Canadian Forest Service Publications
Advance amabilis-fir regeneration in the Vancouver Forest District. 1976. Herring, L.J.; Etheridge, D.E. Government of Canada. Department of the Environment. Canadian Forest Service, Pacific Forest Research Centre, Victoria, BC. Joint Report No. 05, co-published by the BC Ministry of Forests. 23 p.
Year: 1976
Issued by: Pacific Forestry Centre
Catalog ID: 1745
Language: English
Availability: PDF (download)
Abstract
The growth characteristics of advance amabilis fir (Abies amabilis) beneath a mature overstory are discussed, and indicate that the age of advance growth cannot be predicted on the basis of stem size. Following overstory removal by commercial highlead logging, a delay of one full year was common before diameter growth response on the advance growth released from suppression. Height growth response, however, may be delayed for several years. Factors significant to the management of advance amabilis fir regeneration are described, including stem form, logging damage, stocking and density. The importance of suitable microsite and climate to growth response is suggested, although available data are inconclusive. The incidence of logging injuries ranged from 12 to 30%, of which the greatest proportion was stem wounds, such as scalps and gouges. The incidence of active decay infections associated with tree injuries was very low (1.8%) and was most common for advance growth stems of the largest size classes at the time of logging injury. The relationships of tree size and susceptibility to damage are discussed. The method of attack by the Indian paint fungus (Echinodontium tinctorium) and its potential threat to advance amabilis fir regeneration are described. Survey results indicate little threat of decay by this fungus in advance growth less than 60 years of age at the time of release. Management prescriptions which will maximize growth and tree quality and minimize decay are briefly outlined.