Beaver Lodge Forest Lands history

In 1931, 1028 acres (416 hectares) of land was donated to the Province of British Columbia by the Elk River Timber Company to be used for experimental work in forestry and forest management. Additional parcels have been added to the Lands and the current total area is approximately 520 hectares.

Historically, the land was logged by railway and reforested through a combination of planted seedlings and natural regeneration.  In recognition of the binding obligation of the gifted land for forestry purposes, Bill 52, the Beaver Lodge Forest Trust Renewal Act, resulted in the first experimental forest protected under its own provincial legislation.  Since the passing of the act, the land has been administrated by the Province and is accessible for public use.

Beaver Lodge Forest Lands research

The Beaver Lodge Forest Lands were the site of the first large scale plantation in the province.  Early research on how to plant successfully and the survival of various species, form the basis for the present provincial planting and species selection guidelines.  The shovel type commonly used by tree planters today was developed during this time. 

Experimental planting techniques used in the 1930's utilized a variety of tree species to create a parcel of land comprised of diverse habitats. Some of the resulting stands exhibit characteristics of an old growth forest, such as multi-level canopy height, large trees and limbs and a well-developed lower level of vegetation known as the understorey.

Recent research has focused on forest management within an urban interface including effects on various plant communities, animal species, and ecosystems.  Impacts and mitigation measures focusing on Simms Creek, a salmon spawning stream, continue. Forest health and climate change are emerging areas of research within the Beaver Lodge Forest Lands. 

The proximity of the Beaver Lodge Forest Lands to Campbell River make the area ideal for teaching and are frequently used by local schools and North Island College.  Training on appropriate recreation trail maintenance techniques, invasive plant identification and control is conducted in the Beaver lodge Lands.