FOR 250 Silviculture I is an introduction to Silviculture as it is traditionally viewed; the art and science of establishing and tending forests to meet sustainable environmental, social, and management objectives. It will prepare the student for immediate employment as a forest technologist through instruction in silviculture theory, the application of silvicultural treatments and the use of various sampling strategies to monitor silviculture activities. Emphasis will be on basic silviculture; site preparation, natural and artificial regeneration, various survey procedures from Regen Delay to Free Growing. Field and office case studies are used throughout the course.
Prerequisites: ENVR 162 and ENVR 163 both with a minimum grade of 60%
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 105 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 3 |
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| Lab (lab, field, computer) | 4 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Apply safe working standards and procedures at a field project location
- Interpret and assess sustainability and the ecological, social, economic and legislative connections to basic silviculture in B.C.
- Show proficiency in completing all steps of a silviculture survey
- Select effective silviculture treatments and develop prescriptions that reflect these treatments
- Demonstrate professionalism to themselves, their teams, the community and the environment
Teaching and Learning Approach
FOR250 consists of a weekly lecture and a lab (both in-person). During lectures the theoretical portion of the
course will be presented with an overview of silviculture, surveying and legislation. Labs will put theory to
practice and almost always involve outdoor field work assignments, carried out regardless of weather conditions.
Students will participate individually or as part of a group, in a variety of learning activities in both the classroom
and field setting. These will include: lecture, in class exercises, discussions, case studies and problem based
learning. Students will participate in one integrated project over two weeks in late November to early December.Learning Resources
Required:
· Silviculture Surveys Procedure Manual found at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-resources-
and-industry/forestry/silviculture/silviculture-surveys/2023-silv_survey_procedures_manual-_final.pdf
· LMH 47 (online; hard copies available in equipment room)
· LMH 70 (online; hard copies available in equipment room)
Recommended:
· The Distribution and Synopsis of Ecological and Silvical Characteristics of Tree Species of British Columbia’s
Forests (Klinka,Worrall,Skoda,Varga) http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/forestry/managing-our-forest-
resources/silviculture/tree-species-selection/tool-introduction/tree-species-silvics-and-comparisons
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-resources-and-industry/forestry/silviculture/silviculture-
surveys/2023-silv_survey_procedures_manual-_final.pdf
Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. 1. Orientation
2.
2. Basic Silviculture · Definitions · Current legislation · Survey Procedures Various Silviculture Surveys · Ecological Classification · Stratification · Survey objectives · Methods · Stats
3.
3. Site Index, Labels, Stratification and Survey Design - Introductory skills and assessments to begin an complete a silviculture survey
4. 4. Survey Details: FS659 survey summary card, FS1138a survey statistics and Forest Health Identification
5. 5. Silviculture Surveys - Stats and Summary Practice
6.
6. Forest Health and Damage - Free growing damage criteria and advanced regeneration acceptability
7.
7. Site Limiting Factors - Biophysical limitations to regeneration
8. 8. Site Preparation and Midterm - Introduction to site preparation methods for successful seedling establishment.
9.
9. Free Growing Surveys - First look at free growing assessments and declarations.
10. 10. Advanced Surveys and Final Recommendations - Introduction to layered and multistoried surveys that include increased retention from harvest.
11.
11. Fall Reading Break/Final Lab Exam
12. 12. SKATTEBO INTEGRATED PROJECT
13. 13. SKATTEBO INTEGRATED PROJECT
14. 14. Case Studies and Final Exam Prep - Bringing all practical knowledge together for Silviculture problem solving. This is the basis for the final exam.
15.
15. EXAM WEEK
Assessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
|---|
| Midterm | 2, 4 | 15% |
| Skattebo I Integrated Project | 1, 2, 3, 4 | 10% |
| Lab Assignments and Quizzes | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 | 25% |
| Professionalism | 1, 5 | 10% |
| Final Lab Exam | 1, 2, 3, 4 | 25% |
| Final Exam | 2, 3, 4 | 15% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 90-100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 85-89 |
A |
4.00 |
| 80-84 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 76-79 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 72-75 |
B |
3.00 |
| 68-71 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 64-67 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 60-63 |
C |
2.00 |
| 55-59 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 50-54 |
P |
1.00 |
| 0-49 |
F |
0.00 |
| |
DNW |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.