Silviculture
Last updated on February 25, 2026
Silviculture is the thoughtful, deliberate and balanced management of forests and surrounding local ecosystems. Silvicultural management practices continuously evolve as the perspectives and knowledge of forest professionals and First Nations knowledge-holders address changing expectations for working forests.
Silviculture neither begins nor ends with harvesting or planting. It is a continuous and cyclical process resulting in resilient and productive working forests that balance the goals of biodiversity, wildlife habitat and other societal expectations. During harvesting, the retention of forest elements including select trees and undergrowth supports these goals prior to and during the implementation of reforestation activities.
Silviculture in British Columbia is supported by extensive research conducted by provincial forest scientists and university academics. Innovations and improvements in approaches to stand tending, wildlife habitat retention, tree species selection and many other silviculture practices are the result of almost 100 years of forestry research.
Resilience through silviculture
Silviculture is a tool used to help forests stay strong by encouraging a mix of tree ages, species, and structures. Diversity increases resistance to pests, fire, climate change, and helps forests recover after disturbances.
Silvicultural systems, pathways and interventions
Silvicultural systems are long-term plans that guide how forests are managed over time and include activities like harvesting, thinning, and replanting. Each forest stand follows a unique path based on local environmental, cultural, and economic goals.
Silviculture research, projects and publications 
B.C.’s long-term forest research program helps us understand how different management approaches affect biodiversity, regeneration, and resilience. These studies and experimental projects, along with local and Indigenous knowledge, support more adaptive forest practices.
Stocking
standards
Stocking standards set goals the number and species of trees to grow after harvesting. The standards guide forest planning and ensure forests remain healthy, productive, and resilient.
Surveys and RESULTS
Silviculture surveyors collect and analyze forest data. Silviculture surveys and RESULTS data confirm that reforestation requirements are met and support informed forest management decisions.
Silviculture resources
Resources include guidebooks, best practices documents and links to programs and other branches of government with overlapping areas of practice.