Post # 2: Tribute to British Columbia Forests

In the previous post I alluded to the vision of a book about British Columbia’s forests.  This project has been supported so far by the encouragement and input of three forest ecologists: Ray Coupe, Karel Klinka, and Ordell Steen.

The book will focus on what are called “unmanaged” forests, meaning those that have never been cut down.  They have been allowed to grow, change and regenerate according to natural patterns.  Such stands are increasingly and alarmingly rare.  This incredible heritage must at least be visually documented, celebrated and honoured.

The images will depict not only mature, old-growth forests but also the  stages of development following natural disturbances like fire, insect infestations and wind.

 In this post we show  the structural flow of how each  ecological zone might be featured, using the examples of Montane Interior Wet-Belt Forests, the Interior Cedar-Hemlock Zone.   From macro-view  (forest landscape and forest stand) through closer focus  (understory and plant community)  to micro-view  (details).

Interior wet-belt forests, Interior Cedar Hemlock zone,
Revelstoke National Park.

Western red cedar  grove.  Interior wet-belt forests. Interior Cedar-Hemlock Zone.
Nakusp, BC

Western red cedar and western hemlock stand. Interior wet-belt forests. Interior Cedar-Hemlock Zone.
Mount Robson Provincial Park, BC

Devil's club undergrowth. Interior wet-belt forests. Interior Cedar-Hemlock Zone.
Mount Robson Provincial Park, BC



Red huckleberry. Interior wet-belt forest. Interior Cedar-Hemlock Zone.
Silver Beach Provincial Park. Seymour Arm, BC

Oval-leaved blueberry.  Interior wet-belt forest. Interior Cedar-Hemlock Zone.
Nakusp, BC

Western white pine cone and seedling. Renewal cycle.
Interior wet-belt forest. Interior cedar-hemlock zone.
Silver Beach Provincial Park, Seymour Arm, BC

Hygrocybe sp. Interior wet-belt forest.
Interior Cedar-Hemlock Zone.
Nakusp, BC

Western hemlock seeds on moss layer.
Interior wet-belt forest. Interior Cedar-Hemlock Zone.
Nakusp, BC