Silviculture Systems Sample Clauses

Silviculture Systems. The base case will assume clear cut harvesting with reserves in all stands.

Silviculture Systems. The term “silviculture system” refers to the pattern of harvesting that is applied to achieve a desired structural outcome. Silviculture systems encompass a variety of harvest patterns ranging from clearcut systems which remove all trees within a harvest area at one time to retention and group selection systems which retain a portion of the trees in various spatial patterns. The choice of silviculture system will take into account a number of factors including natural disturbance pattern, pre-harvest stand structure and the level of protection required for identified values on the site such as existing plant communities and culturally valued botanicals, soil conditions, wildlife habitat, riparian, recreation and visual values. The evaluation of the natural disturbance type, existing values and the level of protection required for each (as assessed during site plan development stages) will determine the silviculture system and the number and distribution of trees to be retained. The choice of silviculture system also considers topography, operability constraints, and safety issues. SQCF will strive to implement a variety of ecologically appropriate silviculture systems in order to create a mosaic of harvest patterns, species, ages and stand types. Harvesting patterns are anticipated to consist primarily of small patch cuts and retention systems, with some use of selection systems where feasible. SQCF will strive to arrange retention (group retention and individual stem retention) so that the majority of harvested cutblocks are consistent with a retention silviculture system. Over the first five years, SQCF will work with the Board of Directors and Community Advisory Group to refine operational guidelines.