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Stand development pathways

Last updated on February 24, 2026

A stand development pathway is a journey from a current stand condition to a clearly defined future state. The pathway serves as a timeline for when and how stand management intervention will occur on a stand's transition from the current state to the desired future state.

Stand development pathways explain the intent, form, function and implementation of a silvicultural system and provides long-term guidance in a journey from the current stand condition to a desired future condition. While the final goals and objectives remain constant, the silvicultural pathway allows for flexibility in responding to outcomes or unexpected disturbances that may threaten the original goals and objectives.

a owl in a bc forest

As a silvicultural plan can span over 100 years and the careers of several forest professionals, a clear and descriptive pathway explains both the previous actions, expected future actions and the final goals and objectives. A detailed description of the desired future state including stand composition, structure and characteristics assists in maintaining consistent goals and objectives across both time and multiple forest professionals.

Learn more about stand development pathways or view an example of a hypothetical stand pathway

 

Silvicultural Systems Handbook for British Columbia provides a central reference, conceptual framework, and recommended best practices for prescribing, naming, and applying different silvicultural systems and stand development pathways.

The Silviculture Innovation Program will improve knowledge, through extension and applied research, to accelerate the growth of innovative silviculture practice for the stewardship of multiple values.