Silvicultural systems

A silvicultural system is a long-term plan for the care, development, maintenance, and replacement of a forest stand. Two key components of a silviculture system are the stand development pathway defining the future desired state of a specific forest stand and silvicultural interventions which are the actions taken to achieve the desired state.

The ecological principles behind each silvicultural system, and the need for a thoughtful process when developing a pathway for a desired future state, are important foundations for forest practices. A clear description of the future target stand condition and the stand development pathway and silvicultural interventions required to achieve those conditions are essential elements in the design of a site-specific silvicultural system.

Types of silvicultural systems

In British Columbia eight types of silvicultural systems exist and are named for the type of harvesting used on a specific site. The systems are clearcut, patch cut, seed tree, coppice, shelterwood, irregular shelterwood, selection, and retention. 

Looking to the future, British Columbia is moving toward silvicultural systems that respond better to changing societal expectations. New and innovative approaches to silviculture will move away from harvest and regeneration practices focused on economic efficiency. Future silvicultural systems will focus on managing the forest for multiple values with goals and objectives that consider the effects of climate change, evolving timber and fibre supply needs, and First Nation roles in forest management. 

Learn more about  silvicultural systems in the Silvicultural Systems Handbook for British Columbia.