Best management practices

By using the best information available including currently available scientific literature, our own expertise, consultation with other experts, and field-testing, our methods provide a high level of confidence that our management practices will perform in accordance with the objectives set out. Coupled with thorough effectiveness monitoring techniques, we provide our clients with efficient solutions to biodiversity conservation, adaptive landscape management, and mitigation practices and challenges that our clients may be presented with.



Old Forest Quality and Management (2006/2007) Prince George

Attributes and indicators of old forest quality were compiled from the literature and from input by the members of the public and experts in the field. Each indicator was classified as an intrinsic (defining) or additive (adding quality). Standard criteria was used to assess each indicator, and a ranking system applied to each indicator selected during the assessment process. This ranking systems was used to map old forest polygons in the Prince George Forest District.

Definition of Wildlife Habitat Features (WHF) and Development of Management Guidelines for Forestry and Range Activities for WHF's in 3 Provincial Forest Regions (March 2003-present)

CBA Ltd. consulted with the BC Ministry of Minerals, Water, Land and Air Protection staff and forest industry representatives to develop a comprehensive set of best management guidelines for forest and range activities in locations where WHF's occur. WHF's include fisheries sensitive features, raptor stick nests (selected species), significant mineral licks and wallows, ungulate natal areas (including sheep and goats), ground dens and burrows for species at risk, bat hibernacula and maternity roosts, hot springs, etc. Included review of relevant federal and provincial legislation and guidelines (e.g. SARA, COSEWIC, IWMS) as many of these features (and associated species) are at risk or of regional significance.
 

Canadian bird conservation plans: a resource for forest managers (2006)

This project resulted in the synthesis of large-scale bird conservation plans in Canada: A resource for forest managers. Concerns about bird populations in North America in the recent past have prompted development of several borad-scale conservation plans and agreements. These plans cover major species groups at national or multi-national scales and operate under the coordinating umbrella of the North American Bird Initiative. This Special Report (See Url: http://www.ncasi.org//Publications/Detail.aspx?id=2921) presents an overview of the four most important bird conservation plans in Canada and assesses their relevance to the forestry sector.

Vaseux-Bighorn National Wildlife Area DRAFT Management Plan (2006)

In collaboration with the Canadian Widlife Service and multiple stakeholder of the south Okanagan, this draft management plan incorporated information on the extensive conservation efforts over time in the Vaseux Lake Basin and described a strategic direction for management of the Vaseux-Bighorn National Wildlife Area (VBNWA) over the next 5 years. Recovery Team Plans for a total of 26 wildlife Species at Risk are detailed and habitat program initiatives for 13 Species at Risk are described.

Assessment of Tree condition and Worker Safety Concerns in Mountain Pine Beetle Killed and Fire-damaged Stands in Central Interior British Columbia (2006)

The objective of this study was to evlauate the effectiveness of the provincial Wildlife/Danger Tree Assessment Course (WDTAC) procedures in mountain pine beetle-killed and wildlife damaged stands, and to quantify characteristics related to tree condition and deterioration for these types of stands over a range of conditions in the Sub-Boreal Spruce zone in central interior British Columia. In total, 536 individual tree assessments were conducted.
 

Silviculture Guidelines and Practices for Maintaining or Recruiting Key Habitat Objectives (2004) Northern Interior B.C.

Working with a diverse team of professional biologists and foresters, developed a comprehensive set of "best management practices" for maintaining or enhancing key provincial habitat objectives (including: Grizzly Bear habitat, ungulate winter range, riparian areas, primary cavity excavating birds, widlife trees and coarse woody debris, etc.)

Sustaining habitat in small scale salvage operations (2002)

Reviewed the provincial Small Scale Salvage Program (policy) and related policies, regulations and guidelines in B.C. and other jurisdictions in the PNW. Specifically looked at policies, regulations and practices which affect maintenance of biodiversity relative to salvage operations. Made recommendations for improving habitat conservation in this program. Involved extensive literature review and questionnaire and multi-stakeholder interview process.
 

Woody debris and wildlife trees in aspen and mixedwood forests of Northeastern B.C.

Analyzed and interpreted a large data set of CWD and wildlife tree inventory data (unharvested and harvested sites), and provided operationally appropriate management guidelines for these structural elements.