Tree seed

British Columbia’s forests and tree species are diverse. Understanding genetic diversity and producing tree seed selected for faster growth, pest resistance, and better wood quality benefits future timber supply, without genetic engineering.

On this page

• Forest Improvement and Research Management Branch
• Tree Seed Centre
• Seed policy and planning
• Forest Genetics and tree breeding

Forest Improvement and Research Management Branch

The Forest Improvement and Research Management Branch consists of a headquarters group in Victoria, five seed orchard complexes, two research stations, and the Tree Seed Centre, located in Surrey.

Forest Improvement and Research Management Branch's mission is to protect, manage and conserve British Columbia's forest genetic resources through excellence in cone and seed services, research, tree breeding, decision support and client services. It provides critical support for the Chief Forester's office, and works to understand, protect and conserve the genetic foundations of B.C.'s public forests.

Tree Seed Centre

Tree Seed Centre
The Tree Seed Centre is responsible for the processing, testing, registration, storage and distribution of tree seed destined for crown land reforestation.

Seed policy and planning

Chief Forester's Standards for Seed Use
The purpose of the Chief Forester's Standards for Seed Use in accordance with the Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA) maintain the identity, adaptability, diversity and productivity of the province's tree gene resources.

The Seed Planning and Registration (SPAR) Web Application
SPAR is a web-based information management system. It provides clients with direct online access to a Provincial Registry of Forest Tree Seed and a comprehensive seedling request system for meeting annual reforestation needs.

Climate Based Seed Transfer (CBST)
Climate Based Seed Transfer (CBST) is an important climate change adaptation strategy to promote healthy, resilient and productive forests and ecosystems through the matching of seed (seedlots/seedlings) to future projected planting site climates. 

Seed Planning
Seed Planning is an important step in meeting British Columbia's forest stewardship and genetic resource management (GRM) objectives.

Forest genetics and tree breeding

Forest Genetics Program
The Forest Genetics program includes traditional tree breeding and testing for several traits, gene conservation and supportive research.