FOR 251 Silviculture II advances students' understanding of silviculture and its application in British Columbia’s forest industry. Through experiential and land-based learning activities, students will examine stand dynamics, reforestation strategies, diverse Indigenous perspectives, and the use of silvicultural systems to meet management objectives. Students will explore both artificial and natural regeneration techniques, along with strategies for forest stand establishment and tending, including spacing, commercial thinning, pruning, and fertilization. By integrating biological, ecological, operational, cultural and economic considerations, students will be prepared to make informed decisions and develop defensible silviculture prescriptions. Students will prepare a legally and operationally sound site plan that reinforces the connection between silvicultural practices and broader forest planning processes.
Prerequisites: FOR 250 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:
- Develop stand-level silviculture prescriptions, including treatment selection, layout, and monitoring, in accordance with regulatory requirements.
- Produce stand tending treatments (e.g., spacing, thinning, pruning, fertilization) using silvicultural tools and data.
- Apply stock type selection to meet stocking standards and reforestation objectives while ensuring compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements.
- Administer silviculture systems appropriate to different forest types, site conditions, and management goals, with consideration for ecological integrity and long-term forest values.
- Demonstrate proper seedling handling and microsite selection techniques to support survival, early growth, and long-term forest establishment.
- Evaluate how the stages of stand development and their dynamics influence fiber characteristics and wood quality for manufacturing purposes.
- Prepare and justify a site plan that complies with the legislation and incorporates site-level assessments, treatment rationales, and stewardship objectives.
- Analyze forestry-related scenarios by collecting and interpreting relevant data, applying structured problem-solving approaches, and producing professional documentation and communications that reflect the perspectives of Indigenous rights holders, industry partners, government agencies and the general public.
Teaching and Learning Approach
Students will engage in a variety of individual and group learning activities, including lectures, discussions, case
studies, problem-based learning, work-integrated learning, and reflective practice. These activities will take place
in both classroom and field settings. Students will complete presentations in both office and field-based learning
environments.
Alignment with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This course supports the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:
SDG 4 – Quality Education
Students gain practical, career-relevant skills in silviculture planning, prescription development, and legal
compliance. The course aligns with Forest Professionals BC (FPBC) accreditation standards and prepares
learners for professional practice in sustainable forest management.
SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
Learners develop and assess silvicultural prescriptions that promote the sustainable and efficient use of forest
resources. The course encourages responsible decision-making that minimizes ecological impact while
supporting productive forest landscapes.
SDG 13 – Climate Action
The course addresses climate adaptation and mitigation by teaching reforestation techniques, stand
management, and ecosystem-based planning.
SDG 15 – Life on Land
Through applied instruction on forest regeneration, seedling physiology, microsite selection, and silvicultural
systems, students contribute to the sustainable use and restoration of terrestrial ecosystems. Biodiversity and
ecological health are central to course objectives.
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
While not a central focus, the course fosters awareness of Indigenous perspectives and stewardship
approaches. Students are introduced to the importance of collaborative relationships in sustainable forest
management.
Learning Resources
There is no required textbook for this course. All readings and resources will be shared on our Moodle. Many
learners find it helpful to keep personalized study notes that combine lecture highlights, assignment feedback,
and exam reflections.Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. 1. Review course outline and expectations. Introduction to seedling physiology.
2. 2. Discuss seedling stressors, mortality, and remediation tactics. Begin seedling stock type selection.
3. 3. Discuss stock type selection and begin introduction to silviculture systems lecture.
4. 4. Discuss even-aged silviculture systems and their application to real-world environments.
5. 5. Begin discussing shelterwood systems and variable retention systems.
6.
6. Begin discussing uneven-aged silviculture systems as well as BDq. Discuss growth stages, wood types, and fiber quality during lab.
7. 7. Reading week.
8.
8. Begin discussing Juvenile Spacing and Commercial Thinning applications in BC. Perform a pre-stand tending survey.
9.
9. Midterm. Begin Integrated project.
10. 10. Discuss and prepare for Commercial Thinning Survey and Site Data collection in Skattebo.
11. 11. Review Standards Unit stratification, eco stratification, and WTRA descriptors. Complete Field data collection.
12. 12. Discuss CT costing and preparing a CT summary and rationale.
13. 13. Final project field defense this week.
Assessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
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| Final Project | | 30% |
| Midterm Exam | | 30% |
| Labs/Class Assignments/Case-Studies | | 30% |
| Professionalism | | 10% |
| 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 |
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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.