Download Ecosystem Conservation of the Coastal Douglas-fir Zone

Ecosystem Conservation of the
Coastal Douglas-fir Zone
Carmen Cadrin
BC Conservation Data Centre
BC Parks Research Forum, December 6, 2011
CDF Zone in B.C.
Credit: P. Courtin, MoFR
Background
 Smallest climatic zone in BC, it has the second
highest number of species (208) at risk and every
ecosystem is at risk
 ~50% Permanently converted (includes
agriculture)
 ~80% Privately owned (E & N Land Grant)
 Natural area fragmented and highly threatened
 Continuing threats from multiple land uses
Two decades of Conservation
• Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory (1993-2004)
• Identified Wildlife Management Strategy (19982004)
• Forest Practices Board Complaint (2008 CDC TEM,
LUO, BMP)
• Conservation Framework
Actions (2007-2009)
Douglas-fir / dull Oregon-grape, old climax
Credit: M. Caskey, MFLNRO
Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping
3%
3%
Anthropogenic
11%
32%
Early Seral Forest
Young Forest
Mature + Old
35%
Non-Treed
16%
Non-Vegetated
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/esd/distdata/species_and_ecosystems_at_risk_CDF/
Current and Future Challenges
 Very high area in private land
 Limited Public land
 Continued Deforestation
 Climate change
21st Century Conservation Goals
• Climate Change Adaptation growing body of
literature (Glick, et al 2011)
• Common theme is the need to adapt
management to climate change (Millar, et al
2007, 2008; Millar 2010)
• Conservation goals continue to evolve (Craig,
2010)
• Current shift from Preservation & Restoration to
Transformation (Craig, 2010)
• Ecological functions & processes are priority
(Craig; Glick; Millar, et al; Millar)
CDF Climate Change Adaptation
 Develop Resistance: e.g. intense removal of invasive species
 Promote Resilience: enhanced silviculture practices at
regeneration stages ;
 Assist Response: create porous and connected landscapes;
increase public-private conservation initiative (acquisition,
covenants, carbon trade);
 Re-align for highly altered ecosystems: consider planting more
drought tolerant species such as pine, increase harvesting
rotation periods, adjust resource use and legislation; change
expectations for urban expansion
 Establish Refugia: identify and manage localized micro
climates to provide existing ecosystem requirements into the
future
Conservation Planning in the CDF
Saanich Complex
Saanich Complex
Yellow Point Complex
Yellow Point Complex
Bowser Complex
Bowser Complex
2011 – 2051?
It is the human capacity to cooperate which has fuelled
the long term evolutionary process of our species.
Combining strategic, cooperative efforts and
transformation of conservation goals are needed to
enhance forest resilience and prevent further
deforestation of the CDF.
“It is not the strongest of the species that survive,
nor the most intelligent, but the most responsive to
change.”
Charles Darwin (1835)