This report outlines an approach to improving restoration outcomes in Special Management Zones (SMZs) in north-central B.C.
The standards focus on moving beyond reliance on lodgepole pine monocultures toward diverse, site-specific reforestation strategies that reflect local soil conditions and ecosystem characteristics. The goal is to support more resilient ecosystems while advancing the objectives of the Shovel and Island Lake Ecosystem Restoration Plan (Daust & Price, 2019). For restoration practitioners, this report provides a foundation for sharing knowledge, informing silvicultural decisions, and applying approaches that better reflect local ecosystem needs and support long-term restoration success.
SERNbc uses three general criteria to select specific ecosystems for restoration activities, which include:
Vulnerable, degraded and damaged ecosystems are a high priority for ER activities if they have high functional importance in terms of providing important ecological services. This functional importance or management priority increases when the ER needs of a subject ecosystem is not being addressed by existing programming.
Potential ER projects must align with SERNbc’s objectives as identified in our strategic plan. All ER projects undertaken by SERNbc need to be supported by data and analysis that describes their current state, desired future condition, management objectives, and treatment rationale.
