FFT Activities

Forests For Tomorrow Activity Summary

Backlog NSR and Impeded File Review

- Mackenzie Forest District -

October 2007 – March 2008

·         In October 2007, mapsheets 93O.015 and 93O.016 were chosen for the file review starting point. Together these mapsheets contain a total of 6418 hectares of openings that are considered Backlog NSR or Impeded. By January 2008, the initial file reviews were complete and reconnaissance flights were scheduled. An aerial reconnaissance was completed over two days and comprised 80 openings. During the flights, photos of each opening were gathered, and survey and treatment recommendations were refined. In February and March 2008, an aerial review report was completed for each opening, silviculture surveys and treatments were scheduled, free growing declarations were processed, and RESULTS was updated.

April 2008

·         Year 2 of the Backlog NSR and Impeded File Review commenced on mapsheets 93O.025 and 93O.026. Together these mapsheets represent 3646 hectares of Backlog NSR or Impeded openings. The initial file review was completed for approximately 1900 hectares.

·         A summary of activities and discussion of project findings and standards was completed with District staff.

May 2008

·         File Review activities continue. Of note is opening 93O.025-030; a 1600 hectare opening that contains 25 strata.

·         Spatial data and forest cover updates were completed for all of the openings that were declared FG from the previous years activities.

June 2008

l        File review activities were completed for mapsheets 93O.025 and 93O.026 (3500 ha). The aerial review and aerial reconnaissance activities commenced.

l        The aerial reconnaisance observations show:

u      Most of the backlog openings visited are well stocked.

u      Many of the pine leading openings are heavily infested with mountain pine beetle.

u      Many of the openings, harvested before 1980, and in the SBS wk2 are dominated by an overstory of aspen and birch (often to heights of 20m), but most have good stocking of spruce and sub-alpine fir in the understory. The plan is to leave these openings untreated, as rehabilitation would be extremely costly.

l        As part of the file review process, ground surveys were initiated to field check free growing status and provide updated forest cover information. Approximately 900 hectares were ground surveyed in June.

July 2008

l        The aerial review activities and RESULTS updating for mapsheets 93O.025 and 93O.026 have been completed. Openings that were found to be free growing are being updated with milestone declarations and forest cover updates in RESULTS. The file review activity found approximately 10 openings and 500 hectares that were previously declared free growing in the opening files.

l        File review activities have commenced for mapsheets 93O.005, 93O.006, 93O.014, and 93O.024.

The following table is a summary of all findings for the project – from October 2007 to now.

For further information on the FFT NSR Impeded File Review activities in the Mackenzie Forest District, please contact:

Aaron Weaver, RPF

Geoterra Integrated Resource Systems Ltd.

Prince George, BC

V2L 5S8

(250) 561-1063

aweaver@geoterra.net