advantages and risks of the system. As well, it examines considerations related to forest health, natural disturbance, and administration that must be addressed before implementation of the system. Research results and practitioners’ experiences suggest that although there are risks and administrative hurdles associated with partial cutting (including shelterwoods), the risks are manageable and the use of partial cutting results in significant benefits, especially on area-based tenures and private land.