Post-Conference Tours

see also » The MASS Site Field Tour

Northern Vancouver Island Tour - September 23 (PM) to 25, 2009

The northern third of Vancouver Island is in the Regional District of Mount Waddington. A number of small communities whose sum population approaches 12,000 people are located here. Northern Vancouver Island is world-renowned for its timber growth and production, for vibrant First Nations culture, for both wild and farmed salmon, for wildlife viewing opportunities, and for recreational opportunities. The tour will take participants from Nanaimo to Port McNeill and back. Stops will include hiking on a forestry interpretive trail; viewing long-term fertilization (SCHIRP) and silviculture treatments (STEMS) research installations; checking out logging and silviculture projects; visiting a salmon hatchery; and observing cetaceans.

Beaver Lake Trail

The interpretive trail at Beaver Lake passes through sapling-stage regeneration and old-growth forest. Recognizing ecosystems is critical to selecting the silviculture strategy for management of these forests. Fish streams require specific protection. Local foresters will host the tour and explain the ecology and management strategies.

SCHIRP: Salal Cedar Hemlock Integrated Research Program

The SCHIRP Installation is due for its 20-year measurements. Trails through the trial plots allow comparison of response of western hemlock and western redcedar to varying establishment densities, site preparation, and fertilization treatments. Members of the SCHIRP research team will present a summary of the findings to date.

STEMS: Silviculture Treatments for Ecosystem Management in the Sayward

The STEMS experiment is a long-term research installation comparing seven silviculture regimes. These include various forms of long rotations, variable retention, and clear cuts. Researchers of multiple disciplines examine the impact of treatment on forest productivity, wildlife, and public perception. Project leaders will discuss the findings of the trials.

Marble River Salmonid Enhancement Program

To aid in the recovery of salmonid stocks and habitat on northern Vancouver Island, the Marble River Hatchery was established in 1983. This Hatchery is managed and run by volunteers, and is supported by industrial, provincial, and federal agencies. Chinook and coho salmon are reared in the facilities at the hatchery. Project managers will show the facilities and discuss salmon habitat.

Beaver Cove Dry Land Sort

Wood transport in coastal BC includes land and water systems. Wood is sorted at the largest dry land sort in North America, located at Beaver Cove. Discuss the logistics, land- and water-based equipment, and wood sorts with local operations personnel.

Silviculture Projects

Coastal regeneration projects may involve a number of species. Douglas-fir and western redcedar are the most-planted species, but other major species include western hemlock, amabilis fir, and yellow cypress. Less frequently planted species include Sitka spruce, mountain hemlock, western white pine, shore pine, and red alder. Weevil-resistant Sitka spruce, rust-resistant western white pine, and high-gain (volume) seed is available for many seed planning units. Regeneration strategies typically involve planting, but natural regeneration is employed in some ecosystems dominated by western hemlock. Local foresters will explain the ease or difficulty of meeting silviculture requirements.

Forest Harvesting

Coastal forests have seen changes in harvesting systems through the move from old-growth to second-growth forests. With changes to public expectation and public value of forests, innovative technologies, and economic constraints, the toolbox continues to adapt. Local foresters will explain the harvest plan and its implementation.

Whale Watching

The waters and shoreline of Johnstone Strait abound in marine mammals. View a variety of birds while on board a premiere whale-watching vessel. Knowledgeable naturalists are on board to assist in identification of wildlife, and the boat's captain is experienced in coastal navigation.

Agenda

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Leave Nanaimo from the Conference Centre at 3:30 pm and drive to Sayward for dinner and carry on to Port McNeill

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Day program - View the Beaver Lake interpretive trail, Salal Cedar Hemlock Integrated Research Program (SCHIRP), Marble River salmon enhancement project, Varney Genetics trails.

Evening Program - Whale watching tour and dinner

Friday, September 25, 2009

Beaver Cove dry land sort operation, forest harvesting in the Woss Lake area, Silviculture Treatments trail for Ecosystem Management in the Sayward (STEMS), return to Nanaimo - arrive in Nanaimo at 6 pm

A more detailed agenda will be available at the conference.

Cost

$390.00 per person - includes transportation to and from Nanaimo, accommodation for 2 nights in Port McNeill, meals during the tour, whale watching tour; price does not include gratuities.

A minimum of 10 registrants or multiples of 10 is required to offer the tour.