Hardwood Management Problems in Northeastern British Columbia

In 1986, a task force recommended interim strategies for managing hardwoods (aspen, balsam poplar, birch, black cottonwood) in the Fort Nelson, Fort St. John, and Dawson Creek timber supply areas. In 1987, 12 problems associated with boreal hardwood use and management were identified. This literature review, conducted in early 1988, addressed these problems, focussing almost exclusively on aspen. Each problem is reviewed, with a brief statement of the circumstances behind it, a synopsis of related information from the literature, interim solutions based on available information, and suggested follow-up work. Identified problems include outdated inventory, land use, lack of awareness of hardwood utilization and management opportunities, hardwood stock standards, stand tending requirements, growth projections, reforestation requirements for pure aspen and mixedwood types, slash disposal, regeneration response, compaction of soils, erosion, and gene conservation.